Cemetery compound re-demarcated, community thanks Govt

GANGTOK, 18 March: The compound of the Christian burial ground here at Bagthang was re-demarcated by the Forest Department on 17 March following a complaint filed by the Christian Burial Ground Committee alleging encroachment of the 2 acre plot set aside by the State Government for a cemetery. A CBGC press
release informs that the re-demarcation was carried out by a team of Forest Deptt officials comprising of the DFO [T] and DFO [Survey & Settlement]. Also present at the spot on the day were ward councilors, president and secretary of the CBGC and about 20 to 30 Pastors and Christian leaders.
The re-demarcation survey confirmed extensive encroachment and the release adds that encroachers agreed, in the presence of Forest officials, to vacate the area at the earliest.
“The Christian community feels that the survey and demarcation will go a long way to secure the area and preserve the same for posterity,” states the CBGC president, Rev Joseph Tamang. The community now plans to develop the cemetery “adopting eco-friendly approach” and undertake beautification works to promote
it as a tourist attraction.
The committee, on behalf of the Christian community, has expressed gratitude towards and appreciation of the State Government’s gesture in allotting land for a burial ground and has also thanked  officials of Forest Department for extending all assistance whenever called for.

Christian Burial Ground gate in memory of Lt Rosabel Gurama inaugurated

GANGTOK, 10 Feb: A gate in the memory of late Rosabel Namchu, who was better known as ‘Rosabel Gurama’, was inaugurated by the Tourism Minister, Bhim Dhungel at the Christian Burial Ground here at Bakthang today. The gate, made by the Christian Burial Ground Committee [CBGC], was sponsored by the family members of Late Ms Namchu in her memory.
The function was also attended by the Sang-Martam MLA, Menlom Lepcha as the guest of honour and members of different churches from in and around Gangtok.
On the occasion, a book ‘Synopsis on Burial Ground’ was also released by Mr Dhungel, who was present as the chief guest.
In his address, CBGC general secretary, MT Sherpa gave a brief history of the burial ground. He highlighted the problem of illegal encroachment on the burial ground, which, the committee has already reported to the concerned authority, he said. He also demanded the concerned authority to immediately declare the ownership of the ground so that the committee would be able to take up beautification and other initiatives in the area.
In response, the Tourism Minister suggested various measures to the committee and assured to provide all possible support on his part.