Summit Times

Summit Times

Share

Summit Times is an English daily based in Gangtok, Sikkim. For news, feedbacks [letters] or advertis

Our mission is to stay ‘on top of the news’ - the tagline for our paper – and bring to our readers not just the latest, but also a wider range of news and views from and about the Himalayan region. We don’t however limit ourselves to any geographical boundaries and the primary criteria for content will be relevance: relevance, we assure you, will always enjoy primacy over sensationalism and nuance

06/06/2026

गोक १ ग्राम पञ्चायतका बासिन्दाहरूले गोकमा अस्पताल निर्माणको लागि विधायक नोमन राईलाई ज्ञापनपत्र बुझाए।
गोक१ का सुभाष राई उपा प्रधानले पत्रकारहरूलाई सम्बोधन गर्दै भने, "हामी गोक १ ग्राम समितिका सदस्यहरू र यस क्षेत्रका सबै बासिन्दाहरूले आज हाम्रा विधायक नोमन राईलाई एउटा ज्ञापनपत्र बुझाएका छौं जसमा ४१ वर्षदेखि बेवास्ता गरिएको हाम्रो क्षेत्रमा एउटा अस्पताल निर्माण गर्न मद्दत गर्न अनुरोध गरिएको छ। गोक दार्जिलिङ शहरबाट लगभग २० किलोमिटर टाढा र बिजनबारीबाट १०-१२ किलोमिटर टाढा अवस्थित छ जसले गर्दा यहाँ बस्ने जनतालाई समयमै आपतकालीन सुविधामा पुग्न गाह्रो हुन्छ। यसका कारण हाम्रा धेरै स्थानीय बिरामी र गर्भवती महिलाहरूले धेरै दुःख भोग्नु परेको छ। यी कुराहरूलाई ध्यानमा राख्दै गोक१ का जनताले
गोकमा एउटा अस्पताल निर्माण गर्ने मुद्दालाई उजागर गरेका छन्।"

06/06/2026

Pulbazar Bridge Likely to Reopen in June, Says MLA Noman Rai

Pul–Bijanbari MLA Noman Rai visited landslide-affected areas in the Pul–Bijanbari block, which were severely impacted on 4 October 2025. During the inspection, he reviewed the progress of the reconstruction work on the crucial bridge at Pulbazar that has remained closed since the disaster.

Addressing the situation, Rai stated that nearly 80% of the repair and restoration work has already been completed. He expressed confidence that the bridge will be reopened for public use within the month of June, restoring connectivity to several affected areas.
He further informed that steps will also be initiated for the construction of an alternative bridge to ensure better connectivity and preparedness in case of future emergencies.

06/06/2026

Family Missing While Travelling from Gangtok to Siliguri; Massive Search Operation Underway Along Teesta River

A family comprising three adults and a young girl has gone missing under mysterious circumstances while travelling from Gangtok, Sikkim, to Siliguri on Friday, prompting an extensive search and rescue operation along the Teesta River.

The missing family was travelling in a black Tata Nexon (registration number SK01PC9872). According to reports, the last contact with the family was established between 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM on Friday near the Rambi area. Since then, all communication with them has been lost.

Meanwhile, heavy runoff from a seasonal stream triggered a landslide and mudslide near Bhelbadi, between Sevoke and Baghpool on National Highway 10, causing temporary disruption to traffic on Friday. Initial suspicions suggest that the family’s vehicle may have been caught in the natural calamity.

Sources said that the last mobile phone location traced from the missing family also points to the same area. During search operations in the landslide-hit zone, rescuers reportedly recovered a vehicle battery and some debris, further strengthening concerns that the vehicle may have been swept away.

Following the incident, family members, relatives, the Sikkim administration, and West Bengal Police have launched coordinated efforts to locate the missing persons. A specialised team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) intensified the search operation from Saturday morning.

According to officials, the NDRF has deployed two rescue boats in the Teesta River, while two additional teams have been assigned to conduct searches from Sevoke downstream along the riverbanks.

The rescue operation is being led by NDRF Deputy Commandant Sanjay Ranjan. Security personnel, rescue workers, and relatives of the missing family remain actively involved in the ongoing search efforts.

As of now, there has been no official confirmation regarding the whereabouts or condition of the missing family. However, amid growing concern, search teams continue extensive operations in the Teesta River and surrounding areas.

Anyone with information regarding the missing family or the vehicle is requested to contact 8348353109.

Video -Umesh Pariyar

06/06/2026

Battery and headlamp parts were found as search teams identified the vehicle during the ongoing NDRF operation, while four casualties remain untraced.

06/06/2026

"Khan Sir will not surrender," his lawyer said on Saturday, adding that the popular educator will instead seek anticipatory bail on June 8 in connection with the Patna coaching centre firing case.

The controversy began on June 2 when violence broke out outside Khan Global Studies in Patna's Musallahpur Haat area. The incident involved vandalism, stone-pelting and reports of gunfire, prompting a police investigation. While Khan Sir's supporters alleged that rival coaching operators were behind the attack, authorities began examining video footage and witness statements.

In a dramatic turn on June 5, Patna Police lodged an FIR against Khan Sir (Faisal Khan) and others. Investigators reportedly cited statements from security guards and footage allegedly showing firing during the incident. Sections of the Arms Act and other provisions were invoked, triggering speculation over possible legal action against the educator.

On June 6, reports emerged that Khan Sir had reached the Patna Civil Court with his legal team. However, his lawyer later clarified that he would not surrender and would instead move for anticipatory bail. As of now, no arrest has been made and the investigation remains underway.

The development comes a day after the FIR was registered and has drawn widespread attention, with supporters questioning the action while police maintain that the investigation is based on evidence collected during the probe.

06/06/2026

A sea of students, job aspirants and supporters flooded Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) staged its biggest public mobilisation yet, demanding accountability over alleged examination and recruitment irregularities.

Addressing the gathering, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke declared, “I am fully prepared to sacrifice my freedom,” while asserting that the movement could not be silenced. The rally marked a significant transition for CJP from an online campaign to a major on-ground youth movement, drawing participants from across the country under calls for transparency, reforms and fair opportunities.

06/06/2026

Family Missing While Traveling from Gangtok to Siliguri; Massive Search Operation Underway Along Teesta Riverbank

A family of four, including three adults and one young girl, went missing on Friday while traveling from Gangtok, Sikkim, to Siliguri. A large-scale search and rescue operation is currently underway along the Teesta riverbank.

The missing family was traveling in a black Tata Nexon (SK01PC9872). According to reports, the last contact with the family was made yesterday, Friday, between around 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM near the Rambhi area. No communication has been established with them since then.

Meanwhile, yesterday, on National Highway 10, a sudden surge in a stream in the Bhelbadi area between Sevok and Baghpul triggered a landslide and mudflow onto the road, causing a temporary blockage of the highway. Initial suspicion suggests that the missing family’s vehicle may have been caught in the same natural disaster.

Sources said that the family’s mobile phone’s last traced location also pointed to that same area. In addition, during search efforts in the landslide-affected zone, a vehicle battery and some debris were reportedly found, further strengthening the suspicion.

Following the incident, family members, relatives, the Sikkim administration, and West Bengal Police have all been actively involved in the search. Since early this morning, a special NDRF team has intensified the rescue operation.

According to available information, the NDRF has deployed two rescue boats in the Teesta River, while two more teams have been assigned to conduct search operations from Sevok to the lower riverbank areas.

The rescue mission is being led by NDRF Deputy Commandant Sanjay Ranjan himself. Security personnel, rescue workers, and relatives of the missing family are continuously engaged in the search at the site.

So far, there has been no official confirmation regarding the family’s condition. However, amid growing concern as time passes, rescue teams continue extensive search operations in the Teesta River and surrounding areas.
The family is from Lingdok, 9th Mile, East Sikkim.

06/06/2026

Road Projects Worth Over ₹10,000 Crore Reviewed in Sikkim, Focus on Connectivity and Timely Completion

Gangtok, June 6: Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Ajay Tamta, reviewed major highway and road infrastructure projects across Sikkim, emphasizing improved connectivity, road safety, and the timely completion of strategic works.

During the review, the Minister assessed the 15.30-km Rhenock–Rongli Road project, being developed at a cost of ₹595 crore, and the 25.75-km NH-10 upgradation project valued at ₹1,018 crore. He also examined the proposed Rangpo–Rorathang and Melli–Singtam bypass projects, which are expected to ease traffic congestion and enhance travel efficiency in the state.

Reviewing projects being implemented by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited, Tamta noted that 58 km of road works worth ₹1,323 crore have already been completed, while another 147 km of projects valued at ₹3,749 crore are currently under construction.

Under the Ministry’s Road Wing, officials reported the completion of 117 km of roads worth ₹1,202 crore. Additionally, 50 km of projects costing ₹439 crore are underway, while 58 km of upcoming road works estimated at ₹2,575 crore are in the pipeline.

The Minister also inspected the Gangtok–Sherathang–Nathu La Road (NH-310), maintained by the Border Roads Organisation. He directed officials to develop additional lay-bys for tourist vehicles and strengthen landslide mitigation measures along the route to ensure safer travel.

Highlighting the need for resilient infrastructure in the Himalayan region, Tamta instructed all implementing agencies to expedite project ex*****on, maintain stringent safety standards, and ensure timely delivery of ongoing works. He specifically directed that the Gangtok Bypass Road be completed by November 2026.

The review reflects the Central Government’s continued commitment to strengthening Sikkim’s road infrastructure, enhancing regional connectivity, promoting tourism, and supporting the state’s economic growth.

06/06/2026

Sikkim’s Sonam Tshering Bhutia Selected as Team India Coach for 2026 Archery World Cup Stages 3 and 4

Sonam Tshering Bhutia, a distinguished recurve archery coach from Aritar Thongsong in Rhenock, Pakyong district of Sikkim, has been appointed as a coach for Team India at two key stages of the 2026 Archery World Cup.

Bhutia will accompany the Indian contingent to World Cup Stage 3 in Antalya, Turkey, scheduled from June 9 to 15, and World Cup Stage 4 in Madrid, Spain, from July 5 to 13.

He is regarded as one of India’s accomplished international-level archery coaches. He previously represented the country as a coach at the 2024 Olympic Games, marking a significant milestone in his coaching career.

With more than a decade of experience in the sport, Bhutia served as Head Coach at 58 GTC, Shillong, from 2011 to 2021. Since 2021, he has been leading the archery programme as Head Archery Coach at the Army Sports Institute in Pune.

Under his mentorship, Indian archers have delivered outstanding performances on the international stage. At the Archery World Cup Stage 3 in Antalya in 2022, India secured a Mixed Team Gold Medal. The following year, at World Cup Stage 1 in Antalya, the Indian team earned a Team Silver Medal and an Individual Bronze Medal.

His athletes have also contributed to India’s success at the Archery World Cup Stage 3 in Medellín, Colombia, where the team won a Bronze Medal. In major tournaments including the Asian Archery Championships, Olympic Qualification Tournaments, and the Asia Cup, archers trained under Bhutia have consistently won gold, silver, and bronze medals.

Bhutia also played a pivotal role in helping India secure an Olympic quota at the Olympic Qualification Tournament held in Bangkok in 2023.

Known for his expertise in recurve, compound, and traditional archery, he has made significant contributions to athlete development, mental conditioning, discipline, and performance enhancement at the international level.

His selection for the upcoming World Cup stages has brought immense pride to Sikkim and the nation. Sports enthusiasts, well-wishers, and members of the archery community have extended their congratulations and best wishes for his continued success on the global stage.

06/06/2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk Joins CJP Supporters at Jantar Mantar Protest in New Delhi

Renowned environmentalist and activist Sonam Wangchuk arrived at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Saturday to extend his support to participants of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest. His presence added momentum to the gathering, which drew students and youth from across the country, raising concerns over education-related issues and seeking greater accountability. Wangchuk interacted with supporters at the protest venue, where demonstrators continued to voice their demands through peaceful and democratic means.

Want your business to be the top-listed Media Company in Gangtok?
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.

Telephone

Website

Address


DPH Road
Gangtok
737101