Sikkim - The Purbottar

24 Mar

Police Probe Ongoing as Motive Remains Unclear in Sabitri Sharma Dea*th

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Yangang Police have arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the suspected murder of former panchayat member Sabitri Sharma in Sripatam village near Yangang, officials said. According to police sources, Sharma, who was living alone at her residence, was found dead under suspicious circumstances. The incident created panic in the locality, with neighbours and residents raising alarm after the body was discovered. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, police detained Anuj Basnet, a neighbour of the deceased. He was later arrested in connection with the case. Police described Basnet as an alleged habitual offender. He is currently in police custody and…

23 Mar

Sikkim International Film Festival concludes with valedictory ceremony, sets vision for future growth

riya EditorSikkim

The Sikkim International Film Festival (SIFF) 2026 concluded on a high note on Sunday evening with a valedictory ceremony held after the final screenings at the festival venue. The closing proceedings commenced following the screening of Tara: The Lost Star and Dhokbu: The Keeper, which marked the final films of the festival. Chairman, Sikkim Music, Drama, Dance and Film Board, Tashi Tshering Bhutia, in his address, described the hosting of an international film festival in Sikkim for the first time as a matter of immense pride for the state. Bhutia lauded the Information and Public Relations Department, under the leadership…

09 Mar

North Sikkim tourism reopens: Permits for Lachen, Gurudongmar Lake issued again

nanika EditorSikkim

Tourism to popular destinations in North Sikkim, including Lachen and Gurudongmar Lake, has officially resumed as the district administration began issuing travel permits from March 9. The decision was announced by the administration of Mangan District in coordination with the Tourism Department.According to Mangan District Collector Anant Jain, tourists can now obtain permits for travel to Lachen and nearby areas from Monday. The permits will be issued through the district collectorate in Mangan as well as through authorized travel operators, following government guidelines.The issuance of tourist permits to these destinations had been suspended since 2023 after a glacial lake outburst…

01 Mar

Hyatt Regency Spa & Casino Project Launched in Central Gangtok, Marking New Tourism Milestone for Sikkim

riya EditorSikkim

In a significant stride to enhance Sikkim's premium hospitality sector, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) inaugurated the foundation stone for the Hyatt Regency Gangtok, a luxurious 150-room hotel, during a formal event at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok. This project strategically aims to position the capital as a high-value tourism destination focused on luxury travelers, destination weddings, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). Tamang characterized the ceremony as a representation of trust and collaboration, commending the SM Group and Poddar Group for their investments and expressing gratitude to Hyatt Hotels Corporation for choosing Gangtok to expand its global brand. He…

01 Mar

APEDA organises Sikkim Organic Conclave-cum-International Buyer Seller Meet in Gangtok

riya EditorSikkim

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), together with the Government of Sikkim and IFOAM-Asia, organized the Sikkim Organic Conclave-cum-International Buyer Seller Meet (IBSM) in Gangtok. This event featured the release of a comprehensive knowledge report entitled “Study on Supply Chain & Export Readiness for Organic Farm Products in Sikkim,” prepared by NICDC Logistics Data Services Ltd. (NLDSL). The report aims to outline a strategic roadmap for strengthening Sikkim's organic export ecosystem by enhancing infrastructure, streamlining processes, improving product aggregation, establishing transparent pricing mechanisms, and positioning Sikkim strategically in the market. It emphasizes the need for sustainability,…

27 Feb

Second Convocation of Medhavi Skills University Highlights Push for Skill Development

riya EditorSikkim

Medhavi Skills University (MSU) held its second convocation ceremony in Gangtok, Sikkim, honoring graduates of its degree programs and showcasing the achievements and industry readiness of its students. The event, attended by notable dignitaries including Shri Sonam Tshering Venchungpa and Shri A. P. Subba, highlighted the university's dedication to skill-based higher education and its alignment with industry needs. A central feature of the ceremony was the conferral of honorary degrees (D.Litt. – Honoris Causa) to Major General Jai Singh Bainsla and Shri Raj Kumar Yadav for their exemplary service. Their acceptance speeches inspired graduates, focusing on discipline and skill-driven education…

25 Feb

Rural Students Get Firsthand Exposure to Armed Forces Life in Gangtok

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

In an effort to encourage young people to consider careers in the Armed Forces, the Chairman of the Students’ Welfare Board (SWB), Mr Sonam Chopel Sherpa, led an educational tour for 60 students from remote and rural schools across Sikkim. The exposure visit covered several Indian Army establishments in and around Gangtok. The students were accompanied by six teachers and members of the Students’ Welfare Board. Ten students from each of the State’s six districts took part in the programme. The main aim of the visit was to give students a clear and practical understanding of life in the Armed…

25 Feb

Joint Operation by Police, GREF and Tourism Dept Ensures Safe Evacuation in Gangtok

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Around 322 tourist vehicles were safely brought back after sudden snowfall left them stranded along the Jawaharlal Nehru Road in East Sikkim. The vehicles were stuck between 15th Mile and 13th Mile, near the Thula Khola area, under the jurisdiction of the Sherathang Check Post and Police Station. The snowfall was sudden and heavy enough to make the road slippery. Many vehicles could not move ahead or return, leaving hundreds of tourists stranded on the high-altitude stretch. Officials said that as soon as information reached the authorities, a joint rescue operation was launched without delay. The operation involved personnel of…

24 Feb

CM Tamang Urges Dignity After Arunachal Women Face Harassment in New Delhi

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has expressed concern over the recent incident of alleged racial discrimination against women from Arunachal Pradesh in New Delhi, calling the episode “concerning and unfortunate.” In a statement reacting to the incident, the Chief Minister said such events remind society of the need to uphold dignity and mutual respect at all times. He said the Northeast is an integral part of the country and every citizen deserves equality and respect, regardless of where they come from. “The recent incident involving racial discrimination against women from Arunachal Pradesh in New Delhi is concerning and unfortunate.…

24 Feb

SIBLAC Flags Declining BL Representation, Cites R.C. Poudyal vs Union of India in Memorandum to Sikkim Authorities

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister of Sikkim, the Chief Secretary and the State Election Commissioner seeking a constitutional review of reservation principles applied in Municipal and Nagar Panchayat elections in the state.The representation, dated February 23, 2026, was submitted by SIBLAC Convener Tseten Tashi Bhutia. In the memorandum, the organisation has urged the government to examine the reservation framework for local bodies in light of Article 371F of the Constitution of India, which grants special constitutional safeguards to Sikkim.SIBLAC stated that Article 371F was inserted at the time of Sikkim’s…