Sikkim - The Purbottar

03 Jul

Sikkim CM Secures Key Agreements with West Bengal on Medical Facility, Taxi Permits and Teesta River Management

Paromita EditorSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang called on the West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari at the Secretariat in Kolkata on Thursday and discussed several key issues concerning the states.“During the meeting, we discussed several important matters. A key issue was the previously stalled proposal for the construction of a Suswastha Bhawan Sikkim, at the SNT Complex in Siliguri, intended to support people seeking medical treatment in the region,” Tamang said.“The Chief Minister of West Bengal acknowledged the significance of this initiative and graciously accorded his approval, and directed the concerned department to issue permission. I express my sincere gratitude…

01 Jul

Single Case of Self-Radicalisation Under Scanner; No Threat to Law and Order, Confirms Sikkim Police

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Police on Wednesday said there is no evidence of any organised terrorist module, local extremist network or communal angle operating in the state, even as it continues investigating a case involving the alleged online self-radicalisation of an individual and the dissemination of extremist content through digital platforms. The clarification came in a detailed statement issued by the office of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Gangtok Police Range, amid the ongoing investigation. According to the police, Sadar Police Station registered FIR No. 58/2026 under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 and…

18 Jun

CEO Urges Voters to Submit Forms Before June 28 Deadline

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim has successfully completed the distribution of Enumeration Forms (EFs) to all eligible voters as part of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, marking a significant milestone in the electoral roll revision process. Announcing the achievement on Wednesday, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Raj Singh Yadav said the state had achieved 100 per cent distribution of the forms well before the prescribed deadline. However, he stressed that the exercise would only be meaningful if voters submit the duly filled forms within the stipulated timeframe. Addressing reporters in Gangtok, Yadav clarified that receiving an Enumeration Form does not automatically…

18 Jun

Landslide Hits East Sikkim Road, Traffic Movement Affected

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Vehicular movement between Singtam and Rangpo was disrupted on Thursday morning after a landslide struck the 20th Mile stretch of the road, affecting traffic flow and connectivity along one of the key routes in East Sikkim. According to official sources, the landslide occurred in the early hours of the day, leading to the blockage of a section of the road and causing inconvenience to commuters travelling through the corridor. Authorities said restoration work has been initiated, but it may take some time before the affected stretch is cleared and reopened for normal traffic movement. Officials are closely monitoring the situation…

17 Jun

Bardang Students Develop Fuel Oil from Plastic Waste in Pyrolysis Experiment

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Students of the Mechanical Engineering Department at the Advanced Technical Training Centre (ATTC), Bardang, have successfully demonstrated the conversion of plastic waste into crude oil through an experimental project using pyrolysis technology, showcasing an innovative approach to waste management and alternative fuel production. The project was undertaken by a team of Diploma Mechanical Engineering students under the guidance of lecturer Bidhan Adhikari. The student team comprised Nivedan Hang Subba, Nawang Palzor Tamang, Aryan Sharma, Karma Sherpa and Prayog Sharma. According to the institution, the initiative was designed to explore the possibility of converting plastic waste into fuel oil while promoting…

17 Jun

Grievance Camp Set Up in Gangtok to Support Traders

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim Chamber of Commerce has expressed gratitude to the state government for its swift intervention in addressing concerns raised by traders regarding the renewal of trade licences by the Gangtok Municipal Corporation (GMC). In a statement issued by the Chamber, the trading body thanked Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang for responding promptly to the difficulties faced by traders in Gangtok and directing the concerned authorities to resolve the matter without delay. According to the Chamber, traders had approached the government with grievances related to the trade licence renewal process. After being informed of the challenges faced by the business…

06 Jun

Blaze Engulfs Lachen Monastery, Cultural Loss for Region

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A major fire that broke out late Friday night completely destroyed the historic Thangu Sertok Gumpa in North Sikkim's Lachen area, causing a significant loss to the region's religious and cultural heritage. According to local sources, the fire started at around 11 pm and rapidly spread through the monastery premises. The blaze also engulfed two nearby houses, causing extensive damage to property in the area. Residents, local authorities and emergency responders rushed to the spot and made efforts to control the fire. However, the flames spread quickly and nothing from inside the monastery could be saved. The gumpa, along with…

06 Jun

SDF Urges ECI to Extend Sikkim Voter Revision Deadline

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to extend the deadline for submission of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) enumeration forms in Sikkim by one month, citing practical difficulties faced by voters and election officials during the ongoing revision exercise.According to a press release issued by SDF senior vice-president Shakti Singh Chaudhary on June 5, the party submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission through email and forwarded a copy to the Chief Electoral Officer of Sikkim. The SIR process began on May 31 and is currently scheduled to continue until June 28. The…

05 Jun

Meenakshi Madan Rai Takes Oath as Patna High Court Chief Justice

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Patna High Court on Friday, marking a historic milestone for both Sikkim and the Indian judiciary. With her appointment, she has become the first woman from Sikkim to head any High Court in the country. The oath of office was administered by Bihar Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd.) at a ceremony held in Patna. Justice Rai succeeds Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo, who retired on June 4, 2026. Her appointment was notified by the Centre on June 2 following a recommendation made by the Supreme Court…

29 May

Tourist Rush in Sikkim as Travellers Flee Intense Heatwave Across India

riya EditorSikkim

Sikkim is witnessing a massive influx of tourists this summer as travellers from across the country flock to the Himalayan state to escape the severe heatwave affecting several regions of India. Official records from the 3rd Mile check post show that 16,749 tourists travelling in 5,375 vehicles crossed the checkpoint between May 24 and May 28 for visits to high-altitude destinations such as Nathula Pass and Tsomgo Lake. The check post issues permit for Nathula, which is a restricted border area in East Sikkim. According to official data, May 24 recorded the highest tourist movement during the period, with 1,990…