Sonakshi Sarkar

Sikkim’s Lok Sabha MP, Dr. Indra Hang Subba, has stepped up his efforts to address long-standing concerns over tribal representation in the Himalayan state. In a meeting with Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Durgadas Uikey, in New Delhi on Friday, the MP called for the urgent inclusion of several left-out communities in Sikkim’s Scheduled Tribe (ST) list. Dr. Subba said the exclusion of certain indigenous groups from the official ST list has resulted in deep-rooted social and political inequalities. He particularly drew attention to the plight of the Limboo and Tamang communities, who were granted ST status in…

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has extended warm greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Tendong Lho Rum Faat, one of the most revered festivals of the Lepcha community. The festival, celebrated with deep devotion, pays homage to the Almighty and to the sacred Tendong Hill, which holds a central place in Lepcha history and identity. In his message, the Chief Minister offered special wishes to the Lepcha people, describing Tendong Lho Rum Faat as a festival of profound spiritual significance. As per Lepcha legend, Tendong Hill is believed to have saved their ancestors from…

In a crucial development impacting connectivity between West Bengal and Sikkim, traffic movement along the vital National Highway-10 (NH-10), specifically the stretch between Coronation Bridge in Sevoke and Chitrey, will remain suspended until 9 AM on August 8. The decision comes after the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) extended the earlier restriction, initially imposed from August 3 to 6, citing persistent safety concerns. The NHIDCL, through an official notification issued under Section 33 of the National Highway (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002, announced the extension to safeguard public safety. The affected section is a critical corridor for…

Sikkimese filmmaker Tribeny Rai has earned a place on the global stage with her debut feature film, Shape of Momo (Nepali title: Chhora Jastai), being selected for the 72nd San Sebastián International Film Festival in Spain. The film will compete in the prestigious ‘New Directors’ category, a segment renowned for spotlighting the most promising emerging voices in world cinema.This selection marks a historic moment—not just for Rai as a first-time feature director, but also for Sikkim and the broader Indian Nepali-speaking community, whose stories are seldom represented at such prominent international film events. Set in Rai’s home villages of Nandok…

The lifeline highway connecting Sikkim to the rest of India—National Highway 10 (NH-10)—has been completely shut down for three days following landslides and severe road damage triggered by relentless monsoon rains. The highway will remain closed to all vehicular traffic from 8 PM on August 3 to 6 PM on August 6, as urgent repair work is undertaken by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). The most alarming development occurred in West Bengal’s Kalimpong district, where a major crack was detected near a landslide-prone stretch between Coronation Bridge and Chitrey. Officials stated that the closure is essential…