Sonakshi Sarkar - The Purbottar

21 Nov

Bodoland University organizes a nationwide conference to protect the indigenous knowledge and cultural identity of the Northeast

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Bodoland University became a vibrant centre of intellectual exchange and cultural reflection as it hosted a national seminar on “Oral & Written Histories: Indigenous Arts, Weaving, Ecological Crafts, Food Traditions & Languages.” The event, held on Thursday, brought together a diverse group of scholars, researchers, artists and cultural practitioners from different parts of India and abroad for an in-depth discussion on the need to preserve the Northeast’s rich indigenous heritage. The seminar was organised under the EMWSSAA project of the North Eastern Council (NEC), Ministry of DoNER, in collaboration with the North East India History Association (NEIHA). The programme opened…

20 Nov

Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi meets with Chief Minister Tamang, evaluates border security in Sikkim, and congratulates seasoned achievements

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi carried out a detailed review of security preparedness in Sikkim during his visit to the state’s forward areas this week. The Army Chief also met Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and discussed key national security priorities and ongoing civil–military cooperation efforts. General Dwivedi was accompanied by senior military commanders, including the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command, the GOC Trishakti Corps and the GOC Black Cat Division. The meeting with the Chief Minister took place at the CM’s official residence, where both sides exchanged views on strengthening coordination between the civil…

20 Nov

As the city prepares for an important second test, South Africa and India land in Guwahati

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Guwahati witnessed a wave of excitement on Wednesday evening as the Indian and South African cricket teams arrived in the city ahead of the second Test scheduled for November 22. The players landed at the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, where they were received under tight security while fans gathered in large numbers to catch a glimpse of their favourite stars. According to airport officials, both teams moved straight to the Radisson Blu Hotel after their arrival. The squads are expected to rest and begin preparations for the high-pressure clash, which has now become crucial for India after their defeat…

19 Nov

BJP Sikkim reaffirms its call for an Article 371(F) revision of the electoral roll

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has renewed its demand that the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the Electoral Roll be carried out strictly under the constitutional framework of Article 371(F), which grants special protections to the Himalayan state. The party emphasised that the revision must fully comply with the Sikkim Citizenship Order Act, 1975, and the Representation of the Sikkim Subject Act, 1974; two cornerstones of Sikkim’s legal and historical identity. A senior delegation of the BJP met the District Election Officer (DEO) in Gangtok on Tuesday to review the progress of the SIR and…

19 Nov

According to the Assam chief minister, the Special Intensive Revision will start following the NRC notification and aim for a mid-2026 rollout

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the state’s electoral rolls will only begin once the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is formally notified, a step he expects to be completed by the middle of next year. His statement comes amid ongoing concerns over inconsistencies in Assam’s voter lists, which continue to carry names of deceased individuals, minors, and married women whose names or addresses have changed over time. Explaining the delay, Sarma said the absence of an official NRC notification has stalled the SIR process for years. “The NRC has…

18 Nov

Sikkim BJP Adviser flags rising security risks along state border

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

BJP leader and state party adviser Tseten Tashi Bhutia has raised concerns over increasing security risks along Sikkim’s border areas, citing activities linked to neighbouring countries that require closer scrutiny. Bhutia said that information widely circulated on social media and news platforms provides a clearer view of developments near India’s frontiers, highlighting the need for heightened vigilance in Sikkim’s sensitive border zones. He warned that anti-India activities cannot be ignored and that proactive measures are critical to ensuring the state’s security. Highlighting the significance of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, Bhutia called it “very necessary” and “urgently needed,”…

18 Nov

In advance of the 2026 assembly elections, the EC mandates a special revision of Assam’s electoral records

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

In a significant move ahead of Assam’s assembly elections next year, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday directed a ‘Special Revision’ of the state’s electoral rolls. This step is aimed at ensuring updated and accurate voter lists across the state. In an official communication to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Assam, the Commission specified January 1, 2026, as the qualifying date for the revision exercise. Election officials clarified that the Special Revision lies between the annual special summary revision and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), highlighting the Commission’s commitment to maintaining error-free and comprehensive electoral rolls before…

17 Nov

Strong calls to preserve Sikkimese identity and togetherness are echoed at the Kongchen Dorjee Award Ceremony

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The inaugural Kongchen Dorjee Award turned into a powerful platform for reflection and community solidarity as SIBLAC Convenor and BJP Advisor Tseten Tashi Bhutia received the honour from the Sikkim Indigenous Lepcha Tribal Association (SILTA). While the event celebrated his long-standing service, Bhutia used the moment to issue a heartfelt call for unity, fairness and stronger constitutional safeguards for Sikkim’s indigenous communities. Bhutia, who has worked closely with the Sikkim Indigenous Bhutia-Lepcha Advisory Council, told the gathering that he accepted the recognition “with a heartfelt feeling” and prayers for the well-being of the people. He said the award belonged not…

17 Nov

A rare Golden Langur is spotted by UK tourists in Assam’s Kakoijana Reserve Forest

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

A group of nine tourists from the United Kingdom experienced a rare and memorable wildlife encounter during their visit to the Kakoijana Reserve Forest in Assam’s Bongaigaon district, where they witnessed the endangered Golden Langur in its natural habitat. The sighting added a special highlight to their trip, as the species is among the most threatened primates in the world and found only in limited pockets of Assam and Bhutan. Kakoijana Reserve Forest, known globally as an important habitat of the Golden Langur, has been gaining increasing international attention for its conservation success and flourishing biodiversity. The visiting team spent…

15 Nov

Sikkim’s Lamin Theengh dominates 35th National Strength Lifting Championship, wins four golds

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The 35th National Strength Lifting and Incline Bench Press Championship concluded in spectacular fashion at Palzor Stadium, Gangtok, on November 13, 2025, with over 750 elite athletes from 22 states participating in the four-day event. The championship, held from November 10 to 13, showcased India’s top strength athletes and highlighted Sikkim’s growing stature as a host for major sporting events. Organized under the leadership of the Sikkim Strength Lifting Association, led by Mr. Pema Dorjee Bhutia, Mr. Allen Targain, and Ms. Chandrakala Pradhan, the event was widely praised for its seamless execution and competitive spirit. Among the standout performers, Ms.…