The Akhil Sikkim Khas Chettri-Bahun Kalyan Sangh (ASKCBKS) has strongly condemned former Chief Minister Pawan Chamling’s recent remarks regarding the Khas community, calling his statements divisive and misleading.

In an emergency meeting chaired by President Narayan Khatiwada, the Sangh expressed deep concern over Chamling’s comments made during a public programme on June 22, 2025. According to the Sangh, Chamling had claimed that the Khas identity was artificially created after Sikkim’s merger with India and that even the Indian government was surprised by the term’s usage.

In response, ASKCBKS dismissed Chamling’s statements as “childish” and “uninformed,” asserting that the Khas identity — representing the Chettri and Bahun communities — has long-standing historical roots in Sikkim. The organization also highlighted official recognition of the Khas community under Government Notification No. 74/SWD/ADM/2021 and further validation through the 2022 Unnayan Survey by the Department of Economics, Statistics, Monitoring & Evaluation (DESME).

The Sangh also pointed to national-level acknowledgement, citing public speeches by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in which he referenced the Khas community of Sikkim.

Addressing the criticism around the February 26 holiday, ASKCBKS clarified that it is an organizational day for community solidarity, not caste- or religion-based.

The Sangh strongly objected to Chamling’s alleged use of the derogatory term “lodar” for Sikkim Health Minister G.T. Dhungel, demanding a public apology for the disrespect shown.

Reaffirming its commitment to peace and unity, ASKCBKS urged Chamling to refrain from divisive politics, especially with the 2027 caste-based census approaching. The organization pledged to continue working for the collective welfare and social harmony of Sikkim.

A shocking case of alleged sexual assault has emerged from Gyalshing, where a 19-year-old girl was reportedly attacked in the early hours of Sunday inside an abandoned spot near her residence.

The incident occurred around 1:00 AM, police said. Acting swiftly on a written complaint filed by the victim’s brother, police identified and arrested the accused, 25-year-old Mani Kumar Mukhia, a resident of the same locality, at around 9:05 AM the same day.

Police have launched a full investigation into the case, and the accused is currently in police custody as legal proceedings continue.

Singtam Police arrested a 31-year-old man on Sunday morning for possession of a large quantity of suspected brown sugar near Shanti Nagar, along the busy Gangtok-Singtam National Highway 10 (NH-10).

Acting on a tip-off about a suspected drug carrier traveling from Siliguri to Gangtok in a Wagon-R, police swiftly set up surveillance. The vehicle was intercepted near the SGAY Project Office. A team led by the complainant, in the presence of two independent witnesses, conducted the search following legal procedures.

P.I. Chomu Lachungpa, SHO of Ranipool Police Station, oversaw the search. Approximately 97.9 grams of a brownish, dough-like substance believed to be brown sugar was found hidden inside a noodle packet in the accused’s clothing. The contraband was seized and packed in an “IMAGE KING LASER TONER CARTRIDGE” box on site.

The accused, a resident of Lower Martam, Gangtok District, failed to provide any valid prescription or justification for possession of the substance.

An FIR under Sections 21(b) and 22 of the NDPS Act, 1985, has been filed at Singtam Police Station. The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.

Temi Tea Estate today marked 50 years of Sikkim’s statehood with a special celebration, launching new products and unveiling a commemorative mascot.

Tourism and Industries Minister Tshering T. Bhutia attended the programme as Chief Guest, alongside Zilla Adhakshya Namchi Anjeeta Rajalim and former chairmen Tashi Tshering Bhutia and M.B. Chettri.

The Minister inaugurated the ‘Kuzu’ mascot, created for the statehood anniversary, and unveiled a plaque highlighting Temi Tea Estate’s history. The estate also launched its new Second Flush Temi Tea at the event.

Speaking at the gathering, Bhutia acknowledged Temi Tea’s legacy since 1969 and stressed its role in local employment and sustainable growth. He highlighted state initiatives such as ‘One Family One Entrepreneur’ and underlined the government’s focus on fostering self-reliance under CM P.S. Tamang’s leadership.

Temi Tea Chairman R.K. Walling outlined the estate’s plans to boost eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and market reach. Managing Director Radha Pradhan called on community support for the ‘Vocal for Local’ movement and reaffirmed the estate’s alignment with the vision of ‘Sunaulo, Samriddha, Ani Samarth Sikkim’.

The event also honoured retired Temi Tea staff for their contributions.

Present at the programme were DFO(T) Peggyla Venchungpa, SHO Jyotsna Gurung, Assistant Manager Pratik Gautam, local Panchayats, dignitaries, and estate employees.

The United States launched coordinated airstrikes overnight targeting three of Iran’s key nuclear sites — Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. US President Donald Trump declared the mission a “historic success,” announcing that the strikes were carried out with a “full payload of bombs” delivered by B-2 stealth bombers.

“This is a historic moment for the US, Israel, and the world,” Trump posted on Truth Social. He further stated, “Now is the time for peace,” following confirmation of the operation’s success. The US president is expected to address the nation later today.

Iranian state media has acknowledged that “enemy strikes” hit the underground uranium enrichment facility at Fordo — a site widely considered the most critical component of Iran’s nuclear program — along with the Natanz and Isfahan installations. Open-source intelligence reports shared by Trump claim that “Fordo is gone,” indicating the site has been severely damaged or destroyed.

The attack marks one of the most significant direct military actions against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure to date. Fordo’s deep-underground fortifications had long posed a challenge to any potential military strike.

In Israel, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced heightened security measures, canceling school sessions and banning public gatherings nationwide in anticipation of potential Iranian retaliation.

Global reactions are rapidly unfolding. Many analysts fear the strikes could spark a new cycle of regional instability, while others see this as a strategic move to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

President Trump’s address later today is expected to outline the administration’s next steps and its message to both allies and adversaries in the region.

Soreng Police apprehended a suspected drug peddler attempting to transport illegal substances from Siliguri into the district.

Following a tip-off, police teams established a checkpoint at Soreng’s entry point. The suspect, traveling on public transport, was intercepted and searched. Officers recovered a quantity of illegal narcotics during the operation.

The accused is now in custody, and further investigation is ongoing to trace the wider supply network behind the smuggling attempt.

Police sources confirmed this action forms part of a larger effort to combat drug trafficking