Sikkim - The Purbottar

09 Aug

Dr. Indra Hang Subba demands justice for left-out tribal communities

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim’s Lok Sabha MP, Dr. Indra Hang Subba, has stepped up his efforts to address long-standing concerns over tribal representation in the Himalayan state. In a meeting with Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Durgadas Uikey, in New Delhi on Friday, the MP called for the urgent inclusion of several left-out communities in Sikkim’s Scheduled Tribe (ST) list. Dr. Subba said the exclusion of certain indigenous groups from the official ST list has resulted in deep-rooted social and political inequalities. He particularly drew attention to the plight of the Limboo and Tamang communities, who were granted ST status in…

08 Aug

CM Tamang sends wishes on Lepcha festival Tendong Lho Rum Faat

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has extended warm greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Tendong Lho Rum Faat, one of the most revered festivals of the Lepcha community. The festival, celebrated with deep devotion, pays homage to the Almighty and to the sacred Tendong Hill, which holds a central place in Lepcha history and identity. In his message, the Chief Minister offered special wishes to the Lepcha people, describing Tendong Lho Rum Faat as a festival of profound spiritual significance. As per Lepcha legend, Tendong Hill is believed to have saved their ancestors from…

07 Aug

NHIDCL extends closure of NH-10 from Sevoke to Chitrey till August 8

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

In a crucial development impacting connectivity between West Bengal and Sikkim, traffic movement along the vital National Highway-10 (NH-10), specifically the stretch between Coronation Bridge in Sevoke and Chitrey, will remain suspended until 9 AM on August 8. The decision comes after the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) extended the earlier restriction, initially imposed from August 3 to 6, citing persistent safety concerns. The NHIDCL, through an official notification issued under Section 33 of the National Highway (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002, announced the extension to safeguard public safety. The affected section is a critical corridor for…

06 Aug

‘Shape of Momo’ to compete at 72nd San Sebastián International Film Festival

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkimese filmmaker Tribeny Rai has earned a place on the global stage with her debut feature film, Shape of Momo (Nepali title: Chhora Jastai), being selected for the 72nd San Sebastián International Film Festival in Spain. The film will compete in the prestigious ‘New Directors’ category, a segment renowned for spotlighting the most promising emerging voices in world cinema.This selection marks a historic moment—not just for Rai as a first-time feature director, but also for Sikkim and the broader Indian Nepali-speaking community, whose stories are seldom represented at such prominent international film events. Set in Rai’s home villages of Nandok…

05 Aug

Heavy rain damages NH-10, road shut until August 6

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The lifeline highway connecting Sikkim to the rest of India—National Highway 10 (NH-10)—has been completely shut down for three days following landslides and severe road damage triggered by relentless monsoon rains. The highway will remain closed to all vehicular traffic from 8 PM on August 3 to 6 PM on August 6, as urgent repair work is undertaken by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). The most alarming development occurred in West Bengal’s Kalimpong district, where a major crack was detected near a landslide-prone stretch between Coronation Bridge and Chitrey. Officials stated that the closure is essential…

04 Aug

PM Modi releases ₹2,000 aid to 32,190 farmers in Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

More than 32,190 farmers in Sikkim have received financial support under the 20th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. The installment was released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, as part of a nationwide disbursement of ₹20,500 crore directly into the bank accounts of over 9.53 crore eligible farmers.This direct financial transfer of ₹2,000 per farmer is part of the annual ₹6,000 assistance provided in three equal installments under the scheme. The money is meant to support basic farming needs such as purchasing seeds, fertilizers, and other agricultural inputs. In Sikkim, the number of farmers…

02 Aug

Flash floods worsen NH-10 condition, MP seeks Central help

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim's lone Lok Sabha MP, Indra Hang Subba, met Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on August 1, pressing for urgent flood control and restoration measures along National Highway-10, which connects Sikkim to the rest of India. Subba submitted a memorandum highlighting the highway’s vulnerability to monsoon-induced landslides and floods, particularly along the Teesta River stretch in Kalimpong, West Bengal. He flagged the recurring damage between Sevoke and Melli as life-threatening for commuters and locals. The October 2023 flash flood, which altered the Teesta's course and raised the riverbed, worsened the situation with silt and debris accumulation, he…

02 Aug

After 6+ Years, Red Panda Cubs Born In Sikkim Zoo

Purbalee DuttaNews, Sikkim

The birth of two red panda cubs at the Himalayan Zoological Park near Gangtok, Sikkim, has revitalized its red panda conservation efforts after a seven-year gap. Born on June 15 to parents Lucky-II and Mirak, the cubs mark the first litter for the pair. Park authorities officially announced the news on August 1, calling it a major achievement for the Red Panda Conservation Programme, which began in 1997. Director Sangay Gyatso explained that the programme had faced setbacks over the past seven years, including two outbreaks of canine distemper—a deadly viral disease affecting carnivores—that significantly reduced the captive red panda…

01 Aug

Sikkim Governor celebrates first anniversary with grand event

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The state of Sikkim celebrated the first anniversary of Governor Om Prakash Mathur’s tenure with a grand event titled Utkarsh Utsav, commemorating a year of service marked by development, inclusivity, and people-centric outreach. Reflecting on his journey as the 18th Governor of Sikkim, Mathur expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people and reaffirmed his commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth. “This year has been full of learning, inspiration, and meaningful connections,” he said, recalling his swearing-in at Raj Bhavan just a year ago. Over the past year, Governor Mathur traversed the state—from high-altitude Donkela Pass to festive events like Maghey Mela…

01 Aug

Raj Bhavan Holds ‘Utkarsh Utsav’

Purbalee DuttaNews, Sikkim

Raj Bhavan Sikkim hosted a special event, ‘Utkarsh Utsav,’ on Thursday to mark the completion of one year of Om Prakash Mathur's tenure as the 18th Governor of Sikkim. The celebration saw the presence of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, Chief Justice Biswanath Somadder, Speaker M.N. Sherpa, and other dignitaries. A key moment was the release of the book Jaise Mene Janna, featuring the Governor’s speeches over the year. Reflecting on his journey, Governor Mathur spoke about his travels across the state, including visits to border villages under the Vibrant Villages Programme. He praised Sikkim’s people for their unity, sustainability…