Sikkim - The Purbottar

04 Sep

By the October deadline, Sikkim’s telecom services must be provided in Nepali

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Central government has directed all telecom operators in Sikkim to make the Nepali language mandatory across customer services and digital platforms. The order, issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communications, was circulated on September 2 and requires compliance within 30 days. According to the notification, signed by Assistant Wireless Advisor (Licensing Policy) Rakesh Yadav, telecom service providers, internet companies, and virtual network operators must integrate Nepali into customer care operations, SMS alerts, and interactive voice response systems (IVRS). The initiative aims to ensure that subscribers across Sikkim can access telecom services in their mother…

03 Sep

The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee chastises the state for using the incorrect Pang Lhabsol date in an official publication

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has renewed its criticism of the state government over a long-standing error in an official publication that incorrectly mentions the date of the Pang Lhabsol festival. The issue, first raised by the committee over two decades ago, continues to stir concern among Sikkimese communities. The controversy dates back to 2004 when the Sikkim government published the Sikkim Studies Series (Culture, Part-1, Volume-III). In the book’s section on culture, Pang Lhabsol is listed as being observed every year on September 2. SIBLAC maintains that this information is misleading, as the festival follows the Sikkimese…

02 Sep

Sikkim has extended the deadline for paying traffic fines to September 15

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim Transport Department has announced a 15-day extension for its one-time traffic fine settlement scheme under the AI-driven Traffic Management System. Originally scheduled to conclude on August 31, the initiative will now remain open until September 15, 2025, giving vehicle owners extra time to clear pending fines. The scheme allows violators to settle dues by paying 50% of the total penalty or ₹20,000, whichever is lower. Launched in July, the program aims to reduce financial burden on vehicle owners while encouraging compliance with traffic regulations. However, initial collections during August recovered only about 25% of outstanding fines, officials said.…

01 Sep

Sikkim’s new anthropological research reinforces its campaign for tribal recognition

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

out communities with the submission of a fresh ethnographic study to the Union government in New Delhi. The report, prepared by a nine-member expert committee, was formally handed over on August 18 in the presence of representatives from the Eleven Indigenous Ethnic Communities of Sikkim plus one (EIECOS+1), scholars, and senior officials. The study is the outcome of months of detailed fieldwork and academic collaboration. It includes contributions from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) scholars, inputs from economic advisor to the Chief Minister Mahendra P. Lama, and officials from the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India (ORGI).…

30 Aug

“America is attempting to intimidate India”: Sikkim chief minister supports Modi’s “vocal for local” in the tariff dispute

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang accused the United States of attempting to “bully India” by slapping a 50 per cent tariff on Indian imports, and urged citizens to rally behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “vocal for local” campaign to strengthen domestic industries. Speaking to reporters after offering prayers at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, Tamang said, “America is trying to bully India. PM Narendra Modi has said that we will not come under any pressure and work for the welfare of our people. The call to go ‘vocal for local’ must be followed.” He added that his temple…

29 Aug

The NARI 2025 research identifies Gangtok as one of the safest cities for women

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The recently released National Annual Report and Index on Women’s Safety (NARI 2025) has highlighted a stark contrast in women’s safety across India, while bringing a note of optimism for the Northeast. According to the report, four out of every ten women in Indian cities feel “not so safe” or “unsafe” in their surroundings, with safety concerns peaking during night hours due to poor street lighting and lack of visible security. Surveying 12,770 women across 31 cities, the report revealed that harassment—ranging from catcalling, lewd remarks, and staring to physical touching—is a daily challenge for many women. Some young girls…

28 Aug

Sikkim Police arrest three people in a Dalep operation after busting a significant drug haul in Namchi

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

In a major breakthrough in the fight against narcotics, Sikkim Police seized a large quantity of illegal drugs and arrested three individuals in Namchi district earlier this week. The successful operation was carried out by officials of Temi Police Station, who acted on specific intelligence inputs and intercepted a suspicious vehicle in Dalep, under Namchi district. The vehicle, a four-wheeler bearing registration number SK 06 Z 0114, was stopped during a coordinated police checking drive. Upon thorough inspection, the team discovered a significant stash of controlled substances, legally falling under the category of “commercial quantity.” According to police officials, the…

27 Aug

Minister Sonam Lama of Sikkim meets with Amit Shah and requests backing for important state issues

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Minister for Ecclesiastical Affairs, Public Health Engineering (PHE), and Water Resources, Ven Sonam Lama, held an important meeting with Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Monday. The talks focused on a range of pressing issues concerning Sikkim, including religious, cultural, and developmental priorities of the Himalayan state. One of the key subjects raised by Minister Lama was the long-pending demand for the early return of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorji, to India. Lama highlighted that the spiritual leader’s presence is deeply significant for the people of Sikkim and the larger…

26 Aug

Safe return of 48 pilgrims, 2025 End of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nathu La in Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The 2025 Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (KMY) through Nathu La Pass in Sikkim concluded successfully on Sunday, as the 10th and final batch of 48 pilgrims returned safely, officials confirmed. The pilgrims were accorded a warm reception by the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) at a valedictory function marking the end of this year’s pilgrimage. In total, around 500 devotees undertook the arduous spiritual journey this year. STDC Chairman Lukendra Rasaily expressed satisfaction over the smooth conduct of the yatra, crediting the seamless coordination of STDC officials, paramilitary forces, and other agencies for ensuring safety and comfort. “Their dedication made the…

25 Aug

A buffalo discovered in excruciating pain draws attention to the practices of Sikkim slaughterhouses

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A disturbing case of animal cruelty has surfaced in Sikkim after a buffalo was discovered in a severely injured and weakened state at a slaughterhouse in Majitar, Pakyong district. The incident has not only raised questions about the handling of animals inside the facility but also exposed serious lapses in the monitoring system that is meant to prevent such suffering. The matter was brought to public attention by Ramu Bishwakarma, a member of the animal welfare group People For Animals. After visiting the slaughterhouse, Bishwakarma described the animal’s state as “extremely poor and heartbreaking.” He reported that the buffalo was…