Bey struggles to get back on its feet

Bey villagers rummage through the debris in hopes of salvaging something. A cluster of five houses lie buried under this rubble. Bey has been emptied and its residents camped at a relief camp or with relatives. The villagers have decided to relocate the village to safer location and men at the relief camp brave active slides to visit their homes every couple of days. The survivors are safe and provided for at present, but are yet to get over the trauma of the 18 September Earthquake which claimed seven lives in their village.

WANGCHUK BHUTIAMANGAN, 20 Oct: Bey, falling under Sakyong-Pentong GPU in Upper Dzongu, is one of the worst affected villages of the 18 September Earthquake. The tremors threw down a massive landslide into the village on that Sunday evening, burying a cluster of five houses and killing seven people.

DC convenes coordination meeting, takes stock of restoration and rehabilitation works

GANGTOK, 20 Oct: A coordination meeting of all the district officials of the Line Departments was chaired today by the DC, East. The meeting was convened to review the restoration works of public infrastructure in the district and also to assess the status and progress of the restoration works of public utilities like power, drinking water, road connectivity, telecommunication, minor irrigation channels, health etc. in the district.

No intimation to State Govt yet on MHA committee for HEPs in West Sikkim

OFFICIALS POINT OUT THAT POWER DEVELOPMENT BEING A STATE SUBJECT, FINAL CALL WILL REST WITH STATE GOVT
GANGTOK, 20 Oct: While news-reports coming out of New Delhi, as well as the SIBLAC, suggest that the Central government has instituted a high powered committee to look into religious and cultural concerns raised by SIBLAC and NASBO over the development of three hydel projects in West Sikkim, the State government claims that it is unaware of any such move by the centre. What is more, officials point out that hydel power development being a State matter, the role and jurisdiction of a committee instituted by the Centre was also not very clear.

Grateful father thanks CM for support which helped save his daughter’s life

GANGTOK, 20 Oct: A resident of Sang Khola, Singtam, Shyam Kumar Sunar, has extended his deepest gratitude towards Chief Minister Pawan Chamling for his “noble attention” towards the treatment of his daughter, Sharmila Sunar, who was seriously injured in an accident earlier this year on 24 March.

What’s With the Roads...

Editorial:
The highways are the modern world’s great rivers. Just as most ancient civilisations came up on the banks of major rivers and their tributaries, so too in the present times does every developmental initiative demand the presence of good roads and townships find their prosperity dependent on the quality of roads passing through it.

Govt gets serious about taking Mines & Geology Deptt advice seriously

CM DIRECTS SECY TO STRENGTHEN DEPARTMENTAL EXPERTISE AND INFRASTRUCTURE
GANGTOK, 20 Oct: Recognising the important role such a department will play in the post-Earthquake rebuilding efforts in the State, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has instructed the as the Mines & Geology Department officials to strengthen and improve the department. With Sikkim sitting in an earthquake prone zone, technical and expert studies, opinions and suggestions on how to go about construction and development projects in the State is vital for future safety and security of structures as well as for the public.

Fugitives from Arunachal nabbed in Gangtok

GANGTOK, 20 Oct: The Sadar police today apprehended three persons charged under the Arms Act for an offence committed in Arunachal Pradesh. On information received from the Ziro police station, Arunachal Pradesh, that the trio had possibly decamped to Gangtok, the Sadar police conducted a combing operation of all the hotels in the capital. The three were found holed up in a hotel at Kazi Road where they had checked in yesterday.

Teen booked under SADA

GANGTOK, 20 Oct: A 19-year-old was arrested by Sadar Police in possession of contraband substances here at Deorali yesterday.
The police, it is learnt, received credible ‘source information’ that the accused was peddling substances of abuse and when he was picked up, a search revealed him to be in possession of 37 capsules of Spasmo Proxyvon.

Sikkim Milk Union posts profits for fourth consecutive year

NAMCHI, 20 Oct: The 15th Annual General Meeting of Sikkim Milk Union was held today at the Tourism Guest House, Karfectar, Jorethang. The meeting was presided over by Chairman, MB Rai , and attended by the Milk Union officials and the Cooperative Societies from East, West and South Districts.

Teen commits suicide

GANGTOK, 20 Oct: A teenager was found having committed suicide by hanging near his home at Reshi yesterday.
The 19-year-old, it is informed, had gone missing on 15 October when he absconded from home after an allegedly drunken tiff with his father. The father eventually filed a police complaint against his son and did eventually return home yesterday. It was then that he learned of the general diary filed against him and left home shortly after. As per police records, he said he was going over to a friend’s house, but ended up committing suicide barely 100 feet away from his home.

SIBLAC welcomes appointment of ‘High Powered Committee’ on the Rathong Chu HEPs

GANGTOK, 20 Oct: Representatives from several constituent units and members of Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) met today to discuss the Union Home Ministry’s decision to appoint a “high powered committee” for making detailed assessment of ground reality issues raised by SIBLAC and NASBO on Hydro Power Projects being developed all across Sikkim with particular reference to three HEPs on Rathong Chu River in West Sikkim, informs a SIBLAC release.
As per media reports, the High Powered Committee is expected to examine the issues raised by SIBLAC & NASBO to protect the “overall religious, cultural diversity of the region.”

“Yes, we do live with risks”

Ranjana Kumari“Yes, we do live in risks”. This is what the people of Shipgyer and Pegong villages of North Sikkim admitted during a survey conducted by Sikkim University. Both the villages lie on the right bank of the river Teesta where the maximum number of landslides (mostly earthquake induced) can be noticed.

NASBO calls on Sakya Trizin to take up Rathong Chu issue with Govt

GANGTOK, 20 Oct: The National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation [NASBO], in a letter addressed to the Sakya Trizin, has requested the spiritual leader to “kindly enlighten the Sikkim Government to immediately scrap all the three proposed hydel projects on the sacred Rathongchu in West Sikkim”, informs a press release issued by the Organisation today .

Remanti and Robin through to finals of NE Ke Superstar

DUO CAMPAIGN FOR VOTES TO BAG THE TITLE
GANGTOK, 20 Oct: Remanti Rai and Robin Mukhia, finalists in their respective disciplines in the “North East Ke Super Star” being telecast on DD NE Channel, were in Gangtok today and appealed for support by way of popular votes from the people here to win the title.

SHIEP Society draws 4th round raffle

MANGAN, 20 OCT:  The Sikkim Himalayan Integrated Environment Protection Society [SHIEP] conducted the 4th round raffle draw in the presence of SHIEP Society staff at the Mangan Nagar Panchayat office here at Pentok today.

4th ‘Eastern Panorama Fellowship

GANGTOK, 20 Oct: Eastern Panorama, the first English news magazine of North East India, has announced the fourth ‘Eastern Panorama Fellowship’, an annual programme which gives students a platform to write on issues relating to the North East, informs a press release.

CM and Sakya Trizin unveil Ngor Gumpa’s progression into Faculty of Higher Buddhist Studies

Sa-Ngor Chotshog Centre celebrates golden jubilee
SAKYA TRIZIN COMMENDS CM’S ‘OUTSTANDING WORK’ IN PROMOTING SIKKIM’S SACRED CHARACTER
GANGTOK, 19 Oct: The golden jubilee celebration of the Sa-Ngor Chotshog Centre [SNCC] here was held with prayers and blessings at the SNCC complex today with the Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling, present as the chief guest. The supreme head of the Sakya sect of Tibetan Buddhism, Sakya Trizin, is also in Sikkim to lead the celebrations. The centre was opened in 1961.

Savari tumbles off road near Rato-matey, 4 injured

GANGTOK, 19 Oct: The Jorethang Police Station received a telephonic information from BB Rai of Majitar Out Post at around 11.15 p.m. that a vehicle had met with an accident near Ratomatey, along the Jorethang-Melli Road on 17 October.

North District administration inspects Dikchu

MANGAN, 19 Oct:  A joint inspection was conducted today of Dikchu New Market, North Sikkim by a team headed by SDM Mangan, BK Lama, NHPC representatives headed by Sr Manager [Dam], Rajappan K, and the affected people of New Market and Pheedang, Lower Dzongu, North Sikkim.

Industries Minister inspects earthquake damages at govt undertakings

GANGTOK, 19 Oct [IPR]: Minister for Commerce & Industries, Neeru Sewa, visited various government industries and district industries centers yesterday and inspected the damages caused by the 18 September earthquake. The Minister was accompanied by Secretary Industries, KN Bhutia, and other officials from the Industries Department.

SFA condoles passing away of Tempo Rapgyal

GANGTOK, 19 Oct: Sikkim Football Association, at a meeting held today, condoled the demise of Tempo Rapgyal Khangsarpa at Namchi at around 7.30 PM on Tuesday. He was 86. The meeting observed a two minute silence as a mark of respect for the departed soul.

Tadong school runs double shifts to ensure classes continue unaffected by earthquake damage

GANGTOK, 19 Oct: Tadong Senior Secondary school is running double shifts to ensure all classes are conducted without any break.

Three Ladies, One Award

Editorial:
On 07 October, as Sikkim was just emerging from the horror of the 18 September Earthquake and midway into a subdued Dasain celebration, the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2011 will be divided in three equal parts between Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkul Karman for their non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women’s rights to full participation in peace-building work.

Horticulture Inputs and Cash Incentives distributed in Namchi

NAMCHI, 19 Oct: The distribution of Horticulture Inputs and Cash Incentives under Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States to the farmers of South Sikkim was held today at Zilla Panchayat Bhawan, Namchi.

PNGS resolves to tide over earthquake setback

GANGTOK, 19 Oct: Schools across the state have suffered damage due to the 18 Sept earthquake and the Paljor Namgyal Girls Senior Secondary School in the capital was not spared either. The Science block and Principal’s quarters have sustained major damages and have since been vacated.

Update: Supply of essential commodities to earthquake affected areas

GANGTOK, 19 Oct: Since the earthquake, the Food and Civil Supplies Department has provided 1549.62 quintals of rice, 154.97 quintals of dal, 21.5 quintals of atta, 22.91 quintals of salt, 53.01 quintals of mustard oil and 2040 quintals of SK Oil to the North District.

“I write about eating oranges on the rooftops in Gangtok more than anything else”

PRAJWAL PARAJULY IN CONVERSATION WITH NOW!

Intro: Prajwal Parajuly has become the youngest Indian to sign an international book deal. An alumnus of Tashi Namgyal Academy, Gangtok, he agreed to an interview with NOW! on his writing and his inspirations...

Celebrate and Nurture Excellence

Editorial:
The Gangtok lad featured extensively in today’s edition is devoted such elaborate coverage to underline his remarkable feat in pursuing his passion to a fairy-tale debut. In an environment of ingrained despondency and cynicism, Prajwal’s commitment and optimism become necessary traits to bolster among the youth.

International publisher signs Sikkim writer for two book deal

PRAJWAL PARAJULY BECOMES YOUNGEST  INDIAN TO SIGN AN INTERNATIONAL, MULTI-COUNTRY BOOK DEALGANGTOK, 18 Oct: Two books by Prajwal Parajuly have been acquired by Quercus, marking the publishing debut of the 26 year old alumnus of Gangtok’s Tashi Namgyal Academy and making him the youngest writer with the publisher. Quercus, a London-based publishing house, it may be mentioned here, was named the “Publisher of the Year” at the 2011 Bookseller Awards in London.

A Youth’s Publishing Success Story

By HIMAPALI DESAIIt began with the April volcanic ashes from Iceland. Prajwal Parajuly, then a person unsure of what he wanted out of life, found himself on a flight from Denver, USA, to London a few days before the ashes would wreak havoc on air travel.

The earthquake and after, an update

GANGTOK, 18 Oct [IPR]: The earthquake which hit the State on 18 September has severely damaged the infrastructures of the state.

Vehicle runs over four at Convoy Ground

GANGTOK, 18 Oct: Four persons were injured today at Convoy Ground, Tadong, when a vehicle bearing registration No MH.-04BQ- 6719 ploughed out of control into them.

South tremor of Monday evening measured at 3.5

GANGTOK, 18 Oct: The tremor of Monday evening which was felt with severe intensity in parts of South and West Sikkim, causing some amount of panic in Ravangla, has been detected as having had its epicenter in the vicinity of Damthang above Temi in South Sikkim. As per details posted on the Meteorological Centre of India, this was a mild earthquake of 3.5 intensity and had struck exactly at 6:34 p.m. The epicenter coordinates of 27.3 degrees North [latitude] and 88.4 degree East [longitude] locates it in the vicinity of Damthang.

Culture awaits Central nod to begin Rs. 2.25 crore restoration of heritage buildings

GANGTOK, 18 Oct: The Department of Cultural Affairs & Heritage, Government of Sikkim, is awaiting the ‘go-ahead’ from the Centre to execute works related to the preservation of heritage buildings and monuments in the State damaged in the 18 September Earthquake. This exercise is estimated at a total proposed amount of Rs. 2.25 crore.

Appointment letters issued, off-roll employees at Dikchu HEP call off strike

MANGAN, 18 Oct:  The off-roll employees with Sneha Kinetic Power Project Ltd. who went on strike yesterday when the company could not fulfil their three pending demands, returned to work today after the company capitulated and gave in to all the pending demands. The three pending demands sought the issue of appointment letters, salary increment and insurance cover for the employees.

Govt formalises modalities for land for landless scheme

GANGTOK, 18 Oct: While the state government has been allotting land to the landless people of Sikkim, the “Sukumbasis”, in the rural areas at 0.25 acres per landless family for a number of years now, the government has only recently formulated a scheme prescribing the method and manner of implementation of the Land Bank Scheme in the state.

Second phase of earthquake relief disbursement nears completion in South Sikkim

LEFT-OUT VICTIMS INVITED TO FILE CLAIMS ON 20, 21 AND 22 OCTNAMCHI, 18 Oct: The first phase of relief distribution to fully damaged houses in the aftermath of the 18 September Earthquake was started by the Chief Minister in South Sikkim  on 23 September. As per information received from the DC (South), the second phase of the relief distribution is now nearing completion.

Hiroshima Univ to support Sikkim University faculty’s research on impact of climate change on large cardamom production in Sikkim

GANGTOK, 18 Oct: Dr. Binu Sundas of Sikkim University has returned after completing a Short Term  Research Fellow Course of the “Global Environment Leaders Education Program” at the Graduate School for International Development and Cooperation, Hiroshima University, Japan from 30 July to 30 September, informs a press release.

Roads & Bridges Minister inspects repairs along North Sikkim Highway

CHUNTHANG-LACHUNG ROAD EXPECTED TO TAKE 4 MORE DAYS TO CLEARMANGAN, 18 Oct: The Chungthang-Lachung road axis in North Sikkim, blocked by a rash of landslides ever since the 18 September Earthquake, is expected to be cleared for traffic over the next four days.

Demand for additional grant of Rs 3,400 Cr ‘unreasonable’, claims SPCC

GANGTOK, 18 Oct: The Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee held a meeting yesterday at the Congress Head Office at Jiwan Theeng Marg to discuss, among other issues, the State Government’s demand for grant of additional Rs. 3,400 crore for immediate/ short-term rehabilitation and reconstruction works for destruction sustained in the 18 September earthquake, informs an SPCC release.

Namchi Municipal Council distributes Rs 26.64 lakh in earthquake relief

NAMCHI, 18 Oct: Namchi Municipal Council today distributed cash relief to earthquake victims of the town. A total of Rs 26.64 lakhs was distributed to 557 households of the area covering major, minor and partially damaged houses today.

State Govt pegs immediate repair and rehabilitation budget at Rs. 3,500 cr

GANGTOK, 17 Oct: The State government has submitted a memorandum to the Central government detailing its earthquake damage estimates and rebuilding costs. Officials however inform that the memorandum is not a comprehensive estimate of the total damages incurred by Sikkim, but an estimate of the immediate and short term measures of repair and rehabilitation as required by the Central government.

Off-Roll Employees boycott work at Dikchu HEP

WANGCHUK BHUTIA
DIKCHU, 17 Oct:  The off-roll employees at Sneha Kinetic Power Project Ltd., a Hyderabad-based company developing the 96 MW Dikchu Hydroelectric Project, have boycott work following the company’s failure to fulfil their three pending demands.

Evening tremor rattles Rabong

GANGTOK, 17 Oct: A strong tremor was felt at Ravangla and its surrounding areas in South and West Sikkim this evening at around 6:36 PM.

Sakya Trizin leads prayers for earthquake victims and Sikkim’s well being at Ngor Gumpa

GANGTOK, 17 Oct: Jungdul Shiwai Jensek - Vajrapani Peaceful Fire Puja for earthquake victims and the well being of the universe and the State of Sikkim in particular was performed at Sa-Ngor Chotshog Centre, Rongyek [SNCC] this morning.

Some Resolves, a Month Down the Line

Editorial:
It will be a month today since Sikkim was jolted by an earthquake which tipped the Richter Scale at 6.8 and left the State and its people reeling in its wake. The relief and rehabilitation works have found their rhythm now and the State has submitted a Rs. 3,500 crore budget for short-term rebuilding works.

Secretariat shifted to Community Centre

GANGTOK, 17 Oct [IPR]: It has been felt that people are confused with regard to the relocation of offices after the earthquake hit the state. Hence, the office of the Chief Secretary has issued a circular to this extent to be notified to the general public. As per the circular No. 349/CS/SKM/2011 dated 17th October 2011, the Secretariat has now been shifted to the Community Centre at Development Area with immediate effect.

Tsomgo road still unsafe for tourists; decision to reviewed on 24 Oct

GANGTOK, 17 Oct: A team comprising of officials of Tourism & Civil Aviation Department, Border Roads Organisation, Sikkim Police Check-Post branch and members of TAAS and JN Road Taxi Drivers Association conducted a joint inspection of JN Road up to Nathula on 15 October, informs a press release issued by the Tourism Dept.

We hate them because we never know them… We never know them, because we hate them

A recovering addict’s prayer from Hope Centre
Being a recovering drug addict, life at times, leaves me awestruck when I look at where I was during my addiction days. Perhaps, we tend to relish the adulation of staying clean too soon. Well, staying clean does not culminate into peace and instant immunity towards society. Near and dear ones, our past habit and way of life thwart us and we find it very difficult to rejoin society because we are socially condemned.

STATUS REPORT ON OF ROADS AS ON 10 Oct

GANGTOK, 17 Oct: The massive earthquake that rocked the State on 18 September 2011 caused a number of major and minor damages to the road network. Many bridges were also affected and connectivity snapped to a great extent. The continuous rainfall thereafter further aggravated the situation and hampered relief and rescue operations as well.

IDIA to hold career counseling prog on legal education

GANGTOK, 17 Oct: Increasing Diversity by Increasing Access to Legal Education [IDIA], a national NGO, has announced a sensitization and career-counseling programme for interested students from in and around Gangtok at Paljor Stadium indoor gymnasium hall on 22 October at 11 a.m.

Gyaltshab Rinpoche prays for Sikkim and contributes to CM’s Relief Fund

GANGTOK, 17 Oct: The XIIth Goshir Gyaltshab Rinpoche and the monks of Palchen Chosling Monastery, Ralong, South Sikkim, have condoled the loss of lives and destruction of property in the 18 September Earthquake.

Lumsey Gram Vikash Samiti meets, refutes propaganda linking developmental projects to earthquake

GANGTOK, 17 Oct: The Lumsey Gram Vikash Samiti of 5th Mile Tadong convened a meeting today under the chairmanship of its president, Shamsher Subba, and attended by its office bearers and other members.

SDF forms constituency-level committees to monitor project implementation

GANGTOK, 17 Oct: A meeting of senior SDF party workers was convened today at the party headquarters under the chairmanship of senior vice-president, KB Chamling, informs a press release issued by the general secretary [publicity], TN Sharma.

Upreti petitions DC East alleging disparity in Earthquake relief distribution

GANGTOK, 17 Oct: A delegation of Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee [SPCC] led by senior vice president, KN Upreti, and accompanied by former Minister, Phuchung Bhutia, AICC members Avinash Yakha and Laxuman Gurung submitted a memorandum to the District Collector, East, today, conveying dissatisfaction over the distribution of Earthquake relief to victims, informs a press release issued by Mr. Upreti.

SDF Chelis discuss earthquake relief plans at Upper Tarpin

GANGTOK, 17 Oct: A meeting of SDF party’ women’s wing, the Cheli Morcha, of Upper Tarpin was convened a meeting on 15 Oct chaired by Shova Pradhan, informs a press release issued by the SDF general secretary [publicity], TN Sharma.

Talent hunt for Boxing, Football and Shooting at Paljor Stadium

GANGTOK, 17 Oct: 11 Gorkha Rifles Regiment Centre, Lucknow, is conducting a talent hunt for its Boys Sports Company in Boxing, Football and Shooting from 19 to 21 October at Paljor Stadium.

Lack of IRDA-certified surveyors makes damage assessment tedious

GANGTOK, 16 Oct: The exercise of assessing earthquake damages by insurance companies has revealed the disconcerting lack of independent earthquake surveyors in Sikkim. For a State which sits on seismic zone-IV of the earthquake-prone areas and where house-owners pay among the highest premiums in the country, this is indeed a startling lack of accredited experts.

More than 500 claims of property damage totaling over Rs. 15 crore being processed

EARTHQUAKE DEVASTATION KEEPS INSURANCE COMPANIES BUSY
GANGTOK, 16 Oct: Over 500 claims totaling to over Rs. 15 crore have landed with the three nationalised insurance companies in the State [which insure buildings] from people from all over Sikkim for damages incurred to dwellings due to the 18 September Earthquake. The number of claims, along with the total claim amount, is rising ever day as claimants make their way to their insurance companies with their claims of damages incurred.

LPG lamp explodes in Pakyong, injures 23

GANGTOK, 16 Sept: Twenty-three people suffered various degrees of burn injuries when an LPG lamp [Petromax] in a tea-shop leaked, exploded and engulfed an area of approximately 10 meters in the heart of Pakyong bazaar yesterday at 1 in the afternoon.

Three utility vehicles vandalised

VANDALISM ON THE RISE IN JORETHANG BAZAAR
JORETHANG, 16 Oct: Three utility vehicles belonging to some businessmen of Jorethang were vandalized by some unknown persons on Saturday night near the Jorethang Bazar Shopping Complex-cum-UD&HD office.

Phodong Monastery prepares to receive Karmapa for Lhabab Duechen

KRC HOPEFUL TO MAKE ‘KARMAPA 900 YEARS’ CELEBRATION SPECIAL FOR SIKKIM
PHODONG, 16 Oct: A special meeting was convened at the Phodong Monastery here today in preparation for the 900th birth anniversary of the first Karmapa, Dusum Khyenpa, which the monastery plans to celebrate in grand fashion coinciding with Lhabab Duechen [17 November].

OT Lepcha included in Indo-German Forum of Parliamentarians

GANGTOK, 16 Oct: Member of Parliament, OT Lepcha, has been included in the 5-member multi-party delegation of Indo-German Forum of Parliamentarians (IGFP) for a working visit to Germany from 16 to 22 October, informs a press release.

Handing over of earthquake relief cheques continues in North Sikkim

MANGAN, 16 Oct: Earthquake relief grants were disbursed to affected people of Mangan Nagar Panchayat, Power Colony and Upper Zimchung wards on Saturday with the Dzongu MLA, Power Minister Sonam Gyatso Lepcha, handing over the cheques in the presence of officials from the Land Revenue Department and Mangan Nagar Panchayat councillors.

Training on Dairy and Piggery management concludes

GANGTOK, 16 Oct: Twenty-two trainees from different places of East Sikkim completed an intensive training on Dairy and Piggery Production and Management on 14 October at Animal Husbandry Department Extension & Training Centre, Deorali.
The three-day training was organised by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Livestock, Fisheries and Veterinary Services for members of self-help groups and educated unemployed youth.

Thaye Dorje conferred International Sakyamuni Award

GANGTOK, 16 Oct: The Dharmadeshna Samaroh, commemorating the 55th anniversary of the first ever mass conversion of about 3-4 lakh people to Buddhism in Nagpur by Dr BR Ambedkar in 1956, is being observed at the national level by the Buddhist Society of India which was founded by Dr Ambedkar, informs a press release.

Suspected drug peddler arrested in Namchi

NAMCHI, 16 Oct: South District Police nabbed an alleged drug dealer-cum-supplier on 14 Oct at Namchi Central Park while he was reportedly trying to deliver the contraband to customers.
According to PI Namchi, CB Basnett, the accused, Harka Bahadur Pariwar (23), a resident of Darjeeling currently residing at Boomtar here, had been under the police radar on suspicion of dealing drugs.

Accident claims one at Rakdong

MANGAN, 16 Oct:  A maruti van bearing registration No SK-04-6736 fell around 50 feet off the road at Upper Rakdong, near Rakdong monastery in East Sikkim today at around 2 pm.  The vehicle was reportedly on its way to Gangtok from Samdong, it is learnt.
While the driver Dawgay Bhutia [31], a resident of Upper Samdong succumbed to his injuries, the other two passengers on the vehicle suffered minor injuries and are out of danger.
The body of the deceased has been sent for postmortem.

All schools reopen post Dasain, barring six hosting relief camps in North Sikkim

105 SCHOOL BUILDINGS LOST TO 18 SEPT EARTHQUAKEGANGTOK, 14 Oct: The Chief Minister had directed that all damaged schools be repaired and alternate accommodation arranged for schools that had collapsed before the Dasain holidays ended so that children could start going to school on the scheduled reopening from 10 October. Almost all the schools reopened after the holidays barring a few in North Sikkim.

Account holders reveal siphoning of interest dues at SBS Ravangla

GANGTOK, 14 Oct: Following a complaint lodged by account-holders at the State Bank of Sikkim’s Ravangla branch accusing the branch manager there of siphoning away interests accruing to them, the accused official, Tseten Norbu Bhutia, has been placed under suspension pending disciplinary enquiry.

CM directs collection of public opinion on super-speciality hospital project

GANGTOK, 14 Oct: The decision on the construction of the super specialty hospital coming up at Sokeythang, East Sikkim has now been put on hold with the Chief Minister deciding to get the consensus of the public before going ahead with the construction.

Another suspected chit-fund scam busted, one arrested

GANGTOK, 14 Oct: The Sadar police here has unraveled yet another money circulation (chit fund) scam operating out of Gangtok. One person has been arrested in this connection.
Prayag Infotech Hi-Rise Limited, a company licensed to deal in real-estate and property with its office in Deorali, has been found to be engaging in a membership drive for a suspected money circulation scheme.

Jewellery store burgled in Gangtok

GANGTOK, 14 Oct: A burglary has been reported from a jewellery store at Tibet Road, Gangtok. Preliminary investigations by the Sadar police has led them to believe it to be an inside job. The store, belonging to Adhik Yadav, was reportedly burgled on the intervening night of 12 and 13 October.

4 arrested with substances of abuse

GANGTOK, 14 Oct: Four persons were arrested by the Singtam police on 13 October on charges of possession of substances of abuse.

Trilok Subba bags 2 golds and a bronze at Scottish Open Poomsae Championship

GANGTOK, 14 Oct: Trilok Subba, 6th Dan black belt and international taekwondo player from Sikkim, represented India at the 3rd Scottish Open Poomsae Taekwondo Championship held in Grangemouth, Central Scotland on 08 October, informs a SATA release.

CATCH camp held at Lower Tingmoo, 150 families screened

NAMCHI, 14 Oct [IPR]: A special camp for the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Annual & Total Check-up for Healthy Sikkim (CATCH) was organized at the Primary Health Sub Centre of Lower Tingmoo under Barfung constituency of South Sikkim by Department of Heath on Thursday.