Sikkim - The Purbottar

25 Sep

Road improvements are urgently needed in Sikkim to protect the economy and tourism

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim is seeking immediate restoration and strengthening of its key road networks after severe floods and landslides disrupted the state’s economy and tourism sector. BJP Sikkim State President DR Thapa met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi on Wednesday to discuss urgent infrastructure interventions aimed at ensuring reliable connectivity across the state. During the meeting, Thapa highlighted the deteriorating condition of National Highway 10 (NH-10), Sikkim’s primary artery connecting the state with West Bengal and the rest of India. The highway sustained heavy damage from the 2023 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood and recurrent landslides…

24 Sep

Gangtok taxi associations call for a stop to the City Runner minibus service

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Central Joint Action Committee (CJAC), representing 68 taxi associations in Gangtok, has called on the Sikkim Government to immediately suspend the “City Runner” minibus service operated by Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT), citing severe impact on the livelihoods of thousands of local taxi drivers. The City Runner service, launched recently, involves 17-seater minibuses operating on city routes and between Ranipool and Gangtok. While authorities have projected the service as an affordable and convenient transport option, local taxi operators argue that it has created unfair competition, reducing passenger demand for taxis. Speaking on behalf of the CJAC, President Karma Tshering Tamang…

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…