Sikkim - The Purbottar

28 May

Sikkim calls for action after ‘violation’ of Khangchendzonga’s sanctity

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, voicing serious concern over a recent ascent of Mount Khangchendzonga by a team from the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS), reportedly from the Nepal side. In his letter, CM Tamang termed the act a “violation of sacred traditions and legal protections,” underscoring that Mount Khangchendzonga is not just a mountain but a revered deity in Sikkimese culture. “The mountain is not just a peak—it is a living deity,” the chief minister wrote, reflecting the public outrage the incident has triggered. Tamang reminded…

27 May

Tourists are requested to leave Sikkim by 6 a.m. on May 29 in anticipation of PM Modi’s visit

Banasree SarkarSikkim

The government declared that visitors departing Sikkim on May 29 must depart by 6 am. The directive is intended to ensure smooth vehicle traffic in anticipation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit and was issued prior to his arrival. On that day, PM Modi would travel to the state to attend a celebration commemorating Sikkim's 50th anniversary of becoming a state. "As everyone is aware, the State of Sikkim commemorated its 50 illustrious years of independence on May 16, 2025. On May 29, 2025, the Hon. Prime Minister of India will grace the State with his visit on this important occasion,"…

26 May

BJP lauds Namchi cops for breaking local drug networks

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has commended the state police for their vigorous crackdown on the drug menace in Namchi district, lauding their relentless efforts in curbing substance abuse and dismantling local drug networks. In a statement, the party appreciated the police’s proactive role in enforcement, awareness campaigns, and community outreach, which it said have already begun yielding visible results in improving public safety. The BJP noted that these initiatives have not only disrupted drug peddling operations but also contributed to increased awareness about drug-related harms, particularly among the youth. “The dedication and resolve shown by…

24 May

Indigenous sentiments hurt as Sacred Peak in Sikkim climbed by army

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has sharply criticised the Indian Army’s recent expedition to Mount Khangchen Dzongna, a peak regarded as sacred by the indigenous Bhutia and Lepcha communities. The group said the climb violates long-standing religious sentiments and state directives that prohibit expeditions on the holy mountain. Mount Khangchen Dzongna is not only Sikkim’s highest peak but is considered a Guardian Deity by local communities. In recognition of its spiritual significance, the Sikkim government has imposed an official ban on climbing the mountain. SIBLAC expressed deep anguish over the army’s actions and called for accountability from the…

24 May

The state’s fiery “Dalle Khursani” is cultivated by Sikkim’s Dzongu admin center

Banasree SarkarSikkim

On land that had long been left bare, the Block Administrative Centre (BAC) in Dzongu, Sikkim, has started growing "Dalle Khursani," the state's well-known fiery chili. Under the direction of Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, the project is a component of a larger initiative to promote organic farming and enhance food security. Adjacent to the BAC office in Dzongu, the area had lain fallow for many years. Now that Dalle Khursani has been planted, it is being turned into a verdant and useful area. Sikkim is proud to be the first entirely organic state in the world, a distinction…

23 May

Sikkim’s 50-year journey celebrated as national milestone

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim’s Golden Jubilee is a moment of national pride, not just a state celebration, said Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang while addressing the India Today State of the States Conclave: Sikkim @50 – The Glorious Journey & The Illustrious Road Ahead on Wednesday. Marking 50 years since Sikkim’s merger with India in 1975, Tamang called it a “historic milestone for the entire nation.” He announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would visit the state on May 29 to participate in the Golden Jubilee celebrations. “From a small kingdom to becoming a shining example of progress in the Indian Union, Sikkim…

22 May

Tribeny Rai’s debut film ‘Shape of Momo’ unveiled at Cannes 2025

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkimese filmmaker Tribeny Rai’s debut feature Shape of Momo was among five Asian films-in-progress showcased at the prestigious “HAF Goes to Cannes” segment of the 2025 Marché du Film, the official film market of the Cannes Film Festival. The Nepali-language film from East Sikkim was pitched to an international audience comprising distributors, sales agents, and festival programmers. Rai, along with producer Kislay and lead actor Gaumaya Gurung, unveiled the film’s official poster at the Bharat Pavilion. Curated by the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF), the initiative provides a global platform for emerging Asian filmmakers. The selected teams each presented…

21 May

Former Sikkim Parliamentarians call on Governor Om Prakash Mathur at Raj Bhawan

Mohini BarmanSikkim

A delegation of former Members of Parliament (MPs) from Sikkim, comprising representatives of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Sikkim, Om Prakash Mathur, at Raj Bhawan. The meeting served as a platform for a warm and reflective interaction, where the former parliamentarians engaged in insightful discussions with Governor Mathur. The dialogue touched upon their experiences in the Indian Parliament and the developmental journey of Sikkim over the years. The gathering took a nostalgic turn as the former MPs shared memories of their respective tenures, recounting the challenges and accomplishments that marked…

21 May

Sikkim’s Khangchendzonga reserve hosts Nepal’s high-level conservation delegation

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A high-level delegation from Nepal began a three-day knowledge exchange visit to Sikkim’s Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve (KBR) on Monday to learn from the state’s acclaimed conservation efforts. The visit, spanning from May 20 to 22, was facilitated by UNESCO’s Regional Office in New Delhi and Nepal-based NGO Smrida Pahad in coordination with Sikkim’s Forest Department. The Nepalese team aims to replicate the success of KBR, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016 and a Biosphere Reserve in 2018, for its own Khangchendzonga Conservation Area. The delegates are studying Sikkim’s advanced park management techniques, including camera traps, real-time…

20 May

19 including 2 women candidates held in Sikkim for cheating during NVS recruitment exam

Mohini BarmanSikkim

Police detained 19 candidates for allegedly using sophisticated electronic communication devices to cheat during the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) Non-Teaching Recruitment Examination. The incident occurred on Sunday at Sir Tashi Namgyal Senior Secondary School in Gangtok. According to officials, 17 men and 2 women were apprehended at the examination venue after they were found in possession of discreet communication gadgets aimed at facilitating cheating. The devices were reportedly used to seek outside assistance during the examination. All 17 male candidates have been formally arrested, and an FIR has been filed under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the…