SIBLAC convenor meets ASI officials on Dubdi Monastery restoration issue

GANGTOK, 01 Aug: SIBLAC convenor, Tseten Tashi Bhutia has taken up the issue of the dilapidated condition of Dubdi Monastery in West Sikkim with officials of Archeological Survey of India, Kolkata circle.
Speaking to NOW! over the phone, Mr Bhutia informed that he met Ashok Kumar Patel [Superintending Archeologist] and P. Kumar Das [Conservation Assistant, who is also In-charge of Sikkim, Archeologist Survey of India, Kolkata circle] and raised the issue of the dilapidated condition of Dubdi Monastery which is under ASI’s purview.
The earthquake of 2011 had wrecked extensive damage on Dubdi Monastery and its condition continues to remain so. The ASI had initiated a project to restore and preserve the Dubdi Monastery, however, the work is yet to begin.
The State government had also sanctioned funds for the restoration of the monastery, however, after the ASI took over no work was initiated leaving the old dilapidated monastery on the verge of collapse.
Mr Bhutia informs that ASI-Kolkata has assured to immediately start the restoration works after this rainy season gets over which is by the third week of September.
He further said that if the restoration work is not taken up by end of September, he will take the matter up in the highest forum of the central government.

SIBLAC to be part of BL convention

GANGTOK, 06 Dec: The two convenors of Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee [SIBLAC], Tseten Tashi Bhutia and Rinzing Chewang Lepcha will be attending the National Bhutia-Lepcha Convention to be held on 08 December.
A press release from the Bhutia Lepcha Protection Force, which is organizing the convention, informs that the two SIBLAC convenors have consented to attend the convention being held at Gangtok. “We look forward for their continued guidance and cooperation for all times to come”, it states and appeals to all the community members to attend the Convention.

SIBLAC and Save Sikkim file FIRs against Shiga Energy

GANGTOK, 29 Sept: Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee [SIBLAC] and Save Sikkim [an NGO] filed separate FIRs with the Gyalshing Police Station in West Sikkim on 27 September.
A SIBLAC release informs that its two convenors, Tseten Tashi Bhutia and Rinzing Chewang Lepcha along with Save Sikkim’s president, PR Kharka filed the FIRs on Friday. The FIRs allege “fraudulent act affected by the M/S Shiga Energy Pvt Ltd, which is executing the anti-people and anti-Dharma 97MW Tashiding Hydro Electric Project proposed over sacred Rathong Chu in West Sikkim”.
It is mentioned in the FIR that despite the High Court order of 24 July, 2012 recording that the “execution of the project shall remain subject to the outcome of the writ petition”, the company has begun construction work for the HEP without waiting for the outcome. The company has begun “tunneling, cutting of hills and blasting of rocks on war-footing including works at Dam/barrage site over the sacred River”, it is added.
The FIR accuses departments like Energy & Power Dept., Ecclesiastical Dept., and Forests Department as well as the office of the District Collector (West) of what the two organizations see as “callous approach” and further requests immediate action against the Heads of these Departments and District Collector [West] “for failing to deliver their responsibilities in accordance with the law and abusing their official position”.

SIBLAC petitions Governor with demand for action against Law Secy

GANGTOK, 07 May: Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee has petitioned the Governor with a request to initiate immediate action against Law Secretary, RK Purkayasth, for what the organization believes was insensitive and incorrect advice to the State Government on the Tashiding Hydroelectric project. SIBLAC believes that Mr. Purkayastha was misleading not only the government, but also the judiciary on this project.
SIBLAC convenor, Tseten Tashi Bhutia, told the reporters today that a memorandum was submitted to the Raj Bhawan and the Chief Secretary yesterday urging them to take immediate action against the Law Secretary.
SIBLAC is offended by the legal opinion given by Mr. Purkayastha to the State Government on Tashiding HEP. This, after the high-powered committee chaired by the then Chief Secretary did not make a clear recommendation on what the government should do about this project. The committee, instituted to study hydel project proposed on the Rathong Chu in West Sikkim, had recommended the scrapping of two projects and not given a clear verdict on Tashiding HEP. Two projects, Lethang and Ting-Ting, were scrapped by the government.

NASBO and SIBLAC condole passing away of Phensang Khyen Rinpoche

GANGTOK, 11 July: National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation [NASBO] and the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee [SIBLAC] in spate press releases issued today, have condoled the passing away of the Dorje Loben of Genchen Phensang, Denjong Khenchen Rinpoche Dorje Dechen, reverently known as Phensang Khyen Rinpoche. SIBLAC has also resolved to observe a two-week long official mourning.
In his renouncing the physical body, the Rinpoche practically displayed his disciples and devotees on the nature of impermanence of everything, states a NASBO press release. The late Khyen Rinpoche will be remembered and recognized for his simplicity, perfection on dharma philosophy and above all, for his insight knowledge of the Bayul Dremo Jong and its hidden treasures for all time to come, it adds.
“We deeply respect his concerns and emphasis on preserving, identifying and practicing the necessary teachings of he Rigzin Sogdrub tradition as originally espoused by Lhatsun Namkha Jigme,” the release expresses.
Furthering adding that the extent of attraction, respect and recognition that he received from the the Late Dudjm Rinpoche and the present Dodrubchen itself speaks volumes of his incomparable spiritual accomplishment.
“At this hour of bereavement, we pray for the swift transmission of his re-incarnation for the benefit of all the sentient beings as he did in his lifetime. We also pray for bestowing of courage ad tolerance to all his followers at this hour of difficulties”, the release further adds.
SIBLAC has also mourned the demise of the Phensang Khyen Rinpoche and declared a two-week official mourning period. A SIBLAC release informs that the Committee held a meeting chaired by its convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia and passed a resolution that reads, “...the Dorje Lopen Khenchen Rinpoche Dechen Dorje of Phensang Monastery was much revered by hundreds of his students and disciples across Sikkim, he was known for his principle and discipline while as the Principal of the Namgyal Institute of Higher Nyingma Studies, Deorali. He was gravely worried to see the never-ending human and materialistic interference of the sacred abodes and sites of the Bayul Dremo Jong which otherwise are mentioned as very sacred in our religious scriptures.
His keenness to uphold the tradition amidst all the odds is reflected in his founding of Sheda in Rinchenpong, which now becomes our common responsibility to ensure that the Sheda flourishes and all the aspirations and objectives as inaugurated by him is fulfilled.
We further pray that the Rinpoche would reincarnate not before too long and continue with his dharma activities for the welfare and benefit of all the sentient beings. Grateful Sikkimese devotees thank the Rinpoche for all his inspirations, guardianly advise and solace whenever solicited.”

SIBLAC passing away of Prof BK Roy Burman

GANGTOK, 27 June: Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee [SIBLAC] held a condolence meeting today to mourn the passing away of Prof BK Roy Burman on 26 June. A respected anthropologist, Prof Burman also headed the Commission for Review of Social and Environmental sector policies, plan and programme (CRESP) in Sikkim.
The SIBLAC press release informs that its members observed a two-minutes silence and decided to adopt a condolence resolution in memory of Late Prof BK Roy Burman.
“This organization deeply condoles the passing away of Prof. BK Roy Burman on 26, June, 2012. Prof Burman was a renowned anthropologist and always worked for the betterment of the indigenous people,” the release states.
Prof Burman is the former Chairman, Study Group on Land Holding System of Tribals, Planning Commission, Government of India (1985-86), and former Chairman, Committee on Forest and Tribals Backward Classes Unit, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India (1980-82).
A former visiting Professor of Jawaharlal Nehru University and Professor of Visva-Bharati University and ex-officio Director of the Council of Social Development, Prof. Burman also served as a visiting Senior Fellow at the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies.
Considered an authority on the northeast, Prof. Burman stoutly opposed the imposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in Manipur and Operation Green Hunt, and had written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh several times.
The Commission for Review of Social and Environmental sector policies, plan and programme (CRESP) he headed in Sikkim was shouldered with the responsibility of reviewing the constitutional status of castes and communities of Sikkim in historical, cultural, ecological and political-economic contexts to make appropriate recommendations and also to review the policies, plans and other programmes in respect of SCs, STs, OBCs and other socially and economically backward communities for improvement of quality of life of all sections of people of Sikkim. The SIBLAC release goes on to contend that the Commission’s recommendations were biased and believes that Prof. Burman resigned from the Committee “realizing the faults of the committee and being misused”.
“The passing away of Prof Burman is an irreparable loss to the nation and more particularly, the indigenous people who shall always miss the academic deeds and contributions of late Burman,” the release expresses, adding, “We deeply condole his passing away and pray the almighty to bestow him eternal peace at death and power to tolerate this tragedy to all his surviving family members.”

Common Platform asks ruling and opposition to enunciate stand on alleged hydel scam

GANGTOK, 17 May: Members of Platform for Joint Action Against Hydro Projects held an emergency meeting today to discuss recent reports of a hydro power scam in the state amounting to Rs 20,000 crore in a national weekly magazine, informs a press release issued by SIBLAC, convenor, Tseten Tashi Bhutia, who is also the coordinator of the group.
The Platform consists of Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC), All Sikkim Educated Self Employed and Unemployed Association (ASESE&UA), National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation (NASBO 371F), Save Sikkim, All Sikkim Monasteries’ Association (ASMAN), Concerned Lepchas of Sikkim (CLOS), Affected Citizen of Teesta (ACT), Denjong Chyarig Tsogpo and People’s Forum on Earthquake (PFOE) .
According to the release, the meeting noted “with concern” that an alleged scam of such magnitude has escaped the attention of the civil society and political leaders. “The revelation made in the national print media portrays a bad image of Sikkim,” the release underlines.
The Platform also condemns the “inaction of opposition political parties on matter of such immense significance” and remaining “mute spectators”.
Further stating that political leaders of both the ruling and opposition should have played the roles of whistleblowers to combat corruption, the Platform has made an appeal to them to “make their stands clear on this Rs 20,000 crore mega power scam”.

SIBLAC voices concern over SDF resolve to increase Assembly seats to 40

DEMANDS PROPORTIONAL INCREASE IN NUMBER OF BL SEATS
GANGTOK, 09 Mar: SIBLAC has raised concerns over the resolution to demand an increase in the number of Assembly seats to 40 from 32 adopted by the ruling SDF party at its convention held at Jorethang recently. A press release issued by the SIBLAC convenor, Tseten Tashi Bhutia, contends that to demand an increase in total number of seats without proportional increase in BL seats was “unconstitutional” and “poses a serious threat to the political safeguards provided by Article 371F of the Constitution to minority Bhutia-Lepcha community in Sikkim.”
SIBLAC has underlined this issue to register its concern over the recent statement of Vice-Chairman of the National Minority Commission who, during his recent visit to Sikkim, stated on record that “minorities are safe in Sikkim”.
“It is unfortunate the person like Dr Sangliana is making such a statement without reading the inside story of Sikkim. Such statement is likely to create deep mis-impression in the minds of people outside Sikkim who are sympathetic to the cause of minority in Sikkim,” the release states.
Some of the leaders of SIBLAC including its convenor Mr Bhutia are currently camped in New Delhi to represent what the organisation sees as the “feeling of political insecurity” arising in the wake of SDF party’s resolution. SIBLAC will soon be approaching national political organisations soliciting their support to its demand.
Although it is positive that BL electorates have been given the opportunity to elect their own representatives but in actual terms BL representatives are not elected simply by the BL votes but by non-BLs who are in majority in the reserved BL constituencies, the release states.
The release goes on to state that besides political insecurity, “the National Commission for Minorities must recognise that land, identity and religious heritage form the core political issues of minority Bhutia-Lepcha people that need to be addressed by Government of India without any delay”.

Common Platform warns State govt and hydel developers, urges Governor to exercise special powers

GANGTOK, 18 Dec: The Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee [SIBLAC] convener, Tseten Tashi Bhutia has warned the State government and the power developers here not to take the Common Platform against the Hydel Power Projects lightly. He further said that the power developers would only be wasting their money in the State if they continued pursuing their projects here.

SIBLAC mourns Dev Anand’s passing away

GANGTOK, 05 Dec: Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committe [SIBLAC] has expressed its extreme sadness on the passing away of Bollywood actor, Dev Anand.

Sikkim’s Buddhist culture in danger of collapse due to hydel projects on Rathong Chu: SIBLAC

SIBLAC THANKS SPALZES ANGMO FOR STATEMENTS AGAINST HYDEL PROJECTS ON RATHONG CHU, DISMISSES GOVT CLAIMS OF PROTEST LIMITED TO ‘SECTION OF THE PEOPLE’
GANGTOK, 22 Nov: The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee [SIBLAC] has thanked Minorities Commission member, Spalzes Angmo, for her recent statement that the three hydel projects on the Rathong Chu were a threat to the Buddhist culture of the Himalayas. The organisation has also taken exception to the Lok Sabha MP, PD Rai’s comment that the hydel protest was limited to a ‘section of the people’ and contended that hydel projects have “provoked” opposition from a wide range of organisations.

SIBLAC mourns passing away of Colonel Wangchuk

RESOLVES TO GO TO ANY EXTENT TO PRESERVE BUDDHA DHARMA
GANGTOK, 11 Nov: A meeting of the Denjong Lhade Medhe (Sikkimese Monks and lay people’s meeting) of the block delegates of SIBLAC was held here in Gangtok on 10 November informs a press release issued by the organisation. Also present at the meeting was Prince Jigme Wangchuk Yapshi Phuenkhang as the guest-of-honour and representatives of major Sikkimese Monasteries including Pemayangtse and Enchey amongst others.

SIBLAC announces 7 day mourning in honour of late Samdup Taso

GANGTOK, 01 Nov: The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee today held a meeting to condole the sudden demise of Venerable Ajho Bongthing Samdub Taso on Sunday.

SIBLAC seeks Sakya Trizin’s intervention on the Rathong Chu hydel projects

GANGTOK, 21 Oct: The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has called on the Sakya Trizin to “convince the State government to scrap all the three proposed anti-Buddhist Power Projects on the Rathongchu river”. This, the organization resolved to do at a meeting held today, informs a SIBLAC release.

No intimation to State Govt yet on MHA committee for HEPs in West Sikkim

OFFICIALS POINT OUT THAT POWER DEVELOPMENT BEING A STATE SUBJECT, FINAL CALL WILL REST WITH STATE GOVT
GANGTOK, 20 Oct: While news-reports coming out of New Delhi, as well as the SIBLAC, suggest that the Central government has instituted a high powered committee to look into religious and cultural concerns raised by SIBLAC and NASBO over the development of three hydel projects in West Sikkim, the State government claims that it is unaware of any such move by the centre. What is more, officials point out that hydel power development being a State matter, the role and jurisdiction of a committee instituted by the Centre was also not very clear.

SIBLAC welcomes appointment of ‘High Powered Committee’ on the Rathong Chu HEPs

GANGTOK, 20 Oct: Representatives from several constituent units and members of Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) met today to discuss the Union Home Ministry’s decision to appoint a “high powered committee” for making detailed assessment of ground reality issues raised by SIBLAC and NASBO on Hydro Power Projects being developed all across Sikkim with particular reference to three HEPs on Rathong Chu River in West Sikkim, informs a SIBLAC release.
As per media reports, the High Powered Committee is expected to examine the issues raised by SIBLAC & NASBO to protect the “overall religious, cultural diversity of the region.”

People’s Forum on Earthquake formed

GROUP DEMANDS INSTITUTION OF HIGH-POWERED COMMITTEE TO STUDY 18 SEPT EARTHQUAKE, WANTS ALL HYDEL PROJECTS SUSPENDED IN THE INTERIM
GANGTOK, 29 Sept: To introspect on what went wrong in the 18 September earthquake, Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) convened a meeting of concerned citizens and members of civil society at Gangtok today, informs a SIBLAC release.
The meeting was attended by High Court lawyer Hemlal Bhandari, SAFE president Bharat Basnet, ASESE&UA president Naveen Kiran, Nagarik Suraksha Sangathan president Prem Goyal, Human Rights lawyer Dr. Doma T Bhutia, retired civil servant SP Subba, Supreme Court advocate Jangpo Sherpa, ACT general secretary Dawa Lepcha, journalist Pabitra Bhandari, NASSS coordinator Sonam Bhutia, Rongong Youth Club advisor Gayching Bhutia, writer Kamal Chamling “Kamrange’, advocate Jigme W Bhutia, journalist Punya Prasad Koirala and others, the release details.

SIBLAC cautions ruling party against ‘conspiracies’ of its spokesperson

GANGTOK, 08 Aug: The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee has taken strong exception to Sikkim Democratic Front’s party spokesperson, Bhim Dahal’s remarks accusing SIBLAC convenor, Tseten Tashi Bhutia, as being casteist and communal. In a press release issued as a rejoinder to Mr. Dahal’s comments made at a press conference recently, SIBLAC has argued that Mr. Dahal’s “unfortunate” remarks “tantamount to or invite mistrust and feud beneath the leadership”. The ruling political leadership must be careful and cautious of the hidden agendas and conspiracies of Bhim Dahal, which we don’t know, a SIBLAC press release states.

MoEF unaware of hydel projects proposed on Rathong Chu, SIBLAC contends

GANGTOK, 29 June: Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee [SIBLAC] today released copies of a letter from the Ministry of Environment & Forests informing that while the Lethang hydel project has been rejected by the Standing Committee of the NBWL of the MoEF, this Ministry, without whose go ahead no hydel projects can be undertake, is not even aware of the 99MW Ting-Ting and 97 MW Tashiding HEP coming up on Rathong Chu. This, despite the fact that public hearings have been held for these projects.

SIBLAC wishes people equanimity on Saga Dawa

GANGTOK, 14 June: Sharing the belief that effects of positive or negative actions are multiplied ten million times on Saga Dawa, the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee [SIBLAC], has called on everyone to “consider Saga Dawa and this celebration as ways to enhance your awareness and practice”.
In a press communiqué issued today, SIBLAC convenor, Tseten Tashi Bhutia, while explaining the significance of Saga Dawa to the Buddhists, has also conveyed this hope: “May all sentient beings have happiness and the causes of happiness; may all sentient beings be set free from suffering and the causes of suffering; may all sentient beings never be separate from the genuine happiness that is free from suffering; may all sentient beings abide in equanimity that is free from passion, aggression, and prejudice.”
“Saga is million; Dawa is moon. Thus, Saga Dawa is the million multiplier month. Each day, our activities (good or bad) are multiplied one million times. Thus, this is a good month for practice! Multipliers help give us focus in our practice. Intention is very important in Buddhist practice. We take vows towards our intention,” the release explains.