Articles by Pramod Giri
‘Not for me’: Bhaichung Bhutia gives up electoral politics after losing 4 polls
Tuesday’s announcement came after Bhaichung Bhutia’s fourth electoral defeat in West Bengal and Sikkim
![Bhaichung Bhutia contested his first Lok Sabha election in 2014 on a TMC ticket from the Darjeeling constituency (X/iimunofficial) Bhaichung Bhutia contested his first Lok Sabha election in 2014 on a TMC ticket from the Darjeeling constituency (X/iimunofficial)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/25/150x84/Bhaichung-Bhutia-contested-his-first-Lok-Sabha-ele_1719332859221.jpg)
Published on Jun 25, 2024 09:58 PM IST
‘Forced to sign blank paper’: Complainant in Bengal train tragedy
Preliminary investigations by the Railways into the accident said that the automatic signal system had malfunctioned, and drivers along the route were directed to travel at a reduced speed of 10 kilometres per hour.
![‘Forced to sign blank paper’: Complainant in Bengal train tragedy ‘Forced to sign blank paper’: Complainant in Bengal train tragedy](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/19/148x111/India_Flag_1713518778477_1713518820010.jpeg)
Updated on Jun 20, 2024 07:36 AM IST
Pramod Giri, Siliguri
Sikkim landslides: Stranded tourists being evacuated by road
Around 1,200 tourists, including some foreign nationals, were stranded in North Sikkim after heavy rains triggered landslides in several places cutting off the areas from the rest of the state
![tranded tourists being evacuated in rain-hit Sikkim's Mangan district on Tuesday. (PTI) tranded tourists being evacuated in rain-hit Sikkim's Mangan district on Tuesday. (PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/18/150x84/tranded-tourists-being-evacuated-in-rain-hit-Sikki_1718710156695.jpg)
Updated on Jun 18, 2024 05:00 PM IST
Bengal train accident: Teams faced desperate scramble to rescue trapped victims
While village residents were the first responders, the site of the accident was soon besieged by personnel from different agencies
![Rescue operations at the accident site on Monday. (ANI) Rescue operations at the accident site on Monday. (ANI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/17/150x84/Rescue-operations-at-the-accident-site-on-Monday--_1718650732469.jpg)
Updated on Jun 18, 2024 07:42 AM IST
On board 13174: A loud bang, and what followed
A train collision near New Jalpaiguri has left 9 dead and 41 injured. Villagers were first responders, helping in the rescue efforts.
![Rescue operation underway at the accident site in Darjeeling on Monday. (ANI) Rescue operation underway at the accident site in Darjeeling on Monday. (ANI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/17/150x84/Rescue-operation-underway-at-the-accident-site-in-_1718648931701.jpg)
Updated on Jun 18, 2024 02:22 AM IST
‘Huge jerk, then everything started tumbling’: Kanchanjunga Express survivors
Locals were the first responders as they rushed to the spot and began rescue operations. The injured were rushed to the North Bengal hospita.
![The Kanchanjunga Express after the accident in north Bengal on Monday. (ANI Photo) The Kanchanjunga Express after the accident in north Bengal on Monday. (ANI Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/17/148x111/The-Kanchanjunga-Express-after-the-accident-in-nor_1718619757836_1718623000807.jpg)
Updated on Jun 17, 2024 04:46 PM IST
Unabated rains hit Sikkim rescue ops, 1,200 tourists stuck
Around 1,200 tourists are stranded in north Sikkim as most parts of the region remained cut off because of damages on roads, bridges.
![The section of a road damaged due to landslides triggered by incessant rainfall at Mangan in North Sikkim on Thursday. (PTI) The section of a road damaged due to landslides triggered by incessant rainfall at Mangan in North Sikkim on Thursday. (PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/16/148x111/The-section-of-a-road-damaged-due-to-landslides-tr_1718551005766_1718554837281.jpg)
Updated on Jun 17, 2024 04:56 AM IST
Landslides cut off North Sikkim; swollen Teesta leaves hundreds homeless
Chief minister Prem Singh Tamang on Wednesday announced a ₹5 lakh compensation each for the families of the three people who died at Majwa village in South Sikkim
![Landslides damaged houses in the Upper Gyathang and Tarag villages. (HT PHOTO) Landslides damaged houses in the Upper Gyathang and Tarag villages. (HT PHOTO)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/13/150x84/Landslides-damaged-houses-in-the-Upper-Gyathang-an_1718258190512.jpg)
Published on Jun 13, 2024 11:27 AM IST
Rain triggers fresh landslides in parts of Sikkim; no fresh casualty reported
Heavy showers on the night of June 10 caused extensive damage to properties at Thek village in Pakyong district
![Debris from the landslides blocked and damaged NH-10, the lifeline between Sikkim and West Bengal’s Kalimpong. (File Photo) Debris from the landslides blocked and damaged NH-10, the lifeline between Sikkim and West Bengal’s Kalimpong. (File Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/13/150x84/Debris-from-the-landslides-blocked-and-damaged-NH-_1718248047683.jpg)
Published on Jun 13, 2024 08:38 AM IST
16-yr-old boy run over by Darjeeling toy train; third death since 2022
Launched by the British in 1881 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, popularly called the toy train, is famous for joy rides and draws thousands of tourists
![The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, popularly called the toy train (File Photo) The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, popularly called the toy train (File Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/12/150x84/The-Darjeeling-Himalayan-Railway--popularly-called_1718205197145.jpg)
Published on Jun 12, 2024 08:44 PM IST
Three die in landslides in south Sikkim following heavy rainfall
Sikkim chief minister Prem Singh Tamang expressed grief over the loss of lives and property due to the landslides
![(Screengrab/X/JournoShabana) (Screengrab/X/JournoShabana)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/10/150x84/-Screengrab-X-JournoShabana-_1718033657443.jpg)
Updated on Jun 10, 2024 09:05 PM IST
Prem Singh Tamang sworn in as Sikkim chief minister for second term
Governor Lakshman Acharya administered the oath of office and secrecy to Tamang and his council of ministers at a ceremony at Gangtok’s Paljor stadium
![Prem Singh Tamang greets people after taking oath as the Sikkim chief minister during the swearing-in ceremony at Panjor Stadium in Gangtok on Monday. (ANI) Prem Singh Tamang greets people after taking oath as the Sikkim chief minister during the swearing-in ceremony at Panjor Stadium in Gangtok on Monday. (ANI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/10/150x84/Prem-Singh-Tamang-greets-people-after-taking-oath-_1718029874694.jpg)
Updated on Jun 10, 2024 08:02 PM IST
Ruling SKM retains lone Lok Sahba seat in Sikkim
Sikkim Krantikari Morcha’s sitting MP Indra Hang Subba defeated his nearest rival Bharat Basnett of the Citizen Action Party by a margin of 78,766 votes
![Indra Hang Subba (File Photo/Screengrab/Sansad TV) Indra Hang Subba (File Photo/Screengrab/Sansad TV)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/04/150x84/Indra-Hang-Subba--File-Photo-Screengrab-Sansad-TV-_1717492341106.jpg)
Published on Jun 04, 2024 02:43 PM IST
HT interview: We did not forge any alliance, but share good ties with BJP, says Sikkim CM
SKM won 31 of 32 seats in Sikkim's assembly elections. CM Golay credits success to good governance. Chamling's defeat due to ego. Welfare schemes popular.
![Sikkim chief minister Prem Singh Tamang Golay. Sikkim chief minister Prem Singh Tamang Golay.](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/03/150x84/Sikkim-chief-minister-Prem-Singh-Tamang-Golay-_1717440414163.jpg)
Updated on Jun 04, 2024 06:42 AM IST
SKM sweeps Sikkim, BJP bags 3rd Arunachal term
BJP in Arunachal Pradesh and SKM in Sikkim won by large margins in the April 19 elections. BJP secured 46 out of 60 seats, while SKM won 31 out of 32 seats.
![People gather outside a counting centre in Gangtok on Sunday. (PTI) People gather outside a counting centre in Gangtok on Sunday. (PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/02/150x84/People-gather-outside-a-counting-centre-in-Gangtok_1717351792285.jpg)
Updated on Jun 03, 2024 05:44 AM IST
SKM records landslide victory in Sikkim polls; CM calls BJP ‘close partner’
SKM, led by chief minister Prem Singh Tamang Golay, won 31 of the 32 assembly seats in Sikkim while SDF, headed by former CM Pawan Chamling got one seat
![Sikkim chief minister and SKM chief Prem Singh Tamang speaks with the media after his party's landslide victory in the state assembly elections in Gangtok on Sunday. (PTI) Sikkim chief minister and SKM chief Prem Singh Tamang speaks with the media after his party's landslide victory in the state assembly elections in Gangtok on Sunday. (PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/02/150x84/Sikkim-chief-minister-and-SKM-chief-Prem-Singh-Tam_1717337327640.jpg)
Published on Jun 02, 2024 07:39 PM IST
Sikkim’s ruling SKM heading for landslide victory in assembly polls
Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) leads in 31 of 32 assembly seats in Sikkim elections. Former CM Pawan Chamling's party SDF trails in most seats.
![Sikkim chief minister Prem Singh Tamang Golay (File Photo) Sikkim chief minister Prem Singh Tamang Golay (File Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/02/150x84/Sikkim-chief-minister-Prem-Singh-Tamang-Golay--Fil_1717313859753.jpg)
Updated on Jun 02, 2024 01:08 PM IST
Sikkim assembly polls: Counting of votes on Sunday
Sikkim witnessed primarily a bipolar contest between the ruling SKM and its principal opposition SDF with the BJP expected to put up a fight in around five seats
![While the SKM is trying to retain power in Sikkim for the second time in a row, the SDF, which was in power for 25 years till 2019, is now trying to bounce back. (Representative Image) While the SKM is trying to retain power in Sikkim for the second time in a row, the SDF, which was in power for 25 years till 2019, is now trying to bounce back. (Representative Image)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/06/01/150x84/While-the-SKM-is-trying-to-retain-power-in-Sikkim-_1717242561586.jpg)
Updated on Jun 01, 2024 05:20 PM IST
Sikkim’s 32 assembly and one Lok Sabha seat to go to polls on April 19
Sikkim is likely to witness a triangular contest between the SKM, SDF and the newly formed Citizen Action Party (CAP)
![The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday announced the schedule for the 2024 general elections (Representative Photo) The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday announced the schedule for the 2024 general elections (Representative Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/03/16/150x84/The-Election-Commission-of-India--ECI--on-Saturday_1710600372518.jpg)
Updated on May 10, 2024 11:48 AM IST
1st pair of Siberian tigers in India after 12 years arrives in Darjeeling
Lara and Akamas arrived on Sunday night in two special ambulances from the Kolkata airport after they were flown from Cyprus as a part of an animal exchange programme
![Lara and Akamas were flown from Cyprus as a part of an animal exchange programme. (HT PHOTO) Lara and Akamas were flown from Cyprus as a part of an animal exchange programme. (HT PHOTO)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/12/12/150x84/Lara-and-Akamas-were-flown-from-Cyprus-as-a-part-o_1702352147864.png)
Published on Dec 12, 2023 09:05 AM IST
Three elephants mowed down by goods train in Bengal district: Officials
The train, which was travelling from Guwahati to Siliguri, hit the elephants near Sikhari Gate located between Kalchini and Rajabhatkhawa stations in Alipurduar
![A local resident, Ajay Lora claimed that the train was travelling at high speed. (Representative file image) A local resident, Ajay Lora claimed that the train was travelling at high speed. (Representative file image)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/11/27/150x84/A-local-resident--Ajay-Lora-claimed-that-the-train_1701079873870.jpg)
Updated on Nov 27, 2023 03:41 PM IST
GTA threatens to stop work at two hydel power projects over Teesta after floods
The River Teesta, which originates from a glacial lake Khangchung Chho at an elevation of 5,280m in northeastern Sikkim, passes through Sikkim and four districts of West Bengal before entering Bangladesh
![Teesta Low Dam Project (TLDP) III at Reang (Twitter Photo) Teesta Low Dam Project (TLDP) III at Reang (Twitter Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/10/15/150x84/Teesta-Low-Dam-Project--TLDP--III-at-Reang--Twitte_1697355099278.jpg)
Published on Oct 15, 2023 01:01 PM IST
Military airlifts flood victims in Sikkim; toll 89
Army helicopters began evacuating stranded tourists in Sikkim after flash floods caused by a glacial lake outburst flood devastated the area.
![HT Image HT Image](https://images.hindustantimes.com/images/app-images/2021/10/148x111.png)
Updated on Oct 10, 2023 06:22 AM IST
Pramod Giri, Siliguri
Migrant workers in Sikkim recount nightmare as they leave for home states
59 migrant workers from different parts of India reached Bengal’s Siliguri town on Saturday night after travelling for ten hours in a Sikkim government bus
![A flash flood triggered by an outburst in a glacial lake in north Sikkim on Tuesday night barrelled down the river Teesta. (AP photo) A flash flood triggered by an outburst in a glacial lake in north Sikkim on Tuesday night barrelled down the river Teesta. (AP photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/10/09/150x84/A-flash-flood-triggered-by-an-outburst-in-a-glacia_1696831647853.jpg)
Updated on Oct 09, 2023 11:37 AM IST
Sikkim flood toll hits 82 amid slush and debris
At least 140 people are still missing and the toll is expected to rise further, warned officials
![Vehicles buried in the sand along the Teesta river in Rongpo in east Sikkim on Sunday. (AP) Vehicles buried in the sand along the Teesta river in Rongpo in east Sikkim on Sunday. (AP)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/10/08/150x84/Vehicles-buried-in-the-sand-along-the-Teesta-river_1696790000250.jpg)
Updated on Oct 09, 2023 01:11 AM IST
Pramod Giri, Siliguri
Central assistance for flood-hit Sikkim triggers political slugfest in Bengal
The death count due to flash floods until Saturday evening stood at 55. Of those, 29 bodies were fished out of the Teesta and its tributaries in Bengal’s Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar districts
![Cloudburst over Lhonak Lake triggered a flash flood in the Teesta river basin in Sikkim (File Photo) Cloudburst over Lhonak Lake triggered a flash flood in the Teesta river basin in Sikkim (File Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/10/08/150x84/Cloudburst-over-Lhonak-Lake-triggered-a-flash-floo_1696766776118.jpg)
Updated on Oct 08, 2023 05:36 PM IST
Bhaichung appeals sports fraternity to hold charity matches for flood-hit Sikkim
Bhutia said he has joined hands with the Association of Conservation of Tourism (ACT) which will be organising events to raise funds
![Former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia (ANI Photo) Former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia (ANI Photo)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/10/08/150x84/Former-India-football-captain-Bhaichung-Bhutia--AN_1696765155864.jpg)
Published on Oct 08, 2023 05:09 PM IST
Central team arrives in Sikkim, toll reaches 55
Flash floods in Sikkim have caused at least 55 deaths and left 143 people missing. The floods were caused when a glacial lake burst following heavy rain.
![A road damaged due to flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall in Mangan district. (PTI) A road damaged due to flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall in Mangan district. (PTI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/10/07/150x84/A-road-damaged-due-to-flash-floods-triggered-by-he_1696704245684.jpg)
Updated on Oct 08, 2023 07:06 AM IST
Pramod Giri, Siliguri
Sikkim floods: Weather hinders rescue operations as death toll rises to 27
The known number of casualties rose to 27 and the number of missing increased to 143, officials said
![A truck is partially covered in mud due to flash floods triggered by a sudden heavy rainfall, in North Sikkim on Friday (ANI) A truck is partially covered in mud due to flash floods triggered by a sudden heavy rainfall, in North Sikkim on Friday (ANI)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/10/06/148x111/A-truck-is-partially-covered-in-mud-due-to-flash-f_1696620160846_1696620312056.jpg)
Updated on Oct 07, 2023 06:50 AM IST
Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang questions quality of hydel dam destroyed in flood
So far, 19 bodies have been recovered;103 people still missing. At least 25,000 affected; 3500 rescued from areas cut off after the flash floods.
![Flood-hit Golitar area in Sikkim. (Reuters) Flood-hit Golitar area in Sikkim. (Reuters)](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2023/10/06/150x84/Flood-hit-Golitar-area-in-Sikkim---Reuters-_1696603475243.jpg)
Updated on Oct 06, 2023 10:24 PM IST