Indra Hang Subba, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Sikkim, today called on Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, Government of India, and held discussions on key strategic and developmental issues concerning the border State.
During the meeting, Shri Subba extended New Year greetings to the Raksha Mantri and commended his leadership in strengthening India’s defence preparedness, particularly in strategically sensitive border regions. Highlighting Sikkim’s unique strategic importance as a State sharing international borders with three neighbouring countries, the MP reiterated Sikkim’s unwavering commitment to national unity, peace, and security.
The MP apprised the Raksha Mantri of the continued disruption of the North Sikkim Highway following the Teesta flash floods of October 2023, which has significantly affected civilian movement as well as defence logistics towards sensitive northern sectors. While connectivity has been temporarily restored through an interim alignment constructed by the Border Roads Organisation between Mangan and Naga, Shri Subba pointed out that the stretch passes through an active landslide zone and may not be viable in the long term. He urged for expeditious approval and implementation of the permanent alternative alignment under consideration to ensure safe, reliable, and all-weather connectivity in North Sikkim.
Shri Subba also raised matters related to inclusive development and social justice, including the inclusion of 12 left-out communities of Sikkim in the Scheduled Tribes list, reservation of seats for the Limboo and Tamang Scheduled Tribe communities in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, and facilitation of the visit of His Holiness the 17th Karmapa to Sikkim. He sought the Raksha Mantri’s intervention in these issues in his capacity as a senior leader of the National Democratic Alliance.
Further, the MP drew attention to critical infrastructure concerns, particularly the vulnerability of National Highway-10—the sole surface lifeline connecting Sikkim with the rest of the country—and stressed the need for its long-term stabilisation. He also emphasised the early operationalisation of Pakyong Airport as a crucial step towards improving connectivity and enhancing resilience in the strategically important border State.
The Raksha Mantri assured Shri Subba that the issues raised would be examined in consultation with the concerned Ministries and agencies, and appropriate steps would be taken.
