Debris double travel time- Landslides & indisciplined motorists clog roads | |||||||||
| RAJEEV RAVIDAS, The Telegraph | |||||||||
Kalimpong, July 5: The recent landslides that struck NH31 and NH31A, the highways linking Kalimpong/Gangtok to Siliguri, have increased the travel time by more than double. In normal circumstances, the time taken to travel the 65-km stretch between Kalimpong and Siliguri is two hours. But since the multiple landslides occurred on the road during the intervening night of Thursday and Friday, it has been taking not less than four hours to cover the distance. Commuters have complained that the traffic congestion is not because of landslides alone. Indiscipline indulged in by a section of motorists in the absence of adequate management of traffic on the highway also contributes to the factor. Officials of the Border Roads Organisation, which maintains NH31A, have agreed that managing traffic has become a headache, but they, too, are helpless. “It is the job of police. We have brought the matter to the attention of the district authorities, but the problem continues,” said one of them. The major problem, though, remains lack of discipline. “If drivers maintain their track, traffic can flow smoothly — even though there will be delays as some stretches of the highway are open only to one way movement of vehicles,” said the BRO official. “Some motorists jump the queue in a hurry to reach first, but end up forming double lines.” The worst affected stretch of the road is between the Sevoke rail gate and Kalijhora. Apart from many landslides, a 2km-stretch of the road shy of Coronation Bridge has caved in. “We were stuck in that stretch for more than two-and-a-half hours yesterday. This is the first time I have had to undergo such an ordeal on the highway,” said Yuvraj Chhetri, a schoolteacher. Jiten Tamang said he had to cancel his trip here from Mirik because of the traffic jam. “After arriving in Siliguri this morning, I had gone to board a jeep to Kalimpong from Panitanki More, where I came to know about the snarl. I decided to abort my trip since I had to return to Mirik today itself,” said Tamang. In fact, very few jeeps — the most popular mode of transport between the two towns — plied today because of the landslides and traffic chaos. The police, however, said they would require a huge contingent to manage the traffic on the highway. “With our limited manpower, we are doing our best. It will help if the motorists maintain discipline,” said an officer. Fear of cobras grips Kurseong Statesman News Service KURSEONG, 5 JULY: For the past few days the residents of Subedar Bustee under Kurseong subdivision seem to be spending sleepless nights as a pair of the dreaded king cobras, around 9 feet in length, have been roaming about the area. Mr Saku Gurung said that they have been unable to close their eyes in the nights as cobra panic has gripped the residents. “As per our experience, a cobra can sneak into the residence even through a narrow gaps,” he added. Echoing the panic, another local, Mrs Geeta Lama said that several people were on the alert looking for the cobras. "Our normal chores remains almost paralysed in fear of the dreaded serpents,” she said. They are also dithering as to whether they should inform the forest officials. “We believe any harm done to the cobras might bring about our destruction by way of divine retribution. These serpents are worshipped as gods,” the residents said in unison. When contacted, the GFO Wild Life 1 Sukna, Ms Sumeeta Ghatak pleaded her ignorance. “ Now that I’ve been informed I would definitely look into the matter and a squad would be sent to the Bustee to get hold of the cobras,” she said. The Telegraph: A free medical camp and an Armed Forces Veterans’ Rally were organised by the Trishakti Corps at Mirik on June 20 and 21. Specialist doctors attended to approximate 800 patients of Darjeeling, Kurseong and Mirik. A blood donation camp was held in co-ordination with the local unit of the Red Cross. Maj. Gen. V.K. Pillai, General-Officer-Commanding, Striking Lion Division, inaugurated it and donated blood along with his wife Usha. The GOC also felicitated war widows. A large number of elderly ex-servicemen affected by Cyclone Aila were provided with financial assistance.
Land slide aid
Cyclone relief
Probe ordered into Changu fish deaths GANGTOK, 5 July: Taking a serious note of the recent deaths of trout fishes at the holy lake of Tsongmu (Changu) in East Sikkim, the government has directed the Border Roads Organization (BRO) and the state forest department to probe into the deaths.
Mr ND Chingapa, chief secretary, passed the directives on Friday, during his assessment trip of the Nathu La border trade for infrastructure development works undertaken by the state commerce and industries department and widening of JN Marg executed by the BRO. During a review meeting with the BRO officials at Mile 18 along the Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, the state forest secretary Mr ST Lachungpa pointed out that fishes were dying at the Tsongmu Lake . He told the meeting that plenty of fishes were dying at the Tsongmu Lake, adding that reports have suggested vehicle fuel seepage into the lake as a major reason. Later, during the day, the chief secretary directed the forest department and BRO to jointly inquire into the incident and find out the cause for it. SNS Siliguri, July 5: Urban development minister Asok Bhattacharya today faced the ire of a section of guardians protesting the fee hike in English medium schools in and around Siliguri. Before walking to his waiting car in a huff, the minister told the protesters: “Don’t speak in such a manner. We have talked to your leaders and we are looking into the issue.” Some guardians had shouted at the minister saying that he has failed to solve the imbroglio over the fee hike. “You have failed and so has your administration,” they said almost in unison. The minister was talking to journalists at the PWD bungalow, briefing them on the meeting he had with the Jalpaiguri district magistrate and a four-member delegation of the Guardians’ Forum of North Bengal, which has been spearheading the movement against the fee hike. This morning, around 50 members of the forum had turned up at the bungalow when they heard that Bhattacharya and district magistrate Vandana Yadav were in a meeting. Later, Bhattacharya invited four of the forum members to join him. “We told him that a directive should be issued to all the schools to accept the old fees and not the revised ones. The minister referred to the minority commission act and expressed the limitations,” Sandipan Bhattacharjee, the president of the forum, said after the meeting. “We showed him the Supreme Court directives to the DA and non-DA receiving schools to withdraw the fee hike.” The forum pointed out that the Bengal education directorate had only issued an “appeal” to the schools on the fee hike instead of taking a strong stand like other states did. “The minister assured us that he would take up the matter with the state education and finance departments,” Bhattacharjee said. The minister also directed Yadav to sit with representatives of Don Bosco School, St Joseph High School Matigara, Nirmala Convent, Jermel’s Academy and Auxilium Convent, the five schools, which have hiked the fees, tomorrow. NEPALESE WOMAN GANGRAPED IN DELHI INDIAN EXPRESS; Sunday , Jul 05, 2009 at 2237 hrs IST, New Delhi A young Nepalese woman was allegedly raped by three persons in the national capital after the man who promised her a job abroad abandoned her, police said today. The 21-year-old woman was raped allegedly by three persons in east Delhi's Mandavli last night after an auto driver Vinod (24) dropped her there though she had asked him to take her to Mukherjee Nagar, a senior police official said. The woman hailing from Kathmandu had reached the capital on July two with one Manoj (24) who promised her a job in Kuwait and took her to Indira Gandhi International Airport yesterday and abandoned her there. Manoj had taken her to Mukherjee Nagar on her arrival and yesterday, he took her to the airport saying she can board the midnight flight to Kuwait. However, he disappeared soon after they reached the airport. The woman could neither find her name in the list of passengers nor she was in possession of a ticket, the official said adding that she then took the autorickshaw of Vinod and asked him to take her to Mukherjee Nagar. |
Nanda Kirati Dewan, Guwahti.
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Born on 21st January 1983 to Shri Phanindra Sharma and Smt. Bina Sharma of Dhenudhara Gohpur in Sonitpur district of Assam Rozy Rani Sharma passed her HSLC in 1998 with 79% marks, HSSLC in 2000 with 2nd rank throughout Assam and in 2003 BA in Pol Sc. with 1st class distinction. She completed her Masters from Gauhati University in 2005 also cleared UGC’s National Eligibility Test in 2006 and finally cleared APSC in 2009. Literarily sound she has many compositions and translations to her credit. She was pronounced an inborn leader as she was elected General Secretary of Gohpur High School, Gen. Secy. and Vice President of Chaiduar College, Debate and Symposium Secy. of PGSU Gauhati University. She also served her community as Asst. Gen. Secy. of All Assam Gorkha Students’ Union and today she has qualified to take up the charge as DSP of Assam Police a leader in true sense of term.
Elder sibling Rashmi Rekha Sharma born on 1stJanuary 1979 is a gold medalist Masters of Pol Sc. from Gauhati University in 2003 and subsequently she cleared NET. She is a lifetime member of “Indian History Congress” and “Indian Political Science Association”. She had also practiced as a lawyer at the prestigious Gauhati High Court. She appeared for APSC a day after her wedding day in bride’s colour. Happily married to an advocate Rajiv Sharma in Odalguri Assam, she has ranked 2nd at the ACS and have qualified for the post of Labour Inspector.
Honestly speaking Rashmi was a pathfinder for Rozy so it is to be understood that Rashmi has all the above described feats.
NKD:- Congratulations to both of you for clearing the APSC!
Rozy:- Thank You.
Rashmi:- Thank You Nanda bhai.
NKD:- I believe that sister duo Rozy Rani and Rashmi Rekha are the 1st Gorkha women in history of Assam to have cleared the prestigious APSC exam. How do you react to this?
Rozy:- It really feels special to clear a coveted competitive exam. Thank You and I am really honored and overwhelmed at your appreciation.
Rashmi:- If your data is authentic…. I believe it should be (smiles…..) Thank You. Nanda
NKD.:- On a formal ground. Tell us about your preparation.
Rozy.:- I studied regularly 6-8 hours from my school days that bagged me good results in HSLC and 2nd rank in HSSLC. I kept my momentum till M.A. examinations, however while preparing for coveted competitive examinations like UPSC and APSC my study plan had to be changed. I remained focused to a particular topic even when I was not at my study table. Concept, analysis and interpretation of topics were helpful. It was never like a usual exam preparation.
Rashmi:- I started preparing for APSC after my sister had left for Delhi in 2006 for UPSC coaching. She always aimed for working as an IAS officer but I wanted to be a teacher a lecturer or a university professor. Her persuasion and my brother’s advice made me prepare for APSC. I did not study extra for the exam as I was not sure of it however I studied regularly. Yes, concept, analysis and interpretation of topics with my sister were helpful. Interestingly we had same subjects.
NKD:- What makes you today an APS officer?
Rozy:- Actually I had opted for Assam Civil Services(ACS) but I am selected for APS. Honestly speaking it is firm determination and smart preparation. Besides I acknowledge the wholesome family support, support from peers, seniors and my community men who admired my feats and my talent.
Rashmi:- Same as Rozy. I need to be partial as I am married (….laughs as her mother-in-law was beside her). Besides my paternal family my in-laws have played a vital role in my success. My lawyer husband has always lent me the much required support. My mother-in-law never let me do any house hold chores but asked me to study. Newly wedded bride was made the queen…. (again she laughs…). Thanks to all of them.
NKD.:- “Bride to a Queen journey” Tell us something more..
NKD. With young achievers out of APSC into the Police, Do you think it can change the tarnished (as media and general people speculations) image of Police department?
Rozy:- Media and common people have down played the success stories of Police and the odd stories have always been highlighted. It is not always police fails sometimes the system rules. Actually I am now not the right man to comment on this issue however I can commit to work for the welfare of the society as a APS officer. I will deliver my best being within the system as I am aware of “Genius do not do different things, They do things differently”
Rashmi:- I agree with Rozy, same is the condition with various government departments. As a faithful social servant I need to work for social welfare.
NKD. Hopefully you both do it. All the Best.
Rozy:- Thank You Nanda! Thank You
Rashmi:- Dhanyabaad…….
NKD. :- Your community men I mean the Gorkha community not only in Assam across the country is proud of you. They have showered blessings, love and wishes felicitating you which will continue in the long run. How will Rozy and Rashmi answer them?
Rozy:- The state is happy over selection process which has been by far fair which was earlier marred by malicious results by unscrupulous elements. Meritorious candidates have been selected. Even I got through completely on my merit and I am happy and if this has made my community men happy than I am happier, happiest in the superlative form. The Gorkha community to which I belong has a very emotional bonding as you know, we cheered for Prasant Tamang on his Indian Idol crown, we call Joel Rai as journal jewel of Gorkha, we support and applaud the feats of Shiva Thapa and Sunil Chhetri. Similar has been in my case they have cheered and celebrated my success. I thank them all from the bottom of my heart for the blessings. I am pumped up now to appear for the prestigious UPSC also. As an APS officer I would deliver my best to help out the Gorkha community as well.
NKD.:- The allegations on Gorkha community that they are foreign nationals etc. is a history today however frequented on the ground that few of our people have directly fleeing habit to Nepal. This has maligned the image of Gorkhas what would you do and suggest the organizations in this issue?
Rozy:- Seriously this is grievous problem on nationalism issue, me as a person or as an APS officer cant do anything, it needs a social revolution- a Change. Vide 1988 Government gazzeted notification Gorkhas have been recognized as citizen of India and in 1992 Gorkha Bhasa or the Nepali language has been granted by the constitution. Question on Indian nationality of Gorkhas should not be raised however we cannot deny the allegation.
To overcome this problem Gorkhas should invade all sectors right from civil, police services to media, corporate, sports, culture and literature and importantly into politics. It is a big challenge for social Gorkha organizations.
Rashmi:- Rozy has spoken at length on it and it is understandable grief of Gorkhas. A revolution not agitation will certainly be helpful.
NKD:- Rashmi you just said “A revolution not agitation will certainly be helpful” that means you don’t support the agitation led by AAGSU for Gorkha Autonomous Council.
Rashmi:- Today AAGSU has been empowered to design and determine the destiny of Gorkhas and the think tank within them feels the need of creation of GAC. I am no one to oppose.
The concept of implementation of decentralization of power theory in Assam since 1993 with the creation of BTC and much earlier KAC has been a failure example. Yes creation of GAC will strengthen the identity of Gorkhas of Assam but it will not address various other problems of Gorkhas. Obviously it will thicken wallet of few leaders by misuse of funds in the name of development as in the other councils. Today Assam has eight councils and seven other communities including the Gorkhas have been agitating for development council and the state government is in the process of granting them. It is only an attempt to gain political mileage by political and social leaders.
NKD:- Your suggestion as an ACS officer to All Assam Gorkha Students’ Union (AAGSU).
Rashmi:- The unification of our students community is remarkable. Unitedly Gorkha students’ should work for the development of education amongst our community, should ask government for seat reservation in all premier educational establishments, promote our culture and literature, press the university and education department to recognize and introduce Nepali MIL from school to universities and appoint teachers. They should encourage students in all academic and extracurricular activities, support and raise fund for down trodden families and meritorious students, should raise voice against untouchability and other social stigma. AAGSU today has great social responsibility above all to name a few the most important one to establish the identity.
NKD.:- You have been a good literature person with a few good compositions and translations to your credit and have travelled for various literature outside the state. As a literature loving person what do you suggest to Assam Nepali Sahitya Sabha and Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Assam.
NKD.:- Assam over the years has been hunting ground for terrorists, this I believe has negative impact on education environment. Tell us your viewpoint on educational environment scenario of Assam?
Rozy:- Unfortunately Assam has turned into terrorizing field which has proven fatal for most students, the education environment has been dismantled. Despite all odds students are standing against it with a brave heart and performing.
The traditional education in Assam is upto dated but for coveted competitive examinations it needs lot of improvements right from library to environment.
Rashmi:- Once again I shall have to agree with Rozy.
NKD.:- Your words on commercialization of education?
Rozy:- Privatization is necessary but the quality of education and materials should not deteriorate. These days a number of private universities have come up which donot follow UGC norms as reported, this is a threat to the education system. I am against such commercialization of education. Industrialization of education lags ethics and moral.
Rashmi:- Every one on earth is not meritorious so educational establishments which can really promote good education following all proper norms has to be encouraged because there are limited seats in premier educational institutes and universities. It should be promoted either by commercialization or privatization without compromising with quality. It is not only the meritorious deserves but also an average student should get quality education.
NKD:- Is it long study hours that helps for competitive exams?
Rashmi:- Certainly not. Attention and focus is very important.
Rozy:- It is not only study hours but other factors like concept, analysis and interpretation of topics is required. It is never like a usual exam preparation. Anyway short study hours will not cover the vast course.
NKD.:- Message to the youngsters.
Rozy:- “Genius do not do different things, They do things differently.”
Rashmi.:- “Donot compromise on education and health then Success is all yours”
NKD.:- Thank You Miss Rozy and Mrs. Rashmi for sharing your thoughts with me.
Rozy:- Thank You Nanda. Had a great time with you.
Rashmi:- Thank You Nanda Bhai. It was really pleasure talking to you. I had heard a lot about you and wanted to meet you in person.
NKD.;- I am honoured. Thank You Rashmi didi.
Rashmi:- It’s OK. All the Best and be Safe.
The Telegraph: Lalgarh, July 5: The rule of law may have been forced on Lalgarh by paramilitary troopers, but a schoolteacher who was tried at a Maoist kangaroo court three months ago and fined Rs 3 lakh for being a CPM supporter is too scared to return home. Nitai Roy’s penalty was slightly different from what most other guerrilla targets got — death — possibly because they thought he could be a cash cow. His elder son Arindam is a professor of mathematics in California and the younger, Aninindam, is a software engineer based in Switzerland. The man in his late 50s did not pay the money but fled home and rented a house in Midnapore town, 50km away. Even now he is wary of meeting people or being photographed. Neighbours said Roy’s single-storey house less than 200 metres from the block office in Lalgarh town became a Maoist haven in his absence. “They broke open the lock on the main door and went in. They used to come armed after sunset. It used to be their meeting place. We knew everything, but no one dared talk about it,” said a man still scared to be identified. The primary school at Netai village where Roy taught has been shut for months now. The village, about 4km from Lalgarh on the way to Ramgarh, used to be a Maoist core area. Over the phone from Midnapore town, Roy spoke briefly of his “nightmarish experience”, how members of the People’s Committee Against Police Atrocities had dragged him to armed guerrillas camping at Khasjangal forest in Kantapahari. He didn’t want to go into the details of what happened there. “Security forces have come to Lalgarh to stay only temporarily. How long will they protect me and my family?” the schoolteacher asked before hanging up. A businessman who lives close to Roy’s Lalgarh house said: “The verdict was that he would be punished if he did not pay up.” Roy, who had been living in the Lalgarh house for the past seven years, fled home with his wife Manju and daughter Anindita. Anindita, who has done her MSc from Vidyasagar University in Midnapore town, used to be a secretary at Ramgarh panchayat. She has now taken a transfer to the Kharagpur subdivision. “One morning, we saw the Roys pack up and leave in a hired van. The two-wheeler that Anindita rode to office was also taken away,” said a neighbour, adding: “We used to see the house with its doors open, but never dared enter.” The Maoists took over the Roys’ house immediately after they left. The collapsible gate and the wooden main door behind it are still open, days after the security forces moved in. A visit revealed the rooms had not been ransacked. Two pillows were on the bed. A khol (a percussion instrument) was hanging from a hook in the drawing room. The television set was the only object missing, the plug of the cable connection hanging loose. The refrigerator was locked. The rebels had probably taken the TV away because they needed access to news.PRONAB MONDAL 
(Top)The door of the schoolteacher’s house in Lalgarh, whose locks the Maoists broke. (Above) The table in the bedroom from where the television set has gone missing and the cable is hanging loose. The phone is in place. Pictures by Sanjoy Chattopadhyaya
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