Sonakshi Sarkar

620 Posts
₹2.25 crore approved for rail survey to connect West Sikkim

₹2.25 crore approved for rail survey to connect West Sikkim

In a major boost to Sikkim’s connectivity, the Ministry of Railways has sanctioned the Final Location Survey (FLS) for a proposed 75-km railway line between Melli and Dentam via Jorethang and Legship. The Centre has allocated ₹2.25 crore for the project, with the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) tasked with conducting the survey. The move follows a formal proposal submitted by Sikkim MP Indra Hang Subba in December 2024. Thanking Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for his support, Subba said the project would be “transformative for West Sikkim,” connecting remote regions and accelerating development. The planned rail line is seen as a…
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Residents terrified as sonic boom rocks Eastern Assam

Residents terrified as sonic boom rocks Eastern Assam

A sudden and thunderous sound sent waves of panic across multiple areas of Assam’s Golaghat district on the afternoon of May 9, prompting widespread speculation and fear among residents. The loud noise, which reportedly shook windows and startled people, was heard around 3:35 PM in Merapani, Sarupathar, and several adjoining localities, causing confusion and anxiety among locals. In response to the incident, the Golaghat district administration swiftly issued a statement through its official social media channels, suggesting that the loud noise was likely the result of a sonic boom—a phenomenon that occurs when an aircraft or another object breaks the…
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Union government urged to reform 1949 Bodhgaya Temple Act

Union government urged to reform 1949 Bodhgaya Temple Act

Sikkim Minister for Ecclesiastical Affairs, Sonam Lama, has called on the Union Government to intervene in the ongoing dispute surrounding the Bodhgaya Temple Act (BTA) of 1949. Lama urged the Centre to address the concerns of the global Buddhist community, which has been demanding amendments to the Act governing the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, Bihar. In a letter dated April 1 and addressed to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Lama expressed "deep concern" over the lack of representation for Buddhists in the temple’s administration. “The Buddhist community worldwide has long awaited justice regarding the governance and rightful representation at Bodhgaya,” he…
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Pijush Hazarika backs Modi’s national security doctrine after operation ‘Sindoor’

Pijush Hazarika backs Modi’s national security doctrine after operation ‘Sindoor’

Assam minister Pijush Hazarika has strongly backed India’s recent military action, Operation Sindoor, calling it a clear and bold message against terrorism and Pakistan’s continued support for extremist groups. In a post shared on social media, the senior BJP leader stated that India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi will never remain silent in the face of violence against its citizens. “Pakistan has faced a fierce and unforgiving response for its cowardly provocation,” Hazarika said, referring to the surgical military strikes carried out by the Indian Armed Forces. “This is the new India—resolute, powerful, and unafraid.” The operation, jointly conducted by…
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Sikkim shows rare political unity in support of armed forces

Sikkim shows rare political unity in support of armed forces

In a rare display of political unity, major political parties in Sikkim have strongly endorsed the Indian military’s Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang’s Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) praised the operation, calling it a decisive move. “The targeted action against terror camps sends a clear message to the world that India will defend itself,” said SKM spokesperson Bikash Basnet.The Citizen Action Party (CAP) echoed the sentiment, terming the operation “historic” and a testament to India’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism. “India will never compromise when it comes to the safety…
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Guwahati’s rising star Abhinab Gautam makes history in Asian Armwrestling

Guwahati’s rising star Abhinab Gautam makes history in Asian Armwrestling

Abhinab Gautam, a rising sports talent from Assam, has etched his name into the annals of Indian armwrestling history by winning a bronze medal at the Asian Armwrestling Championship 2025, held in New Delhi. The championship, which concluded on May 3, brought together the finest armwrestlers from across the continent, and Gautam’s achievement stands out as a proud moment for both Assam and the nation. Representing India in the youth men’s below 75 kg left-hand category, Abhinab displayed outstanding grit and determination throughout the tournament. The 2025 edition of the championship featured participation from 21 countries, including competitive nations like…
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BJP seeks clarity from DCs on presence of Pakistani nationals in Sikkim

BJP seeks clarity from DCs on presence of Pakistani nationals in Sikkim

The Sikkim unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has raised concerns over the state government's silence on identifying and deporting Pakistani nationals, following a directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The issue comes amid nationwide action post the recent Pahalgam incident. Speaking to the media, BJP Sikkim spokesperson Passang Sherpa questioned the absence of visible measures by district administrations. “The MHA has directed all states to locate and deport any Pakistani nationals residing illegally. But Sikkim has shown no clear response,” he said. Sherpa added that BJP Sikkim has formally approached the District Collectors of all six…
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Raju Bista appeals for urgent CSR expansion in Sevoke-Rangpo region

Raju Bista appeals for urgent CSR expansion in Sevoke-Rangpo region

Member of Parliament from Darjeeling, Raju Bista, met with Hari Mohan Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director of IRCON International Limited and raised several important issues concerning the people living along the Sevoke-Rangpo Rail Line, especially those affected by the October 2023 floods. During the meeting, Raju Bista appreciated the work IRCON has done through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes. He said these CSR activities have helped many communities living near the Teesta River and also strengthened local support for the Sevoke-Rangpo railway project. He praised the company’s commitment to development in the region and said their efforts have made…
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Sikkim’s CAP demands action after assault on Ashish Rai

Sikkim’s CAP demands action after assault on Ashish Rai

The Citizen Action Party (CAP) has strongly condemned the brutal attack on Ashish Rai, President of the All Sikkim Drivers Welfare Council, calling it a direct assault on democracy and the voice of the working class. Rai, a well-known advocate for drivers' rights, was attacked by masked assailants late Sunday night at his rented home in Rongey. He sustained critical injuries to his head and knees and is currently undergoing treatment at STNM Hospital in an unconscious state. The CAP, in its official statement, alleged that Rai’s activism — particularly his outspoken stance on poor road conditions and drivers’ welfare…
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Kamrup imposes strict election restrictions to ensure peace

Kamrup imposes strict election restrictions to ensure peace

Ahead of the Panchayat elections scheduled for May 7, the Kamrup district administration has imposed a series of strict restrictions across the district to maintain peace and ensure a smooth electoral process. The prohibitory measures, enforced under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), came into effect from 4:30 PM on May 5. District Commissioner Dev Kumar Mishra issued the directive on May 3, invoking his powers to clamp down on any activity that could disrupt the polling process. The restrictions will remain in place through the sensitive 48-hour period following the close of voting. Under the new…
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