Sikkim - The Purbottar

06 Oct

Amar Subba, the “Marathon Man” of Sikkim, excels at the Malaysia Ultra Trail 2025

Banasree SarkarSikkim

Amar Subba, fondly known as the “Marathon Man of Sikkim,” has once again brought pride to the state and the nation by delivering an impressive performance at the Malaysia Ultra Trail by UTMB 2025. Competing in the 50 km category, Subba secured 11th position in his world age group with a finish time of 10 hours, 3 minutes, and 21 seconds, ranking 121st overall among 700 finishers. Among the three Indian participants in the category, Subba emerged as the highest-ranked finisher, reaffirming his status as one of India’s most consistent long-distance runners. The Malaysia Ultra Trail by UTMB is recognized…

04 Oct

Singtam murder case: Two people are being held after a government worker is killed in a fight at Lall Bazaar

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Singtam Police have registered a murder case against two individuals following the death of 39-year-old government employee Dinesh Pradhan after a violent altercation at Lall Bazaar on Thursday night. The incident occurred around 7 PM when a heated dispute broke out between Pradhan and the two accused, Ishlam Sheikh and Jalal Sheikh, who run a meat shop in Singtam. The quarrel quickly escalated, leaving Pradhan with serious injuries. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries during treatment. Both accused have been arrested, and a case of murder has been filed under Section 103 of the…

27 Sep

The governor of Sikkim showcases drone technology and crop value addition during an agri-workshop

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur on Friday emphasized the importance of value addition in agriculture, particularly for high-value crops like large cardamom, and highlighted the growing role of drone technology in modern farming. Speaking at a workshop organized by the ICAR–Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Zone VI, Guwahati, in collaboration with Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, Mathur urged scientists and researchers to focus on enhancing crop quality and income for farmers through innovative technologies. The workshop, attended by senior officials and agriculture experts, also underlined the need to expand Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in Sikkim. These centers serve as…

26 Sep

The BJP demands that the Sikkim Garib Awas Yojna beneficiaries be reexamined

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) delegation visited the Rural Development Department (RDD) office in Pakyong District on Thursday to review the implementation of the Sikkim Garib Awas Yojna (SGAY), a flagship housing scheme launched by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang. During the visit, the delegation met with RDD officials to raise concerns over the current list of beneficiaries. BJP leader Sangay Gyatso Bhutia emphasized the need for a thorough re-evaluation of the list to ensure that the scheme benefits only genuinely deserving individuals. “Our primary concern is that the housing scheme reaches the truly needy,” Bhutia said. “A strict and…

25 Sep

Road improvements are urgently needed in Sikkim to protect the economy and tourism

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim is seeking immediate restoration and strengthening of its key road networks after severe floods and landslides disrupted the state’s economy and tourism sector. BJP Sikkim State President DR Thapa met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi on Wednesday to discuss urgent infrastructure interventions aimed at ensuring reliable connectivity across the state. During the meeting, Thapa highlighted the deteriorating condition of National Highway 10 (NH-10), Sikkim’s primary artery connecting the state with West Bengal and the rest of India. The highway sustained heavy damage from the 2023 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood and recurrent landslides…

24 Sep

Gangtok taxi associations call for a stop to the City Runner minibus service

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Central Joint Action Committee (CJAC), representing 68 taxi associations in Gangtok, has called on the Sikkim Government to immediately suspend the “City Runner” minibus service operated by Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT), citing severe impact on the livelihoods of thousands of local taxi drivers. The City Runner service, launched recently, involves 17-seater minibuses operating on city routes and between Ranipool and Gangtok. While authorities have projected the service as an affordable and convenient transport option, local taxi operators argue that it has created unfair competition, reducing passenger demand for taxis. Speaking on behalf of the CJAC, President Karma Tshering Tamang…

22 Sep

Sikkim MP calls for a quick cultural design and railway survey for Rangpo station

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim’s long-standing demand for stronger railway connectivity gained fresh momentum on Monday as the state’s lone MP, Indra Hang Subba, met Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu in the national capital. The meeting focused on two key projects — the proposed Melli–Dentam railway link and the under-construction Sevoke–Rangpo line, which will soon connect Sikkim to India’s railway network for the first time. Subba pressed the ministry to expedite the Final Location Survey (FLS) of the Melli–Dentam link, calling it critical for boosting accessibility in the hilly state and unlocking new opportunities for socio-economic development. The survey had earlier…

20 Sep

A tribal chief from Sikkim demands immediate protection for Buddhagaya and Khangchendzonga

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim tribal leader Tseten Tashi Bhutia has urged the people of Sikkim and Buddhist followers across India to unite in safeguarding the Mahabodhi Temple at Buddhagaya and the sacred Mt. Khangchendzonga, highlighting the need to preserve the state’s spiritual and religious heritage amid rising development pressures. Speaking at a public gathering, Bhutia stressed that centuries-old traditions are at risk if neglect continues. He emphasized that the Sangha MLA seat in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly is not merely a political position but a sacred trust, reserved under the Constitution to uphold the legacy of the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.…

19 Sep

In the issue of controversial content, the Sikkim court denies SDF spokesperson Arun Limboo’s bail request

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The District and Sessions Court in Gangtok has rejected the bail plea of Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) spokesperson Arun Limboo, citing the “grave and provocative” nature of the charges against him. Limboo, who was arrested on September 15, has been accused of circulating videos on social media that allegedly contained defamatory remarks and altered visuals of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and his wife, Krishna Kumari Rai. The complaint was filed by Sonam Choden Bhutia, Officer on Special Duty (Legal) to the Chief Minister. According to the court order, the material circulated by Limboo went beyond the realm of political…

18 Sep

State Disaster Risk Reduction Day is observed in Sikkim, and the chief minister urges everyone to be prepared

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim on Thursday observed State Disaster Risk Reduction Day, under the aegis of the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) and the Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department, with a renewed call for strengthening resilience and preparedness across the Himalayan state. The day holds deep emotional significance for Sikkim, as it marks the anniversary of the devastating 6.9 magnitude earthquake of September 18, 2011, which left behind a trail of destruction, loss of lives, and long-lasting impacts on livelihoods. Recalling the tragedy, the state leadership described it as a solemn reminder of Sikkim’s vulnerabilities, given its fragile Himalayan ecosystem and…