Lean season cloud on sudden garden closure - Management puts up notice & leaves estate after disagreement with workers on paid leave

TT; Oct. 31: The management of a Dooars tea garden has suspended work at the estate after differences with workers on paid Puja leave but the garden union suspects the management did this because it did not want to pay hands during the approaching lean season. Sources said the workers of Matelli tea estate had been upset with the garden authorities after the management refused to grant three days of paid Puja leave.

 Tulsi Oraon, the general secretary of the Akhil Bharatiya Adivasi Vikas Parishad-affiliated Progressive Tea Workers’ Union, said that at Matelli, workers would generally be on duty for the whole of Saptami and Ekadashi and they would get three paid Puja holidays — Ashtami, Navami and Dashami. “But when the workers joined duty on October 25 after Dashami, the manager said only two paid holidays would be granted and wages would be deducted for the third day.

 The labourers were told that they would have to work on Sunday (otherwise a weekly off day), if the third day was to be declared a paid holiday. The workers were disappointed and held gate meetings and demonstrations, all in a peaceful manner,” Oraon said. He said the issue could have been resolved through talks but the management instead took the drastic step of closing the estate. Oraon said he suspected the garden management did not want to keep the estate open in the lean months — November to February — as that would mean paying garden hands and running up other costs. But the garden management said it closed the estate apprehending unrest after the protests. 

The notice put up in the garden also mentioned that the owner’s car had been attacked. “The workers were asked to work on October 28, a Sunday, to make the third day a paid holiday. They refused and informed the manager in writing that if their demand for three holidays was not met by October 31, they would launch an agitation. The management apprehended law-and-order problems and left the garden,” said Prabir Bhattacharjee, the secretary of the Dooars Branch of the Indian Tea Association, of which Matelli is a member. 

 “There is no denying that we launched protests and held meetings on the holiday issue. But there was not a slightest breach of peace in the garden. The management has left the garden without any valid reason. Each worker, employee and resident of the garden is taking care to maintain peace and protect the property. Our only demand is the early reopening of the garden,” said Sripati Chakraborty, the secretary of the West Bengal Tea Garden Employees’ Association. The estate, 62km from Siliguri, is spread over 1,046 hectares and tea is cultivated in 668.6 hectares.

 It employs 1,600 permanent workers and 500 casual labourers. The notice put up last night at the garden instructed management representatives to leave the garden immediately. They all left this morning. A copy of the suspension notice was sent to the labour department also. The notice said work has been suspended from October 28, but workers said the garden was run smoothly on Monday and Tuesday.

 The workers were taken aback by the sudden departure of the management today and protested outside the police station, demanding the immediate intervention of the administration to reopen the estate. The state labour department said it would hold a meeting of the management and workers on November 2 to resolve the issue.

 “We have received a written intimation from the garden’s manager that the work has been suspended since October 28. A tripartite meeting has been called on November 2 to resolve the issue and pave way for the early reopening of the garden,” said Baldeb Mondal, the assistant labour commissioner of Malbazar.

Gorkhaland agitation has failed twice; people should opt for UT- Hill Congress.

{KNE}Kalmpong, October 30 The five-member team of the Hill Congress headed by its President KB Chettri met the Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and other Ministers of States before Dusshera concerning the issues of the Hills. The Darjeeling District Hill Congress General Secretary Shanti Kumar Sharma talking to the media today said that the team talked about the endowment for Union Territory (UT), which has been the inseparable demand of the party from long back.

 The team also demanded the reservation policies and the increase of the governmental representatives in the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA). The demand for the increse of the panchayats has also been made he informed a. The Union Minister has specified affirmative assurances on the demands placed by the party said Sharma. The Hill Congress during the time of Indira Gandhi had asked for the same which was blown away by the tornado of the Gorkhaland agitation. The party has renewed its demand concerninng the same now as tice the Gorkhaland agitation has ended unsucessful. Sharma said that they do not have mass support in the Hills but will be soon conducting awareness programme on the same.

General Secretary Dilip Pradhan said that the people of the Hills always wanted to secede away from the West Bengal, which can only be possible through Gorkhaland or UT. The people has agitated twice for Gorkhaland and failed, time has come they should strive for the UT he added. The team also met the veteran congress leaders, which included Shakil Ahmed, RC Kuntiya, Birendra Kataria, MP AH Khan and expressed their woes. The five member team had President Chettri accompanied by Vice President PB Ghatani, Treasurer Surendra Parekh, Secretary Shanti Kumar Sharma and Dilip Pradhan.

छुट्टै राज्य गोर्खाल्याण्ड आन्दोलन कालको मुद्दा माफीको घोषणा कता हरायो ? गोर्खाल्याण्ड क्षेत्रीय प्रशासन प्रमुख बिमल गुरुङ बिरुद्ध अदालतले गर्योा वारण्ट जारी

 डी के वाइबा, कालेबुङ 31 अक्टोबर। छुट्टै राज्य गोर्खाल्याण्ड आन्दोलन कालमा 31 ए राष्ट्रिय राजमार्ग बन्द गरेको बिरुद्ध पुलिसले दर्ता गरेको मुद्दाहरुमा अदालतमा एकाधिक पल्ट हाजिर नहुनेहरु बिरुद्ध वारण्ट जारी गर्न थालेको छ। यसै क्रममा यहाँको एडीसनल चिफ जुडिसियल म्याजिस्ट्रेट राणा दामले 31 ए राष्ट्रिय राजमार्ग बन्द गरेको बिरुद्धमा गोर्खाल्याण्ड क्षेत्रीय प्रशासन प्रमुख एंव गोजमुमो अध्यक्ष बिमल गुरुङ लगायत अन्य 9 जना बिरुद्ध वारण्ट जारी गरेको छ।

 छुट्टै राज्य गोर्खाल्याण्डको दाबीमा सरकारलाई दबाव सृजना गर्न मोर्चाले 31 ए राष्ट्रिय राज मार्ग बन्द गरेको सन्दर्भमा पुलिसले दर्ता गरेको मुद्दाको जी आर नम्बर 26 अनि 32 नम्बर बिरुद्ध यहाँको आदालतमा सुनवाई अवधी एकाधिक पल्ट जीटीए प्रमुख बिमल गुरुङ हाजिर नबने पछि अन्तमा अदालतले तिनी संगै अन्य मोर्चा नेताहरु बिरुद्ध वारेण्ट जारी गरेको छ। अदालताले बिमल गुरुङ बिरुद्ध वारेण्ट जारी गरेको कारण राजनैतिक माहोलमा सनसनी छाएको छ भने तिनलाई पुलिसले कुनै समय पक्रा गर्न सक्ने सम्भावना बडेको छ।

 यस सम्बन्धमा बिमल गुरुङको मुद्दा लडीरहेका अधुवक्ता राजिप पराजुलीसंग कुराकानी गर्दा तिनले उक्त मुद्दामा वारेण्ट जारी भएको स्वीकार गरेका छन। तिनले अदालतलाई उपस्थित हुने समय मागेर अर्जी चडाए पनि अदालतले उक्त अर्जी खारेज गरेर अन्तमा वारण्ट जारी गरेको जनाए। सोहि क्रममा अदालतमा चलिरहेको सुनवाई अवधी तिनी उपस्थित बनेका भए यतिखेर उक्त मुद्दाको छिना फाना भएर सुनवाई मोर्चाको पक्षमा गईसक्ने थियो भने। सोही क्रममा बिगत राज्य सरकार, केन्द्र सरकार अनि गोजमुमो पार्टी माझ गोर्खाल्याण्ड क्षेत्रीय प्रशासनको सम्झौता हुँदा मोर्चा नेताहरु बिरुद्ध लगाएका मुद्दाहरु माफी हुने कुरा भएको कारण अहिले गुरुङ उक्त मुद्दाको सुनवाई अवधी अदालतमा हाजिर नबनेको हुनसक्ने बताए।

 स्मरण रहोस, छुट्टै राज्य गोर्खाल्य़ाण्ड आन्दोलन कालमा गोजमुमो पार्टी कार्यकर्ताहरु बिरुद्ध पुलिसले लगाएका बिभिन्न मुद्दाहरु सरकारले जीटीएको सम्झौता पछि माफी गरेको मोर्चा नेताहरुले नै एकाधिक पल्टॅ घोषणा गरेका थिए। मोर्चा नेताहरुले आफुहरु बिरुद्ध लगाईएका मुद्दाहरु सरकारले माफी गरेको घोषणा एकाधिक पल्ट गरे पनि अहिले अदालतले जीटीए प्रमुख एंव मोर्चा अध्यक्ष बिमल गुरुङ संगै अन्य नेताहरु बिरुद्ध वारण्ट जारी गर्न शुरु गरेपछि मुद्दा माफीको घोषणा केवल घोषणा मात्र बनेको स्पष्ट बनेको छ।

 यतिमात्र होईन उक्त वारण्टले मोर्चा नेताहरु बिरुद्ध लगाईएका मुद्दाहरु माफी हुन सक्ला के भन्ने जटिल प्रश्न पनि खडा गरिदिएको छ। यता अदालतले जीटीए प्रमुख बिमल गुरुङदेखि वारण्ट जारी सुरु गर्न थाले पछि बिभिन्न मुद्दाहरु झेल्दै आईरहेका अन्य मोर्चा नेताहरुमा त्रासको माहोल सृजना भएको छ भने मुद्दा माफीको कुरा माथी शिर्षस्थ नेताहरुको भुमीका माथी नै शंका गर्न थालेका छन।

बिद्युत बिभागको आपतकालीन सेवाको वाहन अपहरण गर्ने प्रयासमा दुर्घटनाग्रस्त एकजना आरोपी फरार एकजनाको पक्राऊ, तीनजना सिकिस्त घाईते

कालेबुङ 30 अक्टोबर। बिद्युत बिभागको आपतकालीन सेवामा राती खटिएको वाहन संगै कमचारीवर्गलाई यहाँको ईष्टमेन रोड निवासी आशिष राई अनि सदेश गिरीले हतियार देखाएर आफ्नो दखल लिएर जब्बरजस्ति वाहन हाँक्दा वाहन दुर्घटना ग्रस्थ बनेको छ। उक्त घटना राती लगभग 12 बजे भएको हो। जानकारी अनुसार यहाँको ईष्टमेन रोडबाट राती बिद्युत नभएको कार्यलयमा सुचना प्राप्त भएपछि बिभागका आपतकालीन सेवामा खटिएका कर्मचारीहरु बिभागको वाहन डब्ल्यु बी 73 एल 3729 बिद्युत बनाउँन गएका थिए।

 सोहि समय आरोपी दुईले बिद्युत बिभागको वाहन रोकेर एकाएक कर्मचारीवर्गमाथी हातपाई सुरु गरे। बिद्युत बिभागका आपतकालीन सेवामा खटिएका कर्मचारीवर्गलाई तिमीहरुले कुटपिट गर्नुको साथै हातियार देखाएर वाह्नको चाबी समेत खोसेको आरोप पिडीतहरुले लगाएका छन। तिनीहरुले वाहनको चाबी खोसेर आरोपी सदेश गिरीले एकाएक वाहन हाँक्न थाले पछि ईष्टमेन रोड स्थित चौवन डाँडा नजिक मुन्न छेत्रीको घरमा वाह्न सिधै ठोकिन पुगेर वाहन संगै घर क्षतिग्रस्त बनेको छ।

 उक्त घटनामा परेर घर संगै वाहन क्षतिग्रस्त बन्नुको साथै आपतकालीन सेवाका कर्मचारीवर्ग क्रमैले बुद्ध तामङ, भवनी शर्मा अनि किरण तामङ कुटपिट गरेको कारण घाईते बनेका छन। पिडीतहरुको शरिरको बिभिन्न भागहरुमा चोड लागेको छ। तिनीहरुलाई उपचारको निम्ति यहाँको महकुमा अस्पतालमा भर्ना गरिएको छ भने अहिले अवस्था सामान्य रहेको जानकारी प्राप्त भएको छ। बिद्युत बनाउँन हिडेका आपतकालीन सेवाका कर्मचारीवर्गलाई कुटपिट गरेको जानाकारी स्थानीय कार्यलमा प्राप्त भए प्छि पुलिस बिभागमा तत्काल सम्पर्क गरेर घटना स्थलमा पुलिसले दौडाह गरेर पिडीतहरुलाई उद्धार गरेर महकुमा अस्पतालमा आईएको थियो भने घटना स्थलबाट आरोपी आशिष राई पुलिसको पञ्जामा परेर पनि सुईकुच्चा टोकेको गाउँलेहरुले बताएका छन।

 एकजना आरोपि घटना स्थलबाट चम्पट कस्न सफल बने पनि अर्का आरोपी सदेश गिरीलाई भने घटना स्थलबाट पुलिसले पक्राउ गरेर रातीनै थानामा ल्याएको पनि गाउँलेहरुले बताएका छन। यता उक्त घटनाको हल्ला आज शहरमा फैहिलिएपछि दिनभरी नै शहरमा सोहि बिषयमा चर्चा चलिरहेको थिय। यता वाहनले राती आफ्नो घरलाई क्षतिग्रस्त बनाएको सन्दर्भमा जानकारी दिदै मुन्न छेत्रीले राती आफुहरु सुतिरहेको समयमा एकाएक ठूलो आवज आएपछि बाहिर निस्केर हेर्दा आफ्नो घरलाई वाहनाले हिर्काएर क्षतिग्रस्त बनाएको थाह पाएको जनाईन।

 तिनले उक्त समय वाहनमा सवरा सबै मातेका थिए भन्ने आरिप लगाउँदै त्यस समय चालकको स्थानमा भने बिद्युत बिभागका कुनै व्यक्ति नभएर आरोपी सदेश गिरी नै रहेको जनाईन। यस समबन्धमा तिनले तत्काल समाजका मानिसहरुलाई बोलाएर घटनाबारी जानकारी दिएको बताउँदै समाजका व्यक्तिहरु पनि घटनाको प्रत्यक्षदर्शीहरु रहेको बताईन। तिनले आरोपी दुईले वाहनको चाबी खोसेर वाहन जब्बरजस्ति कुदाईरहेको भन्ने कुरा बिभागीय कर्मीहरुबाट नै थाह पाएको बताउँदै उक्त आरोपीहरु गाउँमा राम्रा व्यक्तिहरु होईनन समेत भनि जनाए।

 सोहि सिलसिलामा घटनास्थलमा उपस्थित मानिसहरुले पनि आरोपीहरुको व्यवहार पहिल्यैबाट गाउँमा ठिक नरहेको जनाउँदै तिनीहरु बिरुद्ध पुलिसमा अघिदेखिनै धेरैवटा मुद्दाहरु चलिरहेको पनि बताएका छन। यता पिडीत महिला मुन्न छेत्रीले जुनसुकै कारणले आफ्नो घर क्षतिग्रस्त बनेपनि घर पुन: निर्माण गरिदिनुपर्ने माग गरिन। यता यस सम्बन्धमा थाना आईसी प्रसाद प्रधान संग सम्पर्क गर्दा तिनले घटनाको कुनै प्राथमिकी दर्ता नभएको बताउँदै पुलिसले कसैलाई प्क्राऊ समेत नगरेको जानकारी दिएका छन। यता घटना स्थलमा उपस्थित गाउँलेहरुले भने पुलिसको बयानलाई खारेज गर्दै आफ्नै आखाँ अघिबाट सिनेमाको नाटकिय सिन जस्तै आशिष सुब्बा पुलिस वाहनबाट भगेको बताउँदै सदेश गिरी भने पक्राऊ परेको बताएका छन।

 यता घटनाको जानकारी प्राप्त्र भए पछि वाहनका मालिक नारयण थापा घटना स्थलमा पुगेका थिए भने तिनले पिडीत परिवार, समाजका मानिसहरु अनि प्रशासनको अघि पिडीत परिवारको घर निर्माण गरिदिने लिखित बयान दिएका छन। यता यस सम्बन्धमा बिद्युत बिभागका अधिकारीसंग समपर्क गर्दा भने कुनै सम्पर्क हुन सकेन। उक्त घटनाको कारण बिद्युत बिभागको रात्री आपतकालीन सेवा माथी पनि प्रश्न चिन्ह खडा भनेको छ। किन भने जनतालाई सुबिधा उपलब्ध गराउँन हिडेका कर्मचारीहरु माथीनै यसरी हतियार देखाएर कुटपिट गर्छ भने कसले सुरक्षा प्रदान गर्ने हुने भनि क्रमचारीवर्गले प्रश्न उठाएका छन।

Awareness programme for the differently-abled held Kalimpong,

KNE ;The Milan Club with support from Kalimpong World Vision, India and ADP Himalaya organized an awareness programme for the disabled at the premises of the club today. The area’s GTA Sabhasad, Kazim Tshering Bhutia along with the Secretary of the club, Pema Sherpa was present during the programme.

 The Joint Director of Indian Institute of Cerebral Palsy, Dr MB Chettri who was the resource person for the programme informed the gathering about various types of diseases associated with the disabled. Saying that today’s programme is just the beginning, he added that success can only be attained if all individuals work united for this cause.

 This is not an issue only for a disabled person, but it is an issue for the whole society, thus, if this issue is not taken seriously, then the society and the nation can never develop, he stressed. Likewise, he also informed about various kinds of facilities and help for the differently abled. Chotey Lal Prasad, President of the Parvatoya Apang Kalyan Sangathan in his address said that though the government gives its first priority to the disabled, but no proper facilities are being provided, especially in the hills.

He also notified that those who are 40% disabled, he or she gets an identity certificate, but when times comes for getting facilities, only those who are 80% disabled benefits. Also under the 80% disabled case, APL and BPL are categorized. Thus, he demanded that all those who are 40% disabled should be getting all the facilities irrespective of the poverty line. He also insisted that the certification for the disabled should be written in Nepali instead of English and Bengali. He also hoped some help for the differently abled under the GTA.

For the love of animals… Since past two decades Animal Shelter at Bombusty has been catering the required needs of all the animals

{KNE} MUKESH SHARMA Kalimpong, October 29: For a balanced ecological system, the animals play a major role along with the humans. However, in this rapidly growing modern world, the animals are made to pay heavy price, as the humans have been selfishly constructing homes for themselves, further making the animals homeless. Apart from this, in one hand killing/ poaching of animals have become normal phenomena. While in the other, the humans have also been keeping domestic animals which contribute a lot towards a balanced ecology.

 With the changing times, we humans seem to be only concentrating on ourselves. One such example is, when we fall sick, we approach the best of the doctors and hospitals for our well being. But at the same time when an animal falls sick, we believe that killing the animal is the best way to get rid of the disease. We believe that this is the best and the only way to keep the environment safe. Nevertheless, the Animal Shelter at Middle Bombusty, Kalimpong has been proving this theory wrong.

 The shelter has been catering the required needs of the animals since the past two decades. Christine and Jeremy Townend, a couple from Australia had visited the Darjeeling hills in 1993. During that time, the Darjeeling Municipality in order to lessen the number of animals used to give them medicines which would lead to their death. Disheartened with the inhumane act, the Townend couple established the Animal Shelter on a 2 acre land at Bombusty through funds raised from different means. 

The shelter till today has rendered services to 70,000 different animals. The animals especially the dogs and cats from every nook and corner are brought in here and operation is conducted on them under Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme. After the operation, the animals are taken back to the places from where they were picked. The shelter has also played a major role in keeping a check on rabies which has been increasing in the hills since the past 5 years. It reaches all the areas of the hills and vaccinates the animals under the Anti Rabies Vaccination Programme. This shelter which is looked by the Darjeeling Goodwill Animal Shelter Trust has a total of 8 workers which includes a doctor, a manager and other helpers.

 As per the Veterinarian, Dr DP Pandey, 30-40 sickness cases of dogs and cats are registered every day in the shelters’ veterinary hospital which is open 365 days a year. The medical bills are of fewer amounts and along with operation other animal diseases are also treated. Speaking about the process of killing of animals in order to decrease their population, Dr Pandey said that it is a wrong taboo. Instead, family planning of the animals should be done in order to control the population rate, said the veterinarian.

 Those animals whose illness cannot be cured are given euthanasia and are cremated at the premises of the shelter. Looking at the services delivered by the shelter, a Gypsy vehicle was granted by the Ministry of Social Empowerment in 1997 in which the animals are caught and brought in the veterinary. A similar animal shelter was also established in Lebong, Darjeeling 5 years ago. These shelters are doing all the necessary things related to animals overlooked by the Government.

 Apart from the pet owners of the hills, people from Sikkim and Siliguri also approach the veterinary here. This shelter which is run by the funds coming in from Australia and France has vacant space which can be utilized. However, the road leading to this shelter situated 4 kms away from the main town is in a pathetic condition. A reserved cab charges Rs 300/- to reach this place while most of the vehicles refrain from travelling this route because of the rough road.

 Along with it due to the recent subsidiary on gas cylinders, the shelter now faces issues on preparing food for the animals kept there. Everyday food for 50 animals is prepared here. The veterinary also faces electricity supply issues as it is situated in a rural area. It also lacks an ambulance. Thus, now after the formation of GTA the veterinary is expecting some help.

Pine Tree fest on full swing at Pedong

{KNE} Pedong, October 29: At present the Pine Tree festival is on full swing at Pedong, 20kms away from Kalimpong. The fest is being organized by the GJM Pedong Branch with an aim to familiarize the culture, food, traditions and dance forms of the hills to the tourists and the locals.

 The cultural programme be held at the community ground of Pedong will go on till 30th October while the fest shall concluded on 7th November. Informing about the same, the Pedong Constituency GTA Sabhasad, Dawa Lepcha said that the fest will prove to be a relief to the locals from the tensed situation which was created during the past agitation and side by side entertain the tourists. For the 1st time in the history of Pedong Paragliding was also conducted. 

The fest will also hold an inter school cultural dance competition and a fashion show. On the concluding day the Indian Idol finalist Kapil Thapa along with other renowned singers from Nepal will also be performing.

फूटबल थिममा निर्माण रेस्टुरेण्टको भाईचुङ भोटियाले गरे उद्घाटन फूटबल एकाडमी निर्माण गर्न जीटीए प्रमुख बिमल गुरुङसंग कुराकानी गरेको छु – भाईचुङ

 डी के वाइबा, कालेबुङ 29 अक्टोबर: “दार्जीलिङ पहाडमा धेरै फूटबल खेलाडीहरु छन। सबै खेलाडीहरुसंग दैनिक भेटघाट गर्नु मलाई मन पर्छ। खेलाडीहरु भेटघाट हुने स्थल मैदान मात्र होईन तर कहिले काहीँ कफि पिउँदै पनि कुराकानी गर्न आवश्यक छ। त्यसर्थ आज यहाँ एउटा फूटबल बिषयलाई आधार बनाएर निर्माण गरिएको रेष्टुरेण्ट महत्वपूर्ण हो भन्ने म ठान्दछु। यहाँ फूटबल खेलाडीहरु पहाडको फूटबल बिकास सम्बन्धि बसेर कुराकानी गर्न सकिन्छ। पहाडका फूटबल खेलाडीहरुलाई प्रोत्साहन गर्न योजनाहरु तयार पार्न सकिन्छ त्यसर्थ पनि कालेबुङको यस स्थान महत्वपूर्ण छ” – उक्त कुरा भारतका पूर्व फूटबल कप्तान भाईचुङ भोटियाले यहाँको डम्बर चौक स्थित पालाडियम कम्प्लेक्समा फूट ट्राफर्ड रेस्टुरेण्टको औपचारिक उद्घाटन गरेपछि भनेका हुन।

 बिशेषरुपले फूटबलको थिममा स्थापीत गरिएको उक्त फूड ट्राफर्ड रेस्टुरेण्ट उद्घाटन कार्यक्रममा भाईचुङ भोटिया मुख्य अथितिका रुपमा उपस्थित रहेका थिए। तिनले उक्त रेस्टुरेण्टको रिबन काटेर औपचारिक उद्घाटन गरेपछि केक काटेर फूड ट्राफर्ड रेस्टुरेण्ट सञ्चालन भएको औपचारिक घोषणा गरे। यस अवसरमा तिनलाई भव्य स्वागत जनाईयो। उक्त रेस्टुरेण्टको उद्घाट्न कार्यक्रममा उपस्थित बनेका भाईचुङ भोटियालाई यहाक़ो कालेबुङ स्पोर्टस एसोसिएसन अनि भेटेरेन्स क्लबका सदस्यहरुले पनि खदा लगाएर भव्य स्वागत जनाएको थियो।

 सोहि अवसरमा तिनले कुराकानी गर्दै पहाडमा फूटबल खेलाडीहरुको कुनै कमी नरहेको बताउँदै उक्त प्रतिभावन खेलाडीहरुलाई सही मार्गदर्शन नभएको बताए। यस बिषयमा पहाडका पूर्व फूटबल खेलाडीहरुले नवोदित खेलाडीहरुलाई राष्ट्रिय स्तरमा अघि बडाउने पहल गर्न आवश्यक रहेको जनाए। तिनले फूटबलको बिकास गर्न पहाडमा मात्र नभएर भारतमा नै आवश्यक रहेको बताउँदै यद्यपी पहाडका खेलाडीहरुलाई राष्ट्रिय स्तरको खेलाडी बनाउँन पहाडमा राम्रो खेल मैदान तथा खेलाडीहरुलाई बुनिया सुबिधाहरुको उपलब्ध हुन आवश्यक रहेको बताएका छन।

 पहिले दार्जीलिङ पहाडबाट राम्रा खेलाडीहरु जन्मिएको बताउँदै त्यस्ता खेलाडीहरु जन्माउँन सबैले कार्य गर्न आवश्यक रहेको पनि भोटियाले बताएका छन। तिनले अहिले गठन भएको गोर्खाल्याण्ड क्षेत्रीय प्रशासनले पहाडका खेलाडीहरुलाई राष्ट्रिय स्तरमा अघि बडाउँन निश्चय नै महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका पालन गर्ने बिचार व्यक्त गर्दै जीटीए प्रमुख बिमल गुरुङले फूटबल खेलको बिकास गर्न पहल गर्ने आशा व्यक्त गरेका छन। यसै सिलसिलामा तिनले केहिदिन अघि जीटीए क्षेत्र भरी अन्तर समष्टि फूटबल खेला सम्पन्न भएर खेलाडीहरुलाई प्रोत्साहन प्राप्त भएको जनाउँदै कालेबुङमा फ्होटबल एकाडमी निर्माण गर्ने आफ्नो योजना रहेको पनि जानकारी गराए।

 यस समबन्धमा जीटीए प्रमुख बिमल गुरुङसंग कुराकानी भएको जानकारी गराउँदै उक्त एकाडमी निर्माणको निम्ति आफुले कालेबुङमा जमिन उपल्बध गराईदिने अनुरोध बिमल गुरुङलाई गरेको पनि जानकारी दिएका छन। तिनले उक्त अतिनै एकाडमी निर्माण गर्न सके पहाडबाट फूटबल खेलाडीहरुलाई राष्ट्रिय स्तरमा पुर्या उँन सहयोग पुग्ने पनि बताउँदै यस बिषयमा जति चाँडो आफुलाई जमिन उपलब्ध भयो त्यतिनै शिघ्र कार्य हुने पनि बताएका छन।

Agatha takes ouster in stride - ‘I was not asked to quit, nor did I resign, I was dropped’

Agatha Sangma at her oath-taking ceremony.
 File picture  

TT;Shillong, Oct. 28: Former Union minister of state Agatha Sangma has clarified that she was neither asked to quit nor did she resign yesterday from the council of ministers. She was dropped. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) had allegedly utilised a resignation letter signed by her three months ago when Sharad Pawar and Praful Patel had threatened to quit from the UPA cabinet. “They (NCP leaders) have used the resignation letter dated July 23, 2012, which I had been asked to send by my party leadership.

 I had submitted the letter to him (Sharad Pawar) during the crisis between the Congress and the NCP,” Agatha said. “It is very inappropriate that they are submitting a resignation letter, which was for a different purpose. I feel they should not have done it,” the two-time MP said. However, NCP sources said Agatha was dropped from the Union council of ministers in view of her “anti-party” activities. Sources said the young MP had remained absent from the party’s national convention, which was held on October 10. Taking the ouster from the council of ministers in her stride, Agatha said an opportunity has come for her to serve the people better.

 “I have gracefully accepted the same (dropping), but there is also a brighter side to it and as a parliamentarian, I have other bigger opportunities,” she said. Representing Tura, Agatha was made Union minister of state in the UPA-II government on May 28, 2009. She was first elected to the 14th Lok Sabha in a by-election in May 2008 after her father and former Lok Sabha Speaker Purno A. Sangma resigned from the seat following his election to the eighth Meghalaya Assembly. Relations between Agatha and the NCP started souring soon after Sangma announced his plan to contest the 2012 presidential polls against UPA nominee Pranab Mukherjee. 

अढाई किलो सुन सहित कष्टम बिभागका अधिक्षक टाँसी वाङ्दी शेर्पा कालेबुङमा पक्राऊ

 डी के वाइबा, कालेबुङ 21 अक्टोबर। कालेबुङ पुलिसको सहयोगितामा आज बिहान छ बजेतिर सिलगडी पुलिसका अतिरिक्त पुलिस कमिश्नरेट गणेश शर्माको नेतृत्वमा आएका पुलिस दलले यहाँको चेष्ट क्लिनिक नजिकबाट सिलगडी कष्टम बिभागका अधिक्षक टाँसी वाङ्दी शेर्पालाई अडाई किलो सुन संगै पक्राऊ गरेको छ। उक्त सुनको मोठ ओजन 2 किलो 7 सय 61 ग्राम रहेको थाह लागेको छ भने बजारको वर्तमान मूल्य अनुसार उक्त सुनको मूल्य 88 लाख 62 हजार 8 सय दश रुपयाँ बराबरको रहेको अनुमान गरिएको छ।

 जानकारी अनुसार सिलगडी महाबिर स्थान निवासी बलिसर कान्तिका छोरा गोबिन्द कान्तिले सिलगडीको एउटा नामी सुन दोकानमा कोलकताबाट सुन ल्याउँने कार्य गर्थे। तिनले कोलकोताबाट मोठ साडे चार किलो सुन ल्याएर सिलगडी आईरहेको समयमा एनजेपी रेल्वे सेटसनबाट तिनी एकाएक लापत्त बनेको प्राथमिकी भक्तिनगर थानामा दर्ता गरिएको छ। भक्तिनगर थानाको केश सङ्ख्या 1420 अन्तर्गत आईपीसिको धारा 365/368 अन्तर्गत कष्टम बिभागका अधिक्षक टाँसी वाङ्दी शेर्पा बिरुद्ध मुद्दा 17 अक्टोबरको दिन दर्ता गरिएको छ।

 सोहि मुद्दाको आधारमा आज राती दुईबजेतिर तिनको मोबाईल फोनको आधारमा सिलगडी पुलिस कमिश्नरेटका अतिरिक्त कमिश्नरेट आफ्नो दलबल सहिल कालेबुङ आएर यहाँको हाटबजारदेखि चेष्ट क्लिनिकमा छापामारी अभियान चलाएको थियो। सोहि छापामारी अभियानकै क्रममा कष्टम बिभागका अधिक्षक टाँसी वाङ्दी शेर्पा चेष्ट क्लिनिक बाट पक्राऊ परेका छन। पुलिसले तिनको घरमा छापामारी अभियान चलाउँदा तिनको बाथरुमबाट उक्त सिलगडीको एनजेपीबाट हराएको सुन साडेचार किलो मध्ये अडाई किलो फेला परेको छ। तिनको घरबाट पुलिसले बिस्कुटको आकारमा रहेको तीनवटा सुनको टुक्रा फेला पारेको छ। उक्त सुन पुलिसले फेला पारेपछि तत्काल तिनलाई पक्राऊ गरेर यहाँको कालेबुङ थाना ल्याईयो भने पछिबाट तिनलाई सिलगडी पुलिस कमिशनरेटले सिलगडी लगेर गएको छ।

कालेबुङ नगरपालिका विवादको घेरोमा: कुनै पूर्व सूचना बिना शहरको मूल बाटो खन्दा सृष्टि भयो झ्याउला .

 डी के वाइबा, कालेबुङ 21 अक्टोबर। घरी घरी विवादहरुको घेरोमा फँसिरहने कालेबुङ नगरपालीका आज पुन: एउटा ठूलो विवादको घेरोभित्र मुसिन पुगेको छ। बिशेष आज बिहान लगभग 8 बजेतिर यहाँको डी एस गुरुङ रोड स्थित पशुपति स्टोर अघि मैला बग्ने नाली बनाउँन कालेबुङ नगरपालीका ईञ्जिनियर मदन रुम्बाले अचानक जेसीबी लगाएर बाटो खन्ने कार्य गर्दा सम्पूर्ण जनताको अघि विवादको सामना गर्नु परेको छ। फूलपातीको दिन बजारमा मानिसहरुको भीड अध्याधिक बड्ने जानकारी हुँदा हुँदै पनि नगरपालीका ईञ्जिनियरले शहरको मूल बाटोमा जीसीबी लगाएर नाली बनाउँने बहनामा सम्पूर्ण बाटो बन्द भए पछि स्थानीय मानिसहरु लगायत चालकहरु आक्रोशित बनेको थियो।

 जसको कारण आज सम्पूर्ण नगरपालीकाले नै जनताको आक्रोशको सामना गर्नु पर्योि। बिहान अचानक शहरको मूल बाटो नै बन्द बने पछि दैनिक जामको समस्या भोग्नु परिरहेको मानिसहरुले आज झन धेर जामको समस्या झेल्नु परेको थियो। जसको कारण पछिबाट स्थिति पूर्णरुपले तनावपूर्ण बनेको थियो। स्थानीय मानिसहरु लागायत दैनिक उक्त बाटो भएर यात्रा गर्ने यात्रीहरु संगै चालकहरुले उक्त बाटो खन्ने कार्यको बिरोध गरेपछि पनि नगरपालीका ईञ्जिनियरले चाडै बाटो सुचारु बनाउँने आश्वासन दिदै कार्य जारी राख्दा स्थिति नियन्त्रण बाहिर पुगेको थियो।

 जसको कारण अन्तमा नाली बनाउँन खनेको बाटोको खाडललाई नगरपालेकाले कार्य गर्न नपाउँदै पुरेर यातायता सुचारु बनाउँनु परेको थियो। अहिले दशैको मौसम शुरु भएको कारण बजारमा मानिसहरुको दैनिक भीड बृद्धि भईरहेको छ भने यस्तो परिस्थितिमा नगरपालिकाले जनताको असुबिधालाई कुनै पर्वाह नगरी बिहानै जेसीबी लगाएर शहरको बाटो नै खनेर यातायात बाधित बनाउँदा सबै मानिसहरु नगरपालिकाको कार्य प्रणाली प्रति क्षुब्ध बनेका छन।

 शहरको बाटो खनेर विवाद सृजना भएर स्थिति तनाउपूर्ण हुँदा सम्म घटना स्थलमा भने नगरपालीकाका कुनै नगरपार्षद भने उपस्थित नहुँदा झन मानिसहरु आक्रोशित बनेको थियो। यद्यपी पछिबाट भने घटना स्थलमा सम्बन्धित वार्डका पार्षदीका उपस्थित नभएपनि नगर उपाध्यक्ष गंगामाया गुरुङ, राकेश प्रसाद,बुद्ध लामा आदि घटना स्थलमा आईपुगेका थिए। सोहि क्रममा नगरपालीका अनि जनता माझ बडीरहेको विवादलाई साम्य पर्न घट्ना स्थलमा सभासद निमा तामङ पनि आईपुगेका थिए। तिनले पनि नगरपालीकाको कार्यप्रणाली प्रति प्रश्न उठाएका छन। 

नगरपार्षदहरु घटना स्थलामा आईपुग्दा भने स्थिति पूर्णरुपले नियन्त्रण देखि बाहिर हुनु पुगेको थियो जसको कारण नगरपार्षदहरुले पनि जनताको अघि विवादको सामना गर्नु पर्योु। नगरपालेकाले जनताको असुबिधालाई कुनै पर्वाह नगरी यसरी नाली व्यवस्थित बनाउँने बहनामा बाटो खनेर विवादको सृजना गरेपछि अन्तमा नगरपालिका प्रति सम्पूर्ण मानिसहरु प्रश्न उठाएका छन। शहरको बिभिन्न भागहरुमा ठूलो काम गर्न गर्दा अहिले सम्म नगरपालिकाले प्राय जसो कामहरु रातको समयमा गर्दै आईरहेको भए पनि आज भने उक्त काम बिहान गर्दानै समस्या बडेर गएको हो।

 यस बिषयमा घट्ना स्थलमा आईपुगेका नगरपालिका उपाध्यक्ष गंगामाय गुरुङ लगायत अन्य पार्षदहरुलाई मानिसहरुले नगरपालिकाको कार्यप्रणाली प्रति सोझै प्रश्न उठाउँदै उक्त कार्य किन रातीको समयमा गरिएन भनि प्रश्न गर्दा उक्त कार्यहरु बारे ईञ्जिनियर मदन रुम्बाले कुनै पनि पार्षदहरुलाई उक्त कार्य गर्ने जानकारी नगराएको स्पष्टिकरण दिएका छन। जसको कारण कालेबुङ नगरपालीकामा ईञ्जिनियर अनि वार्डपार्षदहरु माझ सम्पर्कको अभाव रहेको पनि स्पष्ट बनेको छ। 

 उक्त बाटो खन्ने कार्यले ठूलो विवादको सामना नगरपालिकाले गरे पछि अन्तमा पुन: खनेको बाटो पुरेर अबेर गरि यातायत सुचारु गरिएको छ। यस सम्बन्धमा उक्त कार्य गर्ने नगरपालीकाका ईञ्जिनियर मदन रुम्बालाई यत्रो ठूलो कार्य किन राती गरिएन भनि प्रश्न गर्दा उल्टै मिडियालाई राती काम गर्ने मानिसहरु दिनु भनि लाजमर्दो बयान दिएका छन। यता यस सम्बन्धमा स्थानीय माकपा नेता तारा सुन्दासले कडा शब्दमा कालेबुङ नगरपालीको निन्दा गरेका छन। तिनले नगरपालीकाले जनतालाई असुबिधा हुने कार्य गर्नु अनैतिक रहेको आरोप लगाउँदै बिकाश कार्यको माकपाले बिरोध नगरे पनि जनतालाई असुबिधा सृजना हुने कार्यको भने जोडदार बिरोध गर्ने बताएका छन।

 यसै सिलसिलामा उक्त स्थानका व्यापारीवर्गले पनि नगरपालीकाको कार्यप्रति प्रश्न उठाउँदै दशैको मौसममा कुनै पूर्व सूचना बिना यस्तो असुबिधा उत्पन्न हुने कार्य निन्दनिय रहेको बताएका छन। यता नाली व्यवस्थित बनाउँने बहनामा नगरपालिकाले जनताको आक्रोश झेल्न परेपछि नगरपालिका उपाध्यक्ष गंगामाया गुरुङले स्पष्टिकरण दिदै उक्त कार्य नगरपालिका अध्यक्षको निर्देशनमा भएको जनाएकी छिन । तिनले उक्त कार्य गर्नको निम्ति वर्क अर्डर भईसकेको स्पष्टिकरण दिदै उक्त कार्य गर्दा नगरपालिका ईञ्जिनियरले नगर्पार्षदहरु संग कुनै परामर्श नलिएको कारण नै विवाद सृजना भएको जनाएकी छिन। तिनले उक्त कार्यले जनता माझ उत्पन्न भएको समस्या प्रति खेद प्रकट गर्दै आगमी दिनहरुमा यस्तो घटना नदोहरिने दाबी समेत गरेकी छिन।

Jaswant Singh earns ABGL’s criticisms

{KNE} Kalimpong, October 17: “Through GTA as the medium, Gorkhaland can be achieved”, this statement of MP Jaswant Singh yesterday at Siliguri is being highly criticized by the Akhil Bharatiya Gorkha League (ABGL). Pratap Khati, the General Secretary of ABGL today in reference to Singh’s statement said that the MP is lying. If looked at the history of India, then till date no system or council has ever given birth to a State, he told. 

During the NDA regime, States like Chattisgarh, Uttarkhand and Jharkhand was formed, and there was no system. And today, Telengana State is about to be formed, and there too, is no system. Not even in the Constitution of India it is mentioned that a State can be formed through any system or council, added Khati. Knowing all this, still the MP is spreading rumors, he charged. 

Further, he accused that the GTA is formed to save Morcha chief and other GJM leaders from being arrested against the charges of Madan Tamang’s murder and added that the Morcha was not at all faithful towards the Gorkhaland issue, instead GJM has been formed to subside the separate State demand. 

Likewise, saying that GTA is more diminutive system than the DGHC, Khati mocked that GTA has a Secretariat, but no Directorate, that’s why all the keys to GTA’s offices are at Kolkata. He also cautioned all the political leaders who are really working for the Gorkhaland cause to stay alert against the hill’s parliamentarian. “Singh has betrayed the people of Darjeeling. He who has gained votes in the name of Gorkhaland never visited the hills during the time of landslides, earthquake, water scarcity, etc.” said Khati.

No puja bonanza in the hills as declared by State’s Food Minister- Sundas

{KNE}Kalimpong, October 17: The State’s Food Minister, Jyoti Priya Mallick had announced at Writers’ Building on 9th Oct, 2012 that this time as a puja bonanza, under the PDS, flour will be distributed Rs 5.30p less and in mustard oil Rs 8 less per litre, than the market price. The distribution shall start from 17 and last till 27 Oct, he had declared. However, the CPM leader, Tara Sundas alleged that no such puja offers are being showered in the Darjeeling hills. Regarding the same, Sundas also met with the Food officer, Dhurba Bareily at his office. 

After listening to Sundas’s complaint, the Food officer saying that no such written notice has been delivered by the office assured that he will be talking about the matter with the District Food officer. Sundas said that Kalimpong gets its 2 weeks of ration at one shot, but the offer made by the State’s Food Minister has not been availed in the hills. Also the sugar distributed under the PDS during the puja can be availed at Rs 27 by the APL and at Rs 14.50 by the BPL, notified Sundas. Until now no allotment has been made as per the declaration of the Minister, thus the CPM leader urged the public to step forward and speak over the issue.

CPRM demands Panchayat level paperwork in Nepali language

{KNE}Kalimpong, October 17: As per the decision of the CPRM youth wing, a demand letter has been prepared by them demanding that all the official works of the Panchayat level should be done in Nepali language. They have also decided to do wide publicity for the same, starting firstly from the Gram Panchayat, followed by Block level and Sub Divisional officials and at the Zilla officials in the end.

 The CPRM Kalimpong regional secretary, Santosh Pradhan speaking on the same today informed that a faction of the regional committee have already started forwarding the letters to the Panchayat level officers under which the Panchayat officials of Tashiding and Kalimpong Block I received the demand letters today. Such kind of demand letters will be given to all the 112 Gram Panchayats of the hills, he added. 

In the other hand, the Gram Panchayat officials said that until and unless there is no direction from the Zilla officials they cannot do anything regarding the same. Earlier also the CPRM had demanded the change in the vehicle numbers and names of the shops in Nepali. “Every person should be aware of the language and use it accordingly”, said the CPRM. The West Bengal Government in the year 1961 had recognized Nepali language as the State’s 2nd language.

Golay supporters demands for the termination of SP South

Gangtok 17 Oct: Golay supporters during a press meet in the capital today reiterated that the blame put on them about being the mastermind behind the Namthang incident is totally false. Instead one of Golay’s close aides, Jacob Khaling, today blamed the SDF for pre planning the brawl. He alleged that the area MLA cum Minister Tilu Gurung and SDF Vice President, GM Gurung along with other SDF supporters attacked them first. He also charged the SP, South, Manoj Tiwari of treating them like animals and using abusive languages and further demanded that the SP should be terminated from his services.

 Claiming that during the time of the incident, they did not have any weapons with them, not even a stick, Khaling said that instead, the SDF supporters had weapons. “Our vehicles were checked by the Police at Mamring near Wai- Wai factory, and they did not find any such kinds of weapon”, he added. “Inspite of this we were treated us like goons by the Police”, he told. Mentioning about the allegation, that Golay had brought trained fighters from outside the State, Khaling said that they do not need any outsiders for their support, and all the men were from Sikkim. Likewise, speaking about the safety of the public, he said that they are fully aware of it and are very much concerned about maintaining peace in the State. “We were compelled to fight against them for our self defence”, is what he said.

Gurung tells govt not to meddle

 Bimal Gurung addresses
 the meeting in Darjeeling on Sunday.
 Picture by Suman  

TT; VIVEK CHHETRITamang Darjeeling, Oct. 14: Bimal Gurung today warned the Mamata Banerjee-led government not to meddle in the functioning of the GTA, saying that such interference would only cause “headaches” to the state. “You have given us the GTA and there should be no interference in its working. If there is an interference, the state government will get headaches, not us,” Gurung told a gathering of Gorkha Janmukti Yuva Morcha activists here.

 The meeting was organised to mark the fifth foundation day of the Yuva Morcha. This was the first public appearance of the GTA chief executive after his father died on September 24. Even though Gurung did not spell out the nature of the state’s interference in the functioning of the GTA, but he said: “When we wanted to evict hawkers from Chowrastha, we received calls from the Writers’. 

I am not the one to accept such interference and at the end, we did go ahead with the eviction drive.” Going by the Morcha president’s tone, it seems that he doesn’t want the government to dictate terms of the formulation of projects or the recruitment of employees to the GTA. The GTA Act has a provision that allows the autonomous body to form a selection committee for the recruitment of employees of Grades B, C and D after due clearance from the state government.

 “My boys are unemployed. They need jobs. We are working out an elaborate plan to generate a lot of jobs. The plan will be in place in the next one and a half months. Our youths who have worked hard during the agitation have a right to employment in the GTA.” The Morcha leader also laid stress on the need to make the GTA corruption free. “I won’t tolerate corruption. We have released Rs 70 crore for road construction and tourism development.

 The municipalities have also been given funds. They must build good roads without corruption. We will ensure transparency in the functioning of the GTA and unlike the previous dispensation (DGHC), we will publish a detailed list of construction costs,” said Gurung. He informed that construction of a car parking space near the Darjeeling railway station would commence in a few days. The GTA chief executive also launched a vitriolic attack on the Morcha’s rivals.

 “We have organised rallies for Gorkhaland and for the inclusion of the plains in the GTA. But these Opposition leaders are taking out rallies with two to three motorcycles. Our fight for the inclusion of more mouzas in the GTA is still on and we had a meeting with the state government on the issue yesterday,” Gurung said, referring to the CPRM’s recent rally for Gorkhaland. Gurung also said the GTA must explore ways to generate its own revenue instead of begging for funds from the Centre.

 “I have decided to open the gates of Lal Khoti (the administrative headquarters) of the GTA for tourists. While entry will be free for the local people, tourists can come there after paying Rs 10. Lal Khoti could be a tourist spot as films have been shot there. We will also earn a bit,” he said in half jest. Morcha leader dies Bhim Raj Pradhan, 35, the president of the Yuva Morcha’s Rongo zonal committee, died and three other party workers were injured when their vehicle collided with a truck at Khunia More near Malbazar at 8am today. They were on their way to Darjeeling to attend the meeting.

GTF aims to expand their party at a national level

KNE;;Kalimpong, October 13: A meeting of the Gorkhaland Task Force (GTF) held under the presidentship of the GTF national working member, Dr Anos Das Pradhan, today decided on the expansion of the GTF at different States of the nation. The gathering made a decision to meet the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Pawan Chamling foremostly, after which they will be meeting up with all the political parties of Sikkim along with organizations appealing them to join hands with the GTF. 

It was also decided during the meet that the GTF will hold a seminar at Kalimpong in the first week of December this year. The GTF national co-ordinator, R Moktan informed that a similar seminar of the GTF will be organized at Assam on 17th and 18th November. Nanda Kirati Dewan, a journalist of Assam has been chosen as the GTF North East co-ordinator.

 A book on Gorkhaland titled, ‘A Phase of Gorkhaland’, will also be published by the Force. Further, he notified that the GTF faction will be meeting with the political leaders and parliamentarians of different States during the Parliament’s Winter Session. The Vice President of Communist Party of Revolutionary Marxist (CPRM), JB Rai, Kishore Pradhan, Gorkha Rashtriya Nirman Morcha (GRNM) Secretary, John Poudyal, Akhil Bahratiya Gorkha League’s (ABGL) Pratap Khati, Laxuman Pradhan, SK Pradhan, Theba Tamang and Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh (BGP) General Secretary, Sukhman Moktan were also present during the meet.

Kalimpong in need of more Police Stations and Out Posts

KNE;; Kalimpong, October 13: As per the demarcation of the Darjeeling hills, the Kalimpong Thana is at the gateway of the Kalimpong Sub Division. Kalimpong, the largest Sub Division of the Darjeeling District shares its boundariees with Sikkim, Dooars and Bhutan. However, for such a huge Sub Division, a Thana and few Police Out Posts are not enough. The Kalimpong MLA Dr Harka Bahadur Chettri who is also the member of the State’s Home Department Committee, himself believes that the number of Thanas Out Posts needs to be increased. Speaking on this much felt need, the MLA informed that he will be keeping forward the matter to the State’s Chief Minister and also at the State Assembly.

 The Kalimpong Thana will be shifted to another place and the location will be converted into a tourist spot, he added and said that the same will also be kept at the State Assembly soon. Another major issue faced by the Sub Division is the lack of Police Stations in its remote areas. Till the Police of the Kalimpong Thana or the nearby Out Posts reach the incident spot, the culprits have already made their way towards the neighbouring places further making it difficult for the Police Administration to nab them. 

Looking at the size of the Sub Division and the ever increasing population here, there is also need of increase in the numbers of Police personnel. Therefore, it has been informed that the same will also be talked over by the MLA with the CM who is also the head of the Home Department. As compared to Darjeeling which has a good number of tourist sopts such as Chowrasta, Mall Road, etc. Kalimpong does not have anything as such. In lieu of a tourism spot at the gateway of the Sub Division, there lies a Police Station. Hence, the shifting of the Thana has now become a necessity.

नेपाली भाषा एकरुपताको प्रश्न : भाषाबैज्ञानिक दृष्टिकोणले नेपालीमा ह्रस्व दिर्घको कुनै काम छैन – प्रो माधव पोख्रेल

 कालेबुङ 13: “कुनै पनि भाषा भाषाबैज्ञानिक आधारमा लेखिनु हो भने वर्णको आधारमा लेखिनुपर्ने हो। भाषाबैज्ञानिक दृष्टिकोणले नेपालीमा ह्रस्व दिर्घको काम छैन यो बिद्यार्थीवर्गलाई परिक्षामा फेल बनाउँने कार्य मात्र हो। नेपाली भाषामा स, श अनि ष को उच्चारणमा कुनै फर छैन त्यसैले केवल ‘स’ लेखे भईहाल्छ। यद्यपी नेपालीमा संस्कृतको शब्द जस्ताको त्यस्तै लेख्नुपर्छ भन्ने नियम छ। त्यहीँ नियमले आज भाषाको एकरुपताम कठिनाई परिरहेको छ” उक्त कुरा त्रिभुवन विश्व विद्यालयका भाषा बैज्ञानिक प्रो माधव पोख्रेलले पत्रकारहरुसंग कुराकानी गर्दै भनेका हुन।

 तिनले नेपाली जनजिब्रोले स, श अनि ष को बेग्ला बेग्लै तरिकाले उक्चारण गर्न सक्दैन भन्दै अनि यसको उच्चारणमा समेत अर्थ भेदक नभएको कारण केवल ‘स’ मात्र लेखे भईहाल्छ भनि जनाएका छन। यस सम्बन्धमा नेपाली भाषा बैज्ञानिकहरु माझमा नै एकमत नरहेको प्रश्न गर्दा तिनले भाषा बैज्ञानिकहरु एकमत हुन नसकेको कुरा स्विकार भाषालाई वर्णात्मक रुपमा लेख्न छोडेर बिभिन्न नियमहरुको आधारमा लेख्ने कारण नै विद्यार्थीहरुले समस्या झेल्न परिरहेका छन भनि बताएका छन।

 सोहि सिलसिलामा उक्त समस्या हुनुको मुख्य कारण पनि नेपाली भाषाका पण्डितहरुकै कारण हो भनि दाबी समेत गरे। तिनले अङ्ग्रेजी भाषा अवैज्ञानिक रहेको बताउँदै यसबारे उदाहरण समेत प्रस्तुत गरे। तिनले नेपाली भाषामा आएका आगंतुक शब्दहरुलाई नेपालीकरण गरेर लेख्ने अभ्यास गर्नुपर्छ भनि त्रिभुवन विश्व विद्यालयको आयोजनामा धेरै कार्यशालाहरु सम्पन्न भएपछि अन्तमा सबैको सहमतिमा नेपाली बृहत शब्दकोश तयार भएको बताउँदै अहिले आएर त्यही नेपाली बृहत शब्दकोश निर्माण गर्ने सम्पादक बालकृष्ण पोख्रेलले आफ्नो मत बद्लेको बताउँदै उक्त कारणहरुले नेपाली भाषाको अवस्था दुर्गती बन्दै गईरहेको माधव पोख्रेलले जनाए।

 तिनले नेपाली भाषालाई यदि बैज्ञानिक तरिकाले अघि बडाउँनु हो भने वर्णनात्मक तरिकाले लेख्न पर्छ होईन भने सबै भाषाविदहरु मिलेर पठनको निम्ति एउटा सबैलाई सहयोग हुने शब्दकोश तयार पारी कार्य अघि बडाउँनुपर्छ भन्दै उक्त तयार भएको शब्दकोशको अर्थ तथा उच्चारणको भिन्नता भने घरि घरि परिवर्तन गर्नु हुँदैन भनि अझ जनाएका छन। यसै सिलसिलामा अहिले घरी नेपाली भाषामा ‘ड’ अनि ‘ड़' को लेखन बिषयमा देखा परेको समस्याबारे प्रश्न गर्दा तिनले दुवैमा कुनै अर्थ भेदक नरहेको बताउँदै ‘ड’ लेख्दा कुनै फरक नहुने दाबी गरे। तिनले यस सन्दर्भमा ‘ड़' वर्ण नभएर संवर्ण रहेको बताउँदै संवर्ण चिन्न कुनै आवश्यकता समेत नरहेको बताएका छन।

कालेबुङ कलेजको आयोजनामा तीन दिवसिय सृजनात्मक लेखन कार्यशाला...

 कालेबुङ, 13 अक्टोबर। कालेबुङ कलेजको आयोजनामा स्वर्ण जयन्ति उत्सवको अवसरमा आजदेखि तीन दिवसिय सृजनात्मक लेखन कार्यशाला प्रारम्भ भएको छ। यस अवसरमा उक्त कार्यक्रममा कालेबुङ कलेज, खरसाङ महाविद्यालय, दार्जीलिङ सरकारी महाविद्यालय, सोनादा डिग्री कलेज, जोरबङ्लो डिग्री कलेज, सिलगडी शैलसेन कलेज आदिका बिद्यार्थीवर्गले भाग लिएका थिए। उक्त कार्यक्रमको आज पहिलो दिन कलेजको भवनमा औपचारिक उद्घाटन पछि शुरु भएको छ भने यस अवसरमा बिषय बिशेषज्ञको रुपमा त्रिभुवन विश्वविद्यालयका प्रो माधव पोख्रेल, प्रो रिमी बी च्याटर्जी उपस्थित रहेकी थिईन भने बिशिष्ट अतिथिका रुपमा कालेबुङका बिधायक तथा समालोचक डा हर्कबहादुर छेत्री, डा राजेन्द्र भण्डारी, जुब्लि हाईस्कूलका प्रधान अध्यापक जे बी राई, कवि सुधिर छेत्री, कथाकार ज्ञान सुतार आदि उअपस्थित रहेका थिए।

 कार्यक्रमको औपचारिक उद्घाटन पछि कलेजका प्राचर्य डा आर पी ढकालले स्वागत सम्बोधन राखे भने कार्यक्रमको दोस्रो चरणमा स्रोत व्यक्तिहरुले सृजनात्मक लेखनको तक्निकी पक्षहरुबारे अवगत गराए। यसै सिलसिलामा स्रोत व्यक्ति प्रो रिमी बी च्याटर्जीले एउटा घटनाको उदाहरण प्रस्तुत गर्दै उक्त घटना बिषयमा विद्यार्थीवर्गलाई आ आफ्नो सृजना गर्ने व्यवहारिक ज्ञान समेत दिए। प्रत्येक विद्यार्थीवर्गहरुमाझ आन्तरिक प्रतिभालाई बाहिर परिस्कार बनाएर निकाल्न सृजनात्मक लेखनको ज्ञान हुन पर्ने बताउँदै सृजनात्मक लेखनको निम्ति आफुहरुले ध्यान दिन पर्ने बिषयमा पनि स्रोत व्यक्तिहरुले विद्यार्थीवर्गलाई जानकारी गराए।

 यस अवसरमा त्रिभुवन विश्व बिद्यालयबाट स्रोत व्यक्तिका रुपमा बिशेषरुपले उपस्थित रहेका प्रो माधव पोख्रेलले सृजनात्मक लेखन बिषयमा तक्निकी पक्षहरुमा बिद्यार्थीवर्गले ध्यान दिन पर्ने बिषयहरु बारे अवगत गराए। यस अवसरमा उक्त संगीतकार मधुसुधन लामा अनि अधिवक्ता अन्मोल प्रसादको नेतृत्वमा अन्तर्क्रिया कार्यक्रम सम्पन्न भयो। कुनै पनि व्यक्तिमा सृजना गर्ने क्षमता भए पनि उक्त सृजनालाई परिस्कृत सृजनाको रुपमा अघि ल्याउँन के कस्ता कुराहरुमा बिद्यार्थीवर्गले ध्यान दिन आवश्यक छ भन्ने बिषयमा सम्पन्न उक्त अन्तर्क्रियामा विद्यार्थीवर्गले खुबै उत्साह साथ भाग लिएका थिए।

 यस अवसरमा प्रो माधव पोख्रेलले पत्रकारहरुसंग कुराकानी गर्दै सृजनात्मक लेखनको निम्ति आयोजना भएको उक्त तीन दिवसिय कार्यक्रमले स्थानीय नवआगन्तुक लेखनहरुलाई खुबै फाईदजनक पुग्ने बताए। सृजना गर्नु मानिस भित्र भएको कला बताउँदै उक्त सृजनालाई परिस्कृत गर्न यस्ता कार्यशालाहरु आवश्यक रहेको तिनले अझ बताएका छन। “अहिलेसम्म कवि लेखकहरु आफ्नै प्रतिभाको बलले साहित्य सृजना गर्दै आईरहेका छन। तिनीहरुमा कति अघि बडेर गएका छन भने कति आधाबाटोमा पुगेर अलपत्र परेका छन। यस्तो अवस्थामा तिनीहरु भित्र रहेका प्रतिभालाई सहि दिशाबोध गराउँन यस्ता कार्यशालाहरु महत्वपूर्ण हुन्छन अनि यो कार्यशालाले भविष्यमा गुणात्मक साहित्य सृजना हुने कुरामा निश्चित छ” प्रो माधव पोख्रेल भने।

गृह अनि कारागार बिभागका स्ट्याण्डिङ कमिटिका सदस्यहरुले कालेबुङको भ्रमण गरे

 कालेबुङ, 12 अक्टोबर। पश्चिम बङगाल बिधान सभाका गृह अनि कारागार बिभागका स्ट्याण्डिङ कमिटिका सदस्यहरु आज कालेबुङ आईपुगे। कमिटिका अध्यक्ष बिप्लव मित्रको नेतृत्वमा रहेको टोलिमा कारागार मन्त्री शंकर चक्रवर्ती, बिधायक मुमताज बेगम अनि कालेबुङका बिधायक डा हर्कबहादुर छेत्री साथमा रहेका थिए। यस अवसरमा उक्त प्रतिनिधी टोलिले यहाँको शंसोधन गृहको दौडाह गर्दै शंसोधन गृह अनि कालेबुङ पुलिस थानाको अवस्थाबारे जानकारी लिएका छन। कारगार मन्त्री संगै स्ट्याण्डिङ कमिटिका प्रतिनिधी टोली यहाँको कारागार पुगेपछि त्याहाँ उनीहरुलाई स्थानीय पुलिसले गार्ड अफ अनर प्रदान गरे। 

यस अवसरमा उनीहरुले शंसोधनगृहको अवस्थाबारी जानकारी लिदै कारागारमा बन्द कैदीहरुसंग कुराकानी पनि गरे। यस अवसरमा महकुमा अधिकारी एलएन शेर्पा, अतिरिक्त पुलिस अधिक्षक सोङमित लेप्चा, थाना आईसी प्रसाद प्रधान उपस्थित रहेका थिए। दोस्रोचोटि कालेबुङ शंसोधनगृहको भ्रमणमा आएका जेलमन्त्री शंकर चक्रवर्तीले यस अवसरमा कुराकानी गर्दै शंसोधन गृह पहिलो भ्रमण अवधी अन्यत्र सार्ने माग उठेको कारण यस सन्दर्भमा पहल भईरहेको जानकारी दिएका छन। तिनले यस सम्बन्धमा आफुहरुले राज्यकी मुख्य मन्त्री ममता ब्यानर्जीलाई समेत अवगत गराएको जनाए।

 तिनले यस्तो कार्य चॉंडै सिजिलैसित नहुने बताउँदै आवश्यक पहल भने जारी रहेको थप जनाएका छन। यता विधायक डा. हर्कबहादुर छेत्रीले राज्य सरकारले पहाडलाई पर्यटन क्षेत्रमा बिकशित गर्न राज्य सरकार तत्पर रहेको कारण अनि कालेबुङमा शहर बिच कुनै यस्ता राम्रो स्थान पर्याटकहरुको निम्ति नरहेको कारण शंसोधन गृह नै शहर बिचमा रहेको थानालाई अन्य स्थानमा स्थानतरण गर्ने मुख्य मन्त्री संग माग उठाउँने जनाए। यसै सिलसिलामा कालेबुङमा पर्यटकहरूको आगमनमा वृद्धि गर्नु हो भने दार्जीलिङको चौरस्ता अनि माल रोड जस्ता ठाउँ चाहिन्छ भन्दै उक्त स्थानको निम्ति हालको शंसोधन गृह अनि थाना भएको स्थान सही ठाउँ रहेको तिनले अझ्ग जनाए।

 यसैले जेलमन्त्रीको पहिलो भ्रमणमा जस्तै आज पनिन संशोधनगृह अनि थाना स्थान्तरण गर्ने माग गरिएको उनले जनाए। जनता फाइदाको लागी यसमा विभागले पनि सहयोग गर्ने विश्वास छेत्रीले पोखे। मन्त्री अनि सट्याण्डिङ कमिटीका सदस्यहरू स्वंयले यसबारे एउटा लिखित पत्र आफूलाई मागेको पनि छेत्रीले जनाए। उत्तर बङ्गालको चारदिने भ्रमणको आज अन्तिम दिनमा कालेबुङ आइपुगेका मन्त्री लगायत सट्याण्डिङ कमिटीका सदस्यहरूले सम्बन्धित विभागीय कार्यालयहरूको निरिक्षण गरे। ब्रिटिशकालीन कालेबुङ थाना, भुइँचालोले क्षतिग्रस्त बनाइदिएको अनि एफआई कार्यालय, संशोधनगृ, एएसपी कार्यालय(बिरला हाउस) को उनीहरूले निरिक्षण गरे। 

 यसैअवधी यहॉंको प्रख्यात पर्यटकीय केन्द्र पाइन भ्यू नर्सरी अनि डेलोको पनि उनीहरूले भ्रमण गरे। यसैअवधी टोलीका प्रमुख शंकर चक्रवर्तीले निरिक्षण अवधी धेरै कार्यालयहरूको अवस्था सोचनीय भेटिएको छ बताउँदै उक्त भवनहरुको निर्माणको निम्ति पनि पहल गर्ने जानकारी गराएका छन। भुइँचालोलो क्षतिग्रस्त बानएको एफआई अफिसलाई स्थान्तण गरी कार्यालय पुनःनिर्माण गर्न जरुरी छ भन्दै गृह विभाग स्वंय मुख्यमन्त्रीसित रहेकोले भ्रमणअवधी देखिएका जम्मै असुविधाहरूबारे जानकारी गराएर उचित पदक्षेप ग्रहण गर्ने तिनले थप जनाए।

SUMI becomes Cross Country marathon team champs for the 8th time

Kalimpong,October 11: The SUMI and Janta Junior High School dominated the Cross Country cum Half Marathon conducted by Kumudini Homes Alumni Association today in Kalimpong. The Cross Country marathon of 23kms for boys started from Damber Chowk while 17kms for girls started from Dr. Graham Homes and ended at Mela Ground. Ramesh Tamang of SUMI after defeating the 4 times champ, Prabal Chettri of SUMI became the winner in the boys category.

 Prabal Chettri and Bikram Thapa from Kumudini Homes stood 2nd and 3rd, respectively. Ramesh’s win made SUMI the team championship winner for the 8th time. Likewise, in the girls category, Sabitri Rai from Janta JHS was the winner followed by Pushpa Dangal from Laley Sampo HS and Dichen Sherpa from Pakhang Gumpa HS, in the 2nd and the 3rd position, respectively. Janta JHS became the girls team champion. 

The SUMI also stood as the winner in the 200*84 mtr rally marathon (for boys) along with St. George’s HS in the 2nd and DGH in the 3rd. In the girls rally marathon, St. George’s HS, DGH and Jubilee HS were the top 3 winners. Likewise, in the 1500 mtrs marathon for boys, Saroj Mangar stood 1st, Binod Tamang stood 2ndand Pranay Rai stood 3rd. STA Secretary, BP Basnet who is also a former teacher and student of Kumudini Homes presided over as the chief guest. The GTA Sabhasad Sunil Pradhan, Teachers’ In-charge of Kumudini family, Yangden Ghising, President Tapan Kumar Pradhan and Secretary Praveen Rai were present as the special guest.

KKKS aims to take local cardamom at international market

{KNE}Kalimpong, October 11: The Kalimpong Krishak Kalyan Sangathan (KKKS) will soon be holding an E- auction for the large cardamom farmers of the Sub Division, informed the KKKS General Secretary, Bishnu Chettri. The Government of India has already opened up an auctioning centre for the same after which the farmers are getting double the earlier price. The KKKS now aims to bring the large cardamom produce in the national and international forefront through means of technology i.e. through internet. They also aim the get national level price for the produce through the same. The Sangathan has also forwarded an application for direct export license. After the license is passed it is said that the local cardamom will get an international market.

Rape case accused sent for 10 years imprisonment

Darjeeling, October 11: 56 year old Bir Bahadur Subba was sent for 10 years imprisonment by Additional Session Judge, 2nd Court, Madhu Sudhan Dutta, today for community rape on a 10 year old child. Giving the further information the Public Prosecutor, Vinod Agarwal said accused Subba from Tamkulag, Rai Gaon, Avon Group, TE Sukhia Pokhari Police Station had committed rape on a minor 12th June, 2011 at 8 in the morning. He took the child to the jungle and committed the deed. The child belongs to the same village. Subba was arrested on 14th June after the child’s uncle lodged a complain against him. He has also been asked to pay Rs. 10,000 as a fine. If he fails to pay the amount then he needs to stay at correctional home for more six months, said Agarwal.

Kolkata giants defeat Sikkim lions by a late lone goal

SILASH TAMANG Gangtok, October 11: The Kolkata giants, East Bengal today defeated the Sikkim lions, United Sikkim Football Club (USFC) by a lone goal in the ongoing I-League being played here at Paljor Stadium today. The vociferous Paljor Stadium was a stronghold for the home side but silence fell on the crowd when super-sub Lalrindika Ralte scored the winner from a deflected free kick in the 82nd minute of the match.

 The 3 times National Football League, I-League titles and 8 Federation Cups Champs today set heaviness on the home side from the beginning. Multitudes of home fans today flocked Paljor Stadium to cheer up and support the Snow lions. The half time remained 0-0. In the early minutes of the match USFC, defender Sandesh rescued solo run of Edeh Chidi from the danger zone. The home side defenders misunderstanding nearly cost expensive in couple of occasions. Goalkeeper, Yoon Tae made excellent save of the curling freekick by Chidi from the 25-yard range. Just a few minutes late, Tae made another diving save shot by Chidi from the cross manufacture by Sahni. Mean while the home were troubling the giants by counter attacks. 

A good-looking freekick from the Costarican Micheal S Rodriguez nearly found the lead for the home side but was brilliantly saved by East Bengal goalkeeper Abhijit Mondol. In the second half, a good-looking run by Budiram Tudu was brought down in the danger zone where the stadium roared for the penalty, but the referee showed no interest on it. Kolkata’s Orji P Ikechukwu nearly found the lead, which just scaled away from the top bar on volley. A possibility of the net was for the home side was witnessed when Anwar close range shot deflected to a corner. Quick two substitutions made by Morgan putting in Sanju Pradhan and Lalrindika Ralte done the trick for the giants. 

Captian Mehtab Hossain was adjudged Man of the Match. With this win, the Kolkata giants are unbeaten in the past 23 matches with 19 wins and four draws. “I wasn’t expecting a win. The opponent was unknown, the environment was different and the boys were exausted due to travelling. But a win always gives fantastic feeling and the boys really played well”, said East Bengal Coach, Trevor Morgan. Adding more he said that the home team could do better as they have a good team and have great potential. 

“There are no regrets as the boys played well, said Philipe De Ridder. Key players are not in the team due to injury. “As a young team they make mistakes which can overcome with time, but they performed brilliant today fighting till the last minute”, he added. The next match of USFC is with Dempo FC on November 3, 2012.

Chinese writer Mo May wins Nobel literature prize for 'hallucinatory realism' Chinese writer Mo Yan won the Nobel Prize in literature on Thursday, a cause of pride for a government that had disowned the only previous Chinese winner of the award, an exiled critic. National television broke into its newscast to announce the prize — exceptional for the tightly scripted broadcast that usually focuses on the doings of Chinese leaders.

 The Swedish Academy, which selects the winners of the prestigious award, praised Mo's "hallucinatory realism" saying it "merges folk tales, history and the contemporary." Peter Englund, the academy's permanent secretary, said the academy had contacted Mo, 57,before the announcement. "He said he was overjoyed and scared," Englund said. Among the works highlighted by the Nobel judges were "Red Sorghum, (1993), "The Garlic Ballads" (1995), "Big Breasts & Wide Hips (2004). "He's written 11 novels and let's say a hundred short stories," Englund said. "If you want to start off to get a sense of how he is writing and also get a sense of the moral core in what he is writing I would recommend 'The Garlic Ballads.

'" Chinese social media exploded with pride after the announcement, while Mo's publisher called it a dream come true but said that Mo always played down the importance of prizes. "For me personally it's the realization of a dream I've had for years finally coming true, it's suddenly a reality, but what I mainly want to say is congratulations to Mo Yan," said Cao Yuanyong, deputy editor-in-chief of Shanghai Literature and Art Publishing House, which has published much of Mo's work. Cao said he and a dozen colleagues were toasting Mo with red wine in a Shanghai restaurant Thursday night.

 Hu Xijin, editor-in-chief of the state-run nationalistic Global Times tabloid, said on a Chinese version of Twitter that Mo's winning is proof that the West has looked beyond Chinese dissidents. "This prize may prove China, with its growing strength, does not have only dissidents who can be accepted by the West. China's mainstream cannot be kept out for long," Hu wrote on his microblog. The reception of the award in China contrasted with the reactions when jailed dissident Liu Xiaobo won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010, which infuriated the Chinese leadership. 

The communist leadership also disowned the Nobel when Gao Xingjian won the literature award in 2000 for his absurdist dramas and inventive fiction. Gao's works are laced with criticisms of China's communist government and have been banned in China. Born Guan Moye in 1955 to a farming family in eastern Shandong province, Mo chose his penname while writing his first novel. Garrulous by nature, Mo has said the name, meaning "don't speak," was intended to remind him to hold his tongue lest he get himself into trouble and to mask his identity since he began writing while serving in the army. His breakthrough came with novel 'Red Sorghum' published in 1987.

 Set in a small village, like much of his fiction, 'Red Sorghum' is an earthy tale of love and peasant struggles set against the backdrop of the anti-Japanese war. It was turned into a film that won the top prize at the Berlin International Film Festival in 1988, marked the directing debut of Zhang Yimou and boosted Mo's popularity. Mo writes of visceral pleasures and existential quandaries and tends to create vivid, mouthy characters. While his early work stuck to a straight-forward narrative structure enlivened by vivid descriptions and raunchy humor, Mo has become more experimental, toying with different narrators and embracing a free-wheeling style often described as 'Chinese magical realism.

' "His writing appeals to all your senses," Englund said. He said Mo would come to Stockholm to accept the award at the annual Nobel Prize ceremony on Dec. 10. Mo was a somewhat unexpected choice for the Nobel jury, which has been criticized for being too euro-centric. Still, his name was among those getting the lowest odds on betting sites before the announcements. European authors had won four of the past five awards, with last year's prize going to Swedish poet Tomas Transtromer. As with the other Nobel Prizes, the prize is worth 8 million kronor, or about $1.2 million. The Nobel Prizes were established in the will of Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel, and have been handed out since 1901.