An interactive session with participants of the Border Area Youth Exchange Programme was held at the Conference Hall of the District Administrative Centre (DAC), Gangtok. The session was attended by Shri Sisum Wangchuk Bhutia, ADC Gangtok, and Shri Sandeep Kumar, IAS, Assistant Collector, Gangtok, along with 27 participants from Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal.

Organized by Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK) Gangtok, the programme ran from 26th February to 2nd March 2025. The initiative gave youths from non-border districts the chance to visit border areas and learn about life in those regions. Participants visited significant sites like Changu and Baba Mandir, and also toured the 341 Black Cat Division of the Indian Army in Swastik, Gangtok, gaining a firsthand experience of the army’s daily operations.

Shri Sourav Barman, DYO, NYK Gangtok, outlined the goals of the programme, highlighting its focus on fostering inclusiveness and national integration. Participants shared their experiences, praising the good governance, traffic discipline, and cleanliness in Gangtok.

Shri Sisum Wangchuk Bhutia applauded the initiative, expressing hope that such programmes would further promote unity among the youth across India. Shri Sandeep Kumar, IAS, encouraged the participants to continue practicing the positive aspects they observed during their visit, emphasizing the importance of good governance, especially in Sikkim’s challenging terrains.

The session concluded with the distribution of certificates and mementoes to the participants, followed by a group photo. The event successfully demonstrated the power of youth exchanges in promoting patriotism, unity, and mutual understanding.

Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol Meets Sikkim Governor to Boost Air Connectivity at Pakyong Airport

Union Minister of State for Cooperation and Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, met with Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur at Raj Bhavan to discuss enhancing air connectivity in the state. A primary focus of their discussion was the operational challenges at Pakyong Airport, particularly the need to implement an advanced landing system to improve flight operations during low-visibility conditions.

Pakyong Airport, inaugurated in 2018, has faced frequent flight cancellations, especially during the monsoon season, due to poor visibility. Initially operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), which require a minimum ground visibility of 5 kilometers, the airport struggled when visibility dropped to 500 meters or less. In January 2021, a Required Navigation Performance (RNP) approach was introduced, reducing the visibility requirement to 2.4 kilometers and decreasing flight cancellations by 75%. However, the installation of an Instrument Landing System (ILS) has been limited by space constraints, hilly terrain, and the need for additional land and tree removal. 

Governor Mathur has been proactive in addressing these challenges. During a two-day visit to Pakyong District in October 2024, he engaged with stakeholders, including local officials and airport authorities, to assess the operational issues affecting the airport. He emphasized the importance of the airport as a gateway for commerce and tourism in Sikkim and expressed commitment to resolving the obstacles hindering its full functionality. 

In his meeting with Minister Mohol, Governor Mathur reiterated the urgency of operationalizing an advanced landing system at Pakyong Airport. Minister Mohol assured that efforts are underway to make the system functional soon and that additional airlines are expected to commence operations from the airport in the near future. This development is anticipated to boost Sikkim’s tourism sector and provide better connectivity for residents and visitors alike.

As per the recent notification issued by the Ecclesiastical Department, the sale and slaughter of meat were banned from 28th February to 14th March. This is in line with the directive to maintain public order and adhere to the sacred period.

In compliance with the order, a joint inspection team, consisting of officials from the Gyalshing Nagar Panchayat and the local police, conducted a thorough inspection of the designated selling areas. During the inspection, one shop located at Nayabazaar, Gyalshing, was found in violation of the ban. The shop was discovered selling dressed poultry chicken weighing 35 kg.

The Gyalshing Nagar Panchayat, in collaboration with the Animal Husbandry Department, promptly seized the illegally sold meat. The seized items were safely disposed of as per the regulations set by the authorities.

The Nagar Panchayat urges all shopkeepers and citizens to strictly adhere to the ban and maintain law and order during this period.

An avalanche struck a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) labour camp located between Mana and Badrinath in Uttarakhand, burying 57 workers under eight containers and a shed.

The Indian Army swiftly responded, deploying over 100 personnel from the Ibex Brigade, complete with medical teams, ambulances, and necessary rescue equipment. By 11:50 AM, five containers had been located, and 10 workers were successfully rescued. Of those saved, four are reported to be in critical condition.

Search efforts continue as teams work to locate the remaining three containers. However, ongoing small avalanches in the region are hampering rescue efforts, forcing teams to proceed with caution.

The area is experiencing heavy snowfall, and the road between Joshimath and Mana is being cleared by the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF). Additional medical support from Joshimath is being sent to Mana to assist with the ongoing rescue and medical treatment.

Kolkata Knight Riders’ Historic Trophy Tour Reaches Gangtok, Celebrating IPL 2024 Victory

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), defending champions of the TATA IPL, made history on Friday with the arrival of their coveted trophy in Gangtok, marking the first-ever visit of the IPL trophy to the picturesque capital of Sikkim. This event was part of the ongoing Trophy Tour, celebrating KKR’s thrilling victory in the 2024 season.

The tour began with special visits to iconic landmarks, including the revered Rumtek Monastery and the sacred Do Drul Chorten Buddhist temple, offering fans a chance to experience the spiritual and cultural richness of the region. The IPL trophy was then displayed at the West Point Mall on MG Road, where excited supporters gathered to witness the splendor of KKR’s third championship win.

Gangtok saw a massive turnout of KKR fans who came out to celebrate the team’s remarkable achievement, reliving the glorious moments of their successful 2024 campaign. The Trophy Tour, which is moving across East India, aims to bring KKR’s success story closer to its passionate fanbase ahead of the new season.