Sikkim - The Purbottar

06 May

Sikkim’s CAP demands action after assault on Ashish Rai

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Citizen Action Party (CAP) has strongly condemned the brutal attack on Ashish Rai, President of the All Sikkim Drivers Welfare Council, calling it a direct assault on democracy and the voice of the working class. Rai, a well-known advocate for drivers' rights, was attacked by masked assailants late Sunday night at his rented home in Rongey. He sustained critical injuries to his head and knees and is currently undergoing treatment at STNM Hospital in an unconscious state. The CAP, in its official statement, alleged that Rai’s activism — particularly his outspoken stance on poor road conditions and drivers’ welfare…

05 May

Sikkim sets example in social justice, says Union Minister

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, commended Sikkim's social justice initiatives during his visit to the state as part of a review meeting on various schemes under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Athawale praised Sikkim’s low Below Poverty Line (BPL) population, emphasizing the significant progress under the leadership of Chief Minister Prem Singh Golay and the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), which has allied with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). He acknowledged the state’s efforts to combat poverty and enhance the living conditions of its citizens. The Minister also highlighted the state's remarkable record…

02 May

Sikkim to showcase its culture in govt offices every thursday

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

In an effort to reinforce Sikkim’s rich cultural identity within the administrative framework, the Department of Personnel (DOP), Government of Sikkim, has issued Notification No. 3412/GEN/DOP directing all its officials to wear traditional dress every Thursday. This initiative is in alignment with the vision of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), who has consistently emphasized the importance of preserving the state’s cultural roots. The move is exclusive to DOP employees and aims to encourage pride in local traditions by making traditional attire a part of the department’s weekly routine. More than just a dress protocol, this step serves…

30 Apr

Man arrested in Namchi for anti-army, anti-govt social media video

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A 37-year-old man was arrested in Namchi for allegedly posting a video on social media that criticized the Indian government and made derogatory remarks about the Indian Army, raising concerns over potential threats to national unity and public order. Identified as Komirul Haque, a resident of Namchi Bazaar and originally from Uttar Dinajpur, West Bengal, the man was taken into custody after the video—uploaded via a Facebook account named “Kamirul Kamirul”—surfaced online. The content blamed the Centre for a recent terror attack in Pahalgam and included statements deemed offensive to the armed forces. Namchi Police registered an FIR (No. 15/2025)…

29 Apr

Naren Gurung honoured with Padma Shri

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

President of India conferred the prestigious Padma Shri award on Shri Naren Gurung from Sikkim in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of Art. Naren Gurung, a celebrated artist, singer, musician, choreographer, and drama artist, has been a leading figure in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Sikkim, particularly Nepali folk literature and music. Born on January 21, 1957, Gurung’s distinguished career spans more than four decades, during which he performed extensively across India and internationally. A prolific writer as well, Gurung has authored several books on folk music and culture. His contributions have earned him numerous…

28 Apr

Candlelight march in Gangtok honors Pahalgam attack victims

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Hundreds of people gathered in Gangtok today to condemn the recent terror attack at Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. A candlelight march, led by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, saw participation from government officials, public representatives, and citizens from all walks of life. The Chief Minister, joined by his Cabinet colleagues and senior officials, expressed deep sorrow over the attack. He said the march symbolized Sikkim’s collective stand against terrorism and its commitment to peace, harmony, and brotherhood. “The people of Sikkim are united in rejecting violence and supporting a future of peace,” Tamang stated. Participants carrying candles walked solemnly through…

26 Apr

Siddheshwara Dham’s 15th year celebrated with divine fervor

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Friday attended the grand concluding ceremony of the week-long Shrimad Bhagavat Saptaha Gyan Mahayajna at Siddheshwara Dham, commemorating the 15th Foundation Year of the revered pilgrimage site in Namchi. The spiritual event, which began on April 19, drew hundreds of devotees from across the region. Chief Minister Tamang described his presence at the ceremony as a “profound honour” and praised the week-long gathering as a celebration of “divine devotion and collective faith.” Led by Jagatguru Ananta Bidhushtu Balashanta Mohan Sharan Devacharya Maharaj and Shri Bihari Saran Guru Maharaj, the discourse focused on values…

25 Apr

Sikkim halts tourist travel to Lachen, Lachung after landslides

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim Police's Permit Cell has announced the suspension of all tourist permits for North Sikkim, effective from April 25, 2025, due to ongoing heavy rainfall and landslides that have blocked vital roads. This decision comes as over 1,000 tourists remain stranded in Lachung, with roads leading to popular tourist destinations like Lachen and Gurudongmar Lake rendered impassable. The advisory, issued on April 24, highlights significant landslides at Munshithang along the Lachen-Chungthang road and at Lema/Bob on the Lachung-Chungthang road, making these routes unsafe. Although the road to Chungthang remains open, authorities have warned that it is unsafe to travel…

24 Apr

Heavy rain, winds cut power in Gangtok

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Strong winds and heavy rainfall have left several parts of Gangtok without electricity for over 12 hours following a storm on April 23, which caused significant damage to the town's power infrastructure. The storm uprooted trees, which fell on power lines and electric poles, leading to major power outages in areas like Deorali, Tadong, and Upper Sichey. Residents reported losing power late Wednesday evening, and as of Thursday morning, electricity had still not been restored. The ongoing power cut has caused disruptions for both households and businesses, as people are struggling without lights, internet, and essential services. The Power Department…

22 Apr

Sikkim milk breaks silence on viral video controversy

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A viral video showing what appeared to be curdled milk from the Sikkim Co-operative Milk Producers' Union Limited (Sikkim Milk) has sparked widespread alarm. The footage, posted on social media, shows a packet of Sikkim Milk curdling into clumps, leading some viewers to mistake it for contamination or plastic-like substances. In response, Sikkim Milk clarified that the milk shown in the video had passed its "Use By" date, which caused the natural curdling process. The Union explained that once milk exceeds its expiration date, microbial activity can lead to spoilage, even if the milk was initially pasteurized. The Union also…