India, China begin 13th round of border talks

India and China began two-day talks in New Delhi on Friday to find "a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution" to their complex boundary dispute and hoped the discussions would further strengthen their "strategic partnership".

The Indian delegation at the 13th round of boundary talks is headed by National Security Adviser MK Narayanan, while the Chinese team is led by China's State Counselor and Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Dai Bingguo.

Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao, a former ambassador to Beijing, and officials of the external affairs ministry and the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) were also part of the Indian delegation.

Besides Dai, the Chinese delegation had Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei and officials of the defence ministry and department of boundary and ocean affairs.

Dai's visit to India is the first high-level visit from China after the United Progressive Alliance formed a new government in May after winning the general elections.

The talks will focus on devising a framework that will enable the two countries to delineate the final boundary between them.

"The government attaches high priority to our relations with China. We are not only neighbours, but we also enjoy a strategic and cooperative partnership," Narayanan said as the two sides began the delegation-level talks.

Narayanan said he was confident the discussions would lead to "further strengthening" of "the multi-faceted relationship" between the two countries.

China is willing to make joint efforts with India in the spirit of mutual understanding and accommodation to seek a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the issue, a spokeswoman of the Chinese foreign ministry said in Beijing on Friday.

The two special representatives need to bridge the gap on the interpretation of political parameters and guiding principles finalised during Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to India in 2005.

India accuses China of illegally occupying 43,180 sq km of territory in Jammu and Kashmir, including 5,180 sq km illegally ceded by Islamabad to Beijing in 1963. Beijing accuses New Delhi of occupying some 90,000 sq km of Chinese territory, most of it in Arunachal Pradesh.

The 13th rounds of talks are taking place against the backdrop of China's renewed assertions over Arunachal Pradesh that is claimed in entirety by both countries and recent strains in bilateral ties due to Beijing's perceived hostile posturing on issues affecting Indian interests.

In March this year, China tried to block a development loan for India at the Manila-based Asian Development Bank on grounds that part of it was meant for Arunachal Pradesh. India has also not forgotten Beijing's attempt to block a waiver by the Nuclear Suppliers Group that cleared global nuclear trade for New Delhi last year.

India and China, that fought a bitter war in 1962 and are now rapidly expanding their economic ties, had adopted the special representatives route in 2003 to resolve the border issue from a political perspective after diplomatic negotiations failed to yield results.

T-72 tanks moved to remote north Sikkim area

Chinese moves to test Indian control of the strategic Finger Area in North Sikkim last year have prompted the Army to deploy heavy tanks and armoured personnel carriers in the region and strengthen defensive positions.
In fact, the highest gallantry award to a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) personnel was conferred to a dozer operator, Zalim Singh, who cleared a strategic road near Theing village — he was decorated with a Bar to Shaurya Chakra — for a column of advancing tanks.
While the Army brought armoured vehicles to the North Sikkim plateau in the late 1980s, the small detachment has now been replaced by the heavier and more powerful T-72 Main Battle Tanks and modern BMP troop carriers.
Sources said the mobilisation took place after repeated Chinese transgressions last year in the Finger Area, a one kilometre stretch of land in the northern tip of Sikkim that overlooks a valley called the Sora Funnel and is considered a strong defensive position.

Antony to visit Sikkim as Chinese 'incursions' rise

NEW DELHI: In the backdrop of mounting 'incursions' by Chinese armed forces into Indian territory and the military infrastructure build-up in the Tibet Autonomous Region, defence minister A K Antony will be visiting forward areas in Sikkim in early-December. Antony, accompanied by Army chief General Deepak Kapoor and other senior officials, will be visiting Nathu La, which links Tibet with Sikkim, as well as the strategically-located 112 Mountain Brigade, among other places. Antony, on his part, however, chose to downplay the stepped up 'incursions' by the Chinese forces all along the 4,057-km Line of Actual Control (LAC), holding that the 'incidents' take place due to 'differing perceptions' about the still-unresolved border. "Whenever there is an incursion, we take it up at flag meetings (between Indian and Chinese commanders in the area concerned) or through diplomatic channels...the border, by and large, has been peaceful," he said. India, of course, is always cagey about saying anything which may ruffle the feathers of a prickly China. But that does not hide the fact that there have been around 300 cases of intrusions by Chinese troops -- right from east Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh to Joshimath in Uttarakhand and Pangong Tso lake in Ladakh -- over the last two years. The Chinese intrusions into Sikkim in August-September, in particular, have accentuated worries here, especially since Beijing had earlier accepted it to be a part of India. Then, of course, there have been reports of Chinese intrusions into Bhutan as well in recent days.

Lebanon draw with India in Goa, win 6-3 on aggregate

MARGAO, October 30: Lebanon were held to a 2-2 draw by India in the second leg of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers here Tuesday afternoon, going through 6-3 on aggregate. India are now out of the qualifying competition for the next World Cup in South Africa. The visitors had won the first leg in Beirut 4-1. Just like they did in Lebanon, the Indians shot ahead through thanks to Sunil Chetri's 30th minute strike. Faissal Antar converted a penalty in the 73rd minute after the home side's goalkeeper Subrata Pal was pulled up for a professional foul and sent off by Jordanian referee Salem Mahmoud Mujghee. The Lebanese striker then beat substitute goalkeeper Sandip Nandy, who came on in place of midfielder Samir Naik, in the 83rd minute to give Lebanon the lead. India captain Baichung Bhutia brought the teams back on level terms with a crafty injury time strike off a corner kick by Stephen Dias but it was just not enough to prevent Lebanon from going through to the second round of the Asian qualifiers with a handsome 6-3 aggregate. The tie was originally scheduled to be played in Chennai on Sunday but was moved to Goa after a downpour left the grounds in the southern Indian city unfit for the game

Military-media meet @ Sikkim for higher level of synergy

An interactive session held in Gangtok on September 30 and October 1 had stressed on the need to create a high level of synergy and understanding between the army, the media and the common man.
The seminar was inaugurated by the General Officer Commanding, Black Cat Division Maj. Gen. K.V.S. Lalotra.
The speakers included journalists and senior citizens like G.D. Aggarwal, a representative of the Hanuman Tok temple committee, Gangtok.
They dwelt upon sensitising the media on the requirements of the army, its role and how the media could help moulding public opinion on issues related to the armed forces.
The media’s role, constraints, and measures that need to be taken to achieve a more harmonious working relationship were also discussed.

Growth spree across Nathula spells fear on Indian side

Army not pleased with Chinese activity

Gangtok, Oct. 25: China’s sudden investment and development spree in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) across the Sikkim border is more than meets the eye, the Indian Army has made it clear in a presentation.
Senior army officers believe that the development activity in TAR, which includes the construction of five highways, four airports and a railway link from Quinghai to Shigatse, is much more than what is needed to cater to the 27 lakh people residing there. Singatse is 300km from Yatung, the town nearest to the border.
Army sources said the rail tracks are likely to be extended to Yatung, 21km from the Sikkim border. The Gormud-Lhasa pipeline is also being extended and will cover more than 6,300km.
The army’s apprehensions were made public to a select group of journalists at a recently held interaction at Black Cat Institute, Burtuk, scarcely a kilometre from here.
A senior officer in charge of the border brigade, who described himself as a “soldier-diplomat” (the word was coined after the improvement in Sino-Indian relationship in the past one-year), had made the presentation. The officer said the growth spree implied activity in “the string of pearls” — the cluster of People’s Liberation Army bases encircling the region.
Border trade with China through Nathu-la — a pass in Sikkim at 14,000ft — resumed in June last year. The reopening of a trade link after 44 years— Nathu-la had closed down after the 1962 war — is generally preceded by development activity on both sides.
But what is worrying the Indians is the capacity of the Chinese infrastructure, which, according to army calculations, is 12 times more than what it needs to cater to the 7.5 lakh urban and 20.2 lakh rural population.
“Roads and bridges to nowhere are coming up. Around 16,700 tonnes of ration and goods can be supplied by road, rail, air and pipelines in one single day. It cannot just be for a population five times that of Sikkim’s,” the officer told The journalists.
Many of the newly built roads brush past areas close to the line of actual control. These include Shigatse, Gyantse, Yatung and Chumbi valley across Sikkim, all within 500km. Among them Yatung and Chumbi are the closest as they are located right across the border.
The roads are such that despite the elevation of 13,000ft, a distance of 280km — from Shigatse to Yatung — can be covered in three hours flat.
In comparison, the Indian side has one single-lane national highway (31A), which is often blocked with landslides. This, the army feels, is a great impediment. Not only that, there are no airports or rail links in Sikkim.

(PEMA LEYDA SHANGDERPA )

India has violated border agreement: China

BEIJING,Oct10: China on Tuesday claimed that India had built facilities on its side of the Sikkim border in violation of the bilateral agreement on maintaining peace in the region. The claim came a day after Indian government sources said the Chinese army personnel recently demanded removal of two bunkers on the border in Sikkim, which was outrightly rejected. "The facilities built by India on the Chinese side of the border line are in violation of the agreement between China and India on maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border region," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Liu Jianchao, said here. The spokesman confirmed that China had requested India to remove the facilities. He also rejected as groundless reports that Chinese troops have made incursions into Bhutan. Indian government sources had said that Chinese army personnel kept on transgressing at certain places along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in an attempt to assert their claim on certain Indian territories. "We (India and China) have different perceptions of LAC ... We know where the differences are," the sources said, adding the issue was being addressed in the ongoing talks on boundary question. Interestingly, the Chinese army's demand for removal of the bunkers came a week after Chinese official media reported that the Sino-India boundary area was growing more amicable with the militaries of both sides ready to resolve problems, including incursions.

Chinese officials demand removal of Indian bunkers in Sikkim

Gangtok, Oct 9 :Amid China's continued attempts to lay claim on certain Indian territories, its army personnel recently demanded removal of two bunkers on the border in Sikkim, which was rejected.Chinese troops are also believed to have intruded in Bhutan, whose defence is largely handled by India, causing concern here, government sources said today.Some Chinese personnel came to a border point in Sikkim and demanded removal of two bunkers, the sources said.The demand was outrightly rejected and the Chinese officials said the issue will be dealt with diplomatically, they said."No bunker was removed and nothing happened later," a source said.Seeking to play down the incident, the sources said it might have been a case of some local officials exceeding their powers.They, however, acknowledge that Chinese army personnel keep on transgressing at certain places along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in an attempt to assert their claim on certain Indian territories.Indian troops also do such things."We (India and China) have different perceptions of LAC... We know where the differences are," the source said, adding the issue is being addressed in the ongoing talks on boundary question.The Chinese army might have intruded in Bhutan, apparently to push the latter to resolve the border issue, the sources said."We are concerned," a source said, adding India is checking it up with both Bhutan and China.

PTI

It is time for Incredible India in NewYork,USA

Sikkim Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling to Reach NewYork Tomorrow

NewYork,Sep21: Coming out of the busy Grand Central terminal Wednesday morning, Steve White, a young corporate executive, chanced upon a number of colorful banners on the streetlights while walking down to his office on Lexington Street. Though the pictures were different, but the written text was the same - Incredible India. ''Incredible India!'' he thought and asked to himself: ''What is this?'' The same question he asked to one of his Indian-American colleague at his work place. ''I know, India is now an emerging economic power. But what is incredible India?'' Steve asked. ''I am planning to go to attend one of these events to know more about India,'' he told reporter Wednesday evening on his way back home. ''There are a series of events,'' he said as he checked the website listed on the colorful ads outside the Grand Central terminal.In his early 30s, Steve might or might not go to any of the events being planned by the Indian government beginning September 23, but the thought process he underwent Wednesday surely was reflected that the multi-million publicity blitz launched in Manhattan this past week has generated at least some curiosity among Americans about India and Indians. In the past few days, banners and hoardings of Incredible India campaign has come all across New York City at all important tourists destinations.The same have also been put in and around the United Nations, which is going to be the hub of the international community and the media for the next couple of weeks because of the 62nd session of the UN General Assembly that formally started September 18. The general debate involving heads of states would start next week.A public-private joint venture of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and CII, the four-day India@60 beginning September 23 would showcase the best of India among the New Yorkers and the large international community at the UN, which the organizers claim would not only lure them to visit India at least once, but also generate awareness about the changing face of India - an India that is incredible. ''Our objective is two present the best of India,'' Amitabh Kant, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, told in New York, when he was here as part of making preparation for the mega event - the first of its kind in several years by India in the Big Apple. ''We are bringing the best of everything from India to New York, be it folk, classical, musicians, food or the Bollywood,'' he said. While the events are spread out all over New York, Bryant Park, Pier Sixty, Lincoln Center, and South Street Seaport would be hosting most of the events. ''This time the people in New York would be able to witness for themselves the finest Indian classical artists and the finest Indian folk artists,'' Kant said. More than 150 artists are coming from India for the series of cultural shows - folk dance and music, classical dance and music and contemporary dances from India films. The Tourism Ministry in association with the hotel industry is flying some 20 best Indian chefs for the food festival at South Street Seaport. ''It is experiential in character,'' he said. One of the major attractions of the event, organizers expect, is going to be the sand sculpture of Taj Mahal - recently declared as one of the seven wonders of the world - at Port Authority, another place in the city that attracts thousands of people daily. A min-Prabasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is also being organized as part of the India@60 wherein various issues about Indian Diaspora and its contribution in India's development would be discussed at a day-long event on September 23. The National Geographic Channel is hosting a photographic exhibition ''Incredible India by Steve McCurry.'' Nearly half-a-dozen Indian ministers are expected to attend the event including the Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee. Besides cultural events, a number of panel discussions on various issues related to business, economics, and academics too have been scheduled all the four days.

North East India Conference @ NY On Sep26

Sikkim Traders stay away from Silk Route Trade for 3 days

NATHULA TRADERS PROTEST AGAINST OBSOLETE LIST OF ITEMS FOR TRADE

GANGTOK, September 18: The non-fulfilment of the assurances made by the Central Government to revise the obsolete list of items for trade over the Nathula Pass has led the local traders to launch a protest.
The traders, led by the Indo-China Traders Association of Sikkim, decided not to take part in the trade for three days in protest against the outdated list of items which needs immediate revision. Traders did not do any business on September 13 (Thursday) and September 17 and 18 (Monday and Tuesday).
Anil Kumar Gupta, general secretary, ICTAS, said that this decision was prompted by the lack of concern shown by the authorities towards improving trading over the Nathula Pass. “One of our major demands has been the immediate revision of the present list of items, which is proving to be the biggest hurdle in the trade. Despite assurances from the Central Government, including the Union Minister of State for Commerce, Jairam Ramesh and the State Government, nothing has been done so far,” Mr. Gupta said.
The present list of items for import-export is virtually redundant and based on trading that took place 44 years ago. “Items like Yak skin and tail, sheep and horses does not make business sense any more. There is no demand for most of the items listed for import. We are totally handicapped and the volume of trade has been dismally low since the reopening of Nathula trade in June this year,” Mr. Gupta said.
“Both Indian as well as Chinese traders are suffering because of this hurdle,” he added.
Mr. Gupta said that this problem has been brought to the notice of the authorities on a number of occasions but nothing has been done to mitigate this problem. If trade through the Nathula has to flourish and be profitable to both Indian and Chinese traders, this problem has to be solved immediately,” Mr. Gupta said.
The unrealistic items for trade had even prompted Beijing to ask the Indian Government to review the list of earlier this year.
Mr. Gupta also said that the representatives of the ICTAS met the District Collector, East and the Secretary, Industries Department here today to place their grievances.
Apart from the immediate revision of the list of items for trade, the traders are demanding better infrastructure like accommodation for Chinese traders at the Sherathang Trade Mart, and extension of vehicle permits to Nathula for at least a month at a stretch. Presently, vehicle permits to traders are given only for a week and has to be renewed on a weekly basis.
The traders have also alleged harassment in the hands of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel at Nathula, who escorts the traders between Sherathang and Nathula. They allege of harassment of both Indian and Chinese traders by the custom officials as well.
The ICTAS also want the provision for travel permits for helpers and family members of traders be implemented.
“Until and unless these lacunas are removed, trade over Nathula will not pick up,” Mr. Gupta said.
The traders will resume trade from tomorrow, Mr. Gupta added

CHINA DETAINS NATHULA TRADERS FROM SIKKIM

China detains Sikkim traders for traveling in vehicle with Dalai Lama's photograph

GANGTOK, 27 Aug, 2007: The re-opening of Nathula for trade between Tibetan Autonomous Region of China and Sikkim in India may have been a symbolic celebration of the new found friendship between the two Asian giants, but marked differences in political regimes and religious freedom on the two sides of the border remain contentious issues. India is a secular democracy and China a totalitarian communist regime and it was only a matter of time before traders enjoying religious freedom in Sikkim crossed paths with the communist enforcers on the Chinese side. Sources inform of four locals being detained and interrogated by the Chinese police, known as the People's Security Police. The four were detained for more than a couple of hours last week for allegedly violating local laws of the Tibetan Autonomous Region. While associates of the detained Sikkimese claim that they were even roughed up, concerned authorities here, while confirming the detention, deny any information on their being manhandled by Chinese police. The four were detained when they were allegedly found in possession of photographs of the Dalai Lama.

People of TAR, though Buddhists by religion, are banned from possessing or displaying photographs of the Dalai Lama. The four Sikkimese, all of whom are drivers from the Jawaharlal Nehru Road belt, had crossed over to China in a vehicle belonging to another trader who was not part of their group. The vehicle was being driven by one Achu Singey Bhutia of Gnathang, who, it is informed, is quite advanced in age. The vehicle, it is reported had photographs of Dalai Lama in it which was noticed by the Chinese authorities at the border. They informed the local Chinese police which then intercepted the vehicle some distance short of the trade mart at Rinchengang in Dromo, about 21 Kms from Nathula pass. Sources inform that the occupants were ordered out of the vehicle which was then searched during which the photograph of the Dalai Lama was found. All four were then marched off to a room and detained for a couple of hours. During their detention, it is informed, they were intensely interrogated; all 4 were interrogated separately. It was during this interrogation that three of the younger drivers were allegedly manhandled by the Chinese police. It is informed that the People's Security Police demanded to know their backgrounds and why they were in possession of the Dalai Lama's photograph. The four, it is learnt, maintained that they had hired the vehicle, so could not explain why it had a photograph of the Dalai Lama. After more than 2 hours of interrogation the 4 were let off with a warning not to repeat the 'offence' which could lead to their arrest in the future.Sources inform that they could very well have been arrested as they had violated the local laws but there still seems to be some amount of ambiguity on whether such laws can be applied on Indian traders and citizens. It is conceded that had the traders been arrested then the matter would have gone to the highest levels with Indian authorities having to take it up with the Chinese Embassy. The state government is inquiring into the matter. However, the matter has cooled relations up at the border with the Indian authorities informed to have become more stringent in their checking of goods coming from across. As a result, it is informed that recently about Rs. 80,000 worth of goods mostly blankets, which is not in the list of tradable items; coming in from TAR was confiscated by the Indian authorities. China, despite more than five decades of trying, has not succeeded in weaning Tibetans away from the Dalai Lama and he commands their reverence even from exile despite the crackdown that follows any public expression of devotion towards him in TAR. In fact, recently China passed a law by which Rinpoches have been banned from reincarnating without prior permission from the authorities.

(RanjitSingh in Now Daily)

Interview with Bhaichung Bhutia

We won the Cup as a team: Bhutia

After India lifted the Nehru Cup for the first time defeating Syria 1-0, the CNN-IBN's Sanjeeb Mukherjea spoke to the Indian captain Baichung Bhutia.
Sanjeeb Mukherjea: We have finally done it. what is your first feeling?
Baichung Bhutia: It is a great feeling. It's a team work and not only the players but also the management and everyone else has worked hard. It has been a month and a half long training. We had really worked hard and we had a good Portugal trip - pre-season training in Portugal which really helped. But on the whole, it is really the team effort that has really given this tournament for us.
Sanjeeb Mukherjea: What do you think did the trick for India today?
Baichung Bhutia: I think it is the team spirit. We have been playing as a team. If you look at the entire tournament, every single match is not been won individually or by a goalkeeper or a striker or by mid-field. But we won as a team. And that is what we did in the final as well today.
Sanjeeb Mukherjea: In cricket, we have seen Sourav Ganguly, Sreesanth showing their aggressive brand of cricket. Was today the aggressive face of Bhutia that we saw on a number of times today?
Baichung Bhutia: No, my game in general is quite aggressive in the field and that is what I have been doing and would be doing in the rest of my footballing career.

India Football Team wins the Nehru Cup

NEHRU CUP FINAL: A new era begins under Houghton’s leadership as hosts down strong Syria through a Pradeep goal

New Delhi, August 29: Scenes of a packed house bringing the house down with “India, India” chants is rare in Indian football. But then it is not often that the Indian team topples a team ranked 40 places above it in FIFA ranking.

In an evening that should provide a big boost for the profile of the sport in the country, a goal from N P Pradeep against fancied Syria clinched India’s first title victory in the ONGC Nehru Cup here tonight.
More than anything, the five-nation meet has seen a new face of Indian football —sans doubts over ability and sans hang-ups about years of doormat status.
With seven yellow cards and a red for Syrian midfielder Wael Ayan, emotions ran deep in a high-adrenaline contest, and several times reached boiling point. But tonight Bob Houghton’s men were in no mood to let go this opportunity that for many in the team of greenhorns was the biggest night of their life so far.
In the absence of Mohammed Alzeno, still nursing a bruised shoulder, the Syrian troika that included skipper Maher Al Said and Zyed Chaabo, was rendered largely ineffective.
The ever-dependable Mahesh Gawli rose to the occasion and gave ample proof of why he has been one of the most sought after players in Indian football. He even inspired the back-line of Gourmangi Singh, Surkumar Singh and NS Manju to come out of their skins and show a bit of Chak-de effect.
Skipper Bhutia brought his experience to the fore, his clever play completely rattling the Syrians and forcing them to go for physical challenges that finally cost them dear.
India’s big moment came when Sunil Chhetri drifted towards the left flank in the 44th minute and floated a cross for Bhutia who headed it down for an onrushing Pradeep. The shy Kerala midfielder’s bullet left footer brought the house down as it beat Syrian custodian Mowssab Blahowss.
A completely ruffled and off-guard Syrian side resorted to power play and in one such moment of madness in the injury time of first half, Wael Ayan kicked Surkumar Singh and all hell broke loose. The players clashed, but when the dust settled, Ayan was sent off by referee Sikhrakar Surendra of Nepal.
Syria tried to begin the second half with a positive frame of mind, but Indian goalkeeper Subrato Paul was like a man possessed under the bar and was courage personified as he thwarted every Syrian attack.
India could have scored at least two more, but for uncharacteristic misses from Steven Dias and Bhutia.
But those misses fortunately did not prove costly and the final whistle, after nearly six minutes of time added on, sparked jubilant scenes on the pitch and in the stands.
The match also provided ample proof of the level of self-belief that Houghton has been able to instil in his team. It is not often that one sees an Indian player selling a dummy to opponents even in league matches, forget a high intensity final.
And as All Indian Football Federation general secretary Alberto Colaco pointed out later,” not many coaches could have substituted Bhaichung Bhutia.”
But that is what the Englishman brings to the team — positivity and hunger.
India received the winners’ prize of $ 40,000 while the Syrians had to settle for half that amount.
Teams
India: Baichung Bhutia (Abhishek Yadav 91), NS Manju, Ajayan Nair (Clifford Miranda 80th), Gouramangi Singh M, NP Pradeep, Sunil Chettri (Tarif Ahmad 93), Mahesh Gawli, Irungbani Surkumar Singh, Subrato Paul, Steven Benedict Dias, Climax Lawrence.
Syria: Mowssab Blahowss, Ali Dyeb, Mahmoud Al Amena (Ibrahim Al Hasan 86th), Maher Al Syed, Khaled M Albaba, Mootassem Alaya (Ali Al Rifayi 84th), Aatef Jenyet, Wael Ayan, Zeen Alabeden Al Fandi, Zyad Chaabo (Anas Al Asaf 89), Feras Esmaeel.
Referee: Sikhrakar Surendra; Astt Referees: Kiran Giri & Taufeeq Ibraheem
A dream come true
THE GOAL
• Striker Sunil Chhetri (11) darts into the Syrian half and floats a neat ball to skipper Bhaichung Bhutia (15) just in front of the penalty box
• The wily striker dodges Syrian defender Ali Dyeb and with a turn shuffles it towards a rushing NP Pradeep (7)
• The midfielder first touch creates space for strike and the bullet-like left footer beats a diving Syrian goalkeeper Mowssab Blahowss
THE SIGNIFICANCE
Many, including coach Bob Houghton, believe that the win is the ideal catalyst that Indian football needed to come out of four decades of hibernation. A fillip to the rising profile of the sport in the country, more importantly a place in public mind space and in the broader sense will herald an attitudinal shift in Indian footballers.
HISTORY
India have managed just three wins in the 12 previous editions of the tournament. A title-win tonight is the biggest win after the LG Cup in Vietnam in 2002. But before that last international success was a bronze medal at Bangkok Asian Games in 1970.
Striker’s quote: I am both lucky and honoured to get the opportunity to score the winner tonight. It’s a team goal and individually this one is for my father who passed away last month.

SIKKIM CHIEF MINISTER MEETS FM TO CLEAR STATE PROJECTS.

CHIEF MINISTER CALLS ON CHIDAMBARAM, MEIRA KUMAR

Gangtok: Sikkim Chief Minister Dr.Pawan Chamling on Monday met Finance Minister P Chidambaram and sought early clearance of pending state proposals and also apprised him of various developmental engagements pursued by state government for better financial management and to raise internal revenue sources.

Mr. Chamling has requested the Union Finance Minister for an early solution to the long pending issue of extension of Direct Tax Laws to Sikkim, keeping in mind the wishes and aspiration of people of the State, which have been communicated through various resolutions and memoranda submitted to the Government of India.
Mr. Chidambaram has assured Mr. Chamling that the matter was being looked into for an early resolution.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister also met Ms. Meira Kumar, Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment.
Mr. Chamling thanked her for ensuring generous Central funding for the economic upliftment of Scheduled Caste in the State. He requested Ms. Kumar for a 100 % Central share in various schemes which include providing incentive for inter-caste marriage, approval for construction of Residential School for Scheduled Caste students at Sirwani in East Sikkim and exemption from for the State Committed Liability under the Post-matric scholarships for SC students.
He also suggested that State Government should avail of Central funding under other welfare schemes such as construction of Old Age Home, District Level Rehabilitation Centre.
The Union Minister has assured that these proposals will be considered favourably for an early sanction.
During his meetings, Mr. Chamling was accompanied by RB Subba, Minister, Law, Commerce & Industry, ND Rai, MP (Lok Sabha), OT Lepcha, MP (Rajya Sabha), RS Basnet, Principle Secretary to the CM and Anil K Ganeriwala, Resident Commissioner, Sikkim House, New Delhi.

Dr. Chamling in Delhi,Meets Vice President and Former PrimeMinister

NEW DELHI, AUGUST24 :Sikkim Chief Minister Dr.Pawan Chamling called on Vice-President Hamid Ansari congratulated him for being elected as the Vice President of India . During the course of discussion,Sikkim CM apprised the Vice-President at length about the development activities being carried out by his Government in State particularly in the tourism, hydro-power, horticulture and flori-culture sectors.

He further mentioned to VP that Sikkim is a strategic border state bounded by three international borders. Despite the fact, Sikkim is now most peaceful state in India and the State Government is able to maintain the peace and tranquility in the State. Within the past three decade after merging Sikkim into Indian union, the emotional integration and patriotic feelings have been greatly developed among the people of the State. Chief Minister Chamling further apprised some of the demands raised by the state including construction of Airport, Rail link etc.

The Vice President was very keen to know about various activities of Sikkim and expressed his happiness.The Chief Minister invited Vice-President to visit the Sikkim. Mr. Chamling was accompanied by RB Subba, Minister, Commerce & Industry and OT Lepcha, MP (Rajya Sabha).

Meanwhile The Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling, accompanied by Lok Sabha, MP Nakul Das Rai, and OT Lepcha, MP (Rajya Sabha) called on former Prime Minister Atal Vajpayee, at the All India Institute of Medical Science in New Delhi on August 23.

and wished for his early recovery. Shri Vajpayee, 84 was admitted in the AIIMS following the complication in his health who is now recovering gradually.

SIKKIM CHIEF MINISTER MEETS UNION MINISTER FERNANDES

New Delhi,Aug23: Sikkim Chief Minister Dr.Pawan Chamling accompanied by Health Minister Hissay Lachungpa and Sikkim Member of Parliament Shri O.T.Lepcha called on the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Labour and Employment, Shri Oscar Fernandes today in New Delhi as per information from IPR.

The Chief Minister apprised the Union Minister about all-round development pursued by his government in Sikkim and discuss projects and issues related to The State during the meeting.

The Union Minister Fernandez has appreciated efforts of state government and assured his co-operation and all help on demands and needs of Sikkim.

The meetings with Labour Union Minister was very cordial and positive .

Army vehicle falls into Teesta, 5 die

Sevoke, Aug. 22: Five army men died and seven went missing today after their truck skidded off National Highway 31 between Mongpong and Sevoke Coronation Bridge and fell into the Teesta.
Six injured jawans were rescued from the river, while it took almost seven hours just to locate the truck. It has not yet been hauled out of the river.
The dead include at least one junior commissioned officer, whose identity has been disclosed along with those of the rescued six. However, the army has remained tight-lipped about the names and ranks of the remaining 11.
It was around 8.30am when 18 army men — all from the Sixth Maratha Regiment — were heading for Sevoke from Binnaguri in Jalpaiguri district. Shankar Saha, a civilian, was travelling in another truck just behind the army vehicle when the accident took place, around 30km from Siliguri.
“The truck in front of us suddenly went off the road, broke through the parapet and hurtled into the river 300ft below,” Saha said.
Saha immediately jumped out of his truck, ran back towards a spot where the highway and the river are almost on the same plane and stopped at the water’s edge.
“I could see some of the army men, struggling to stay afloat,” he said. “I found no rope to throw to them, but managed to get hold of some bamboo poles. There were a few other people around and we held the poles out to the jawans. A couple of them got hold of them and scrambled to the bank.”
Within the next couple of hours, army officials from Sevoke, Bagrakote and Kalimpong reached the spot. Two Indian Air Force choppers hovered over the area trying to locate the vehicle and the missing persons, while a fire-engine from Malbazar, rafts from Teesta Bazaar in Kalimpong and members of NGOs from Siliguri launched a rescue operation.
Soon, the lifeless body of Parshuram Tandey, the junior commissioned officer, was hauled out of the river.
The six rescued jawans were identified as Tanvir Yadav, Jyoti Ba, Sandip, Malkar, Silvashankar and Pradip Gorkha, all constables in the regiment. They were taken to Binnaguri army hospital for treatment. The rescuers also recovered four INSAS rifles from the river, probably just a small portion of all the arms the jawans were carrying.
“According to preliminary investigation, the front left tyre of the truck had burst, throwing the vehicle out of control,” said the inspector-general of police (North Bengal), R.J.S. Nalwa.
The Teesta is quite deep at the spot and rescuers initially found it difficult to locate the truck. “We started our rescue and search operations at 10am and finally managed to locate the vehicle around 4.30pm,” said Santosh Lama of Action Adventure and Rescue Group, which pressed two rafts into service.
“We have tied ropes to the truck to prevent it from being swept away. Tomorrow, we will try to get it out of the river, while the search for the missing persons will also continue,” he added.
The incident held up traffic on the highway for a few hours.

ONGC Nehru Cup: India crush Cambodia

India thrash Cambodia to start Nehru Cup in style

New Delhi, Aug 18: After India's thumping 6-0 win against Cambodia in the ONGC Nehru Cup football, coach Bob Houghton said it was the lush green turf of Ambedkar stadium that helped the home team in churning out the agressive performance. "It is the one of the best surfaces that we have ever played in India. If boys get to play in such quality turfs then they can produce the kind of football that they displayed today. It is not possible to produce such quality play in fields of Kolkata where we lost to Saudi Arabia last year," Houghton said in the post match conference. The coach said today's massive win would be a big morale booster for the rest of the tournament. "After a long time we have scored so many goals in an international match and it will be a confidence booster for the boys for the rest of the tournament," he said. "The boys played very well even in the first half though we scored only two goals. We played very well in the first 20-25 minutes and we kept attacking. We got only one goal in that period. It was nice to go 2-0 up just before the half time because we played really well," he said. Asked about some missed chances in the first half Houghton said he was only focussing on drawing positives from the match."Today the passing was good and we kept attacking. Yes we missed some chances but that shows that we got so many opportunities," he said. Skipper Bhaichung Bhutia said the result would inspire the team for bigger battles ahead. "We have to be positive and play like we did today. We played an attacking game and it is got be the same for the entire tournament. "The scoreline was good and we need to do well in this tournament so that we can do well in Olympic qualifiers," said a beaming Bhutia, who also scored a goal through a penalty.

Dr. Chamling :"MY KARMA MY DHARMA IS WITH ME"

Chief Minister Dr.Pawan Chamling today outlined a new vision of a Vibrant and Developed Sikkim where no person or region is left out of the journey of development and progress. After unfurling the national flag at the Palzor Stadium, Dr. Chamling sounded at his best when he said "as I stand here and look at our tricolour fly high and fly majestically, And I look back at coming of SDF Government 12 years 9 months ago to change the destiny of Sikkim from a state in finacial mess where payment of Government Employees was met through loans from Central Bankof India to today's Sikkim after SDF government coming in power,'Lakhpatis of yesterday turned into Crorepatis and daily workers wages from Rs.20 a day has increased fivefolds to Rs.100 a day". It all happened because of good and developmental policies for economic upliftment undertaken by the government for future of Sikkim. The Government has to provide Peace,Security,Opportunities to People,Justice andRights to freedom,expression and Work ,all of which have been duly done by Sikkim Democratic Front Government for a secure and peaceful Sikkim .Government has provided the young childrens of Sikkim education facilities at all levels and also keeping in mind slogan"Healthy bodies & Healthy Minds" SDF government was the first government to undertake mass scale vaccination programme for Hepititis-B for childrens in State.NelsonMandela ,The Father of Forgiveness should be an idol for younger generation of Sikkimwho should aspire to be best in their fields and activities by giving importance and emphasiszing elements of Confidence,Hard Work and Will Power and ChiefMinister once again gave all the facilities to provide scholarships to students who are able to secure a placement for further studies in any foreign universities at the government expenses in the event of student'sfamily is economically unable to meet the costs of such studies.

SDF Government has strategy of development for Sikkim.An Integral development comprising the incoroporation of activities in Eco-Friendly tourism,Floriculture & Horticulture of Roses, Orchids,Lillelium,Orange,SunahaKhari,Revival of Cardamom as Cash crop,Organic Farming and tapping the natural resources of water through hydel electric projects.

"Government Role is mere being facilators.Dr. Chamling also refferred to a letter from an international personality who has appreciated the work undertaken towards Organic Farming in Sikkim.

He added he felt saddened and anguished by the fact that those people who went to newDelhi and expressed their opinions against the the start of Nathula trade on the pretext it would be affecting tribal people of bhutia and lepchas despite proved wrong by successful opening of Nathula trade without anysuch after-effects and are again joining their forces together as "Din Mein Sutne" protestors under The Affected Citizens of Teesta who have not only failed to comprehend the right spirit and values and meaning of 'SatyaGraha' as identified and taught by Gandhiji who undertook it to free India from clutches of foreign powers. Here in Sikkim same is misused for wrong purposes that stands for anti-Sikkim policies.

Dr.Chamling said he is firm believer in first PM of India Nehru who while building HiraKund Dam in 1948 said ,"If you are to suffer,You should suffer in the interests of country" therefore he would not bow downs to demands of anti-development and anti-sikkim people raised by ACT in any circumstances. Chief Minister told the massive gathering at Palzor Stadium that a cyber warfare is launched through "WeepingSikkim"website by Pemzang Tenzing who just added lepcha to his surname by engaging into anti-national and anti-development work through cyber campaign.He further added that promoter of 'weepingSikkim' Pemzang Tenzing has collectedRs.40 lakhs from state government towards land compensation towards his land for hydel projects and now devoted to activities that amounts to anti-national activities.Testen Lepcha who is Chief Co-ordinator of ACT is general secreatry of SPCC although he says he resigned from the post and President of ACT Athup Lepcha became a Minister in Sikkim Government on slogan'Return of Sikkim from India' .All thses people are political people and therefore how can ACT be non-political organisation as they term it.He revealed to public that indefinite hunger strike at BL House would be today joined by SIBLAC activists Tseten Tashi Bhutia and KungaNima Lepcha.In close to 14 years of SDF government in state ,Chief Minister added that He always worked to provide dignity and respect in all spheres to bhutia and lepcha communities therefore he requested people from these communities to not involve andmake politics as their business.SIBLAC should have a non-political leader at the top for its affairs. Someone who is well-versed with the culture,traditions andvalues of both communities i.e.bhutia and lepchas to work for community upliftment but not people who are solely having a purpose of turning politics into business of personal gains.

Even Lepcha Priest (Bonthing) who was made to join hunger strike for a day was paid Rs.10000/-by way of settling his loan in a Mangan Bank by ACT. The left party CPI-M is instigating all opposition political parties to advocate for Land Reform Act which seeks to take away land bank of rich and zamidaar people like some Kazi families who have 2000-3000 acres of land in their ownerships would be the first victim of such enactment if undertaken.SDF Government has resisted this enactment ,although it could do it infew weeks if itswant , because it doesnot believes in making Rich people poor but believes in making Poor people Rich. Many so called protestors are spreading information that TeestaRiver would be dried up if the hydel projects are implemnted .The Hoover Dam built in early1930s on river hovver hasnot resulted in anything like that.there are examples of hydel prtojects such as one on Chukka River in Bhutan,Yangtse River in China andCanada is also hydro-power country but these projects hasnot dried up Nigera Fallsof Canada.Therefore the talks of Teesta drying up is nothing but pure imagination and part of misinformation campaign.

The SDF Government targets tomake revenue through hydro power as its biggest source in future as per its policy therefore in any condition and circumstances, his government wouldnotbow-down to demands of scrapping these hydel electric projects.SDF wants to turn Sikkim into Singapore,Switzerland,Norway but not into Ethopia,Nepal" THeGovernment would not feel thretened by the protests and processions of small groups of disgruntal peoples who are spreading anti-development and anti-Sikkim conspiracy."I have always spoken truth before people and always will.If My Government is sacrificed for standing for Sikkim ,fordevelopment than So be it" Iam here before you because of people and Iwill behereagain if people want me back and nothing can chnage that,he added.

He requested people to partcipate in upcomingPanchayat and Municipal elections in Sikkim whole heartedly .The Outsiders are trying to disturb the Peace in Sikkim.If the peace is disturbed and threatned than Police would be its first casuality as it would the force that would haveto fight it out the insurgency of any kinds therefore Sikkim Police isone of the most happiest and stress free force should timely contend these forces and find out whoare people spreading communal hatred through pamphlets.Further,He requested business community in state to not to give support and financial patronage to anti-sikkim and anti-developement forces who are solely motivated to disturb peace in state.SDFGovernment would never compromise with elements who Oppose development and ispartof wider conspiracy to destroythe capacity and economic prospects of people and Sikkim.

"MY KARMA MY DHARMA IS WITH ME". Sikkim Democratic Front Government would always engage itself in the constructive and thrive on positive energy and would fight it out with forces that stands against Sikkim,its peaceful people amd its developmental works.