Sikkim - The Purbottar

22 Sep

Sikkim MP calls for a quick cultural design and railway survey for Rangpo station

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim’s long-standing demand for stronger railway connectivity gained fresh momentum on Monday as the state’s lone MP, Indra Hang Subba, met Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu in the national capital. The meeting focused on two key projects — the proposed Melli–Dentam railway link and the under-construction Sevoke–Rangpo line, which will soon connect Sikkim to India’s railway network for the first time. Subba pressed the ministry to expedite the Final Location Survey (FLS) of the Melli–Dentam link, calling it critical for boosting accessibility in the hilly state and unlocking new opportunities for socio-economic development. The survey had earlier…

20 Sep

A tribal chief from Sikkim demands immediate protection for Buddhagaya and Khangchendzonga

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim tribal leader Tseten Tashi Bhutia has urged the people of Sikkim and Buddhist followers across India to unite in safeguarding the Mahabodhi Temple at Buddhagaya and the sacred Mt. Khangchendzonga, highlighting the need to preserve the state’s spiritual and religious heritage amid rising development pressures. Speaking at a public gathering, Bhutia stressed that centuries-old traditions are at risk if neglect continues. He emphasized that the Sangha MLA seat in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly is not merely a political position but a sacred trust, reserved under the Constitution to uphold the legacy of the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.…

19 Sep

In the issue of controversial content, the Sikkim court denies SDF spokesperson Arun Limboo’s bail request

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The District and Sessions Court in Gangtok has rejected the bail plea of Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) spokesperson Arun Limboo, citing the “grave and provocative” nature of the charges against him. Limboo, who was arrested on September 15, has been accused of circulating videos on social media that allegedly contained defamatory remarks and altered visuals of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and his wife, Krishna Kumari Rai. The complaint was filed by Sonam Choden Bhutia, Officer on Special Duty (Legal) to the Chief Minister. According to the court order, the material circulated by Limboo went beyond the realm of political…

18 Sep

State Disaster Risk Reduction Day is observed in Sikkim, and the chief minister urges everyone to be prepared

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim on Thursday observed State Disaster Risk Reduction Day, under the aegis of the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) and the Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department, with a renewed call for strengthening resilience and preparedness across the Himalayan state. The day holds deep emotional significance for Sikkim, as it marks the anniversary of the devastating 6.9 magnitude earthquake of September 18, 2011, which left behind a trail of destruction, loss of lives, and long-lasting impacts on livelihoods. Recalling the tragedy, the state leadership described it as a solemn reminder of Sikkim’s vulnerabilities, given its fragile Himalayan ecosystem and…

17 Sep

Sikkim secures the second runner-up position at the Punjab National Car Rally

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim secured the second runner-up position at the St. John Old Boys’ Association (SJOBA) Time-Speed-Distance Car Rally 2025, one of India’s prestigious motorsport events, demonstrating skill, precision, and competitive spirit. The rally commenced in Chandigarh on September 13 and concluded at Gaj Resort in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, on September 14, covering a challenging route that included rough village roads and narrow stretches designed to test endurance and accuracy. Representing Sikkim in the Amateur category, driver Annapurna Alley and navigator Puran Tamang finished third among 40 teams from across India, marking a significant achievement for the state’s motorsports community. Their performance has…

16 Sep

Arun Limboo’s arrest is criticized by the SDF as “undemocratic.”

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has condemned the arrest of its spokesperson Arun Limboo, calling the move “undemocratic” and “politically motivated.” The party has demanded his immediate release, alleging that the ruling establishment is attempting to silence opposition voices. Limboo was arrested following an FIR lodged by Sonam Choden Bhutia, Officer on Special Duty (Legal) to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang. The complaint accuses Limboo of circulating manipulated images, derogatory content, and threatening messages directed at the Chief Minister and his spouse, Krishna Kumari Rai. Among the alleged posts were references to “atom bomb” and “hydrogen bomb,” which police say…

15 Sep

In Sikkim, a Nepali man was detained for unlawful entrance and in possession of fake Indian identification documents

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A Nepali national was arrested in East Sikkim on Saturday for illegally entering a protected area and carrying forged Indian identity documents, raising security concerns along the Indo-Nepal border. The accused, Rajesh Biswakarma, a resident of Mechinagar in Nepal’s Jhapa district, was apprehended in Rumtek, a designated Protected Area. Officials said Biswakarma had entered the area without a valid Inner Line Permit (ILP), which is mandatory for foreigners in such zones. During the arrest, authorities recovered multiple forged Indian identification cards under the alias “Sanu Pradhan”, but his true identity was confirmed through his Nepal National ID. A case has…

13 Sep

Minister Sonam Lama is in charge of Sikkim’s Engineer’s Day race in Gangtok

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The capital city of Gangtok came alive early this morning as residents joined hands to celebrate Engineer’s Day with a spirited run organised in honour of Bharat Ratna Sir M. Visvesvaraya, one of India’s most revered engineers. The event, which witnessed enthusiastic participation from engineers, students, and local residents, was also graced by the Hon’ble Minister Ven. Sonam Lama. The minister joined participants in the run and later addressed the gathering, emphasising the significant role engineers play in shaping Sikkim’s infrastructure and overall development. Speaking to the crowd, Minister Lama said, “Engineers are the backbone of our modern society. Their…

12 Sep

In Bengaluru, a delegation from the Sikkim Assembly attends the 11th CPA India Region Conference

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A delegation from the Sikkim Legislative Assembly (CPA Sikkim Branch), led by Speaker Mingma Norbu Sherpa and Deputy Speaker Raj Kumari Thapa, participated in the inaugural ceremony of the 11th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Conference at Vidhan Soudha, Bengaluru, on Thursday. The team also included Assembly Secretary Lalit Kumar Gurung, Principal Director Karma Tshering Gyatso Bhutia, Senior PS to the Deputy Speaker Pradeep Gurung, and PS to the Speaker Aadarsh Chhetri. Before the formal proceedings, Speaker Sherpa joined the Executive Committee Meeting at the Vidhan Soudha conference hall. The conference was inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker and CPA…

11 Sep

In honor of the 59th Nathula Vijay Diwas, the governor of Sikkim flags off a bike rally

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Governor of Sikkim, Om Prakash Mathur, today flagged off a bike rally from Raj Bhavan to mark the 59th Nathula Vijay Diwas, an occasion that honours the bravery and sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces during the 1967 Indo-China war under the leadership of Late Maj. Gen. Sagat Singh. Organised by the 17th Mountain Division of the Indian Army, the rally featured 60 bikers, including women riders, traversing Nathula Pass, Dokala Pass, and Chola Pass. While flagging off the event, the Governor described it as a moving tribute to the courage of the Indian Army and a reminder of the…