Sikkim - The Purbottar

28 Jan

TRAI Report Flags Poor Coverage in Parts of South and West Sikkim Despite 5G Gains

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released the findings of its Independent Drive Test (IDT) carried out in Namchi and Gyalshing districts of Sikkim, which fall under the West Bengal Licensed Service Area (LSA). The tests were conducted in December 2025 to check the actual quality of mobile services available to users in everyday conditions. According to the report, the drive tests were carried out between December 2 and December 6, 2025, under the supervision of the TRAI Regional Office in Kolkata. The assessment covered about 294.6 kilometres of city routes, 10 important hotspot locations, and around 2…

27 Jan

Sikkim Panchayat Leader Joins Republic Day Celebrations Under Vibrant Village Programme

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

An elected member of the Mangan Zilla Panchayat in Sikkim, Pema Wangyal Bhutia, attended the Republic Day Parade and the At Home Reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi after being nominated under the Vibrant Village Programme. The events were organised on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day of India. According to a press release issued by the Planning and Development Department, the nomination was made in recognition of the role played by Panchayati Raj Institutions in promoting development at the grassroots level, especially in Sikkim’s border areas. The participation of a Panchayat representative from the state in the…

27 Jan

Road Restoration Brings Relief to Residents and Businesses Following October 2023 Floods

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Tourist movement to parts of North Sikkim has returned to near-normal levels following the reopening of the Toong–Naga Road, restoring a key road link that had remained disrupted for months after the devastating glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) of October 2023. The reopening has brought visible relief to local residents and businesses that depend heavily on tourism for their livelihood. Chairman of the Sikkim Welfare Commission, Nim Tshering Lepcha, said tourist traffic towards Lachung is now moving smoothly. According to him, around 400 tourist vehicles are travelling to the area daily. He said the road conditions have improved significantly, allowing…

24 Jan

Young Carpenter Killed After Pay Row in Dentam; Sikkim Police Arrest Three Accused

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim police has said that that a dispute over payment of wages led to the murder of a young carpenter in Dentam area of West Sikkim, marking a major development in the ongoing investigation. According to the police, the incident took place on January 23, 2026, at around 6:00 pm. The deceased has been identified as Rajib Mandal (27), a carpenter by profession and a resident of Ramganj, Islampur in Uttar Dinajpur district of West Bengal. He was found lying dead later that evening inside his rented room at Dentam Tar in Middle Shankhu, in a pool of blood. Superintendent…

20 Jan

Young Boxers Shine at 20th Sub-Junior & 21st Youth State Championship in Rumbuk

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The four-day State Level 20th Sub-Junior Boys’ and Girls’ and 21st Youth Men’s and Women’s Boxing Championship 2026 concluded on a positive note today at Rumbuk, bringing together young boxing talent from all parts of Sikkim. A total of 111 boxers, representing every district of the state, took part in the championship. Over the four days, the young boxers competed in different weight categories and age groups. The bouts were closely fought, with participants showing good discipline, fitness, and determination inside the ring. Coaches and officials noted the steady improvement in skills among the young boxers, reflecting the growing interest…

15 Jan

Proud Moment for Sikkim: Rinzing Namgyal Bhutia Named Match Observer for Rajkot ODI

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Rinzing Namgyal Bhutia, Honorary Secretary of the Sikkim Cricket Association, has been appointed as Match Observer for the second One Day International (ODI) of the ongoing India–New Zealand series. The match was held in Rajkot on January 14 as part of the three-match ODI series sponsored by IDFC First Bank. The appointment was made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), marking another important milestone for Bhutia and for cricket administration from Sikkim. This is the second time that Bhutia has been given the responsibility of Match Observer by the BCCI. Earlier, he served in the same…

14 Jan

Barshana Mukhia Becomes Sikkim’s First Woman Hybrid Athlete at National Fitness Event

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim has added a new chapter to its sporting history with fitness coach Barshana Mukhia becoming the state’s first woman hybrid athlete. Her achievement marks an important moment for competitive fitness in the state and highlights the growing presence of women in demanding endurance sports. Barshana, who is a professional fitness coach, has made a successful shift from bodybuilding to hybrid endurance events that combine running with strength-based challenges. This transition reflects years of hard work, discipline, and steady preparation across different fitness formats. Her latest achievement came at the Main Yoddha Race, one of India’s toughest ultimate fitness challenges.…

13 Jan

Smooth and Successful: Governor Parnaik Departs Gangtok After Key Inter-State Meetings

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik, Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, left Sikkim on Tuesday after completing a three-day official visit to the state. The Governor departed from Burtuk Helipad in Gangtok, marking the end of his scheduled engagements in the Himalayan state. During his visit, the Governor took part in several official interactions and meetings, aimed at strengthening inter-state coordination and understanding. Though brief, the visit was described as smooth and successful by officials. A formal farewell was accorded to the Governor at the helipad. Several senior district and state officials were present on the occasion, including Superintendent of Police (Gangtok) Mahendra Subba,…

12 Jan

Indian Idol 3 Champion Prashant Tamang Dies at 43; Sikkim Chief Minister Expresses Deep Grief

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on January 11 expressed deep sorrow over the death of renowned singer and actor Prashant Tamang, describing him as a rare example of talent, humility and hard work whose life journey will continue to inspire people across the country. Prashant Tamang, who shot to national fame after winning Indian Idol Season 3, passed away in New Delhi following a cardiac arrest. He was 43. His sudden death has sent a wave of grief across Sikkim and among his fans nationwide. Before stepping into the world of music and films, Tamang served as a constable…

09 Jan

Sikkim scraps offline permits for foreign tourists, online clearance now compulsory

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim government has officially ended the system of issuing physical permits to foreign nationals visiting protected and restricted areas of the state. From now on, all such visitors will have to obtain clearance only through an online process, making digital approval mandatory for entry into these areas. The decision was communicated through an official notification issued by the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Sikkim. According to the department, the move has been taken following clear and strict instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The central directive states that Protected Area Permits (PAP) and Restricted Area Permits (RAP)…