More than 4,000 people gathered in central London to oppose the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) proposed mega-embassy at Royal Mint Court, near the iconic Tower of London. Protesters described the project as a major threat to British democracy and security, calling for its rejection.

The demonstration, among the largest to date against the plan, drew together diverse groups: Tibetans, Uyghurs, Hongkongers, Taiwanese activists, pro-democracy Chinese, and concerned British citizens. The coordinated protest featured two rallies — “No to CCP Mega-Embassy” and “China: Stop Transnational Repression”.

Tsering Passang, chair of the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities, condemned the proposal as a “monstrous plan” designed for surveillance and intimidation, rather than diplomacy. He warned that if approved, the site would become the CCP’s largest diplomatic post in Europe.

The UK proposal has sparked wide concern, echoing international unease about Chinese overseas influence. European countries like the Netherlands and Switzerland, and the United States, have cited similar fears over China’s alleged covert police stations operating abroad. In April 2023, the UK government confirmed reports of suspected Chinese police service stations in Britain and launched investigations (The Guardian, BBC News).

Critics argue that granting the embassy site could aid Beijing’s efforts to monitor, intimidate, and silence dissidents in the UK, undermining civil liberties and democratic principles. Activists and community leaders urge the British government to block the proposal and prioritize national security over diplomatic expansion.

The City of London Corporation, which owns the Royal Mint Court site, has stated that planning approval is still pending, and the matter is under review.

Road accident on the Bermiok-Thangsing route near Izamkholsa Pairo, close to Ziro Fatak, claimed the lives of three young men after their Bolero Camper vehicle plunged nearly 200 feet down a steep cliff on Wednesday.

The deceased have been identified as Abhishek Chettri, aged 27, from Dalep; Bishnu Chettri, aged 22, also from Dalep; and Sarukh Gurung, aged 20, a resident of Darjeeling. All three were travelling in the vehicle when the mishap occurred.

Local Police personnel reached the scene soon after being informed by passersby. The bodies were recovered with the help of villagers and rescue teams. The victims were rushed to the District Hospital in Singtam, where doctors declared them brought dead. Post-mortem examinations were carried out before the bodies were handed over to their respective families.

Initial reports indicate that one of the deceased was behind the wheel at the time of the accident. However, the exact cause remains under investigation. Mechanical failure, human error, or poor road conditions have not been ruled out as contributing factors.

Namchi Police have registered a case and begun a formal inquiry.

The skeletal remains of Passang Doma Sherpa, a 55-year-old government school teacher from Namchi district in Sikkim, were discovered inside a house in Siliguri, nearly seven months after she was reported missing.

Passang Doma Sherpa, who served as a Nepali teacher at Menglee Government School, had mysteriously vanished on August 7, 2024, without informing her family, friends, or colleagues. Her sudden disappearance had led to widespread concern and a months-long search by authorities and locals alike.

Confirming the development, Namchi Superintendent of Police Karma Gyamtso Bhutia stated that a team from Namchi Police located the remains and are now coordinating with forensic teams to establish the cause and circumstances of her death.

“The recovery was made in Siliguri after sustained follow-up on leads connected to her disappearance. Investigation is underway, and more information will be shared once forensic reports are available,” SP Bhutia said.

As investigations intensify, the Namchi Police are working closely with counterparts in West Bengal to piece together the final days of Passang Doma Sherpa’s life and identify any potential foul play. Her remains have been sent for autopsy, and police say all possibilities—including abduction, confinement, or unnatural death—are being considered.

Family members, who had been anxiously awaiting any update for the past seven months, are now grappling with grief and unanswered questions.