Sikkim - The Purbottar

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…

29 May

Sikkim CM Orders High-Level Panel to Review Lachen Road Connectivity Issue

riya EditorSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has directed the constitution of a high-level committee to conduct a site visit and recommend a permanent and sustainable solution to the ongoing Lachen road connectivity issue. The Chief Minister on Friday convened a meeting to address the issue with the Pipons, representatives of the Lachen Dzumsa, and residents at Samman Bhawan. “Directions have been issued for the constitution of a high-level committee to conduct a site visit and recommend a permanent and sustainable solution. Subject to technical feasibility and expert assessment, the proposal for the construction of a tunnel may also be explored,”…

28 May

Sikkim’s Smita Lama Tops M.Pharm, Receives Prestigious Gold Medal

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Smita Lama of Sichey in Gangtok was awarded the prestigious Gold Medal during the 7th Convocation of Sikkim University held at Manan Kendra in Gangtok, bringing pride to the state’s academic community.Lama received the honour after emerging as the topper in M.Pharm examinations of Sikkim University for the year 2024. The award recognised her outstanding academic performance and contribution to the field of Pharmaceutical Sciences.The convocation ceremony was attended by President of India Droupadi Murmu, Governor of Sikkim Om Prakash Mathur and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, along with several senior dignitaries from the state and central governments. Smita Lama…

28 May

Murmu Stresses Cybercrime Readiness and Modern Policing Reforms

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

President Droupadi Murmu today said the police must become more citizen-friendly and work as a supportive force for society while addressing the ceremonial presentation of the President’s Police Colour to Sikkim Police at Palzor Stadium in Gangtok. Presenting the prestigious President’s Colour to the Sikkim Police, the President said the honour recognised the force’s outstanding service and dedication over the years. She congratulated all former and serving officers and personnel associated with the police force for the achievement.“Today, I am extremely pleased to present the President’s Colour to the Sikkim Police for its outstanding service. This honour is a matter…

28 May

Sikkim Police Receives Nation’s Highest Police Honour in Presence of President Murmu

riya EditorSikkim

The prestigious Presentation of President’s Police Color to the Sikkim Police was conducted with full ceremonial grandeur at Paljor Stadium in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday. Governor of Sikkim Om Prakash Mathur, Chief Minister of Sikkim Prem Singh Tamang and Chief Secretary R Telang and Director General of Police Akshay Sachdeva were also present on the occasion. The solemn ceremony commenced with the arrival of the President, who was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour and National Salute by contingents of the Sikkim Police. Addressing the gathering, President Murmu expressed immense pleasure in presenting the President’s Police…

28 May

President Murmu Plants Rhododendron Arboreum During Gangtok Visit

riya EditorSikkim

President Droupadi Murmu, who is on a three-day tour of Sikkim, on Thursday planted a sampling of Rhododendron arboretum on the premises of Lok Bhavan in Gangtok. The ceremonial plantation programmer formed part of the President’s official engagements in the State and underscored the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable living. The initiative also highlighted Sikkim’s rich ecological heritage and the State’s continued commitment towards preserving the natural environment of the Himalayan region. Governor Mr. Om Prakash Mathur, Secretary-cum-PCCF, Forest and Environment Department, Dr Pradeep Kumar, Commissioner-cum-Secretary to Governor, Lok Bhawan, Jitendra Singh Raje, District Collector Gangtok; Rohan Agwane, officials…

26 May

Presidential Visit: Droupadi Murmu Scheduled to Tour Sikkim from May 26 to 28

riya EditorSikkim

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, will visit Sikkim from May 26 to 28. On May 26, the President will visit Namgyal Institute of Tibetology in Gangtok informed an official statement. On May 27, the President will visit Nathu La Pass. On the same day, she will also grace the convocation ceremony of Sikkim University at Gangtok. On May 28, the President will present the President of India’s Police Color to the Sikkim Police at Gangtok.