Sikkim - The Purbottar

10 Nov

Shanti Rai of Sikkim wins the 70-kilometer Kohima Ultra Trail, inspiring young people with her tenacity

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim’s trail runner Shanti Rai has brought pride to her state by securing first place in the Kohima Ultra Trail 70 km open female category at the Trail Run Championship held in Kohima, Nagaland, on November 8, 2025. She completed the challenging 70-kilometre run in 10 hours and 52 minutes, earning applause from fellow runners, sports enthusiasts, and people across Sikkim. The Kohima Ultra Trail is known for its tough route, steep hills, and rough mountain paths that test both physical strength and mental endurance. Competing against experienced runners from across the country, Shanti displayed remarkable stamina, focus, and willpower…

08 Nov

Sikkim is the second most literate state in the Northeast, yet developing human resources is still difficult: Gurung Minister

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

While emphasizing the need for capacity building and skill enhancement in key sectors, Sikkim Minister Puran Gurung highlighted that the state, despite being the second most literate in the North East after Mizoram, continues to face challenges in human resource development. Addressing a gathering in Pakyong, Minister Gurung observed that Sikkim’s high literacy rate has not yet fully translated into technical expertise, entrepreneurship, or innovation, particularly in emerging sectors such as fisheries, livestock, and cooperative ventures. He stressed that while the state has made significant progress in education, there remains a pressing need to invest in skill development and professional…

06 Nov

MP Indra Hang Subba examines the NH-10 and highway construction and demands that Sikkim be completed on schedule

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

In a move to ensure uninterrupted connectivity and the timely completion of highway projects in Sikkim, Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba chaired a high-level review meeting with senior officials of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) at its headquarters in New Delhi. The discussions primarily focused on the progress of works along NH-10 and other national highways across the state. The NHIDCL delegation included Manoj Kumar, Executive Director (Technical); U.J. Chamargore, Director (Technical); Ankush Mehta, General Manager; and Ashok Kumar Saha, Regional Officer (Sikkim), while Executive Director Jagdeep Singh of Siliguri joined via video conferencing. Officials…

04 Nov

A Sikkim guy lost Rs 6.36 lakh in a Telegram investment scam, and the police are looking into it

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A resident of Singtam in Sikkim has reportedly lost ₹6.36 lakh after falling prey to a sophisticated online investment scam operated through a fake Telegram account. The victim, believing he was dealing with a legitimate firm, transferred money in multiple instalments over a period stretching from June 27 to September 3. According to police sources, the fraudster promised high returns and convinced the individual to send funds through Google Pay to several bank accounts. When the victim began questioning the delay in receiving profits, he was pressured into paying an additional ₹1 lakh on the false assurance that the amount…

01 Nov

An anti-human trafficking awareness session is held at Ranka by the Sikkim Women’s Commission

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A one-day awareness programme on anti-human trafficking was held at the Ranka BAC Hall on October 31, organised by the Sikkim State Commission for Women in collaboration with the National Commission for Women. The programme focused on strengthening community vigilance, improving coordination among agencies, and empowering vulnerable groups through awareness, legal support and protection mechanisms. The event brought together senior students of Ranka Senior Secondary School, Self-Help Group members, ASHA workers, NGO representatives, Ward Panchayat leaders, officials from the Block Development Administration, and staff from the GPU and One-Stop Centre, Gangtok. The broad participation reflected the shared responsibility required to…

31 Oct

Sikkim wants cleaner restrooms and improved public facilities while cracking down on gas stations

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

In a major step towards improving public hygiene and travel convenience, the Government of Sikkim has directed all petrol pumps in the state to immediately upgrade customer facilities. The order focuses on clean toilets, safe drinking water, and other basic services for motorists and the general public. The directive was issued by the Food and Civil Supplies Department through the Legal Metrology Unit and Consumer Protection Cell. Officials stated that despite earlier instructions, many stations failed to maintain proper sanitation standards, leading to frequent complaints from citizens and travellers. This time, the government has taken a strict position and made…

30 Oct

SKM responds to SDF’s comments about women’s safety by stating that “respect for women is our core value”

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) has hit back at the opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) over its recent remarks on women’s safety, asserting that respect for women remains one of the party’s “core values.” The SKM’s response followed SDF leader Komal Chamling’s statement that “women’s safety must come before politics,” made after her party met the State Women’s Commission and senior police officials to raise concerns about alleged cyber harassment targeting women leaders. In a sharp rebuttal, SKM leaders accused the SDF of politicizing sensitive social issues for electoral gain. “A woman is like Lakshmi — a symbol of…

29 Oct

Politics must not take precedence over women’s safety, according to SDF leader Komal Chamling

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) leader Komal Chamling, daughter of former Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, has urged the state government to prioritise women’s safety over political differences amid rising cases of online harassment targeting women leaders. “Women’s safety must come before politics,” she asserted during a press briefing in Gangtok on Monday. Expressing concern over the growing menace of cyberbullying and sexual harassment on social media, Komal said that the trend is especially alarming for women leaders belonging to opposition parties. On October 27, an SDF delegation met the State Women’s Commission, the Director General of Police (DGP), and the Home…

28 Oct

India plays Nepal in Gangtok in Sikkim’s first international football match

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Marking a historic milestone, Sikkim is set to host its first-ever international football match on Wednesday — a senior women’s friendly clash between India and Nepal at the iconic Paljor Stadium in Gangtok. The event comes as Sikkim celebrates 50 years of statehood, symbolizing a proud moment for the state’s sporting fraternity. “For the first time in the history of Sikkimese football, an international friendly match between India’s and Nepal’s senior women’s teams will be held at Paljor Stadium,” said Menla Ethenpa, president of the Sikkim Football Association (SFA). Paljor Stadium, named after Crown Prince Kunzang Choley Namgyal, son of…

28 Oct

Ranji Trophy 2025–26: Meghalaya takes charge with a commanding lead over Sikkim in the first innings

Banasree SarkarSikkim, Sports

Meghalaya secured a vital first-innings lead on the third day at the MCA Ground, giving them the advantage in their Ranji Trophy 2025–26 Plate Group match against Sikkim. Meghalaya outscored Sikkim by 59 runs to 405 all out thanks to a patient batting display. Despite wickets falling often at the other end, their middle-order batter's double century served as the innings' fulcrum. Sikkim led by 37 runs after starting their second innings carefully and reaching 96 for 2 by stumps. Unless Meghalaya's bowlers can score early and often on the last morning, the match looks to be destined for a…