The Voice of Sikkim

Senco Gold and Diamonds Bangle Utsav My Success In My Hands Address : Mundra Building , New Market , MG Marg , Gangtok , East Sikkim, Pin 737101 Phone +91 9147174051 / 9147174053 #SencoGoldAndDiamonds

Joint Operation To Enable Safe Passage Of Stranded Tourists in North Sikkim Continues #SikkimTourism #NorthSikkim #SikkimDDMA #SikkimPolice #BROSikkim #IndianArmy

Madurai Court Delivers Justice: All 9 Policemen Get Double Death Sentence in Sathankulam Father-Son Custodial Death Case Chennai, April 6 : It has been almost six years since the shocking incident in Sathankulam, Tamil Nadu, but the pain still feels fresh for many. On April 6, 2026, a court in Madurai delivered a strong verdict that brought some closure to the family and sent a loud message across the country. The First Additional District and Sessions Court in Madurai sentenced all nine convicted police officers involved in the brutal torture and deaths of P. Jayaraj and his son J. Benicks (also spelled Bennix or Fennix) to double death sentences. The father and son, who ran a small mobile phone shop, were arrested on June 19, 2020, during the strict COVID-19 lockdown for allegedly breaking rules. What followed was horrific. They were allegedly beaten so badly inside the Sathankulam police station that their blood was later found on the walls. Both died within days due to the severe torture. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which took over the case, charged the officers with murder and other serious crimes. After a long trial, the court convicted all nine policemen, including Inspector S. Sridhar, Sub-Inspectors P. Raghu Ganesh and K. Balakrishnan, Head Constables S. Murugan and A. Saamidurai, and Constables M. Muthuraj, S. Chelladurai, X. Thomas Francis, and S. Veilumuthu, of murder. This verdict follows intense arguments from both sides and emotional appeals from the victims’ family. Many see it as a rare and strong example of accountability in cases of custodial violence. The horrific case sparked massive outrage across Tamil Nadu and the entire country. It forced the government to hand over the investigation to the CBI and to take several administrative actions at the time. While the death sentences have been issued, legal processes may still continue. For now, this judgment serves as a strong reminder that no one is above the law, not even those meant to enforce it. #SathankulamCustodialDeath #MaduraiCourtVerdict #DoubleDeathSentence #TamilNaduPoliceCase #FatherSonCustodialKilling #JusticeForJayarajBenicks

State Election Commission Declares Several Urban Local Bodies Uncontested in Sikkim Municipal Elections 2026 Gangtok, April 6: The State Election Commission, Sikkim has issued a circular declaring that elections to several Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) under the General Municipal Elections 2026 have been declared uncontested following the completion of the nomination and withdrawal process. In continuation of its earlier Circular No. 165/SEC/226 dated 23/03/2026 enforcing the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in connection with the Municipal Elections 2026, the Commission informed that the following Urban Local Bodies have been declared uncontested: - Namchi Municipal Council - Naya Bazaar - Jorethang Nagar Panchayat - Gyalshing Nagar Panchayat - Soreng Nagar Panchayat - Pakyong Nagar Panchayat - Rangpo Nagar Panchayat - Singtam Nagar Panchayat - Mangan Nagar Panchayat Consequently, the Model Code of Conduct stands lifted in the respective territorial jurisdictions of the above-mentioned Urban Local Bodies with immediate effect. However, the Model Code of Conduct shall continue to remain in force within the Gangtok Municipal Corporation as polling will be held in Ward No. 10 – Diesel Power House, which falls under its jurisdiction. The circular has been issued for necessary information and action by all concerned, by order of the State Election Commissioner, Sikkim. This development comes after the last date for withdrawal of nominations on April 4, 2026, during which several candidates withdrew their papers, resulting in many wards across the state being decided without contest. Polling in the lone remaining contested ward (Ward No. 10 of Gangtok Municipal Corporation) is scheduled for April 24, 2026. #SikkimMunicipalElections2026 #UncontestedElectionsSikkim #ModelCodeOfConductSikkim #StateElectionCommissionSikkim #GangtokMunicipalCorporation #SikkimULBElections

Cyber Scams Hit Sikkim: 3 Cases Reported, Over ₹42,000 Lost Gangtok, April 6: Sikkim has reported three fresh cyber fraud cases in a single day, with victims from Soreng and Pakyong districts collectively losing more than ₹42,000 to online scammers. According to police sources, the incidents occurred on April 4 and have been officially registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP). Investigations are currently underway in all three cases. In the first case, a resident of Reshi Bazar in Soreng district noticed an unauthorized UPI transaction of ₹20,000 deducted from her bank account, despite claiming she does not use any UPI services. The second incident involved a resident of Sombaria in Soreng who was duped while attempting to adopt a Labrador puppy through a Facebook page named “PET SADAR G”. The victim made two separate payments totaling ₹4,650 before realizing the offer was fraudulent. In the third case, a resident of Pakyong district lost ₹19,001 after being lured by a WhatsApp message promising high returns on investment from a firm called “Trading Master Nitin Murarka”. Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant against rising cyber threats. They advise people to avoid clicking on unknown links, verify the authenticity of online sellers and pages before making any payments, and stay cautious of “too good to be true” investment schemes circulating on social media and messaging apps. #CyberScamsSikkim #SikkimCyberFraud #OnlineScamsSikkim #UPIFraudSikkim #WhatsAppScamAlert #SikkimPolice

North Sikkim: Chungthang-Lachen Road Washed Away at Taramchu, Tourists Stranded Gangtok, April 6 : The Chungthang-Lachen road in North Sikkim has been blocked after heavy rains washed away the entire road formation near Taramchu on Sunday. The breach has cut off the only motorable link to the popular tourist spot of Lachen. Tourists heading to Lachen are being diverted via the Donkiala-Lachung route, while those already in Lachen remain stranded. voiceofsikkim.com/north-sikkim-c… #SikkimTourism #SikkimNews #NorthSikkim #Chungthang #Lachen #Lachung #Gurudongmar #NaturalCalamity #SikkimMonsoon #Monsoon #BorderRoadOfSIkkim

Watch : ₹150 Row Turns Street Ugly - Lal Bazar Clash Ends with Written Apology to Police A seemingly trivial dispute over a plate of alu-chiura snowballed into a public scuffle at Lal Bazar, before ending with a formal apology to police by four youths involved in the clash. The incident unfolded in front of Lal Bazar Super Market near a chiura stall, one of the busiest stretches in the capital’s commercial hub. According to eyewitness accounts, the argument began over a payment of around ₹150, when a customer allegedly refused to pay, claiming the amount had already been settled. What followed was a heated exchange that quickly spiralled into a physical altercation. As tempers flared, the situation drew a crowd, briefly disrupting normal activity in the area. Videos of the scuffle, widely circulated on social media, showed bystanders stepping in as the confrontation escalated between the groups. Police intervened soon after and detained those involved. Among them were four youths — Simson Subba, Biroj Rai, Peter Dorjee and Sonal Bhutia — who later submitted a written apology to Sadar Police Station, Gangtok. Read More : voiceofsikkim.com/watch-%e2%82%b… #LalBazarClash #GangtokNews #SikkimUpdate #MarketAltercation #StreetDispute #PoliceAction

50 Years Back Our Home And Now While the view from space shows that our blue marble remains an inspiring constant across generations, the details in the land and atmosphere reveal a story of change. It's a striking reminder of the enduring beauty of our home and the profound impact of time and technology on our perspective. We’ve enhanced the image to capture this stunning juxtaposition more vividly and added a reflection on what this visual history means for our past, present, and future as guardians of this pale blue dot. #palebluedot #Earth #Apollo17 #Artemis2

Everest Evacuation Scam Exposed: ₹165 Crore Insurance Fraud Rocks World’s Highest Peak #EverestFraud #EverestScam #MedicalScamNepal #NepalScam #MountEverestScam #EverestScamExposed A shocking revelation has shaken the global mountaineering community. Investigators have uncovered a massive insurance fraud linked to expeditions on Mount Everest, involving nearly ₹165 crore. Every year, wealthy adventurers from around the world travel to Nepal with dreams of climbing Everest. For many, the ascent is about prestige as much as excitement. Given the extreme conditions, these climbers depend on experienced local guides to navigate the risky terrain. Authorities now say that this trust was taken advantage of. Investigators found that tourists were regularly asked about their health insurance coverage before the climb. At high altitudes, symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and fatigue are common. However, in many cases, guides allegedly exaggerated these conditions, warning climbers of life-threatening risks and pressuring them into immediate evacuation... voiceofsikkim.com/everest-evacua…

Avalanche Claims Brave Kumaon Soldier in Lachung, Nation Pays Tearful Tribute Gangtok, April 3 : In a heartbreaking incident from the high-altitude region of Lachung, Naik Vikash of the Kumaon Regiment lost his life after being caught in a sudden avalanche during a routine patrol on March 29. Hailing from Pithoragarh, the soldier was deployed in one of the most challenging terrains, where extreme weather and unpredictable conditions are part of daily duty. The avalanche struck without warning, cutting short the life of a soldier who was steadfastly guarding the nation’s frontiers. His mortal remains were later brought back to his hometown, where he was laid to rest with full military honours. The final farewell was marked by deep emotion, as family members, local residents, and officials gathered in large numbers to pay their last respects. The atmosphere was filled with both grief and pride for a son of the soil who made the ultimate sacrifice. Naik Vikash’s passing is a stark reminder of the silent dangers faced by soldiers, even outside active combat. His courage, dedication, and sense of duty will continue to inspire many, and his sacrifice will be remembered with enduring respect. #NaikVikash #KumaonRegiment #IndianArmy #Martyr #AvalancheTragedy #Lachung #Pithoragarh #BraveSoldier #SaluteToHeroes #LineOfDuty #NationFirst #Respect

India's Internet Runs on a Tightrope Over a War Zone — And Most of Us Have No Idea Think about the last time your internet slowed down. Frustrating, right? Now imagine that slowdown lasting not for a few minutes, but for weeks — and the cause wasn't your router or your ISP. The cause was a war being fought thousands of kilometres away, beneath the waters of the Persian Gulf. That's not a scene from a thriller novel. That's the very real risk India is sitting with right now. Most people assume the internet travels through satellites. It doesn't — not primarily, anyway. The truth is that somewhere around 95 percent of the world's international data traffic moves through a vast web of fibre-optic cables laid across the ocean floor. These submarine cables are the silent, invisible arteries of the global digital economy. Every email you send abroad, every international video call, every cross-border banking transaction, every cloud-based service your company relies on — it all runs through these cables. And a significant chunk of those cables run directly through two of the most volatile maritime zones on the planet right now: the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz. With the ongoing US-Iran conflict having turned both these waterways into active conflict zones simultaneously — something experts note has never happened before in recorded history — the question of what happens to India's internet is no longer a distant hypothetical. It's a live operational concern that India's telecom regulator TRAI and the Department of Telecommunications are already drawing up contingency plans for. Read More : voiceofsikkim.com/indias-interne… #UnderseaCables #IndiaInternet #MiddleEastWar #SubmarineCables #RedSeaCrisis #StraitOfHormuz #DigitalIndia #InternetSecurity #CyberSecurity #TelecomIndia #IndiaDigitalInfrastructure #NetworkResilience

Why Starlink Could Be the Game-Changer the Northeast India Let's be honest — if you have ever tried working on a deadline from somewhere in Meghalaya, Nagaland, or Sikkim, you already know the frustration. The call drops. The page refuses to load. The video buffers endlessly. And this is not a once-in-a-while problem. For millions of people living across India's northeastern hills, unreliable internet is simply a way of life. So when Meghalaya's Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma signed an MoU with Starlink India on April 1, 2026, right there in New Delhi alongside SpaceX's own President and COO Gwynne Shotwell — it felt like more than a press-release moment. It felt like a turning point. WHY THE NORTHEAST HAS ALWAYS BEEN DIFFERENT India's northeastern states are stunning. They are also, geographically speaking, genuinely difficult to connect. The terrain is what gets you — dense forests, steep mountain ridges, flood-prone valleys, and villages that sit hours away from the nearest town. Laying fibre optic cables or building mobile towers in places like these is not just expensive, it is often physically impractical. The result? A region rich in culture, natural beauty, and human talent — but chronically left behind in the digital race. Schools run without stable broadband. Health workers can't access telemedicine platforms. Farmers have no real-time market pricing. Young entrepreneurs with ideas find themselves boxed in by bandwidth. This is not a new conversation. But until now, there was no genuinely scalable fix on the table. Read More : voiceofsikkim.com/why-starlink-c… #StarLinkIndia #NortheastIndia #DigitalConnectivity #SikkimTourism #SatelliteInternet #MeghalayaMoU #SpaceXIndia #DigitalIndia #RuralConnectivity #NortheastDevelopment #BridgingTheDigitalDivide #SikkimDigitalFuture

US Iran War Update President Trump delivered his first prime-time address since the war began, telling the American public that military objectives are close to being wrapped up — but the road ahead still has some miles left. In a roughly 19-minute address from the White House, Trump declared that the U.S. has achieved "overwhelming victories" and that the mission will be completed "very shortly" — though he stopped short of giving a hard end date. He now expects the conflict to run another two to three weeks, which already pushes beyond the administration's original four-to-six week timeline set at the start. Trump also issued a sharp warning — if Iran's leadership refuses to negotiate, the U.S. has its eyes on key targets, including the country's electric power plants and oil infrastructure. On the diplomatic front, things remain murky. Pakistan has been quietly shuttling messages between Washington and Tehran, though both sides are telling very different stories — Trump insists talks are going well, while Iranian officials deny any negotiations are happening at all. Meanwhile, the economic ripple effects are hitting home. Iran's grip on the Strait of Hormuz — through which one-fifth of the world's oil moves — has pushed U.S. gas prices past $4 a gallon, with knock-on effects on food, fertilizer, and shipping costs worldwide. Iran has been given until April 6 to reopen the strait, or face further escalation. Bottom line: the war is in its 33rd day, an end is being signaled — but the terms, the timeline, and the trust between both sides remain far from settled. #USPresident #StraitOfHormuz #USIranWar #whitehouse #DonaldTrump

Must Read When a Distant War Hits Your UPI App: How Iran's War on US Tech Giants Could Quietly Reshape Daily Life in India India's digital economy, one of the world's most ambitious and fast-growing, rests on a surprisingly fragile foundation — American technology. As Iran's conflict with the United States escalates into infrastructure warfare, the country's 1.4 billion people stand at a crossroads they never expected to occupy. The War Nobody Expected to Affect Your Phone On the 33rd day of what analysts are calling the most consequential conflict in the Middle East since the Second World War, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) did something that most military strategists had long theorised but few imagined would materialise with such clinical precision — it turned a battlefield grievance into a technology chokehold. By formally designating 18 American corporations as legitimate military targets and following through with drone strikes on Amazon Web Services infrastructure in Bahrain, Tehran delivered a stark message: the next front in modern warfare is not territory, it is the invisible architecture that runs the world. For most Indians, the word 'war' conjures images of tanks, borders and diplomatic corridors. But in 2026, the more accurate image is a data centre going dark — and with it, the UPI payment that didn't go through, the ATM that returned an error, the boarding pass that couldn't be scanned. That is the new face of geopolitical disruption, and India, for all its homegrown digital ambition, is more exposed to it than most of its policymakers would care to admit. Read More : voiceofsikkim.com/when-a-distant… #IranUSWar #IndiaDigitalEconomy #UPIAtRisk #IranVsTech #DigitalSovereignty #InfrastructureWarfare #IndiaUnderThreat #TechGeopolitics #StraitOfHormuz #USIranConflict #CiscoIndia #OracleFlexcube #AWSAttack #IndiaUSRelations #GeopoliticsIndia

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🚨 Crackdown on Drugs Intensifies in Pakyong: 5 Cases Registered in One Week Pakyong, April 1 : Pakyong District Police has stepped up its fight against drug abuse, registering five separate cases within just a week across Pakyong and Rangpo police stations. The recent operations highlight a firm and ongoing effort to curb the spread of illegal substances in the region. According to police reports, multiple individuals have been arrested in connection with the possession and trafficking of banned drugs under provisions of the SADA and NDPS Acts, along with relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The first case was registered on March 17 at Pakyong Police Station, where two individuals were caught with 186 Spasmo Proxyvon capsules. Just two days later, on March 19, Rangpo Police seized nearly 60 grams of brown sugar, leading to another arrest. The crackdown continued with another case on March 22, where four young individuals were apprehended with over 54 grams of brown sugar. On March 24, authorities made a significant seizure of over 1,100 Spasmo Proxyvon capsules, along with Nitrosun tablets and cough syrup, from a 24-year-old suspect. In the latest case registered on April 1, police recovered 107 grams of brown sugar and over 400 Spasmo Proxyvon capsules from a 33-year-old accused in Rangpo. Officials say these back-to-back operations reflect a zero-tolerance approach towards drug-related crimes. Pakyong District Police has reiterated its commitment to eliminating drug abuse and trafficking, urging citizens—especially the youth—to stay away from harmful substances and assist law enforcement by reporting any suspicious activities. #WarOnDrugs #PakyongPolice #SikkimNews #DrugFreeSociety #NDPSAct #SADAAct #CrimeNews #AntiDrugDrive #SikkimCrime #Sikkim News #YouthAwareness #SayNoToDrugs #LawEnforcement #SikkimPolice

Sikkim Plans School Restructuring as Student Numbers Decline Gangtok, April 1: In a move aimed at improving the efficiency of the education system, the Education Department of the Government of Sikkim has proposed the temporary closure of 17 government primary schools in 2026. The decision comes as several schools across the state continue to see a steady drop in student enrolment. This step follows an earlier reform push in 2024, when Education Minister Raju Basnett ordered the shutdown of 97 government schools that were operating with very low student strength. Authorities say the latest proposal is part of an ongoing effort to better manage resources and strengthen the overall quality of education. #SikkimNews #EducationReform #SchoolUpdate #IndiaNews

Husband Sentenced to Life for Wife’s Murder in Gangtok Case Gangtok, April 1 : A Special Sessions Court in Gangtok has handed down a life sentence to a man found guilty of murdering his wife in a shocking incident that took place in October 2024. The case, registered on October 14, 2024, at Sadar Police Station under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, was linked to the killing of a woman in the Slep Tanki area of Gangtok. The accused, Pritam Tamang, was convicted for the murder of his wife, Dambari Chettri. According to officials, the police acted swiftly after the incident, registering the case without delay and launching a detailed investigation. The probe was led by Sub-Inspector Tamanraj Gurung, who conducted a thorough inquiry before filing the charge sheet in court. Following the trial, the court found the accused guilty and sentenced him to rigorous life imprisonment along with a fine of ₹10,000. The prosecution was led by Public Prosecutor Yadav Sharma, whose arguments played a key role in securing the conviction.

Global Tech Giants on Edge as Iran Issues Direct Threat Amid Escalating War Tensions The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has taken a sharp and alarming turn, with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) openly warning a group of major American corporations of potential strikes. In a strongly worded statement, the IRGC declared that 18 US-based companies could be targeted if attacks on Iranian leadership continue. The warning comes amid intensifying hostilities involving the United States and its allies, pushing the region closer to a broader confrontation. Who’s on the radar? The list reads like a lineup of some of the world’s most powerful corporations. Companies reportedly named include Microsoft, Apple, Google, Meta, Intel, IBM, Oracle, Cisco, Dell, HP, Tesla, Boeing, General Electric, and JPMorgan Chase, among others. #IranUSConflict #MiddleEastCrisis #GlobalTensions #TechGiants #BreakingNews #WorldNews #Geopolitics #IranThreat #USCompanies #WarUpdate #BusinessNews #StraitOfHormuz Read More : voiceofsikkim.com/global-tech-gi…

Nepal’s new Prime Minister Balen Shah has launched bold reforms, including banning campus politics and depoliticising state institutions, while overhauling education policies. The arrest of former PM KP Sharma Oli over last year’s protests has intensified political tensions, even as the government pledges justice and support for victims. With decisive moves and growing criticism, Shah’s leadership is rapidly reshaping Nepal’s political landscape. #Nepal #BalenShah #KPSharmaOli #NepalPolitics #SouthAsia #PoliticalReform #TrendingNow