Sikkim - The Purbottar

25 Feb

Joint Operation by Police, GREF and Tourism Dept Ensures Safe Evacuation in Gangtok

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Around 322 tourist vehicles were safely brought back after sudden snowfall left them stranded along the Jawaharlal Nehru Road in East Sikkim. The vehicles were stuck between 15th Mile and 13th Mile, near the Thula Khola area, under the jurisdiction of the Sherathang Check Post and Police Station. The snowfall was sudden and heavy enough to make the road slippery. Many vehicles could not move ahead or return, leaving hundreds of tourists stranded on the high-altitude stretch. Officials said that as soon as information reached the authorities, a joint rescue operation was launched without delay. The operation involved personnel of…

24 Feb

CM Tamang Urges Dignity After Arunachal Women Face Harassment in New Delhi

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has expressed concern over the recent incident of alleged racial discrimination against women from Arunachal Pradesh in New Delhi, calling the episode “concerning and unfortunate.” In a statement reacting to the incident, the Chief Minister said such events remind society of the need to uphold dignity and mutual respect at all times. He said the Northeast is an integral part of the country and every citizen deserves equality and respect, regardless of where they come from. “The recent incident involving racial discrimination against women from Arunachal Pradesh in New Delhi is concerning and unfortunate.…

24 Feb

SIBLAC Flags Declining BL Representation, Cites R.C. Poudyal vs Union of India in Memorandum to Sikkim Authorities

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister of Sikkim, the Chief Secretary and the State Election Commissioner seeking a constitutional review of reservation principles applied in Municipal and Nagar Panchayat elections in the state.The representation, dated February 23, 2026, was submitted by SIBLAC Convener Tseten Tashi Bhutia. In the memorandum, the organisation has urged the government to examine the reservation framework for local bodies in light of Article 371F of the Constitution of India, which grants special constitutional safeguards to Sikkim.SIBLAC stated that Article 371F was inserted at the time of Sikkim’s…

23 Feb

Bedu Singh Panth and DGP Akshay Sachdeva Anand Cheer as 1,000+ Athletes Compete at Dragon Run in Temi

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Dragon Run, organised by the 3rd IRBn at Temi, saw enthusiastic participation from more than 1,000 runners from different parts of the region. The event brought together athletes, young runners and fitness lovers for a day of healthy competition in the scenic surroundings of Temi. Area MLA Bedu Singh Panth and Director General of Police Akshay Sachdeva Anand were present at the event along with other senior officials and dignitaries. They encouraged the participants and appreciated their sporting spirit. In the 10K Open Female category, Km Anjali (Bib No. 1307) secured the first position with a timing of 42:26.…

23 Feb

Hari Dhungel Begins Second Term at Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Sikkim; Prem Singh Tamang Extends Best Wishes to New Team

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Prem Singh Tamang has congratulated Shri Hari Dhungel on being re-elected as the President of the Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Sikkim for a second consecutive term. In his message, the Chief Minister said that Dhungel’s re-election shows the strong faith and trust that the members of the Parishad have placed in his leadership. He described the result as a clear sign of confidence in Dhungel’s work and dedication towards the literary community of the State. The Chief Minister also congratulated the newly elected office bearers. He extended his wishes to Vice Presidents Smt. Ratna Luksom Subba and Shri Neelam Neopany, Shri…

23 Feb

Indian Army rescues stranded tourists in East Sikkim under Operation Himrahat

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

In response to heavy snowfall in East Sikkim's high-altitude areas, the Indian Army launched Operation Himrahat on Sunday, dedicated to rescuing stranded locals and tourists affected by extreme weather. The sudden and intense snowfall, coupled with sub-zero temperatures, resulted in numerous tourist vehicles getting stranded on perilous road sections, endangering the safety of civilians. Demonstrating operational readiness, Army troops quickly mobilized to the impacted regions to begin relief and rescue operations. The operation successfully rescued 46 tourists, who were then transported to the nearest Army camp. There, they received immediate medical evaluations, warm shelter, hot meals, heating arrangements, and essential…

21 Feb

Unity and Tradition Shine as Community Marks Gyalpo Losar in Lachung

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Lachung Dzomsa began a grand three-day cultural programme to celebrate Losar, also known as Gyalpo Losar, the Tibetan New Year, at Lachung Thomchi Ground. The festival has brought together local residents, artists and dignitaries in a show of unity and cultural pride. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Minister for Forest and Environment, Mines and Geology, and Science and Technology Departments, Mr Pintso Namgyal Lepcha, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The programme began with a formal reception of the Chief Guest. This was followed by a welcome address and a welcome song presented by the Lachung Young…

21 Feb

Enforcement Drive Across Gangtok, Singtam and Nayabazar Jorethang Nets Fines of Rs 2,500 for SUP Violations

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) Sikkim, along with officials from Urban Local Bodies and personnel of the Sikkim Police, carried out a joint inspection drive on February 19 to enforce the ban on single-use plastics (SUPs) across municipal areas of the state.The inspection was conducted under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. The team visited local markets and commercial establishments to check whether banned plastic items were being stored, sold or used. During the drive, officials also spoke to shopkeepers, vendors and members of the public and explained the harmful impact of single-use plastics.According to the SPCB, the banned…

20 Feb

Light Rain, Snow Likely in Mangan; No Weather Warning Issued

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Meteorological Centre in Gangtok has released its weekly weather update along with a two-week forecast for Sikkim. The department said that most parts of the state will experience largely dry weather conditions in the coming days. However, light rainfall and snowfall are expected in isolated areas of Mangan district. Officials said that a cyclonic circulation formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal on February 13 and 14. The system extended up to 1.5 km above mean sea level before weakening on February 15. The weekly review also examined surface data, upper air charts and satellite observations recorded on February…

20 Feb

Swift Action by Indian Army, Officials Brings Mangshila Blaze Under Control

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Strong coordination between the Indian Army and the district administration helped control a major forest fire in Mangshila area of Mangan district on February 19 and 20, 2026. According to official information, news about the fire reached the authorities on February 19. Soon after receiving the report, the civil administration sought help from the Army. Responding to the request, soldiers from the Army headquarters in Gangtok moved quickly to the affected area. Several teams, including drone units led by Army officers, were sent in multiple vehicles to assess the situation. The drones were used to observe the spread of the…