Latest news with #Sikkimese
United News of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- United News of India
Tamang thanks PM for support to rain-hit Sikkim
Gangtok, June 3 (UNI) Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Tuesday expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his concern following disastrous rains and landslides affecting the life of the Sikkimese, particularly in the terrainean north district. "On behalf of the people of Sikkim, I extend my heartiest gratitude for your kind concern and support regarding the landslide and flood situation in the state," the CM said after he received a call from the PMO enquiring about the natural calamity. "Our state administration remains fully committed to managing the situation and providing all necessary assistance to those affected. Thank you once again for your kind concern," Tamang said. UNI PC PRS
NDTV
29-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Working On 'Act East' Policy With An 'Act Fast' Approach: PM Modi
Gangtok: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday virtually addressed the 50th-anniversary celebrations of Sikkim's statehood, reaffirming his government's commitment to balanced regional development through the 'Act East' policy with an 'Act fast' approach. The celebration, titled Sikkim@50: Where Progress Meets Purpose and Nature Nurtures Growth, marked five decades since Sikkim became the 22nd state of India in 1975. Originally scheduled to attend the event in person in Gangtok, the Prime Minister had to address the gathering virtually from Bagdogra due to inclement weather. "I wanted to join you personally to celebrate the golden jubilee celebrations. I departed early in the morning from Delhi, however, I could only reach Bagdogra, but the weather did not allow me to go any further. However, it is nice to see such a magnificent scene in front of me, where people are everywhere," PM Modi said in his address. The Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for multiple key development projects during the virtual event. These include a 500-bedded district hospital worth over Rs 750 crore in Namchi district, a passenger ropeway at Sangachoeling in Pelling, Gyalshing district, and a statue of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Atal Amrit Udyan in Sangkhola, Gangtok district. Additionally, he released a commemorative coin, a souvenir coin, and a postage stamp to mark the occasion. Reflecting on Sikkim's journey, the Prime Minister said, "Fifty years ago, Sikkim chose a democratic future for itself. Along with its unique geography, the people of Sikkim embraced the Indian spirit. There was a belief that when every voice is heard and every right protected, equal opportunities for development will follow." "Today, I can say that the trust of every Sikkimese family has steadily strengthened and the country has witnessed the results in Sikkim's progress," he added. Lauding the state's balanced growth, he said, "In the last 50 years, Sikkim has become a model of nature and progress... Such stars have emerged from Sikkim who have illuminated India's sky." Reaffirming his inclusive development agenda, the Prime Minister stated, "When I first came to power in 2014, I gave the slogan of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'. To make India 'Viksit', it is necessary to do a balanced development of every state and region of the nation. Every state and region of India has its own speciality. Hence, our government has brought the North East to the centre of development. We are working on our 'Act East' policy with an 'Act fast' approach." The Prime Minister also referred to the recent Rising North East Summit held in New Delhi, where several industrialists and business leaders announced fresh investments for Sikkim, expected to boost local development and generate employment. The day marked a historic milestone in Sikkim's political evolution. On May 16, 1975, Sikkim transitioned from a monarchy to full statehood within the Indian Union following a referendum. The accession was accompanied by Article 371F, a special constitutional safeguard to preserve the state's unique ethnic identity, customs, and cultural traditions. Over the past five decades, Sikkim has become a model of sustainable development and eco-conscious governance, earning accolades for its green initiatives and environmental leadership. The state's government has planned a year-long celebration under the theme 'Sunaulo, Samriddha and Samarth Sikkim' to showcase its vibrant culture, rich traditions, and developmental milestones.
United News of India
29-05-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
PM: Pahalgam attack an onslaught on India's unity, Op Sindoor was befitting reply
Gangtok May 29 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said Operation Sindoor was a befitting reply to those who unleashed terror in India and challenged the country's unity and integrity. Modi was addressing virtually to mark Sikkim Statehood Day after his scheduled Gangtok visit was cancelled owing to worsening weather condition for flying helicopter. The PM said Operation Sindoor was a befitting reply to those who unleashed terror in India. He said the Pahalgam terror attack was an onslaught on India's unity as the terrorists gunned down 25 vacationers and a local at J&K's Pahalgam on April 22. He said the landlocked Sikkim's increasing organic exports were a big achievement for the state and for this, the connectivity was the main focus of the Centre to make it a success. He said the Sevoke-Rangpo project linking Sikkim with the nearest railway link in Siliguri would pave the way for huge development. Modi said Sikkim's rich biodiversity has set examples in nature conservation for the nation. The PM said the NDA government has dedicated itself to making India a sports superpower and "we want Northeast to move in this direction", referring to the outstanding improvement in sports and games which hugely contributed to the country winning laurels at the global sporting events. The PM, for his inability to remain physically to attend the 50th anniversary celebrations of Sikkim's statehood, said he wanted to be a part of this celebration with the Sikkimese people, who gathered in thousands in Palzor Stadium to listen to him. "I left Delhi early in the morning and reached Bagdogra, but the weather prevented me from going further," Modi said virtually from Bagdogra airport. "I apologise to all of you," Modi reiterated on his inability to be physically present in Sikkim. " But as the Chief Minister has invited me, I assure you that whenever the state government decides, I will come to Sikkim and attend the celebrations of Sikkim completing 50 years of statehood," Modi said as the people thunderously applauded of his assurance. During the NITI Aayog Governing Council's meeting in Delhi, Modi said that every state should develop such tourist destinations that can establish themselves internationally. "The time has come for Sikkim to become a global tourist destination as Sikkim has a vast potential for adventure and sports tourism," he said. "Our dream is to make Sikkim a hub of conferences, wellness, and concert tourism. I want the world's biggest artists to perform in the valleys of Gangtok. We conducted G20 meetings in Sikkim so the world could understand the state's potential. I am glad that the NDA government in Sikkim is making this vision a reality," PM Modi said. "Today, I want to show appreciation to the farmers of Sikkim with an open heart. Sikkim is at the forefront of the new trend of agriculture towards which the country is moving today," he said. To promote Sikkim's organic basket, the Centre was constructing the country's first Organic Fishery Cluster in the state, he said. This will generate new opportunities for the youth of Sikkim, the PM said. Welcoming the Prime Minister, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said the 50th anniversary celebrations of Sikkim's statehood will continue for a year. He requested the PM to attend these celebrations "at least once; we will be very grateful." UNI PC PRS
Hans India
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Working on 'Act East' resolve with 'Act Fast' approach: PM Modi on Sikkim's statehood celebrations
Gangtok: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday virtually addressed the 50th-anniversary celebrations of Sikkim's statehood, reaffirming his government's commitment to balanced regional development through the 'Act East' policy with an 'Act fast' approach. The celebration, titled Sikkim@50: Where Progress Meets Purpose and Nature Nurtures Growth, marked five decades since Sikkim became the 22nd state of India in 1975. Originally scheduled to attend the event in person in Gangtok, the Prime Minister had to address the gathering virtually from Bagdogra due to inclement weather. "I wanted to join you personally to celebrate the golden jubilee celebrations. I departed early in the morning from Delhi, however, I could only reach Bagdogra, but the weather did not allow me to go any further. However, it is nice to see such a magnificent scene in front of me, where people are everywhere," PM Modi said in his address. The Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for multiple key development projects during the virtual event. These include a 500-bedded district hospital worth over Rs 750 crore in Namchi district, a passenger ropeway at Sangachoeling in Pelling, Gyalshing district, and a statue of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Atal Amrit Udyan in Sangkhola, Gangtok district. Additionally, he released a commemorative coin, a souvenir coin, and a postage stamp to mark the occasion. Reflecting on Sikkim's journey, the Prime Minister said, "Fifty years ago, Sikkim chose a democratic future for itself. Along with its unique geography, the people of Sikkim embraced the Indian spirit. There was a belief that when every voice is heard and every right protected, equal opportunities for development will follow." "Today, I can say that the trust of every Sikkimese family has steadily strengthened and the country has witnessed the results in Sikkim's progress," he added. Lauding the state's balanced growth, he said, "In the last 50 years, Sikkim has become a model of nature and progress... Such stars have emerged from Sikkim who have illuminated India's sky." Reaffirming his inclusive development agenda, the Prime Minister stated, "When I first came to power in 2014, I gave the slogan of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'. To make India 'Viksit', it is necessary to do a balanced development of every state and region of the nation. Every state and region of India has its own speciality. Hence, our government has brought the North East to the centre of development. We are working on our 'Act East' policy with an 'Act fast' approach." The Prime Minister also referred to the recent Rising North East Summit held in New Delhi, where several industrialists and business leaders announced fresh investments for Sikkim, expected to boost local development and generate employment. The day marked a historic milestone in Sikkim's political evolution. On May 16, 1975, Sikkim transitioned from a monarchy to full statehood within the Indian Union following a referendum. The accession was accompanied by Article 371F, a special constitutional safeguard to preserve the state's unique ethnic identity, customs, and cultural traditions. Over the past five decades, Sikkim has become a model of sustainable development and eco-conscious governance, earning accolades for its green initiatives and environmental leadership. The state's government has planned a year-long celebration under the theme 'Sunaulo, Samriddha and Samarth Sikkim' to showcase its vibrant culture, rich traditions, and developmental milestones.
NDTV
28-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Sikkim Seeks Ban On Scaling Kanchenjunga, Days After Army Team Summitted It
The Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has written to the Union Home Minister Amit Shah to hold talks with Nepal to bring into effect a ban on scaling Mt Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain peak in the world, as it is regarded sacred by the people of his state. Climbing the Kanchenjunga is not allowed from the Sikkimese side and mountaineers scale the peak from the Nepal side. In the letter, Mr Tamang referred to the May 18 ascent of the peak by a five-member team from the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS) from the Nepal side, adding that this has hurt Sikkim's indigenous communities. The Chief Minister wrote, "Mount Khangchendzonga holds profound spiritual and religious significance for the people of Sikkim. Regarded as the most sacred mountain in the state its name translates to "Five Treasures Of The High Snows", symbolising five divine treasures. According to the Sikkimese belief system, these treasures remain hidden and shall be revealed only to the devout when the world is in grave peril." "The mountain is revered as the abode of the principal guardian and protector-deity of Sikkim known as the 'Dzoe-Nga'. This sacred being is worshipped as the 'Pho-Lha,' or chief of the entire assemblage of supernatural entities of Sikkim. These deities were recognised and anointed as the 'Guardian Deities of the Land' by Ugyen Guru Rinpoche, also known as Guru Padmasambhava, the patron saint of Sikkim," he further wrote. Asking for a complete ban on mountaineering activities on the mountain, the Mr Tamang wrote the move will be "in deference to the deeply-held beliefs and cultural values of the people of Sikkim". His letter comes after Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) raised the issue with the authorities. On April 4 this year, the SIBLAC wrote to the Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur, seeking his immediate attention for safeguarding the cultural and spiritual heritage of Sikkim. "The Government of Sikkim in 2001, banned expeditions to Mount Khangchendzongna under the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which protects sacred sites. This ban was reinforced by Article 371 (F) of the Indian Constitution, which safeguards Sikkim's cultural and religious laws post its 1975 merger with India, under which there exists a law prohibiting the climbing of this mountain. Additionally, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, revoked its earlier decision to open this mountain in September 2019, removing Kanchenjunga and thirteen other sacred peaks from the list of open peaks", the SIBLAC said in a letter to the Governor. The Indian Army's NIMAS, located at Dirang in Arunachal Pradesh, summitted Mount Kangchenjunga (8,586 metres), as part of the 'Har Shikhar Tiranga' Mission, a patriotic mission to hoist the Indian national flag atop the highest peak of each of India's 28 states. The summitting of the Kanchenjunga has secured a 100 per cent success for the NIMAS. "This wasn't just another expedition for us. This was the final summit of the iconic Har Shikhar Tiranga Mission - a journey to hoist the Tricolour on the highest peak of every Indian state. With this climb, Team NIMAS has etched history - completing a mission that fused adventure, patriotism, and purpose. 5 team members, 100 per cent success, and a summit that tested every ounce of our will. To all those who believed, supported, and prayed , this one is for you. And to the mighty Kangchenjunga - you humbled us, and you made us better," the mountaineering team from NIMAS said. The NIMAS team summitted the Kanchenjunga using the normal route that mountaineers use, which is climbing the mountain from the Nepal side and sources say the expedition was conducted with utmost respect and reverence to all beliefs. The mountain is accessible to mountaineers and Nepal has not imposed any ban on the climbing of the mountain. Sources familiar with the expedition told NDTV that they were surprised the summiting of the peak has become an issue. "Mountaineering activity continues at the Kanchenjunga normally and the team summitted the peak like all other expeditions from across the world. Keeping our beliefs in mind, all efforts were taken to keep the sanctity and spiritual sensibilities intact and the expedition was conducted with utmost respect," the team said. According to Nepal's Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, from March 1 to April 25 this year, 41 climbers received permits to scale Mt Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest peak, within the climbing season which is usually limited to a period of one-and-a-half months every year. The Government of Nepal collects royalty fees from climbers and issues permits and it is a major economic activity and source of revenue for Nepal. This year, the revenue earned from royalty fees amounted to $73,800 between March 1 to April 25. However, no expeditions to the mountain have taken place from the Indian side over the last two decades in deference to the customs and beliefs of the people of Sikkim who regard climbing of the peak as the desecration of the mountain. The Kanchenjunga, till today, remains the highest in terms of the fatality rate for mountaineers and it is considered more difficult to climb than Mount Everest, the highest mountain peak in the world.
