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Bangladesh Army Chief Foils Yunus’ Plot to Spark Border Tensions with India

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Gen. Zaman Foils Plot to Incite India Border Clashes

A dangerous plot allegedly devised by Bangladesh’s interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to trigger border skirmishes with India has been thwarted by the decisive intervention of Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman, multiple sources have revealed.

The plan, reportedly conceived by Yunus in coordination with Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and the newly-formed Jatiyo Nagorik Party, aimed to divert domestic discontent and rally nationalist sentiments by provoking minor clashes along the Indo-Bangladesh border. According to sources close to the matter, the strategy involved using Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) to instigate confrontations with India’s Border Security Force (BSF), with backup from select Bangladesh Army units if required.

Yunus, under mounting political pressure due to growing opposition movements, spiraling inflation, rising crime rates, and administrative stagnation, allegedly saw an opportunity to distract the public and consolidate his hold on power through a wave of hyper-nationalism. His goal was to delay calls for early elections and strengthen his political footing.

However, the scheme met stiff resistance from General Waker-uz-Zaman, who unequivocally opposed any move to inflame tensions with India, citing the risk of escalation and broader regional instability. Sources say the General also reinforced his position as the sole authority overseeing BGB operations, blocking any attempts by Yunus to bypass military command and directly influence border forces.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which has been critical of Yunus’ leadership, also condemned the plan as “reckless and dangerous.”

Intelligence reports suggest that elements from Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) may have also encouraged the plot behind the scenes, viewing regional instability as a strategic advantage.

While the immediate threat appears to have been contained, concerns remain that Yunus could attempt to revive the strategy, particularly if General Zaman is replaced or if internal pressures on the interim government intensify.

Observers warn that continued vigilance will be necessary to ensure that Bangladesh’s fragile political landscape does not spiral into a manufactured conflict with its closest neighbor.

DAC Gyalshing Celebrates Cultural Heritage with Traditional Attire Day

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Cultural Heritage Celebrated at DAC Gyalshing

In compliance to the directive issued by the Government of Sikkim, District Administrative Centre(DAC),Gyalshing implemented wearing traditional attire to the office on a designated weekend day (Wednesday) led by District Collector Gyalshing Mr Tenzing D Denzongpa.

The district officials exuberantly welcomed this decision, showcasing their enthusiasm for cultural preservation with the aim to promote the rich cultural heritage of the region and provide a platform for officers and officials to connect with their roots.

Report from DIO Gyalshing

MI-172 Helicopter Service in Sikkim Suspended After ₹20 Crore Loss

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Helicopter service suspended in Sikkim

The MI-172 helicopter service in Sikkim has been suspended once again. The 26-seater helicopter, which had only resumed operations last year, is now officially withdrawn from service, confirmed the Chief Secretary of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department.

For now, the smaller-capacity helicopter service will continue. The MI-172 was originally leased under a February 19, 2021 agreement between the state government and Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation, with operations handled by SkyOne Airways. The aim was to enhance connectivity and boost tourism in the region.

However, poor passenger demand led to growing financial losses. Despite a seating capacity of 26, the helicopter often flew with very few passengers. Over the past year, the service has cost the state government nearly ₹20 crore.

While official statements cited adverse weather as one reason for suspension, senior government sources indicated that low occupancy and mounting losses were the primary causes. The North Sikkim route (Lachen–Lachung) also failed to draw enough travelers, even after significant efforts.

As a result, the government has decided to discontinue the MI-172 service and continue operating only the smaller 10-seater helicopter. Officials added that more suitable aircraft could be introduced in the future, based on demand and feasibility.

Leopard Successfully Captured in Soreng, To Be Relocated to Safe Habitat

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Leopard captured in Soreng
Leopard captured in Soreng

An adult male common leopard was successfully captured today at Nesur Gaon, Soreng Busty, by a dedicated team from the Soreng Wildlife Range.

The leopard had been frequently sighted in nearby villages over the past few weeks, with multiple reports of livestock loss and sightings near human settlements. Wildlife officials had been closely monitoring its movements through camera traps.

Following the capture, officials confirmed that the leopard is in good health. It is now being safely translocated to a suitable habitat away from human habitation.

Sikkim Launches ‘Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan’ to Drive Tribal Development

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"Dharti Aaba janjatiya Gram utkarsh Abhiyan"

The Government of Sikkim officially launched the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan today — an ambitious programme aimed at accelerating the socio-economic development of tribal communities in the state. The launch took place during the Golden Jubilee High-Altitude International Marathon medal felicitation ceremony at Ridge Park, Gangtok.

The initiative was inaugurated by Minister for Social Welfare, Women, Child, Senior Citizen & Divyangjan Welfare, and Printing & Stationery Departments, Mr Samdup Lepcha. It will be implemented under the Tribal Affairs Division of the Social Welfare Department, in alignment with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), Government of India.

The Dharti Aaba Abhiyan builds upon the achievements of the PM-JANMAN scheme and is designed to close critical developmental gaps in tribal villages. By bringing together efforts from multiple central ministries and targeted interventions, the programme aims to provide safe housing, drinking water, sanitation, healthcare, education, nutrition, electricity, road and telecom connectivity. It also promotes sustainable livelihoods, entrepreneurship, and skill development for tribal youth.

The launch of this initiative marks an important milestone in Sikkim’s mission to foster inclusive growth and improve the quality of life in tribal areas.

The event was attended by MLA Delay Namgyal Barfungpa, MLA Tenzing Norbu Lamtha, Secretary of Social Welfare Department Sarika Pradhan, Secretary of Sports & Youth Affairs Department Yangchen D Tamang, along with senior officials.

Sikkim Hosts Golden Jubilee High-Altitude International Marathon

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Sikkim's Golden Jubilee Marathon

Sikkim successfully hosted the Golden Jubilee High-Altitude International Marathon 2025 on Sunday to mark 50 years of Statehood. The event was organised by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs in coordination with the Social Welfare and Commerce & Industries Departments, positioning the state on the global sports tourism map.

The full marathon covered a 42 km course, starting from Tsomgo Lake at an altitude of 3,753 metres and concluding at Ridge Park, Gangtok. Known for its challenging terrain and stunning Himalayan landscape, the marathon attracted participants from across India and abroad.

Out of 520 registered runners, 348 took part in the marathon, including 265 men and 83 women. Twenty-five international athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia, and Nepal registered for the event, with six completing the demanding course.

The event was flagged off at Tsomgo Lake in the presence of Brigadier Amrit Sharma, panchayat members, and officials from the organising departments. The prize distribution at Ridge Park was attended by Minister for Social Welfare, Women & Child Development, Samdup Lepcha, along with MLAs Delay Namgyal Barfungpa and Tenzing Norbu Lamtha.

In the men’s category, Kenya’s Juligs M Wahome secured first place, followed by Ganga Hang Subba of Sikkim in second, and Firomsa Ararsa of Ethiopia in third. The women’s category was won by Tamsie Singh of Uttar Pradesh, with Sikkim’s Chandrakala Sharma and Ethiopia’s Aberu Gemechu taking second and third respectively.

Officials confirmed that the Golden Jubilee Marathon is expected to become an annual event to further promote high-altitude sports and adventure tourism in Sikkim.


Sikkim University Student Dies After Fall at Hidden Falls in Sikkim’s Yangyang

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Student's Life Lost in Fall at Hidden Falls, Sikkim"

An incident occurred on Sunday as a student from the Limboo Department of Sikkim University, originally from Timburbong in Soreng District of Sikkim, tragically drowned at Hidden Falls near Majuwa village in Yangang.

Initial findings indicate that the student may have accidentally slipped into a steep gorge while attempting to take a photo near the scenic but hazardous spot. The area is known for its slippery rocks and unpredictable water flow, particularly dangerous during the monsoon.

Rescue teams, including local police and emergency personnel, immediately launched an operation to recover the body, believed to be trapped in a deep section of the gorge. However, rescue efforts are being hampered by the challenging landscape and strong water currents.

Local police have confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the fatal fall.

Youth Killed in Alleged Retaliation After Assaulting Former Partner in Sikkim

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Alleged Retaliation Death in Sikkim

A 28-year-old man was killed late Saturday night in Lower Mangzing, near Yangang, in what police are investigating as a retaliatory attack following a reported assault on a woman.

According to official reports, the deceased—who had been in a long-term relationship with a local woman—allegedly forcefully entered her residence at around 10:30 PM, armed with a khukuri (traditional knife), and inflicted multiple injuries. Her cries for help reportedly alerted her father, aged 60, and a nearby juvenile, aged 15.

Around 11:00 PM, the man was confronted outside the house and allegedly attacked with an iron rod and a partially charred wooden log, resulting in his death on the spot. Two residents discovered the body soon after and alerted the authorities.

Yangang Police have registered a formal case under Sections 103 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. An inquest was carried out at the scene by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate in the presence of legal guardians and independent witnesses. The deceased’s body was sent for post-mortem and later handed over to the family.

The injured woman was taken to Yangang Primary Health Centre and is reportedly stable. Both the father and the juvenile involved in the confrontation have been taken into custody.

After 5-Year Hiatus, First Kailash‑ Mansarovar Pilgrims Arrive in Gangtok

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"Gangtok Welcomes First Kailash-Mansarovar Batch"

After a five-year break, the first batch of pilgrims for the Kailash‑Mansarovar Yatra via the Nathu La route reached Gangtok, Sikkim, today, ahead of the official launch on June 20. The Sikkim government has made extensive preparations to ensure a smooth, safe, and spiritually fulfilling experience for the devotees.

According to officials, the inaugural group—comprising 35 pilgrims and accompanying government representatives—landed in Gangtok this morning. They are scheduled to spend the next four days at higher elevations—15th Mile and Sherathang—for vital acclimatisation. During this period, senior defence and state officials will brief the yatris on the journey ahead.

On June 20, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang is set to flag off the Yatra from the historic Nathu La Pass, which sits at approximately 14,140 feet above sea level. Authorities have confirmed that medical teams, liaison officers, security personnel, and communication facilities are in place along the route to ensure pilgrims’ well-being.

The Yatra is resuming after being suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and regional tensions. This year, 10 batches, each comprising 50 pilgrims, are expected to travel through the scenic and more accessible Nathu La route, which is considered safer and easier compared to the Lipulekh Pass route in Uttarakhand.

Pilgrims will travel via Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok, stay there for a day, and then proceed to mid-altitude camps for acclimatisation before crossing into Tibet on June 20. The Yatra typically spans 11–12 days per batch and is regarded as a sacred journey connecting devotees with the spiritual and natural beauty of the Himalayas.

The last time the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via the Nathu La route in Sikkim was conducted was in 2019.

The Yatra was suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and rising India-China border tensions, particularly after the Galwan Valley clash. Since then, both the Nathu La (Sikkim) and Lipulekh (Uttarakhand) routes remained closed for the pilgrimage.

Helicopter Crash Near Kedarnath Claims Seven Lives, Including Toddler

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"Helicopter Accident Near Kedarnath, Seven Die"

A helicopter crash in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district claimed the lives of all seven people on board early Sunday morning. The helicopter, ferrying Hindu pilgrims from the holy shrine of Shri Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi, crashed shortly after takeoff, according to officials from the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA).

The chopper took off around 5:20 AM IST and was on a brief 10-minute journey when it went down, reportedly due to poor weather conditions. A massive fire followed the crash, severely burning the bodies and complicating identification efforts. Among the deceased was a two-year-old girl, making the incident all the more heartbreaking.

State Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed the incident in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), expressing grief over the loss and stating that a full investigation had been ordered. He added that the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with local authorities and emergency teams, was swiftly deployed to the crash site to carry out relief and recovery operations.

Local villagers collecting fodder nearby were the first to spot the wreckage and promptly alerted the nearby officials. Preliminary assessments suggest that poor visibility and inclement weather may have led to the crash, though the final cause will be determined following a thorough investigation by aviation experts.

Five pilgrims, the pilot and an employee of the Badrinath-Kedarnath temple committee were among those killed.

All passengers on board were Indian nationals from the states of Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. The incident has cast a pall over the ongoing pilgrimage season, with government urging caution and strict adherence to weather advisories for all aerial operations in the hilly terrain of Uttarakhand.