Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking virtually from Bagdogra, West Bengal, on Thursday, May 29, 2025, addressed the 50th-anniversary celebration of Sikkim’s statehood at Paljor Stadium. He strongly condemned the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, describing it as an “attack on the soul and unity of India” and a “deliberate attempt” to sow religious division. He emphasized that the subsequent “Operation Sindoor” was a “decisive response” to the terrorists and a “befitting reply” to those who unleashed terror in India. Modi asserted the country’s unity in its fight against terrorism, highlighting India’s retaliation that destroyed terror infrastructure and several airbases in Pakistan. The Pahalgam attack tragically resulted in the deaths of at least 26 people, mostly tourists, and was characterized by execution-like killings after victims were reportedly questioned about their faith.
Despite being unable to attend the Sikkim statehood function in person due to inclement weather, the Prime Minister congratulated the people of Sikkim on this significant milestone, praising the Himalayan state as the “pride of the nation” and its people for their belief in democracy. He expressed his gladness that Sikkim chose to join a democratic India for development and prosperity.
During the event, Modi inaugurated several infrastructure projects and laid foundation stones for others. The inaugurated projects included a 500-bed District Hospital in Namchi, ‘Swarna Jayanti Maitreya Manjari’ (at White Hall, Ridge Park), a passenger ropeway at Pelling to Sangacholing Monastery, a ‘gaushala’ at Mamring, and a statue of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayay in Gangtok district. He also unveiled the Bhaleydunga Skywalk project, a working women’s hostel at Gangtok (Tadong), Swarna Jayanti Convention Centre at Namli, and Swarna Jayanti Sports and Cultural Centre near Gangtok. Foundation stones were laid for a district hospital at Pakyong, a visitor experience center at Nathula, and the conversion of Singshore Bridge into a glass skywalk.
Modi lauded Sikkim as a “shining example of the blending of biodiversity and spiritualism,” acknowledging its rich biodiversity and exemplary nature conservation efforts. He noted Sikkim’s growth as a major tourist destination, attracting around 10 lakh visitors annually despite its small size. The Prime Minister also recognized the contributions of sportspersons like Bhaichung Bhutia, Tarundeep Rai, and Jaspal Pradhan, stating Sikkim’s potential as a sports hub, particularly for adventure sports. He reiterated the NDA government’s commitment to making India a sports superpower and fostering this development in the Northeast, including Sikkim.
Furthermore, Modi highlighted Sikkim’s achievements in increasing organic exports. He emphasized that connectivity is a primary focus for the central government, with the Sevoke-Rangpo project set to integrate the Himalayan state into the country’s rail network.
