Manila Pradhan wins the title MTV Supermodel of The Year

10:00 AM

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Gorkhas of Sikkim

Gorkhas daughter Manila Pradhan wins the title MTV Supermodel of The Year.
Supermodel of the Year has found its winner in the gorgeous Manila Pradhan in a dazzling finale. Hailing from Sikkim, Manila took the pageant home defeating Drisha More andPriya Singh in the fight to finish on Sunday (March 15). The show that premiered on 22nd December, was panelled by Malaika Arora, Milind Soman, Masaba Gupta and Supermodel Ujjwala Raut along with Anusha Dandekar leading the way as a host. Manila was pitted against Drisha More and Priya Singh.

Gorkhas daughter Manila Pradhan wins the title MTV Supermodel of The Year. 

On winning the show Manila said, “It’s not less than a dream come true for me. One of the strongest things that I learned and would like to take away with me from this journey is to be yourself. That is your ultimate power that nobody can have. All the judges on the show and the mentors were great. But I really have a special intangible connection and a soft corner for Malaika maam and Ujjwala maam. No matter how much they shouted at me but in the end, it was for my betterment and personal growth.”

Amidst a series of daunting challenges and a bootcamp, Manila’s journey to finale wasn’t an easy one. Manila emerged victorious with a big margin in the finale photoshoot challenge that needed her to pose with the esteemed panelists.

With the judges decked up in their best attires coupled with Raja Kumari’s electrifying performance, Supermodel Of The Year culminated into a fascinating finale leaving behind a lot of learning for the contestants.

Commenting on the finale, Malaika Arora said, “What a tremendous journey this show has been. Supermodel of the Year wasn’t just about style and beauty, it was also about shedding off inhibitions and be absolutely confident in your own self. While we have one winner today, the show has given a platform to 10 gorgeous women who are sure to rule the ramp in future. Manila has been a revelation for us. Despite a tough start, she always took feedback in her stride and the results have shown. I wish her all the best for a stupendous future and hope that the learnings from the show guide her in the journey ahead.”

Via Times of India

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Chandra Kumar Gurung conferred Jeevan Raksha Padak 2018

11:06 PM

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Sikkim

SE Report

The President of India has approved the conferment of Jeevan Raksha Padak 2018 on 48 persons including Shri Chandra Kumar Gurung of Sikkim. Jeevan Raksha Padak series of awards are given to a person for meritorious act of human nature in saving the life of a person. The award is given in three categories, namely, Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak, Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak and Jeevan Raksha Padak. Persons of all walks of life are eligible for these awards. The award can also be conferred posthumously.

Chandra Kumar Gurung of Kaluk village in West Sikkim saved a life of a road accident victim near Singtam on November 9, 2017.

He was awarded the certificate of Commendation by the Governor of Sikkim in January 26, 2018.

The decoration of the award (medal, certificate signed by the Union Home Minister and lump sum monetary allowance) is presented to the awardee in due course by the respective Union Ministries/­Organizations/State Government to which the awardee belongs.

The 48 awards include Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak to 08, Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak to 15 and Jeevan Raksha Padak to 25 persons. 08 awards are posthumous

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Draupadi Ghimire conferred Padma Shri 2019

11:39 AM

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Gorkhas of Sikkim

Gorkhas daughter from Silkim Miss Draupadi Ghmire has been conferred the prestigious National award Padma Shri for 2019 for ker tireless service in the field of social work.

Draupadi Ghimire, is a social worker and the founder of Sikkim Viklang Sahayata Samity. She has been nominated for her distinguished sevice in providing comprehensive service with the persons with disabilities. Her NGOs help people with artificial limbs and hands and also provides free cleft platate surgeries. Originally a nurse at the STNM, she took it upon herself to help those with physical disabilities. She hails from Gangtok and has also been awarded by state government and other agencies for her selfless contribution.

After seeing her father struggle to get artificial limb, 63 year old Draupadi Ghimirey founded Sikkim Viklang Sahayata Samity ( SVSS), NGO which provides artificial limbs to the needy ones.

" I am humbled by the announcement, It wouuld help he extend my service to more needy ones" she says,

Hailing her finally getting the much awaited national recognition, Writer Vikas Saraswat tweeted, “Elder sister like Ms Draupadi Ghimire is a Padma Shri today. Remaining unmarried, turning down offers for Govt posts, refusing MLA tickets from SDF, Draupadi Didi has devoted her entire life to the physically handicapped of Sikkim. Remarkably simple and austere life.”


Via The DC

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Want to join Mamata Banerjee for the prosperity of Darjeeling - Pawan Chamling

11:30 AM

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Politics

Chamling backs Didi on hills

Sikkim chief minister Pawan Chamling on Monday iterated his backing for Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on her handling of the situation in the Darjeeling hills where the Gorkhaland agitation had resulted in the three months-long shutdown in the middle of last year.

Interacting with a visiting team of journalists from Calcutta here, Chamling praised Mamata as a great leader who enjoys his complete support.

"The chief minister said he supports whatever Mamata is doing in the Darjeeling hills since she is a great leader of a big state. He also said that he was for the development of both Bengal and Sikkim," said a member of the visiting team.

On the Doklam standoff, Chamling is understood have told the team that he came to know about it through the media and neither the Union government nor the Indian Army kept had him in the loop.

He spoke about the four per cent increase in forest cover of Sikkim and called for extending the ban on the use of plastic throughout India.

The Sikkim chief minister, according to the senior journalist, also iterated his demand for the granting of peace bonus to the Himalayan state for its impeccable record in maintaining law and order. "He demanded Rs 1,000 crore as peace bonus, citing the absence of insurgency, hostility and violence on the basis of caste, creed and religion during his tenure," said the journalist.


Sikkim has been demanding peace bonus for a long time now, but the Centre has remained mute to it. Mizoram was the first state to be given peace bonus way back in 2000 for being the most peaceful state in the otherwise trouble-torn north-east.


Centre kept us in dark on Doklam: Chamling
Shiv Sahay Singh

GANGTOK, AUGUST 20, 2018

Says people in Sikkim are now living in fear of a war

Observing that the people of Sikkim are “living in fear” because of the stand-off in Doklam between India and China, Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling on Monday said the Centre had kept the border State in the dark on the issue.

Pawan Chamling with Mamata Banerjee - a file photo

“Nobody has consulted us, neither the Centre nor the Army has told us anything about the situation. Whatever we get to know about Doklam is from newspaper reports,” Mr. Chamling told a group of journalists from the Kolkata Press Club.
“Here in Sikkim, we live with the Doklam issue. There is a fear psychosis among the people. We are afraid of the situation,” Mr. Chamling said.

He said the people feared a war with China, and referred to Kupup, the last inhabited village in Sikkim, about 30 km from Doklam.

“We want good relations between India and China. The State government and the people of Sikkim have shown their love for the country and have worked for the interest of India,” he said. On a solution to the issue, he said the Centre knew best.

Mr. Chamling said he had tried to shield the State from external disturbances, whether from Maoism in Nepal or the Gorkhaland agitation in Darjeeling. He said he wanted peace in Darjeeling, and supported the stand of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

“We want to join Mamata Banerjee and contribute to the prosperity of Darjeeling,”. In 2017, the West Bengal government had accused Sikkim of giving shelter to Gorkha Janmukti Morcha leader Bimal Gurung..


Via The Hindu

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Sushmita Lama Qualifies for Asian Chess Championship

9:14 AM

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sports news

Gorkhas Daughter, a Sikkim University student, Sushmita Lama stands 2nd in 19th National Chess Championship 2018; Qualifies for Asian Championship

It was a great pleasure to meet the pride of Northeast from Sikkim, National Chess champion, Sushmita Lama, who is also a student of the Central University of Sikkim. Lama recently achieved 2nd position in 19th National Cities Team Chess Championship 2018 organised by Darjeeling Chess Association whereby she also qualified for Asian level championship.

Sushmita Lama Qualifies for Asian Championship

Sushmita has a slate full of memorable victories. She defeated the chess champion of Nepal Bhupendra Nirola in 2016 in Gangtok. She defeated Anish Gandhi another well known Indian Chess Champion in 2014 from Delhi.

Sushmita has been participating in various Chess Championships since she was studying in Class Seven. She has participated in many tournaments across the nation. In Under 15 Championship held in Tripura, she achieved 2nd position in the entire North East. In the 6th North East under 19 Championship held in Imphal in 2013 she was rose as a Champion. In the 15th Parsvnath Delhi International Open Chess Tournament (held in New Delhi she stood third all in all wining the Best Female Chess Player award.

Sushmita first learnt Chinese Checker from her mother, who later on also taught her Chess. She said that she loved playing chess because it needed great deal of concentration. She said that she would work hard to achieve greater results and represent the nation in the international level. She said that she had been the only girl to have participated in the first Chess Tournament held in Sikkim in 2008, the Lt. Garjaman Rai Memorial Chess Tournament. Since then she has done very well in Chess.

(by Bishal Joshi)

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Centre to accord tribal status to the Gorkhas - Tribal Minister

5:45 PM

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West Bengal

The Centre is eager to accord tribal status to the 11 Gorkha communities, but some technical problems are holding it back for now, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram said in Kalimpong on Sunday. “The central government is pursuing the demand for tribal status for 11 Gorkha communities with all sincerity. But, we have to follow the established norms and procedures to get over some technical problems,” Oram told reporters in this hill town.

“All the 11 Gorkha communities seeking tribal status are living in almost all states of the country. For that, the tribal department needs to take inputs from the states concerned and consult other departments involved. That is why the issue is pending,” he said.

Union Tribal Affairs Minister said the West Bengal and Sikkim governments had already issued recommendation for these communities. (Source: File Photo)

“I want all Gorkhas to know that the Prime Minister has already promised that the status will be accorded, so there is no room for doubt. People should not worry unnecessarily,” the minister said. To a question, he said the West Bengal and Sikkim governments had already issued recommendation for these communities.

Via indianexpress

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स्टन्ट राइडर मिलन

11:14 PM

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sports news

*Milan Pradhan is one of the most famous stunt riders from Sikkim.

नयाँ बर्ष २०७३ को प्रारम्भसँगै राजधानीका २ स्थानमा बाइक स्टन्टका अनौठा दृश्य प्रस्तुत गरिए । राइडर्स युनिफाइडको संयोजनमा संकटा मन्दिर परिसर र जावलाखेल मैदानमा सम्पन्न उक्त बाइक स्टन्टमा नेपाली स्टन्ट राइडरहरुको प्रस्तुति कम रोचक थिएन । यद्यपि भारतको सिक्किमबाट आएका मिलन प्रधानको स्टन्ट राइडिङ प्रस्तुतिले सबैभन्दा बढी प्रभाव छोड्न सफल भएको छ । बाइकलाई बेतोडले कुँदाउने, हुत्याउने, हात छोडेर कुँदाउने, बाइकमाथि खुट्टाले टेकेर पनि सन्तुलनमै कुँदाउने आदि मुटु नै सिरिङग हुने दृश्य उक्त अवसरमा देखिएका थिए । ‘यस्तो पनि गर्न सकिन्छ र ?’ भनी दर्शकले जिब्रो नै टोक्ने दृश्य प्रस्तुत गर्ने मिलनको क्षमतालाई कसले पो तारिफ नगर्ला र ? सिक्किमको गान्तोकमा बाइक वर्कसप र एसेसरिज तथा पार्ट्स व्यवसायको रुपमा ‘बाइकर्स सिक्किम’ संचालन गरिरहेका मिलनले सिक्किमकै नाम्ची गभर्मेन्ट कलेजमा पढेका थिए । कलेज पढ्दै गर्दा नै यस्ता स्टन्टप्रति रुची राख्ने साथीहरुको एउटा समूह थियो । उक्त समूहमा ९ जना थिए र उनीहरुलाई सबैले ‘बाइकर्स ब्वाइज’ भन्थे । उनीहरु ५ किलोमिटर टाढाको हेलिप्याडमा गएर यसका लागि अभ्यास गर्थे । खासमा मिलनले त्यतिखेर पनि स्टन्टका विभिन्न शैलीका वारेमा सुनेका पनि थिएनन् । एक दिन १५० सिसी पल्सरमा ‘ब्रेक लगाउदा पछाडिको चक्का माथि उठ्छ’ भनेर कसैले भनिदियो । उनले अभ्यास गरी हेरे । साँच्चिकै चक्का माथि उठ्यो । त्यसैलाई ‘स्टपी’ भनिदो रहेछ भन्ने कुरा पछि मात्र थाहा पाए । उनमा यस प्रकारको स्टन्ट गर्ने हौसला जाग्यो । त्यसपछि उनले यस्ता दृश्य भएका फिल्म हेर्न थाले । त्यसका लागि अभ्यास पनि गर्न थाले ।

Milan Pradhan is one of the most famous stunt riders from Sikkim.

उनले साथीहरुसँग मिलेर यस्ता ग्रुपको खोजी गर्न थाले । सिलिगुढीमा रहेको प्रसिद्ध बाइकर्स ग्रुप ‘एक्सकेएमपीएच’ को सम्पर्क खोजे । उनीहरु १ सय १० किलोमिटरको दूरी पार गरेर उनीहरुलाई भेट्न पुगे । अब मिलन यस्ता स्टन्ट सिक्न र जान्नका लागि मरिहत्ते गर्न थाले । इन्टरनेट, भिडियो मात्र होइन, बाइक इन्डिया र अन्य पत्रिकामा समेत स्टन्टका बारेमा खोजी गर्न थाले । युट्युबमा उनले यस्ता विभिन्न दृश्य हेर्ने र त्यसै अनुसार अभ्यास गर्ने गर्न थाले ।
विस्तारै बाइक स्टन्टको क्षेत्रमा मिलन परिचित हुँदै गए । उनी सिक्किममा स्थानीय स्तरमा आयोजना हुने विभिन्न प्रदर्शनीको अवसरमा आफ्ना कला देखाउथे । उनले अन्य स्थानमा पनि आफ्नो कला देखाउदै गए । सन् २००८ मा बजाज पल्सरले ‘फस्र्ट स्टन्ट मेनिया’ आयोजना गरेको थियो । उनी उत्तरपूर्वी भारतबाट भाग लिए र अडिसनको फाइनल राउन्डसम्म पुगे । बाइक इन्डिया म्यागेजिनले उनको कभर फोटो प्रकाशित ग¥यो । त्यसपछि त झन् उनको चर्चा एकाएक चुलियो । फोन आउने र अन्तर्वार्ताका लागि अनुरोध आउने हुन थाल्यो । उनी एउटा सेलिब्रेटी नै बने । स्टन्ट शो एउटा खतरायुक्त खेल भए पनि सुरक्षित रुपमा खेल्न सकिने उनको भनाइ छ । यसका लागि आफूमा स्टन्ट टेक्निक चाहिन्छ । भन्छन्, ‘जुनसुकै खेल पनि आफैमा खतरायुक्त हुन्छ । तर खतरामुक्त तरिकाले सिप सिकेर खेल्दा बाइक स्टन्ट पनि रोचक हुन्छ ।’ अहिले सिक्किममा कुनै फेस्टिभलको अवसरमा बाइक स्टन्ट हुन्छन् । यस्तो समयमा १०÷१५ दिनसम्म पनि स्टन्ट शो आयोजना गरिन्छ । यो समयमा उनी नयाँ राइडरहरुलाई स्टन्ट समेत सिकाउछन् । मिरिकका चिराग राई उनका मन पर्ने स्टन्ट राइडर हुन् । त्यसैगरी ‘किङ अफ स्टन्ट’ को रुपमा परिचित क्रिस पिफरलाई उनी फलो गर्छन् । क्रिस बीएमडब्ल्युका अफिसियल स्टन्ट राइडर हुन् । स्टन्ट राइडिङका लागि अन्य बाइक पनि उपयुक्त हुन सक्छन् । तर बजाज पल्सरमै आफूलाई बढी सुविधायुक्त लाग्ने मिलन बताउछन् । पल्सरलाई आवश्यकता अनुसार मोडिफाई गरेर पनि स्टन्टका लागि उपयुक्त बनाउन सकिन्छ । उनी भन्छन्, ‘सस्तो मूल्य भएर पनि पल्सर पावरफुल समेत छ ।’ मिलनको मामाघर ललितपुरको जावलाखेल हो । यद्यपि उनी १८ बर्ष पछि मात्र मामाघर आए । यही समयमा उनले स्टन्ट प्रदर्शन गर्न पनि भ्याए । उनले धरानमा पनि यस्तो स्टन्ट प्रदर्शन गरिसकेका छन् । जीवनमा लगभग २० बाइक परिवर्तन गरिसकेका मिलनले कक्षा १० पढ्दा नै बाइक चलाउन सिकेका थिए रे । त्यतिखेर यामाहाको आरएक्स १०० को सिटको उचाइ घटाएर भए पनि उनी बाइक चढेका थिए रे । यद्यपि स्टन्ट शोमा भने पछि मात्र मन गयो । स्टन्ट शो आफैमा जोखिमयुक्त खेल हो । त्यसैले होला, पहिलो पटक छोराको यस्तो दृश्य देख्दा उनकी आमा रुनुभएको थियो रे । बुवाले भने लुकेर भए पनि मिलनको यस्तो स्टन्ट हेर्नुहुन्छ । मिलनले नै आफ्नो स्टन्ट भएको समयमा बुवालाई नआउन अनुरोध गर्छन् । त्यसैले पनि बुवाले लुकेर हेर्ने गरेको उनले बताए ।
यस्तो अनौठो खेलको अभ्यास गर्दा पनि अहिलेसम्म मिलन खासै ठूलो दुर्घटनामा भने परेका छैनन् । उनी भन्छन्, ‘सामान्य रुपमा त १५÷२० पटक लडे हुँला । तर त्यस्तो ठूलो दुर्घटना भने भएको छैन ।’ कुनै अभ्यासमा चित्त बुझेन भने उनले राती सपनामा पनि त्यही स्टन्ट गरेको देख्छन् रे । प्रस्तुति : एकराज सुवेदी Via nepalauto

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Sikkim vigilance department orders strict action against bribery

10:57 AM

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Sikkim

Gangtok, June 28: The vigilance department here has issued an advisory to all government office heads asking them to ensure supervision and initiate action against employees found demanding bribes.

The advisory was issued on June 23.

"Despite several directives, some government employees seem to be indulging in acts of illegal gratification by demanding bribes for doing routine official work," a vigilance official said.

Between April and May this year, 26 government officials were arrested by the vigilance department on charges of misusing public money.

"There are also cases in which the senior government officials ask for bribes and commissions for processing and clearing TA\DA claims, medical reimbursement, grant of increment, leave encashment, GPF withdrawals and pension claims, victim of such circumstances can lodge their compliant too," reads the advisory.

According to Sikkim Service Conduct Rule, warning, withholding of increment and suspension or termination from service could be meted out to those taking bribes

Via Telegraph

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Sikkim State Women's Commission met Bijanbari Case victim Kala Subba actually from Nepal

2:18 PM

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Sikkim State Women's Commission

Writes ‎Prakash Lee‎ 

The news that went viral in social site (FB) on 14th June of Mrs. Kala Subba (31years), who was rambling around in search of job in Bijanbari, Darjeeling and ending the quest in hospital due to brutal physical assault by police personnel at Pool Bazaar Police Station, Darjeeling...thereby creating public rage on social media, some of them claiming her to be of Sikkim, some blamed Sikkim State Women's Commission of being headless, some tried to politicize the matter...But nobody investigated to its roots and got the concrete information of victim.

Finally, the State Women Commission of Sikkim, gathering information and after understanding the matter, made a team comprising (two members of Sikkim State Women Commission Laki Denzongpa and Leela Dulal, NGO Subha Lakxmi Social Organization (SLSO) President Lalita Lama, East Distt General Secretary Dev Gurung (SDF Party) and headed for Sahid Durga Malla District Hospital Darjeeling and visited the victim today.

It is so surprising to find her bed-ridden even after 13 Days. She is still under medical supervision with the support of Rastriya Naari Aayog and Limbu Association of Darjeeling.

State Women Commission Sikkim met Bijanbari Case victim Kala Subba

It is learnt that, she is completely sane, all she said was she, her husband and in-laws are originally from Taplejung, Nepal and temporarily staying in Rumbuk, West-Sikkim. She also said that her husband eloped with another woman and abandoned her thereafter, since then she was being tortured by her in-laws and bearing the burnt of torture and insult, she had to leave the in-laws house and went in search of job to sustain life. Further she claims that she has two children (a son and a daughter).

According to her claims and considering her matter as a top priority, the Sikkim State Women Commission assured her to trace her in-laws' whereabouts in Sikkim and ensure all possible help. And also hope that, the victim will definitely get justice, according to the law of the land.

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Sikkim - Four die as SUV falls into gorge, BRO faces bridge ire

9:17 AM

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Sikkim

Gangtok, June 23: Four persons were killed and three injured in Chanjey today when an SUV they were travelling in rolled 250ft into a gorge because of alleged negligence of the driver.

The inspector of Temi police station, Bimal Gurung, said seven passengers had hired the car on share basis to reach Gangtok from Khecelpari and the accident happened due to the negligence of the driver."Villagers informed police about the incident. Damber Kumari Sharma, 43, and driver Tarcho Lepcha, 30, died on the spot. The rest were admitted to the district hospital in Singtam," he said.

"Sonam Dadul Lepcha,30, and Parishari Ahmed, 38, succumbed to head injuries at the district hospital. Later, other three injured were admitted to STNM hospital," he added.

According to STNM Hospital sources, Chenga Doma, 18, Chultim Zangpo Lepcha, 32, and Aita Bahadhur Subba, 28, suffered body and leg injuries

Sikkim  - Four die as SUV falls

Gurung said: "According to an injured passenger, the driver was listening to music using a headphone connected to his mobile. The accident happened as Tarcho lost control while changing song and the car fell into the gorge. The headphone was found plugged in his ears."said the Inspector of Temi police station, Bimal Gurung.Inspector Bimal Gurung- ' They were travelling to Gangtok in a taxi on share basis when the incident took place'

The local villagers and the police recovered the bodies.

The incident occurred at 9am along Rabong-Singtam road, around 45km from here.

BRO faces bridge ire
Gangtok, June 23: The Border Roads Organisation that maintains the North Sikkim Highway came under fire at a meeting today as the road connecting tourist destinations like Lachung, Lachen, Gurudongmar lake and Yumthang valley in North District snapped twice in a span of one month.

A bailey bridge over a stream at Rit Chu along the highway had crashed first on May 17 and again on June 18. After the first collapse, the bridge had been restored temporarily and vehicles, especially those carrying tourists, started moving to Chungthang on June 9. At both the times, the bridge was damaged in landslides triggered by heavy rains.

The damaged bridge at Rit Chu.

After the second crash on June 18, the BRO is yet to repair the structure.

Today, a meeting was held in the conference hall of the forest department here, where all three MLAs from the North District, chief secretary, home secretary, the collector and the superintendent of police of the district and BRO officials were present. Local people and tourism stakeholders also attended the meeting.

"We are fed up with the deplorable condition of the road in North Sikkim. The BRO is not doing its work satisfactorily. The residents are facing problems as the road is closed most of the time," said a dzumsa member, Chedup Bhutia.

The president of the Travel Agents' Association of Sikkim, Paljor Lachungpa, said almost 90 per cent of the people in north Sikkim depended on tourism and the frequent road closure was hampering the livelihood of those in Chungthang, Lachung and Lachen.

The general secretary of the association, Barap Namgyal Bhutia, claimed that there was a loss of around Rs 5 crore because of cancellations of bookings following the bridge collapse in the district in the past one month.

A senior tourism official informed that more than seven lakh tourists visited Sikkim every year and 80 per cent of them went to North District.

The chief secretary, A.K. Srivastava, said he had sought a detailed report on the road condition from the BRO. "Once we get the report, we will pursue the matter with agencies concerned. There should be a permanent solution to the problem," he said.

The Commander of the BRO, B.K. Sarkar, said the agency was putting its best effort to maintain the roads. "We are doing our work. Sometimes, the inclement weather is also a hindrance. For now, we are working to restore the road at Rit Chu and it may take at least 10 days," said Sarkar.


Via Telegraph

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Sikkim chief minister Pawan Chamling's message

11:17 AM

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Sikkim Democratic Front SDF

Gangtok, June 22: Sikkim chief minister and president of the Sikkim Democratic Front Pawan Chamling has asked party workers to visit the villages across the state and make people aware of the programmes and policies of the state.

The SDF chief at the Sampurna Kranti Diwas programme urged the leaders to help the villagers understand the programmes of the government on education, health, social justice, women and child rights and infrastructure and on issues like Limbo Tamang seat reservation and tribal status to 11 communities of Sikkim.

The SDF had come to power in the state in 1994.

Today, the Sampurna Kranti Diwas programme was organised by the SDF at its headquarters here. The day is observed by the party every year on June 22 as the SDF had started revolt against Bhandari government demanding restoration of democracy on this day.

Pawan Chamling's message

Telegraph

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Birkha Bahadhur Muringla to receive Bhanu Puraskar on 202th Bhanu Jayanti

9:08 AM

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Sikkim

Writes NIRMAL MANGAR

Gangtok, June 20: The Nepali Sahitya Parishad here has announced the name of writer, poet and musician Birkha Bahadhur Muringla for Bhanu Puraskar, 2016, for his contribution to literature and music.

Muringla's name was finalised at a meeting of the selection committee on June 14.

The award will be conferred on him at the 202th Bhanu Jayanti celebrations here on July 13 . The annual award includes an anga vastra, tamra patra, certificate and cash.

BB Muringla conferred Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture Samman in 2014 - File Photo

"He had designed the Limbo syllabus for government schools," said the deputy director of the state HRD department, S.B. Subba.

The 73-year-old writer and musician is from Lingchom village in West Sikkim.

"The contribution of Mr Muringla to literature is outstanding. He may be referred to as the Balmiki of Limbo literature," said president of Sahitya Parishad, Rudra Poudyal.

Muringla was born on April 13, 1943. He studied in Tashi Namgyal Academy and Darjeeling Government College.

Via  Telegraph

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Meriya Subba from Sikkim wins Sunsilk Mega Miss North East 2016

9:02 AM

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Sikkim

Guwahati 19th June 2016 Gorkhas daughter Meriya Subba from Sikkim wins the 14th Edition of Sunsilk Mega Miss North East 2016 powered by Mega Entertainment. Sunsilk Mega Miss North East 2016 which was started on 20th May in Itanagar was concluded with Grand Finale on 19th June 2016 at ITA Cultural Complex, Machkowa, Guwahati withn the crowning of Meriya Priya Darshani Subba who was also the 2nd Runners-up in the Miss Sikkim Diva 2015. Miss Licha Thosum from Arunachal Pradesh was crowned the 1st Runners Up and Miss Soibam Kanchan from Manipur was crowned the 2nd Runners up.

18-year-old Meriya Subba was crowned by Sunsilk Mega Miss North East 2015 Jessica Marbaniang in front of a packed audience. She is the second young woman from Sikkim to take home the Sunsilk Mega Miss North East crown. Meriya, whose parents are school teachers, said that she must thank the people of Northeast for the support and specially her family members who supported her throughout her life. "I owe my success to my parents and mentors. Special thanks to the panel of judges and Mega Entertainment, and especially Abhijit Singha, for crowning me Sunsilk Mega Miss North East 2016. I am overwhelmed and can't express my happiness... this is a dream coming true for me," said Meriya after winning the title.

Meriya Subba was crowned by Sunsilk Mega Miss North East 2015 Jessica Marbaniang 

14th Sunsilk Mega Miss North East was organized by Mega Entertainment, a fashion and pageant event organizer in the North East. Sunsilk Mega Miss North East is inspired by Designer/ Fashion Choreographer the powerhouse of fashion & pageant industry Abhijit Singha who is the founder proprietor of Mega Entertainment.

Gorkhas daughter Meriya Subba from Sikkim wins the 14th Edition of Sunsilk
Mega Miss Northeast 2016 powered by Mega Entertainment.

Sunsilk Mega Miss North East 2016 Prize Package Includes:

• An opportunity to get featured in print & outdoor advertisement campaign of Sunsilk
• To walk the Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai for Reliance Trends
• Shows with ICSI in South East Asian Countries
• A Portfolio with leading fashion photographer Rahul Biswas
• Public Relation & Reputation Consultancy for a year by Life’s Purple
• Professional representation & travel opportunity for a year by Mega Entertainment
• Cash prize Rs50,000/- will be given / claim the winning prize only after successfully completion of the reigning period as the Sunsilk Mega Miss North East 2016 on the fulfillment of all the terms and conditions set by Mega Entertainment and till the time she crowns her successor at the conclusion of the pageant next year.

The organizers of the event, Mega Entertainment, had shortlisted 49 women, who vied for the coveted title of Sunsilk Mega Miss North East 2016. The pageant is inspired by Designer/ Fashion Choreographer and the powerhouse of fashion & pageant industry Abhijit Singha.

Abhijit Singha, Founder of Mega Entertainment and Managing Director of Sunsilk Mega Miss North East, spoke during the crowning ceremony, "Through Sunsilk Mega Miss North East we look for a young and aspiring talent that is fit, intelligent and driven to be a role model - using her attributes to make a difference in the society. The pageant will not culminate with mere crowning of the winners. We also make it a mission to give them an international platform from where their dreams can take flight. Today's winner Meriya will walk for Reliance Trends at the Lakmé Fashion Week, which in itself is a dream-come-true for various well established models too. She will also get an opportunity to travel in the eight south Asian countries with ICSI and be a part of international shows."

The judges who sealed the fate of this year's winner included: Runner Up-Mega Mister North East 2009 and leading fashion designer from Shillong Arif Mukhim; Activation Manager for Hindustan Unilever brands Divya Ramakrishnan; Runner Up- Mega Miss North East 2013 and author of ‘Dear Bohemian Man' Subi Taba; marketing consultant and Brand Head at Kingfisher Naved Qureshi; and Entrepreneur and Hotelier Bobby Singh.

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SIKKIM CM VISIT TO DELHI: OLD WINE IN NEW BOTTLE

12:34 AM

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Sikkim Democratic Front SDF

Sikkim 19th June 2016 Bharatiya Janata Party President, Sikkim Pradesh, DB Chauhan has again stressed that the Chief Minister in his meeting with the Prime Minister recently has only placed the same old demands and repeated the same old assurance to the Sikkimese people that the “Central Government is sympathetically looking after these issues and analyzing the facts’’. Calling him an ineffective leader, Chauhan states that the Chief Minister has failed time and again to convince the Centre on many important issues of the State.

Calling Mr. Chamling double-faced, he says, “Outside the state, just after crossing Rangpo Bridge he is the Chief Minister of whole Sikkim and demands developmental budget before the union government for the overall development of Sikkim. But no sooner that he enters Sikkim he becomes the Chief Minister of SDF Party only and its close associates, ignoring the opposition party and its supporters.”

According to Chauhan, this attitude is leading a section of the Sikkimese people into utter frustration and its consequences are appearing into the society in different forms like alcoholism, drug addiction murder and rapes.

Bharatiya Janata Party President, Sikkim Pradesh, DB Chauhan

Speaking about the study loan financed by SIDICO, he says that it is mandatory for the loanee to get it cleared by the school/college authority, and the office of the CM is the final authority to award the loan.

“So we cannot deny the fact that the SIDICO loan will be given only to those students who are the nearest and dearest ones desired by the CM and the area MLA. The chances of getting the loan who are not in the good book of the area MLA and CM is very bleak. So there is cent percent probability of rejection for a student whose parents are not the supporter of SDF party. Matters relating to different grants in aids and other facilities meant for the general public faces the same consequence which has created a great deal of public displeasure and annoyance through Sikkim.

Mr. P.K. Chamling speaks high about developing Sikkim but in reality he is developing his own supporter’s family members and relatives depriving the opposition party supporters even if he or she is eligible for the grant-in-aid, and loan. BJP Sikkim Pradesh condemns such bias policy of SDF government,” states the state BJP president.

Talk Sikkim

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Bijanbari police tourture victim referred to ‪Darjeeling‬ District Hospital

8:55 PM

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Sikkim

18 June 2016 Bijanbari The victim of alleged police torture Ms. Kala Subba has been referred to Darjeeling District Hospital.

Yesterday a team from Sikkim led by SDF Daramdim Samasty President Mr. Bhupendra Chettri arrived in Bijanbari to ascertain the facts relating to Ms. Subba's address.

Speaking to the Press Mr. Chettri stated, "we are trying to ascertain her address and we will do all we can to assist her... we have already lodged a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission and we will proceed as and when we get more information."

A team from Darjeeling Women's Commission under the leadership of Ms Lalita Lama also visited Ms Subba and under their care and that of Bijanbari Nari Kalyan Samity Ms. Subba has been taken to Darjeeling District Hospital as her condition is still critical.

Victim of alleged police torture Ms. Kala Subba

In the meanwhile, cry for ouster of Bijanbari OC Saurav Sen has grown stronger with DYFI, local women's organizations, Bijanbari Limbu Samaj demanding his suspension.



Via The DC

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Deligation led by Pawan Chamling met PM Narendra Modi

12:33 PM

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Sikkim

New Delhi 16th June 2016: Deligation led by the Chief Minister of Sikkim Pawan Chamling met Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi today at New Delhi and submitted memorandums demanding seat reservation for Limboo and Tamang in Sikkim Legislative Assembly, allowing Karmapa to Sikkim and tribal status for 11 left out communities of Sikkim.

Sikkim delegates led by Chief Minister who met PM in New Delhi have sought Rs 43,589 Cr (Forty Three Thousand Five Hundred and Eighty Nine Crore) special package for development.

Chief Minister of Sikkim Pawan Chamling met Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi

This is the second time the duo have met this year PM Narendra Modi was invited to inaugurates Sikkim Organic Festival January 2016.

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Sikkim CM Pawan Chamling's Effigy burnt in Kalimpong

9:34 AM

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Sikkim

Writes MUKESH SHARMA 

Kalimpong,15th June Pasang Tamang and his independent party today burned effigies of Sikkim chief minister Dr Pawan Chamling at Damber Chowk Kalimpong.

Tamang with around 150 supporters first took out a rally from the town. The supporters,who were carrying black flags and placards, raised slogans against Chamling demanding apology for his statement.

The protest came nearly a month after after Sikkim chief minister Dr Pawan Chamling while addressing a Sakewa celebration programme at Singithang Ground Namchi said that Sikkimese Nepalis must be clear that Gorkhas are people who had come to India to serve in the army in the past and later settled in different parts of the country.

Sikkim CM Pawan Chamling's Effigy burnt in Kalimpong

He later added that the Sikkim Nepalis are not the same as the Gorkhas. Despite similarity in culture and tradition there is no similarity of the Sikkim Nepalis with the so-called Gorkhas, he said.

The statement was condemned by many but no one came forward. Pasang Tamang today said, “We as a small party waited for bigger parties to condemn the statement but they did not utter a word. Dr Pawan Chamling is a pride of our community and such a statement has hurt our sentiment.”

He said this is just the beginning of series of programmes.“We just want him to take back his words. If he does not we will hold protests in the Darjeeling Hills, Terai, Dooars and finally Delhi.

Via kalimpongnewsexpress

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Bijanbari Police brutality on Kala Subba Case, FIR against policemen

11:53 PM

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Sikkim

Update on West Bengal Police brutality on Kala Subba Case, Bijanbari

Bijanbari 16 June 2016 Locals, NGOs and Human Right Volunteers gherau Pulbazar Police Station demanding justice for Kala Subba. People are very much anguished after Police tortured innocent woman brutally as such her health is very critical in Bijanbari hospital.

National Human Rights Crime Control Organisation Sikkim Team and VOS correspondent met with a victim Kala Subba at Bijanbari Hospital who was tortured by police of Pul Bazar Police Station on 12 June.

According to the local social volunteers and NGOs victim's condition is critical . They further alleged that on Sunday when Nari Morcha (Women Social Help Group) handed this homeless lone woman Kala to Police and had informed the police that she was from Sombarey West Sikkim, however, Pul Bazar police did not contact the West Sikkim police, instead they trashed her brutally that night. Next morning ie on Monday morning locals found her in severe condition after being beaten up mercilessly by the Police.

Locals, NGOs and Human Right Volunteers gherau Pulbazar
Police Station demanding justice.

Police 'Bada Bau' (Thana Incharge) and Doctor's role is been seen doubtful after she was admitted at hospital alleges locals.

The Team from Sikkim has lodged FIR against policemen in same Police Station today.




Pics and News Dipak Gurung, VOS Rangpo

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Sikkim women allegedly tortured by West Bengal Police, Police refuse to comment

10:36 AM

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West Bengal

DESTITUTE FEMALE BRUTALIZED IN BIJANBARI - Locals Allege Police Torture, Police Refuse to Comment

A distraught women from Rumbuk in Sombarey, Sikkim Ms. Kala Subba (31 yrs) whose husband had elope with another women and had left her and her two kids straddle, had come to Bijanbari in search of a job . Today some female members of Bijanbari Nari Society (BNS) found her in a helpless condition near Sai Mandir area and took her to the Pulbazar police station seeking help.
Locals alleged that instead of giving her help, the woman was brutally tortured and left with severe injuries by the police, her body is bruised all over and she is undergoing treatment in the local hospital premises.

Once the locals came to know, they gathered yesterday in the hospital and protested against the brutal torture that Ms Kala Subba had to undergo.

Corresponding with TheDC, one of the members of BNS stated, “we took her to the police station, so that she would be protected as we felt the police will help her get back to her family, little did we know the police themselves would turn on her and treat her with such brutality… whatever little faith we had in the police force is today shattered… how could they beat up a helpless woman with such brutality?”

Sikkim women allegedly tortured by West Bengal Police

Locals told us that according to the victim it was Pulbazar OC Sourav Sen who beat her up, however when we contacted OC of Pulbazar police station Sourav Sen, he stated that he could not comment at the moment as the inquiry was being undertaken.

From the duty roster we know that SI Lhakpa Bhutia was on duty today, however when we contacted him he said “I was not at the police station when this happened… I had gone to Singla so I am unaware of what transpired…”

We tried to reach the Duty Officer Mr. Burman who was at the police station today, however we couldn’t connect to him.

Taking a grim view of the issue, noted Women’s rights activist Ms. Rangu Souriya has stated, “This kind of activity of the police is condemnable and shameful... This situation makes us feel ilk girls’ n women r not safe anywhere and it is indeed a matter of grave concern... so we need justice.”
Sandeep Chettri a local social activist stated, “Today the entire police station says they didn’t see anything… how is it possible? A mentally disturbed woman gets brutalized inside a police station and every police officer present there is saying they cannot comment… is this how woman’s rights are protected in this nation?”

In the past 6 months we have received numerous complaints of police excesses, and most of the complaints have concerned Mirik police station.

It could be telling that the entire Bijanbari police has refused to speak on this issue, are they really unaware of what happened, or are they hiding something?

It is shameful that in today’s day and age, basic human rights is not respected in our hills, the officers whoever they are need to ponder, would they react the same way and keep mum, if the victim happened to be their mother, sister, wife or daughter?


सिक्किम सोमबारे निवासी कला सुब्बा (३१) आफ्नो पतिले सौता लिएर घरबाट चम्पट कसेपछि २ जना नानीहरु ११, र ८ वर्षको लाई बोज्युसित छोड़ेर काम खोज्दै बिजनबारी आएकी थिईन् |

तर घटना अर्कै भईदियो | यहाँको साई मन्दिर नजीक कलालाई त्यहीकै बासिन्दाहरुले भेटेपछि पुल थानामा खबर गरि दिए|

अहिले पुलिसले भक्कुचुर कुटपिट् गरेको आरोप छ भने, कला यहाँको ग्रामीण अस्पतालमा उपचाराधीन अवस्थामा छिन् |

आज यहाँ यस क्षेत्रको सचेत नारी र युवाहरु अस्पताल परिसरमा पुलिसको विरोधमा ओर्लिए |


Via:TheDC

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Who is Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh Batting For? Why are they demanding OBC status for Gorkhas?

12:19 PM

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schedule tribe

The Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh (BGP) which claims to be the "apex body of Gorkhas in India" seems to be trying to undo all the good work done by the Govt of Sikkim and Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) who have pushed for all the Gorkhas to be recognized as Scheduled Tribes.

In a meeting with the DoNER Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, they have demanded once again that Gorkhas be included under OBC and not ST. Here is a report from the national daily The Hindu [details: http://bit.ly/1OkhO5n]

"The Gorkhas have urged the central government to give “Other Backward Class” status to the community, an official statement said on Sunday. A delegation of the community leaders and members from Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Meghalaya and Uttarakhand made the demand when they met union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and PMO Jitendra Singh here on Saturday.

BGP delegation to MoS DoNER

According to the release here, the minister gave a patient hearing to the delegation led by Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangha president S.M. Moktan. The Parisangha is a national organisation of Gorkhas in the country, the release said. Prominent among the delegationwere V.B. Thupu from Uttar Pradesh, D.C. Poudiyal and P.P. Pradhan from West Bengal, Guman Bhoj Limbo from New Delhi, Jagannath Koirala from Meghalaya and Bhupendra Adhikari from Uttarakhand." This is the 2nd time that BGP has sent representation to Union Ministers, earlier it was to MoS Home Kiren Rijju demanding OBC status for Gorkhas.

Currently the Central Govt has formed a committee to examine the inclusion of all the Gorkha communities as ST, where as BGP is repeatedly pushing for OBC status, thus we wonder whose interest is BGP serving?

Are they getting funded by anti-Gorkha political parties to push for such an absurd demand during such a critical time?


Via GYASA

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