Phimchu bridged

Vishnu Neopaney

A bridge across Phimchu, a stream in north Sikkim ahead of Lachen towards Thangu, was washed away by a flash-flood on 10 September cutting off the regions further north and inconveniencing not just the few locals who reside that far north in Sikkim but also the sizeable army and ITBP deployment there. Vehicular connectivity was an urgent requirement, and despite inclement weather, the Border Roads Organisation spanned the khola and restored connectivity in 11 days.

Mangan Sr Secondary School to meet Upper Singhik Boys in decider for Lachen-Mangan MLA Cup

MANGAN, 13 Aug: The Lachen-Mangan MLA Cup football tournament, being held at Mangan Public Ground as part of the Independence Day celebrations will feature Mangan Senior Secondary School and Upper Singhik Boys in the final match scheduled for 15 August. The tournament is being organized by the North District Football Association.
In the semifinal round today, Mangan SSS outplayed Power Department 4-2 while Upper Singhik Boys blanked out Akraman 4-0.
The winner of the tournament will be awarded a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 along with the trophy and the runners-up team will receive Rs. 30,000 in cash and a trophy.

2nd Lachen-Mangan MLA Challenge Cup 2014

MANGAN, 08 Aug: In the first pre-quarter match clash of the 2nd Lachen-Mangan MLA Challenge Cup 2014, Mangan SSS defeated Rangrang today. The tournament is being organised by North District Football Association (NDFA) at Mangan Public ground.
MSSS defeated Rangrang by 3-0 goals to enter the quarter final of the tournament. Similarly, in the second pre-quarter match today, Aakraman team defeated Mangan by 7-1 goals.
The winner of the tournament will be awarded with cash prize of Rs. 50,000 with trophy and Rs, 30,000 to the runner up team respectively.

Windstorm update from North district

GANGTOK, 16 Dec: Sunday morning’s windstorm has damaged government property worth Rs 1.45 crore in North district while Revenue Surveyors are assessing damages to private properties in the district.
District Collector North, CP Dhakal informs that power supply has been restored in Mangan bazaar and water supply has been restored in Mangan and Pentok. No damages have been reported from Lachung and Lachen as of now while all roads in the district have been restored. Compensation for damages will be released soon, he adds.

100 farmers of Men-Rongong GPU trained on Rabi crop farming

MANGAN, 20 Sept:  The Department of Horticulture and Cash Crops, North organized a training programme on Rabi crop farming here at Men-Rongong GPU of Kabi-Lungtsok constituency, North Sikkim on 17 September.  The function had Zilla Adhakshya North, Anguli Lepcha as the chief guest who was accompanied by Joint Director Horticulture North, Sonam Bhutia and Deputy Director, SR Bhutia.
A total of 100 beneficiaries were provided potato seeds [50 kg each] and organic pesticide [terminix] from the department under the Backward Region Grant Fund (BRGF).
The Deputy Director North, SR Bhutia highlighted about the training while the Joint Director North, Sonam Bhutia urged the villagers to get more involved in organic farming. The Deputy Director further highlighted that the government is spending huge amounts in different schemes for the public.
The chief guest, Ms. Lepcha while addressing the function urged the beneficiaries to make proper use of the scheme and further added that the people should value the things that they have been provided with.
Also present in the function were Panchayat President, Dawa Doma Lepcha and other panchayat members along with the villagers. Training was conducted in the second session of the day.

Info-Tech Deptt discusses telecom realities and requirements of North Sikkim

GANGTOK, 17 May: Secretary, Department of Information Technology, KK Pradhan, chaired a meeting today to discuss the prevailing issues of telecom connectivity in North Sikkim, an official press release informs.
The meeting was attended by officers from various concerned line departments: R. Verma, Principal Director – IT; AB Rai, Additional Chief Engineer (North), Energy & Power Department; D Kharel, SE (EHV/SLDC) Energy & Power; T. Samdup, Joint Director, IT Department; SL Bhutia, DFO (T) North; ST Wangdi, Deputy Director, IT; and RP Sharma, ACF (Chungthang) Forest Department.
The meeting was also attended by Palzor Lachungpa of TAAS and representatives of Vodafone India headed by Lt. Col (retd) Sunirmal Patra, Head- Corporate Affair (East) Vodafone  and Co-Founder of SourceN Inc. Karma Michung Bhutia.
The meeting highlighted issues faced by the public in North District with respect to telecommunication connectivity and services. Mr. Lachungpa articulated the challenges faced by the people of North Sikkim in terms of geography which is vulnerable to natural disasters such as landslides, flash floods, earthquake etc. as a result of which communication & essential service fail to reach the public. He also mentioned that the telecom service beyond Mangan was very poor and steps should be taken to improve telecom connectivity to places like Chungthang, Lachung, Lachen and other remote areas in the North district.
A brief presentation was given by Lt. Col Patra, Head- Corporate Affair (East) Vodafone, highlighting the blueprint of Vodafone’s connectivity in West Bengal and Sikkim and how they plan to provide telecom connectivity to North Sikkim. He mentioned support required from key Government organisations for OFC connectivity to meet the communication needs and to provide a reliable connectivity to North Sikkkim. Use of WiMax as an alternative to OFC’s was also discussed.
Issues regarding power supply, land for erecting cellular towers and the clarification on cellular tower radiation were also discussed.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by T. Samdup, Joint Director/ Information Technology Department.

North District Disaster Management Authority convenes coordination meeting

MANGAN, 08 May: A coordination meeting on roles and responsibilities of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) was convened here yesterday chaired by the District Magistrate (N), CP Dhakal, who also chairs the DDMA, Zilla Adhyaksha, Anguli Lepcha, who is also the co-chairperson of the Authority, Upadhakshya NT Lepcha, Sr. SP (N) BK Tamang, ADC RK Yadav, CMO (N), KT Lepcha, DFO (T), SDMs of Mangan and Chungthang, DCSO (N), officers of the Power and Roads & Bridges Departments, MNP councillors, DPO, LR&DM and other department heads.
In his address, the DM, reiterated that all departments should submit their respective requirement lists for disaster management to the DDMA. He referred to the recent flash-flood in Dikchu to reiterate the need for all agencies to stay alert.
He also pointed out that people are coming for natural calamity grants for fields and domestic animals lost to hail and heavy rains and the concerned BDO’s and executing officers should play consciously undertake a more active role to attend to the people’s requests and carry out prompt and proper survey of the claims. DM’s office alone cannot handle all the cases, he stressed.
The engineering cells will have to work in coordination with the administrative wings and follow prescribed rules and guidelines properly, he said.
Meanwhile, the District Administrative Centre has also started SMS service and prepared a telephone directory of all the concerned personnel, Panchayats and MNP councillors to ensure quick action and response to disasters, he added.
Sr. SP (N), in turn, informed that the police was invariably the first responder to disaster events and shared that improved civic arrangements like proper drainage would go a long way towards ensuring safety.
The co-chairperson, the Zilla Adhakshya, in her address, stressed that ward level disaster relief teams need to be mobilized and adequate safety measures initiated forthwith to reinforce the district for the monsoons. Discussions on disasters alone offer no solution if it did not lead to proper preparation, she said, adding that in Dzongu, above Lingzya, the people were facing problems of water supply, irrigation, lack of ICDS centre and road connectivity since 18 September 2011 earthquake, restoration works for which were still pending at several places.
North district highways are not only for the movement of VIPs as at the time of VIP movement, the roads are repaired and then neglected again, she added.
The Upadhakshya focused on the need for proper awareness and instructions on rules and regulations concerning road reserve areas. He also sought that adequate stocks of essential commodities be maintained well in advance of the monsoons.

SDF’s Cheli Morcha convenes coordination meetings for Lachen-Mangan and Dzongu constituencies

MANGAN, 07 May: Constituency level coordination meeting of SDF’s women’s wing, the Cheli Morcha, were convened for Lachen-Mangan and Dzongu constituencies on 06 and 07 May respectively.
ForLachen-Mangan, the meeting was held at Naga and began with a welcome address by Ashokmit Lepcha (vice convener, Cheli Morcha), followed by Upadhakshya, NT Lepcha, speaking on the SDF Government’s consistent efforts to sustain and nurture Lepcha culture and traditions.
The Cheli Morcha general secretary, Manita Mangar, in turn detailed the initiatives of the SDF Government towards women’s empowerment and calling on the Cheli Morcha members to coordinate efforts with their area MLA to spread wider awareness on the party’s ideology, commitment and delivery on women’s issues.
The North Zilla Adhakshya, Anguli Lepcha, invited members to undertake a detailed analysis of the SDF Government’s achievements of the past 19 years, compare it against the situation of the past and the claims of the party’s detractors to understand what would be at stake if misinformation was allowed to spread unchallenged.
Similarly, former MLA, Ringzing Ongmu, member State Planning Commission, underlined the role of the Cheli Morcha and its responsibilities towards the party.
Former Speaker, Kalawati Subba, also a member of the State Planning Commission now, then shared the party’s growth since it was launched to its elevation to government in Sikkim and its various policy initiatives which have consistently been pro-poor and pro-women.
The function winded up with vote of thanks being delivered by Songmit Lepcha, zilla member. Also present for the meeting were Khamsoong Lepcha, North District president SDF, former Upadhakshya  Pintso Doma Bhutia, panchayat and zilla members and the women from Lachen-Mangan.
The team then convened a similar meeting for the Cheli Morcha or Dzongu constituencyat Namprikdang Ground yesterday chaired by Ms. Kalawati Subba and also attended by the area MLA Sonam Gyatso Lepcha, apart from the party leaders who attended the Naga meet.
This meeting started with a welcome address by Dawden Lepcha, Cheli Convenor, Dzongu constituency.
During the meeting, the names of convenors and vice convenors of the Cheli Morcha for ward level and GPU level cells were announced by Khimoo Lepcha, North District convenor of the SDF Cheli Morcha.

Namprikdang Namsoong Festival gets underway

MANGAN, 19 Dec: The five-day Namprikdang Namsoong Festival 2012 was inaugurated by North Zilla Adhakshya Anguli Lepcha today. The festival, organized by the Namprikdang Namsoong Celebration Committee here at Namprikdang Ground in Upper Dzongu at the confluence of the Teesta and Tholung Chu, has grown in significance over the years.
The general secretary of the celebration committee, Samten Lepcha, while speaking to NOW! informed that the Namsoong festivities at Namprikdang began in the year 1976 and the festival includes folk dances , traditional food stalls from and outside the state, traditional games and other entertainment for visitors. The Zilla Adhakshya was accompanied to the inauguration by the North Zilla Upadhakshya, Nim Tshering Lepcha, as the special guest.
Following the welcome speech by the NNCC general secretary, the cultural secretary NNCC, Namgyal Lepcha underlined the history and importance of the Namsoong Festival here at this confluence.
The Upadhakshya in turn spoke about the development taking place in North Sikkim in terms of preserving tradition and culture and stressed on the ongoing project of a multipurpose ground at Naga and the Bongthing School coming up at the same venue.
The chief guest, Anguli Lepcha, in her address highlighted that the Namsoong was a festival of all communities and urged the people to participate in the celebrations at Namprikdang. She also thanked the people of North Sikkim for their unconditional support in electing her to the post of Zilla Adhyaksha and assured that she will work for the people.
A colourful cultural programme was also part of the programme. The inaugural function was also attended by Chairman Milk Union, Choden Lepcha, former chairperson Chumki Saring Lepcha, district officials and people from all walks of life.

Pipon elections held in Lachung

STAND-OFF AT KHEDUM BLOCK AS BOTH CANDIDATES CLAIM VICTORY
GANGTOK, 19 Dec: Coming close on the heels of the recently-concluded panchayat elections comes news of another interesting democratic tradition of the State - the election of the Pipons under the Dzumsa system in North Sikkim. Held on the first day of Losoong, 14 Dec, the process turned tense in one of the blocks of Lachung.
The elections for the posts of Pipon in the two blocks of Lachung, namely Lema Block and Khedum Block, were held on 14 December; while the election in Lema went peacefully, there is now a stand-off between two contesting candidates for the Pipon seat in Khedum block with both claiming to be winners. While this had initially led to a tense situation in Lachung, as DC [North], TW Khangsarpa, informs, the situation has calmed down now.
Two candidates claiming to have won the election at Khedum are Nedup Lachungpa and Karma Lachungpa; the latter is also the incumbent Pipon who was contesting for a second term as Pipon for Khedum. It is informed that Nedup Lachungpa had been declared winner by the Chultimpa of the Lachung Gumpa.
On the other hand Karma Lachungpa also declared himself as winner and proceeded to submit his winning declaration to the concerned authority, the Chungthang SDM who was present at the venue of the election which took place at the Thomchy School ground. As of now the matter is yet to be resolved.
The DC, while confirming the stand-off between the two contestants, informed that the matter will now proceed to the court of the prescribed authority which is the Secretary, RMD Department. This is as per the Sikkim Panchayat Act in which is also incorporated the procedure of election to the Dzumsa in North Sikkim. In fact the DC also held a meeting between the two candidates and informed them of the process to be followed and the authority which will finally dispense the matter.
With the RMDD Secretary presently in New Delhi, the matter remains unresolved. As regards the Pipon elections itself, the DC stated that since this was a traditional kind of election the administration does not involve itself directly in the matter or interfere with the process and especially as the election process has not been codified. The only charge of the administration is the maintenance of law and order.
So the reason why both candidates claim to have won has not been scrutinized yet and will have to await the arrival of the prescribed authority. However both claim to have got the majority votes of the 284 strong electorate of Khedum block, Lachung. The Pipon elections for Lachen are scheduled for February 2013.

Slump in production of Lum oranges

MANGAN, 11 Dec: Lum oranges, famed for being the sweetest grown in the State, have seen almost a 70% fall in production this year. The Lum Orange is usually a large sized fruit and is also exported outside the state.
“Usually, I produce around 30,000 fruits in a year, but this year my harvest will not go above five to six thousand,” said Karzang Lepcha, one of the farmers from this village. He further informed that, hailstorms, which usually hampers production, have not occurred this year so it is not clear why the production has gone down so drastically this year.
Similarly, Chugay Lepcha one of the farmers informed that his annual harvest normally gives around forty thousand but this year he is expecting to get only 8 to 10 thousand. The villagers here are not sure of the reason behind this sudden fall in production.
Meanwhile, the KVK has provided a tank for the farmers to store their ‘drop fruits’ which are recommended for disposal after the application of prescribed medicines.
Ward panchayat of the area, Tshering Gyatso Lepcha, while speaking to NOW! informed that the KVK has provided such tanks to each household. The villagers have now even grown suspicious of the medicine, with some convinced that this was leading to the fall in production.
“We are not technical experts to comment on the actual cause of the fall in production but we have been told by KVK officials and experts that the actual cause is insects”, said Mr Lepcha.

Panchayats issue wild bear alert at Shipgyer

MANGAN, 05 Dec: The villagers of Lower Gyer of Shipgyer GPU in Upper Dzongu have been advised by the panchayat secretary and other panchayat members to refrain from entering the jungle there owing to the risk of wild bear attacks. One was killed there in a bear attack last week, it may be recalled.
It is learnt that the bear is still in the jungles around the village with more sightings reported in the area and the panchayat secretary has also advised the people to even avoid the approach footpath which connects with the PWD road after daylight hours.
The panchayat and public here have requested the concerned Wild Life Division to take necessary action for the safety of the public.

Get serious BRO!

HIGH COURT NOT CONVINCED BY ‘UNREALISTIC’ PROJECTIONS ON NORTH ROADS

GANGTOK, 02 Dec: The State government has sought more time to file an affidavit in the High Court regarding various aspects of road construction in North Sikkim, including timeframe for clearances. This is in regard to the PIL in the court by the Public and Panchayat of North Sikkim when the matter came up on 20 November.
Earlier, when the matter had come up for hearing in October, the division bench noted that it was not impressed by the compliance report filed by the army road agency. The Court noted that timeframe indicated in the report for obtaining approval/ permissions from various authorities including forest clearance and also the time frame for construction of road/ bridges between Dikchu and Sangkalang “…is unrealistic”.
In fact it had been submitted that Forest clearance would require 210 days while the time requirement mentioned for construction of a small stretch of road and bridges was 4 to 5 years. There were no details as to how this much time is required for the works, the court noted.
The court had then directed that a fresh affidavit be filed as the present one was unsatisfactory. Furthermore, it noted from the compliance report that some local contractors were not responding to the NIT issued by BRO. As such it then gave BRO the liberty to “…engage contractors from outside the state notwithstanding any circular or direction of the state government in this regard”.
The division bench noted that this direction was being issued in the interest of the public of North Sikkim “…who are suffering because of the non-availability of local labourers / contractors.”
At the same time the court observed that security aspect of the area must be taken care of while engaging outside agencies.
The court had also directed that local inhabitants were not to prevent the BRO from widening the Dikchu-Sangkalang road up to 54 feet width. This was issued as it had been submitted that the BRO was attempting to widen the road by taking private land without paying compensation. On this aspect, the court noted that the matter of compensation would be taken up at the appropriate time. The BRO was also directed to increase its manpower for maintenance of the 26 km stretch of Dikchu-Sangkalang road.
The road is a primary link for the people of the area and they have been suffering hardships due to the incomplete and pending road construction. Even land acquisition process had been initiated under court directions for improvement and widening of the road and construction of bridges.
Earlier the court had taken strong exception to the apparent lackadaisical attitude of the administration and other agencies towards their duties and had come down heavily on both the state and army agencies. It had also earlier observed that of the stretch of 21 km of the Dikchu-Sangkalang road only 1 km stretch of black topping was done in one year.
Appearing for the state respondents was the Additional AG while for the central government it was Advocate Karma Thinlay. Also appearing as Amicus was Advocate DR Thapa.

Committee set up to revise compensation dues for lands under army occupation in North Sikkim

GANGTOK, 02 Dec: The State government through the Land Revenue Department has set up a committee comprising of concerned officials of North district including the DC to revise the rates of compensation as per the prevailing market rate with respect to standing crops, trees, vegetables, fruits etc to be paid to locals whose lands have been forcefully occupied by the army.
This is in response to the directive of the High Court of Sikkim and the same was submitted to the court. Earlier the court had noted its dismay over the response of the North district administration on this matter especially when it was submitted that compensation computed by the officials for the 7 families in Thombu whose lands have been under army occupation for a number of years was just over Rs. 30,000, total for the years; further more the compensation had been assessed at the rates of 2006.
On 20 November the matter came up for hearing when Additional AG, JB Pradhan submitted a copy of the minutes of the meeting held in the chamber of Secretary, Land Revenue where it was decided to constitute such a committee. It was further submitted that the committee would require 6 weeks time to complete its process of compensation assessment and prepare its report.
However the court, on perusal of the report of the committee noted that “…the emphasis seems to prepare the reply to be filed before the court.” This, the court, noted, gave the impression that the entire exercise of constituting such a committee “…is intended to camouflage the real purpose and hoodwinking the court”.
At this the Additional AG submitted that the said paragraph would be rectified. The court, however, noted that it did not appreciate the manner in which the Minutes of the meeting had been drawn. With the next date set for February, 2013 the court directed that a detailed affidavit be filed including consideration of the report of the committee regarding the revision of compensation.
Earlier when the matter had come up in October it had been submitted by the Defense Estate Officer that with regard to hiring charges of land of 14 cases to be paid by the army, Rs.3.51 lakh had been paid by cheque to the Secretary, Land Revenue. The court had then directed that immediate disbursement of the amount to the concerned families.
On 20 November it was submitted that hiring charges of private land owners in Chungthang block had been paid and that land owners of other blocks were being approached for payment. The court hoped that the process of payment would be complete by the next date of hearing. The court had also directed earlier that interest component whether payable under any local or central law be considered.
The High Court, in October, had also directed that the Union of India be made a party to the petition through the Cabinet Secretary by which all departments of the union government would become parties to the proceedings. It also observed that since the state of Sikkim was a party through the Chief Secretary all departments of the state were deemed as parties to the petition.
Also appearing for the central government was government advocate Karma Thinlay and Amicus, DR Thapa.

North Panchayats sworn in

MANGAN, 09 Nov: The oath taking ceremony for the newly elected 20 Zilla Panchayat (ZP) and 107 Ward Panchayat (WP) out of 109 WP was held in the presence of ADC (N), P Verma, SDM Mangan, PW Lepcha, ADC Development, RM&DD, CG Bhutia and BDOs of different BACs at Mangan today.
The oath taking programme started with the handing over of certificates to all the Panchayats by the ADC (N) and ADC Development.
ADC, Development, RM&DD, in his address extended greetings to the newly elected panchayats on behalf of the Secretary RM&DD, DR Nepal. He urged all to serve the public and work towards the development of the area in coordination with the public under the guidelines of the Panchayati Raj System and party manifesto.
He also informed that the announcement of the portfolios process will be done after the official notification is received.
The ADC (N) stated that all the Zilla and Ward Panchayats hold valuable responsibilities towards the public and area development. So, every work should be carried out with proper documentation and transparency using their post and power for the benefits of the general public of the area, he added.

Golay tours North Sikkim

MANGAN, 09 Nov: Dissident SDF MLA, PS Tamang, delved on various problems being faced by the people of North Sikkim and alleged that the State government has failed to deliver in the district.
Mr Tamang, along with his supporters Ugen Nedup Bhutia of Phensong, Chewang Jigmee Lepcha of Mangan and others was on a two-day visit to North Sikkim on 07 and 08 November. The Upper Burtuk MLA began his address here at Mangan by condemning the attack on Sikkim NOW! office on 07 November and said that it shows the weakness of the government in providing security to the press and media in the state.
Stating that this is his first tour to Lachung and Lachen following the 18 September earthquake last year, Mr Tamang alleged that the poor condition of roads is due to the negligence of GREF and the State government. He highlighted various problems like disrupted power supply and BSNL communication, drinking water supply, supply of refilled LPG cylinders and suspension of work at the Ramom Chu power house after the earthquake last year.
According to Mr Tamang, these problems have affected tourism in the area which is the main source of income for the local public. Local public and the Pipon met him and placed their problems mainly with regard to earthquake relief yet to be received by the affected people of the area.
2,800 metric tonnes of ration as disaster relief and distribution of solar heaters for high altitude which came for North Sikkim has not reached the affected people, he alleged and further added that Dzumsa maintenance fund for Lachen has not been provided either.
The MLA also assured the public that he will raise these issues with the state government and that he will launch a new political party within this month. [from DEEPAK SHARMA]

SDF sweeps North Zillas, Independents secure small toehold at ward level

MANGAN, 05 Nov: The ruling Sikkim Democratic Front continued its hold over North Sikkim by securing 19 of the 20 Zilla territorial constituencies in the district and cornering 98 of the 109 panchayat wards here. While a majority of these seats had already been secured uncontested by the ruling party, it further improved on its tally after the votes were counted today. Only one [Phensang under Kabi-Lungstok constituency] of 06 Zilla wards which required elections went to an Independent candidate while SDF and Independents split the 28 panchayat wards which went to poll at 18 and 10 respectively. The performance of Independents at the Zilla level remains unchanged from the last panchayat polls in 2007, but last time, the SDF had fielded no candidate for the Zilla ward which went to an Independent in North Sikkim, incidentally, also at Kabi-Tingda then. At the Panchayat ward level, Independents have improved on their tally from 06 last time to 10 now.
The details are as follows:
In Dzongu constituency, out of 11 Territorial Constituencies and 56 Wards, the election was held for three territorial constituencies and 10 Wards.
Namok-Swayem GPU: Pema Lhamu Lepcha (SDF) 432 and Norzam Bhutia (IND) 274; Mangshila-Tibuk GPU: Dhan Maya Limboo (SDF) 643, Raghu Maya Limboo (IND) 204 and Sun Kumari Limboo (IND) 177; Hee-Gyathang GPU: Angulie Lepcha (SDF) 502 and Lakpa Tshering Lepcha (IND) 238.
Swayem ward: Dawa Pendup Bhutia (SDF) 105 and Tenzing Gyamtso Lepcha (IND) 61; Deythang ward: Passangmit Lepcha (SDF) 70 and Kipu Bhutia (IND) 66 of Namok Swayem GPU.
Ralak ward: Kumar Limboo (SDF) 169 and Bandhana Subba (IND) 81; Lower Zusing ward: Meena Maya Limboo (SDF) 131 and Ganga Maya Limboo (IND) 65 of Mangshila-Tibuk GPU.
Ship ward: Lakden Lepcha (SDF) 82 and Rongmit Lepcha (IND) 24 of Shipgyer GPU; Lower Barfok ward: Lopzang Lepcha (SDF) 69 and Phur Tshering Lepcha (IND) 25 of Barfok-Lingdong GPU.
RangRang ward: Santosh Tamang (IND) 92 and Dawa Tamang (SDF) 58 of Tingchim-Chandey GPU; Sudur Bringbong ward: Tshering Doma Lepcha (SDF) 98 and Norzey Lepcha (IND) 95; Mantyang Tungkyong ward: Kalzang Dorjee Lepcha (IND) 81 and Karma Lepcha (SDF) 79; Sangdong ward: Lhakit Lepcha (SDF) 116 and Pemkit Lepcha  (IND) 02 of  Hee-Gyathang GPU.
Similarly, out of 5 Territorial Constituencies and 30 Wards of Kabi-Lungtsok constituency, the election was held at three GPUs for territorial constituencies and 14 Wards.
Kabi-Tingda GPU: Pema Doma Bhutia (SDF) 569, Passang Lhamu Sherpa (IND) 399 and Yangchen Doma Bhutia (IND) 271; Phensang GPU: Pema Sherap Lepcha (IND) 331, Choden Lepcha (SDF) 285  and Passang Namgyal Lepcha (IND) 126; Men-Rongong GPU: Khimoo Lepcha (SDF) 357 and Phursongmoo Lepcha (IND) 304.
Under the Kabi-Tingda GPU, Tingmoo Ghaikhana ward: Chey Lhamu Sherpa (IND) 257 and Bibi Doma Tamang (SDF) 120; Longbu ward: Tashi Lhendup Bhutia (SDF) 209 and Sonam Tsh Bhutia (IND) 62; Lingchom ward: Tshering Sherpa (SDF) 147, Lhakpa Sherpa (IND) 95.
Under the Phensang GPU, Lower Paney Phensong ward: Norjeela Lepcha (SDF) 67 and Ongmu Lepcha  (IND) 64; Gensoi Phensong ward: Namday Lepcha (IND) 92 and Tshering Zangmu Bhutia (SDF) 52; Safyong ward: Ugen Lhendup Bhutia (SDF) 47 and Tshering Doma Bhutia (IND) 27; Labi ward: Phurkey Lepcha (IND) 43 and Chewang Doma Lepcha (SDF) 33; Sardong ward: Chuzing Lepcha (IND) 65 and Chogay Lepcha  (SDF) 59; Tingshim ward: Doma Lepcha (IND) 45 and Pemkey Lepcha (SDF) 43.
Under Men-Rongong GPU, Rarik ward: Doma Yangzom Lepcha (SDF) 65 and Pem Phutti Lepcha (IND) 39; Lower Chewang ward: Pintso Lepcha  (IND)  73 and Sonam Dathup Lepcha (SDF) 66.
Under Rongong-Tumlong GPU, Lower Rongong ward: Som Bahadur Subba (SDF) 96 and Subash Subba (IND) 94 .
Under Ramthang-Tangyek GPU, Ramthang Khyongu ward: Pem Chukki Bhutia (SDF) 62 and Phurzim Ongmu Bhutia (IND) 45; Ramthang Phyagu ward: Marmit Lepcha (SDF) 49 and Tenzing Doma Lepcha (IND) 40. Tangyek ward: Pema Doma Lepcha (IND) 58 and Phumden Lepcha (SDF) 48; Lungchok Sangam ward: Karma Gyaltsen Lepcha (IND) 49 and Dup Tshering Lepcha (SDF) 47.
In Lachen-Mangan constituency, out of 4 territorial constituencies and 23 wards, the election was held at only two wards. Pakshep ward of Singhik GPU: Nima Dorjee Tamang (SDF) 159 and Pawluse Tamang (IND) 90; Manul ward of Toong-Naga GPU: Laymu Lepcha (IND) 47 and Thinley Chopel Lepcha (IND) 45.
However, the figures show close contest in maximum wards and GPUs in North Sikkim.
The counting process was conducted in the presence of Election Observer North District, CT Wangdi, Panchayat Returning Officer, TW Khangsarpa and other officials here at Zilla Bhawan in Mangan North Sikkim.
The overall voter turn-out for the Panchayat poll in North Sikkim was 87% while the highest votes have been cast at Kabi/Phensong with 98%, turnout.  Likewise, the lowest votes have been cast at Ramthang/Tanek, at both zilla and ward panchayat poll which is 65%.
The Addl. Returning Officer, PW Lepcha today also announced that all the elected and uncontested panchayats have to be present on 09 November for the certificate award ceremony at Community Hall Mangan.

Kabi-Phensong records highest voter turn-out in North

MANGAN, 04 Nov: Panchayat polls in North Sikkim yesterday saw an overall voter turn-out of 87%. In the district which outperformed all others in voter turnout, the highest number of votes were cast at Kabi-Phensong which recorded 98% turnout while the lowest percentage of votes in were cast at Ramthang-Tanek, both in zilla and ward panchayat polls.
Polling was conducted peacefully and the EVMs were taken to the Zilla Panchayat Bhawan, Mangan which were received by Addl. Returning officers in the presence of Panchayat Returning officer, TW Khangserpa.

North posts 87% voter turn-out

TWO EVMS REPLACED DUE TO TECHNICAL PROBLEMS
MANGAN, 03 Nov: 87% percent of voters turned out for the Panchayat polls in three constituencies of North Sikkim today which was completed peacefully.  There were a total of 45 polling stations in North Sikkim for the panchayat election.
In Dzongu constituency, out of 11 Territorial Constituencies and 56 Wards, with most having already been bagged by the SDF uncontested, election was held for three territorial constituencies - Namok-Swayem, Mangshila-Tibuk and Hee-Gyathang GPU.  Likewise, the election for wards was held at Swayem, Deythang of Namok Swayem GPU, Ralak, Lower Zusing of Mangshila-Tibuk GPU, Ship ward of Shipgyer GPU, Lower Barfok ward of Barfok-Lingdong GPU, RangRangward of Tingchim-Chandey GPU and Sudur Bringbong, Mantyang Tungkyong and Sangdong wards of Hee-Gyathang GPU.
Similarly, out of 5 Territorial Constituencies and 30 Wards of Kabi-Lungtsok constituency, the election was held at three GPUs for territorial constituencies such as Kabi-Tingda, Phensang and Men-Rongong GPUs.  Likewise, the election for  wards were held at Tingmoo Ghaikhana, Longbu, Lingchom wards of Kabi-Tingda GPUs, Lower Paney Phensong, Gensoi Phensong, Safyong, Labi, Sardong, and Tingshim wards of Phensang GPU,  Rarik and Lower Chewang wards from Men-Rongong GPU, Lower Rongong ward from Rongong-Tumlong GPU and Ramthang Khyongu and Ramthang Phyagu wards of Ramthang-Tangyek GPU.
In Lachen-Mangan constituency, out of 4 territorial constituencies and 23 wards, the election was held at only two wards which are Pakshep ward of Singhik GPU and Manul ward of Toong-Naga GPU.
Two EVMs were replaced due to some technical problems at two polling stations which were 3/Mantyang Tungkyong ward of Hee-Gyathang GPU and 2/ Rongpa ward of Kabi-Tingda GPU Polling Station.  However, no problem was faced as such since the EVMs were replaced in time, informed SDM Mangan, PW Lepcha while speaking to NOW! The EVMs have been sealed and kept at the Zilla Bhavan.

EVMs sealed for panchayat polls in North Sikkim

MANGAN, 31 Oct: EVM sealing process and signature tagging of contested candidates on EVM sets was completed today in the presence of Panchayat poll Returning Officer, TW Khangserpa and Additional RO, P Verma, PW Lepcha and CG Bhutia and election department staff at the Zilla Panchayat Bhawan, Mangan, North Sikkim.
Total number of EVMs prepared is 70, out of which, 63 will be sent to all the polling stations for Zilla(T/C) and Ward panchayat elections and remaining 7 EVMs have been prepared as back up in case any machine faces technical problems.
There are 2 EVMs for ward panchayat election in Lachen-Mangan. In Kabi-Lungchok, 35 EVMs have been prepared, 19 for Zilla(T/C) and 16 for Ward panchayat while in Dzongu constituency, there is a total of 26 EVMs, 16 for Zilla(T/C) and 10 for Ward panchayat.
The total number 0f polling stations in North Sikkim will be 45, out of which 3 polling stations, Pakshep, Hee-Gyathang and Phensong are some of the sensitive wards.