Sikkim - The Purbottar

11 Mar

Sikkim’s Amit Patro honored at 19th Media Excellence Awards in New Delhi

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Amit Patro from Sikkim has been honored with the 'Best Journalist of Sikkim' award at the 19th Media Excellence Awards, held in New Delhi on March 8. The event, organized by the Media Federation of India, recognized outstanding contributions in journalism, with Union Minister of State for Corporation, Highway, and Transport, Harsh Malhotra, attending as the chief guest. Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Chairman of AAFT University, was present as a special guest. Several journalists, media educators, and public sector officials were felicitated for their efforts in raising societal awareness and promoting journalism excellence. In his address, Arun Sharma, Founder and President…

10 Mar

Illegal entry by Chinese-origin US Nationals raises alarm over Sikkim’s border security

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Two Chinese-origin US nationals were deported twice from Sikkim for illegally entering the state without obtaining mandatory clearances, raising concerns over border security lapses. The two women, including 31-year-old Tenzin Choeney, attempted to enter Sikkim via the Karma Dolma Rangpo Checkpost on February 14 but were turned away for failing to produce the required Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) clearance. As per Indian regulations, foreign nationals of Chinese origin fall under the Prior Reference Category and must secure MHA approval before applying for a Restricted Area Permit (RAP). Despite the rejection, the duo illegally re-entered Sikkim on February 20, bypassing…

07 Mar

ED seize ₹65.46cr in Sikkim State Bank fraud

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached movable and immovable assets worth ₹65.46 crore in connection with the misappropriation and laundering of funds from the State Bank of Sikkim (SBS). The action was taken under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The assets belong to Dorjee Tshering Lepcha, former General Manager (Operations) of SBS, and his family members. The attached properties include residential buildings and land in Deorali, Syari, Ranipool, and Penlong, along with bank balances and fixed deposits. The case involves alleged financial irregularities and fund diversion during Lepcha’s tenure at SBS. The ED’s action is a…

05 Mar

Pawan Chamling attacks Sikkim CM Golay over false promises and unfulfilled schemes

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Former Sikkim Chief Minister and Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) President Pawan Chamling launched a scathing attack on the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) on the occasion of SDF’s 33rd foundation day, accusing Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) of deceiving the people with unfulfilled promises. Mocking the SKM government, Chamling remarked, “Golay deserves a Nobel Prize for lying and a Guinness World Record for false promises.” He criticized the ruling party for failing to deliver key promises such as the ₹20,000 unemployment allowance (Bekari Bhatta) and the ₹50,000 Dashain festival allowance. Chamling also accused SKM of misleading the public by…

04 Mar

Bungee jumping trials to begin soon at Sikkim’s Singshore bridge

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim is poised to elevate its adventure tourism appeal with the potential introduction of bungee jumping at Singshore Bridge in West Sikkim. A team of experts recently conducted an assessment to determine the feasibility of the extreme sport at the state's highest suspension bridge. The experts are currently in discussions with Deputy Director of Tourism Manoj Chettri to evaluate safety measures and operational logistics. Trial jumps are expected to be conducted soon, and if successful, Singshore Bridge could emerge as a premier attraction for adventure enthusiasts. Standing 100 meters high and 240 meters long, Singshore Bridge is the second-highest suspension…

03 Mar

Bhutia-Lepcha community’s constitutional rights at risk, warns SIBLAC convenor

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Convenor of the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC), Tseten Tashi Bhutia, has issued an open letter to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, urging the Bhutia-Lepcha (BL) community to actively safeguard their constitutional rights. Bhutia expressed deep concern over the erosion of Article 371F protections, warning that the community’s silence could lead to the loss of their hard-earned safeguards. He criticized the reduction of BL-reserved seats in Panchayati Raj Institutions, calling for an immediate rollback of the 2018 amendment that reduced reservations to 8% from the constitutionally mandated 50%. In his letter, Bhutia also demanded the implementation of high-security…

01 Mar

BJP Sikkim calls for infrastructure upgrades at Pakyong Airport

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A delegation from BJP Sikkim, led by Gangtok District President Pempo Dorjee Lepcha, submitted a memorandum to Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation & Cooperation, Murlidhar Mohol, seeking urgent intervention in enhancing air connectivity and reviving the cooperative sector in the state. The memorandum outlined three key demands: New All-Weather International Airport – To ensure uninterrupted air connectivity and boost tourism in Sikkim.Revival of Pakyong Airport – Calling for infrastructure upgrades and resumption of regular flight operations at the state's only airport.Strengthening of Cooperatives – Advocating for the restoration of contractual and supply work eligibility for cooperative societies.The BJP…

28 Feb

Prem Singh Tamang joins Mahakalla pooja at Rumtek Monastery

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) participated in the Mahakalla Pooja, a revered Buddhist ceremony, at Rumtek Monastery ahead of the Tibetan Losar (New Year). The Mahakalla Pooja, also known as the Kagew Protector ritual, is conducted once every two years to seek divine blessings and protection. The Chief Minister, accompanied by his spouse and former MLA Krishna Kumari Rai, attended the event as the Chief Guest, alongside several dignitaries, monks, and devotees. MLA Sonam Venchungpa, addressing the gathering, emphasized the cultural and spiritual significance of the ritual, highlighting its deep roots in Buddhist traditions and its importance to…

27 Feb

Officials review the Sevoke-Rangpo Railway Project’s progress in High-Level Meeting

Banasree SarkarSikkimSevoke-Rangpo

The Tashiling Secretariat hosted a major review meeting to assess the Sevoke-Rangpo Railway Project's (SRRP) continued development. Senior officials from several state government ministries as well as representatives from the North East Frontier Railway (NFR), including Hitendra Goyal, CAO/NFR, and Renya Eta, CGM (IRCON), attended the meeting, which was presided over by Chief Secretary R. Telang (IAS). The development of infrastructure, project schedules, and the difficulties faced during implementation were among the main topics of discussion at the meeting. The 45-kilometer railway line from Sevoke to Rangpo has accomplished more than 70% of its physical progress, according to an update…

27 Feb

February 26 is now Khas Foundation Day in Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang declared February 26 as Khas Foundation Day, making it a permanent government holiday to honor the Khas community's contributions. The announcement was made during the 30th Foundation Day celebration of the Akhil Sikkim Khas Chettri Bahun Kalyan Sangh at Kyongsa Ground in Gyalshing district. Emphasizing unity and harmony, CM Tamang stated, “Our government will not allow any division among communities. Progress depends on harmony.” He also criticized the opposition for questioning the arrest of Samson Tamang, who was held for allegedly making offensive remarks against the Khas community. In a major welfare push, the…