Sikkim - The Purbottar

26 Jun

Sikkim CM urges citizens to actively defend democracy

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Stressing that democracy is a continuous responsibility and not limited to elections alone, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Wednesday urged citizens to stay alert and actively involved in defending democratic values. Speaking at a commemorative programme held at Manan Kendra, Tamang was addressing a large audience on the occasion of ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’, observed to remember the imposition of Emergency in 1975 — a dark chapter in India’s democratic history. “Democracy is not just about elections. It needs constant care, active participation, and above all, deep respect for the Constitution,” Tamang said in his keynote address. He reminded…

25 Jun

SKM dismisses Chamling’s remarks as empty rhetoric

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Amid mounting criticism from the opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) has mounted a strong defence of its governance, dismissing remarks by former Chief Minister Pawan Chamling as politically motivated and lacking substance. In a press conference held on Tuesday, several SKM leaders jointly addressed issues ranging from organic farming to fiscal management, accusing the SDF of distorting facts and misleading the public.At the forefront of the rebuttal was Jacob Khaling Rai, Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, who labelled Chamling’s recent comments as “baseless claims” and questioned the credibility of a leader who had…

24 Jun

FYUP brings new opportunities for Sikkim students

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Government of Sikkim on Monday officially launched the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, ushering in a new era of academic opportunity for students across the state. The launch ceremony took place at the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation conference hall and was attended by Education Minister Raju Basnet, Vice Chancellor of Sikkim University Prof. Abhijit Dutta, university deans, senior faculty members, and representatives from various colleges. The event began with a traditional lamp lighting ceremony and Saraswati Vandana, performed by the university’s Department of Music. Professors Satyananda Panda and Yodida Bhutia welcomed…

23 Jun

Former CM says crme and drgs are rising in Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Former Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling launched a sharp and scathing attack on the current Sikkim government during the 33rd Kranti Diwas rally, accusing it of widespread corruption, political criminalisation, and failing to protect the identity and rights of the native Sikkimese people. Speaking before a large gathering, Chamling, who led the state for 25 years, alleged that 70% of the state budget is being lost to corruption, and warned that criminal networks have now penetrated the political system. “Who is the real threat to Sikkim? It is this very greed,” he declared, accusing the present administration of turning governance…

21 Jun

After long break, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumes with joy

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur on Friday flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025 from the Nathula border point in East Sikkim, marking the pilgrimage’s resumption after a five-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing the gathering, Governor Mathur expressed gratitude for being part of the historic moment and assured that all logistical, medical, and safety arrangements have been made. “It is my good fortune to flag off this holy journey after five years. The Central Government was determined to restart the yatra at the earliest,” he said, urging pilgrims to prioritize their…

20 Jun

Sikkim leads green movement with ‘Connect to Earth’ drive

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

As Sikkim celebrates 50 years of statehood, the state’s flagship environmental campaign—‘Connect to Earth’, launched in 2023 by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, has taken centre stage in shaping a greener and more sustainable future. The campaign recently drew national attention on World Environment Day 2025, when a state-wide plantation drive was held under the theme “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (One Tree in the Name of Mother). Thousands of saplings were planted across all districts, with CM Tamang describing the event as a tribute not only to nature but also to motherhood. “This is our way of honouring both…

19 Jun

Sikkim begins sustainable tourism drive with ₹50 entry fee

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim’s newly introduced Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) aimed at promoting responsible tourism and protecting its fragile Himalayan environment has collected over ₹40,000 since its rollout in March, state tourism officials said on Wednesday. As per the notification issued on March 5, 2025, tourists visiting Sikkim are required to pay an entry fee of ₹50, which will be used to develop tourism infrastructure and ensure environmental conservation. However, the response has been modest so far. C.S. Rao, Additional Chief Secretary of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, acknowledged that only 28 to 30 hotels have begun collecting the fee. “This is…

18 Jun

MI-172 fails to take off in Sikkim, new aircraft coming soon

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim government has decided to phase out its 23-seater MI-172 helicopter and replace it with a smaller 10-seater aircraft, citing poor passenger response, high operational costs, and limited helipad access as key reasons behind the move. C.S. Rao, Additional Chief Secretary of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, confirmed the decision, noting that the large helicopter, introduced in March 2024, failed to attract the expected number of passengers even on the busy Gangtok–Bagdogra route. “We often had only 11 or 12 passengers, sometimes as low as 5 on return trips. It was not sustainable,” Rao said. Despite being promoted…

17 Jun

Sikkim University student Sunaina Subba dies after fall at hidden falls

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sunaina Subba, a student of Sikkim University, died after accidentally slipping into a gorge at Hidden Falls, near Majuwa village in Yangang, on Sunday. Sunaina, a resident of Timburbong, Soreng, was studying in the Limboo Department of the university. The accident occurred while she was visiting the popular natural site, known for its scenic beauty but also rugged terrain. Following the mishap, a rescue team comprising the Yangang Police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was immediately mobilised. Despite their swift response, Sunaina was found lifeless and her body was recovered from the gorge. Her body was taken to…

16 Jun

Sikkim holds sacred puja after climb on holy mount Khangchendzonga

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Indigenous communities in Sikkim held a sacred purification ritual following a recent expedition to Mount Khangchendzonga—an act they view as a violation of their most sacred guardian deity. The emergency puja, conducted on June 15, was led by the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC), the Sikkim Indigenous Lepcha Tribal Association (SILTA), and concerned citizens across the state.The ritual, rooted in 8th-century Buddhist beliefs, sought forgiveness from the divine protectors of Sikkim for what the communities described as a spiritual desecration of Mount Khangchendzonga. Revered not as a mere mountain but as a “Ghajin” deity, Khangchendzonga holds immense religious and…