Sikkim - The Purbottar

10 Sep

Sikkim witnesses the Gen-Z demonstrations in Nepal while migrant workers stand by in solidarity and terror

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The tremors of Nepal’s youth-led protests have travelled far beyond Kathmandu’s streets, reaching the quiet corners of Sikkim where hundreds of Nepalese migrant workers earn their daily bread. On Tuesday evening, a group of porters and daily wage laborers sat on a weathered staircase beside a green corrugated wall in Gangtok, their eyes glued to mobile phone screens. For them, the unrest back home is not just news—it is deeply personal. The protests, popularly called the “Gen-Z movement,” erupted on September 8 after the Nepal government abruptly banned major social media platforms including Facebook, YouTube, and X. Officials said the…

09 Sep

East Sikkim’s NH10 is blocked by landslides, and traffic on the Singtam–Rangpo road is reduced

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Heavy rainfall triggered multiple landslides in East Sikkim early Monday morning, severely disrupting traffic along the Singtam–Rangpo stretch of National Highway 10, a crucial lifeline that connects different parts of the state and facilitates movement of people and goods. The incident occurred at the 20th Mile near Bardang, where large amounts of mud, rocks, and debris rolled down onto the road, blocking vehicular passage. Initial reports indicated that a taxi was stranded at the site of the landslide. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported. For residents and commuters, the disruption has once again highlighted the vulnerability of NH10 during the…

06 Sep

Teacher Karma Tempo Ethenpa of Sikkim received the National Teachers’ Award

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim has marked a proud moment in its educational journey as Karma Tempo Ethenpa, Principal of PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School, Mangan, received the prestigious National Teachers’ Award 2025 from President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi. Ethenpa, among 45 educators recognised nationwide, was honoured for his exceptional service in guiding students beyond academics—encouraging sports, promoting healthy lifestyles, and steering the young away from tobacco use and technology addiction. The award highlights the growing contribution of teachers from smaller states like Sikkim, showcasing how dedicated educators can influence entire communities. Speaking after the ceremony, Ethenpa expressed gratitude to his colleagues…

05 Sep

A historic step for legal education, the Sikkim chief minister officially opens the first National Law University

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

In a momentous development for Sikkim and the Northeast, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Thursday inaugurated the state’s first National Law University (SNLU), describing it as a milestone in the journey of legal education and justice delivery. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Hon’ble Chief Justice and Chancellor of SNLU, Justice Biswanath Somadder, whose pivotal role in making the university a reality was acknowledged by the Chief Minister. Addressing a packed gathering of judges, legal experts, students, and dignitaries, CM Tamang said the creation of the Sikkim National Law University is not just about setting up another academic institution…

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…