Sonakshi Sarkar

Former Minister Tshering Wangdi Lepcha of the Lachen-Mangan constituency has resigned from the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF). A long-serving member of the party since 1993, Lepcha expressed deep gratitude for the opportunities he gained in Sikkimese politics but cited unavoidable reasons for his departure. Lepcha’s resignation follows a major shake-up within the SDF, led by party president Pawan Chamling. In a Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting held at SDF Bhawan on September 2, Chamling dissolved all major party committees, including the Central Working Committee, District Committees, and Frontal Organizations. This strategic restructuring, Chamling noted, aims to rejuvenate the party’s leadership…

The Indian Army paid tributes to four personnel who tragically lost their lives in a road accident along the Silk Route in Sikkim’s Pakyong District on September 5. The soldiers were honored with full military rites at the Bengdubi Military Station. The fallen heroes—Subedar K Thangapandi, Naik Gursev Singh, Craftsman W Peter Singh, and Sepoy Pradeep Patel—were members of the Enroute Mission Command unit from Binaguri, West Bengal. In a tribute on X, the Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army said, "These brave soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty in Sikkim. The Indian Army stands firm…

Sikkim's commitment to bolstering its tourism sector took center stage at the North-Eastern and Eastern Tourism Ministers Conference held in Shillong today. The event, presided over by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, brought together key regional leaders and senior officials to discuss strategies for enhancing tourism across the region. Leading the Sikkim delegation, Minister for Tourism & Civil Aviation Tshering Thendup Bhutia highlighted the state’s strategic vision under the guidance of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay). Bhutia emphasized Sikkim’s goal to establish itself as a premier year-round destination, promoting equitable distribution of tourism benefits and…

Sikkim's Pakyong Airport is poised for significant expansion as multiple airlines prepare to commence operations from October 2024. Leading the charge is IndiGo, one of India’s top airlines, which will soon offer flights connecting Pakyong to major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. Pakyong AAI Director, Sanjeev Kumar Singh, assured that the recent landslide near the airport has not affected the runway, and repair work is being conducted vigorously. "The expansion is part of a broader plan to enhance connectivity and boost tourism in the region," Singh stated. The introduction of IndiGo’s flights is expected to significantly boost tourism…

Special forces divers from the Indian Army's Trishakti Corps, Eastern Command, and Triservices embarked on an extraordinary underwater diving mission in the freezing waters of East Sikkim, situated at an altitude of 14,000 feet. The daring operation saw these elite divers confront the icy depths in one of the most challenging environments, demonstrating exceptional skill, precision, and teamwork. Known for their unwavering dedication, the Trishakti Corps divers pushed the boundaries of human endurance in this high-altitude expedition. The exercise not only showcased their formidable capabilities but also reinforced their reputation as one of the most elite and feared special forces…