AD Media Live

02/07/2025

Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) expresses strong condemnation and deep disappointment over the highly irresponsible and insensitive remark made by Dr. Ajoy Kumar, National Spokesperson of the Indian National Congress and AICC In-Charge of Tripura, Odisha, and Nagaland. During a press conference held at the AICC Headquarters on 1st July 2025, Dr. Kumar shockingly referred to Sikkim as a “neighboring country”.

Such a statement, coming from a former IPS officer, former Member of Parliament, and a senior representative of India’s oldest political party, is not only factually incorrect but also deeply hurtful to the sentiments of the people of Sikkim. This careless and ignorant comment displays a shameful lack of awareness about India’s territorial integrity and undermines Sikkim’s rightful and proud status as an integral part of the Indian Union since 1975.

SKM Party, along with the people of Sikkim, strongly denounces this disgraceful remark and demands an unconditional public apology from the All India Congress Committee (AICC). We also urge the Congress leadership to take strict disciplinary action against Dr. Ajoy Kumar for this unacceptable and offensive behavior.

It is alarming that the Congress party which has ruled the country for six decades continues to appoint individuals lacking basic geographical and constitutional knowledge to represent it on national platforms. This incident exposes the deep ignorance and disregard for Sikkim’s identity which cannot be tolerated under any circumstance.

SKM Party reiterates its commitment to safeguarding the dignity, identity and integrity of Sikkim and demands that the Congress party take immediate corrective steps and issue a clarification before further damage is done.

Sikkim is not a neighboring country. Sikkim is integral part of the great nation Bharat and we are proud Indians.

Bikash Basnet,
Spokesperson,
Sikkim Krantikari Morcha.

01/07/2025

Sikkim Paryavaran Parva commences in Gangtok District

Gangtok, July 1 (IPR): Area MLA Soreng-Chakung Mr Aditya Golay inaugurated the third edition of 'Sikkim Paryavaran Parva' here at Maitreya Manjri Park at Ridge Park Gangtok today.

The Paryavaran Parva is a 14-day long festival dedicated to environment starting from July 1 to July 14, 2025 wherein there is community level effort in wildlife conservation and its education to the general public. The theme for this year's parva is 'Leave a Green Legacy.' The event is organised by Forest and Environment Department, Government of Sikkim.

The parva will take place from July 1, 2025 to July 14, 2025 across all the six districts and it will feature series of activities focusing on conservation of environment such as plantation drives, cleanup drives and various environmental initiatives such as Greenathon, Green Walk, Rallies, Green Reels, Green Quiz competitions, Essay, Painting, Workshops, Sensitization programmes, Mass plantation, Avenue plantation and cleanup drives. The programme also includes 'A Day for Mother Earth' initiative on July 7, 2025 wherein the traffic will be put on hold completely for 7 minutes from 11 am to 11:07 am to send a message to reduce carbon emissions for the sake of environment.

MLA Mr Aditya Golay in his brief address expressed his delight on seeing large number of participants for the event. The MLA hoped that the initiative to conserve wildlife will go beyond Sikkim and reach nook and corner of every part of the country. Further, he hoped that the participation will carry momentum leading to Cleaner Sikkim and Healthier Sikkim. The MLA concluded his address by thanking the Chief Minister, Secretary, Senior Officers and Officials for the wonderful initiative to conserve wildlife and environment through various activities and sensitization under the aegis of Paryavaran Parva.

At the onset of the programme, Mr Aditya Golay administered the Green pledge to the participants.

During the course of the programme, two seedling distribution vans were flagged off by MLA Mr Aditya Golay and Secretary-cum-PCCF Forest and Environment Department Mr Pradeep Kumar. Later, the 10 km Green walk was flagged off by ACCF/HQ Forest and Environment Deaprtment Dr P Senthil Kumar.

The programme also included signature campaign to take a vow towards conservation of environment and wildlife.

The programme featured souvenir distribution of 'My Child from Wild' initiative from Himalayan Zoological Park Forest and Environment Department. It is a community campaign to support welfare of zoo animals and also gives emphasis to education on wildlife conservation. As of today, 45 adopters have taken part in the initiative. In addition, 15-year old actor Rigdzin Yugyal Dorjee Serdup has pledged to donate the revenue generated from screening of the film 'Opang' which will go towards welfare of zoo animals and conservation education through Himalayan Zoological Park's Community adoption campaign.

A total number of 288 participants took part in the 5k Green Walk and 10k Green Run today. The Geenathaon included route from Ridge Park to Swastik Burtuk and back through the same route. The top three podium position of 5k Green Walk and 10k Green Run are as follows:

Open Women's 5k Green Walk:
1st position- Ms Isha Sharma
2nd position- Ms Diki Choden Bhutia
3rs position- Ms Phursongmit Lepcha

Open Men's 5k Green Walk:
1st position- Mr Sajal Gurung
2nd position- Mr Budhiman Gurung
3rd position- Mr Rohit Kumar

Open Women's 10k Green Run:
1st position- Ms Binita Kami
2nd position- Ms Sabina Rai
3rd position- Ms Shruti Rai

Open Men's 10k Green Run:
1st position- Mr Manoj Bishwakarma
2nd position- Mr Mohit Patel
3rd position- Mr Pempa Tshering Sherpa

The day saw the presence of Former Political Secretary to Chief Minister Mr Tshering Wangchuk Lepcha, Senior Officers of Forest and Environment Department and participants of Green Walk and Green Run.

Report from DIO-GANGTOK

27/06/2025

Sa-Ngor Gonpa Commemorates Karmapa’s Birthday through Plantation

Gangtok, June 27 (IPR): A Harit Yoga Plantation Drive was organised at Sa-Ngor Gonpa (Monastery), Rongneck, today.

The drive commemorated the birth anniversary of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje and aimed to foster environmental awareness and promote sustainable living among the local community.

The programme was graced by Minister Public Health Engineering, Water Resources and Ecclesiastical Departments, Mr Sonam Lama, as the Chief Guest. The Head of Sa-Ngor Chotshog Centre / Ngor Gonpa, Gangtok, Venerable Khen Rinpoche Khenpo Jamyang Dakpa, and President CLC Sangha Constituency, Acharya Mr Rinzing Chopel Lepcha, attended as Guests of Honour.

The programme began with the plantation of flowering and fruit-bearing plants within the Monastery premises.

During the event, the Chief Guest Minister Mr Sonam Lama distributed sports equipment, a whiteboard, stationery sets, and complete school uniforms to the monk students. He also handed over the annual subsidy cheque.

The programme also had the presence of Secretary Ecclesiastical Department Ms Kincho Doma Lepcha, officers and officials from the Government of Sikkim, monks, students and staff, members of monastery committee, and locals

The plantation drive is part of a wider green and wellness campaign being implemented across the State of Sikkim.

27/06/2025

Circular issued by the Office of the District Collector, Gangtok, regarding the celebration of “Asar 15” to be held on 28th June 2025 at Luing Perbing GPU.

27/06/2025

SBS GM Dorjee Tshering Lepcha Dismissed Over Fraud Charges

The State Bank of Sikkim has dismissed General Manager (Operations) Dorjee Tshering Lepcha from service, effective April 30, 2024, following disciplinary proceedings for serious misconduct. Lepcha was found guilty of breaching trust, engaging in fraudulent activities, and misappropriating bank funds. A criminal investigation is ongoing by the Vigilance Department.

26/06/2025

Centre Notifies New Highway in Sikkim - NH-210, linking Melli to Singtam through Samardong and Mamring

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has officially notified a new national highway—National Highway 210 (NH-210)—in Sikkim, as indicated in Gazette Notification No. S.O. 2631(E) dated June 13, 2025.

According to the Gazette issued by the Government of India, NH-210 will begin at its intersection with NH-710 near the Melli Teesta Bridge and will connect significant locations including Melli Bazar, Mamring, and Samardong, ultimately ending at its junction with NH-510 near Singtam.

The notification assigns the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) the task of developing and maintaining the entire length of NH-210 in Sikkim.

This newly established highway is anticipated to enhance intra-state connectivity in Sikkim, improving access to remote areas while enabling more efficient travel and transport throughout the southern and eastern regions of the state.

25/06/2025

Road Cleared Near State Guest House Below TNA

Gangtok, 25 June 2025: A tree that had fallen near the State Guest House, below Tashi Namgyal Academy (TNA), causing obstruction to vehicular movement, has now been successfully cleared.

With the swift response and coordinated efforts of the Range Officer (RO) Gangtok and his dedicated team, the road has been restored and is now open for smooth traffic flow.

24/06/2025

Khas Sangh Condemns Pawan Chamling’s Remarks, Calls Them Divisive and Misleading

Gangtok, June 24: The Akhil Sikkim Khas Chettri-Bahun Kalyan Sangh (ASKCBKS) has strongly condemned recent remarks made by former Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, alleging that his comments were venomous and intended to divide the Sikkimese Khas community.

In an emergency meeting of the Sangh’s Central Executive Committee held under the leadership of President Narayan Khatiwada, the organization expressed deep concern over Chamling’s statements made during a program on July 22, 2025. The Sangh accused Chamling of targeting the Khas community with baseless and derogatory remarks.

According to the press release, Chamling had claimed that the Khas identity was an invention post-Sikkim’s merger with India, and that the Indian government itself is surprised by the usage of the term “Khas.” The Sangh responded, calling the statements “childish,” “uninformed,” and reflective of Chamling’s “degraded standards.”

The Sangh emphasized that the Government of Sikkim had officially recognized the indigenous Khas community, which includes the Chettri and Bahun groups, as per notification no. 74/SWD/ADM/2021. It also cited the DESME’s 2022 Unnayan Survey, which acknowledges both groups under the Khas category.

Further, the Sangh pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had mentioned the Khas community in public speeches, which, they argue, shows national-level recognition of their existence in Sikkim.

On the matter of the holiday declared on February 26 to celebrate Khas community solidarity, the Sangh clarified it was not caste- or religion-based, but rather an organizational day of unity. The organization urged Chamling not to misrepresent it.

The Sangh also reacted strongly to Chamling’s alleged use of the term “lodar” for senior community leader and Sikkim Health Minister G.T. Dhungel, labeling it a derogatory slur that hurt community sentiments. They demanded a public apology from Chamling.

Reaffirming its stand, the Sangh stated that it will not be swayed by divisive politics, especially ahead of the upcoming caste-based census in 2027. They urged Chamling to move beyond communal rhetoric and contribute to peace and unity instead.

In closing, the Sangh expressed its continued commitment to the peace, prosperity, and unity of Sikkim, pledging to stand in solidarity for the collective wellbeing of the state.

24/06/2025

Heavy Rainfall Triggers Boulder Falls on NH10, Travelers Advised to Exercise Caution

Recent heavy rainfall has led to boulder falls on National Highway 10 (NH10), specifically in areas such as Likhuveer, 29 Mile, and Birik Dara. Due to the risk of further landslides and rockfalls, travelers are cautioned to exercise extreme caution while traveling through these stretches.

The road conditions are being closely monitored, and travelers are advised to stay alert and follow safety guidelines to ensure a safe journey.

19/06/2025

SKM Legal Cell Meets to Discuss ECI Communication, Drafts Response to Uphold Democratic Practices

The Legal Cell of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) party held an important meeting at the SKM Headquarters in Gangtok to discuss and respond to the official communication received from the Election Commission of India (ECI) dated 11th March 2025 regarding interaction with political parties.

The meeting was chaired by SKM Working President Shri Kunga Nima Lepcha and attended by Party Spokesperson Shri Bikash Basnet, General Secretary (HQ) Shri Pawan Gurung, Adv. Rajendra Upreti (Vice President Incharge, Legal Cell), Adv. Sonam Chhoden Bhutia (OSD Legal to HCM), Adv. Tenpo G. Bhutia (President, Legal Cell), Adv. Rizing Dorjee Tamang (General Secretary, Legal Cell), Shri Pankaj Giri (Joint Secretary HQ), and Shri Krishna Adhikari (Coordinator, SKM Election Wing).

In response to the ECI’s letter, the Legal Cell examined the matter point by point and prepared a formal draft reply. The draft was read out by Adv. Rajendra Upreti and handed over to the Working President Shri Kunga Nima Lepcha for review. After final approval from the Hon’ble Party President, the reply will be officially sent to the Election Commission of India.

SKM, being a registered and recognised political party, has always remained sincere in complying with the directives and guidelines of the Election Commission of India to uphold vibrant democratic practices.

Ranjana Pradhan,
President, Press & Publicity Cell
Sikkim Krantikari Morcha.

19/06/2025

Update:The deceased have been identified as Bikash Sharma, a resident of Ogeng in Soreng district, and Roshan Chettri, a Junior Engineer employed with the Education Department in Gangtok.

Two Unidentified Bodies Found in in Rothak Khola, Soreng, Investigation Underway

Two lifeless bodies were discovered in Rothak Khola, Khadka Bazar Bridge in Soreng District, on June 19. The identities of the deceased remain unknown, prompting authorities to initiate an investigation into the cause and circumstances of the incident.

The investigation is ongoing, and further details will be revealed as more information becomes available.

19/06/2025

Two Unidentified Bodies Found in in Rothak Khola, Soreng, Investigation Underway

Two lifeless bodies were discovered in Rothak Khola, Khadka Bazar Bridge in Soreng District, on June 19. The identities of the deceased remain unknown, prompting authorities to initiate an investigation into the cause and circumstances of the incident.

The investigation is ongoing, and further details will be revealed as more information becomes available.