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Sikkim MP Meets Defence Minister on Border Roads, Tribal Rights & State Development

Sikkim MP Indra Hang Subba met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to discuss strategic and developmental issues critical to the border state. He raised urgent concerns about the fragile interim road alignment in North Sikkim, damaged by 2023 flash floods, and pushed for a permanent solution. The MP also highlighted inclusive development matters, including ST status for communities and assembly seat reservations. Further discussions covered vital infrastructure like securing National Highway-10 and making Pakyong Airport operational.

Key Points: Sikkim MP Indra Hang Subba Meets Rajnath Singh on Key Issues

  • Strategic talks on Sikkim's border infrastructure
  • Repair of flood-damaged North Sikkim Highway
  • Inclusion of communities in ST list
  • Operationalisation of Pakyong Airport
  • Vulnerability of NH-10 lifeline
2 min read

Sikkim MP Indra Hang Subba calls on Defence Minister, discusses strategic issues around state

Sikkim MP Indra Hang Subba discusses strategic roads, NH-10, tribal rights, and Pakyong Airport with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi.

"He emphasised the importance of long-term and sustainable solutions to strengthen connectivity and resilience in the border State."

New Delhi, January 10

Sikkim Member of Parliament, Indra Hang Subba, Lok Sabha, on Saturday, called on Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and discussed issues of strategic and developmental importance concerning the state of Sikkim.

During the meeting, the MP conveyed New Year greetings to the Defence Minister and appreciated his leadership in strengthening India's defence preparedness, particularly in strategically sensitive border areas. He highlighted Sikkim's strategic location, sharing international borders with three neighbouring countries, and reiterated the State's commitment to national unity, peace, and security.

Subba apprised the Defence Minister of the disruption to the North Sikkim Highway following the Teesta flash floods of October 2023, which had adversely affected civilian movement and defence logistics to sensitive northern sectors. While connectivity has been restored through an interim alignment by the Border Roads Organisation between Mangan and Naga, the MP pointed out that the route passes through an active landslide zone and may not be sustainable in the long term. He requested expeditious approval and implementation of the permanent alternative alignment under consideration to ensure safe and all-weather connectivity in North Sikkim.

The MP also raised issues bearing on inclusive development, including the inclusion of 12 left-out communities of Sikkim in the Scheduled Tribes list, the reservation of seats for the Limboo and Tamang Scheduled Tribe communities in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, and the facilitation of His Holiness the 17th Karmapa's visit to Sikkim.

He sought the Defence Minister's intervention in these matters as a senior leader of the National Democratic Alliance.Further, Dr. Subba drew attention to critical infrastructure concerns such as the vulnerability of National Highway-10, the only surface lifeline connecting Sikkim with the rest of the country, and the need for early operationalisation of Pakyong Airport. He emphasised the importance of long-term and sustainable solutions to strengthen connectivity and resilience in the border State.

The Defence Minister assured that the issues raised would be examined in consultation with the concerned Ministries and agencies.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the strategic talks are important, I'm glad he also raised inclusive development issues like the ST list and assembly seats for Limboo and Tamang communities. True security comes when all citizens feel represented and their development is prioritized.
R
Rohit P
NH-10 is the lifeline for Sikkim. One landslide and the entire state gets cut off. The demand for making Pakyong Airport fully operational is spot on. We need air connectivity as a reliable alternative. This is crucial for both tourism and defence logistics.
S
Sarah B
Respectfully, I hope this isn't just another meeting that ends with "issues will be examined." We hear that often. The people of Sikkim need concrete timelines and action, especially on the highway alignment. The interim route through a landslide zone sounds risky.
V
Vikram M
Sikkim's border with China is extremely sensitive. Strengthening infrastructure there directly strengthens our defence posture. Kudos to the MP for putting all these points comprehensively. The BRO does great work, but they need permanent solutions and budgets.
K
Kavya N
The mention of facilitating the Karmapa's visit is interesting. It's not just a religious matter, but also about the cultural fabric and soft power of the region. A balanced approach addressing strategic, developmental, and cultural issues is the way forward.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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