Sikkim ‘Finger Point’ survey on: Army Chief

NEW DELHI/GANGTOK, May 27: In the backdrop of China laying claim over a tiny border area in Sikkim, India is conducting a survey in the region as part of efforts to revalidate New Delhi's position.While confirming this, Army Chief Gen Deepak Kapoor today sought to downplay the survey, saying there was nothing unusual about it as “we are carrying out such exercises in other places”.He said there is no problem between “us and the other side (China)” in the area, called “Finger Point” in north Sikkim.“Within our territory, we can do survey and patrolling as we have been doing it for years,” he told reporters on the sidelines of a seminar on “Technology and Anti-technology Challenges before Defence Forces” organised by the CII.His comments come days after reports that the government has asked the Survey of India to carry out a fresh survey of the northern plateau in Sikkim using latest methods to validate India's position.In exchanges with Beijing, New Delhi has been relying on the 1924 survey of India map of the area. China also claims 2.1 square km area which is referred as “Finger Area”.“Surveys are normal exercises. Surveys along the border are continuing at a lot of places,” Kapoor said.Also referring to the issue, Minister of State for Defence M M Palam Raju said that both India and China are responsible neighbours and would sort out matters, if any, bilaterally.“We conduct bilateral negotiations for all issues. If there is any issue, we will sort out,” he said.Expressing surprise over recent spate of ceasefire violations in Jammua and Kashmir, Raju said New Delhi was looking for “valid explanation from the other side” on these.ations,” he said as for over five years the sanctity of the ceasefire had been respected both by India and Pakistan.He said after these violations, India was anticipating that there could be more bids made to infiltrate terrorists from across the border. The minister said the armed forces have been asked to maintain strict vigil and foil all attempts by militants to sneak across the LoC.Asked if Border Roads Organisation would be involved in new projects in Afghanistan since the present road project almost approaching completion, he said a request has to come from Afghanistan. (The Statesman)

First pictures of disputed area in Sikkim

A day after your channel reported China's attempts to lay claim to a strategically important area in North Sikkim, called the "Finger Area", TIMES NOW have gained access to the exclusive pictures of the Finger Area showing Indian patrol vehicles. Earlier, China has surprised India by laying claims on a small tract of land in North Sikkim and has threatened to demolish the existing stone structures there. India strongly rebutted these claims, lodged an official protest and barred Chinese troops from entering the area. Referred to as the "Finger Area" by Indian armed forces, this territory falls north of Gyangyong in Sikkim and overlooks a strategically important valley known as the Sora Funnel. It contains several stone cairns, which are essentially heaps of stones that can be used for shelter. The exclusive pictures, which TIMES NOW have, depict the actual situation in the Finger Point area. The pictures, the first from Sikkim, show Indian military patrol vehicles on the Indian side as well as Chinese patrol vehicles on the other side of the border. The pictures also show cairns, or bunkers, that the Chinese have threatened to break down on the Indian side. (TimesNow)

India downplays Chinese claim on Sikkim land

New Delhi:India on Sunday played down China’s latest claims on a small tract of land in northern Sikkim and called it “minor and local” matter. Government sources said that such claims were not new and that India had responded to the Chinese claims at the appropriate forum. China wants to claim a piece of land in northern Sikkim which is called the “Finger area” by the Indian Army. The boundary in the area is demarcated by stone cairns. The Chinese side has objected to these stone cairns boundary. India has told China that it will not allow Chinese troops into the area and that it would mean a breach of the treaty between the neighbours to maintain peace along the border. The matter was taken up at the routine division commander-level flag meeting in Nathu La where India said that it would not allow Chinese troops to enter the area. The matter was taken up a day at a lunch meeting between Indian officials and a Chinese team in Beijing. This is the latest in a row of border incidents that remain irritants in Sino-India ties. China has continued to stake claim over large parts of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly Tawang. This matter is being discussed between special representatives of the two countries. But even as the discussions continue, China and India have exchanged words over Arunachal. The government has had many occasions to convey to the Chinese that Arunachal is an integral part of India. Recently, China had verbally protested against PM Manmohan Singh’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh. (The Economics Times)

Lepchas are the first inhabitants of Darjeeling and Sikkim

The above article appeared in Himalaya darpan of today which talks about the Lepchas as the original inhabitants of Sikkim and Darjeeling. The historical facts and references are given. I will try to translate it into English and will post here in due time. Worth reading the article. For beteer view of the article please click the link given at the right hand side.