Sikkim CM P.S. Golay Emphasizes Communal Harmony At Sonam Lochar Celebration

SORENG: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang Golay emphasized the significance of communal harmony for the state's development, underlining the SKM government’s efforts to foster unity among Sikkim’s diverse communities. Speaking at the State-level Sonam Lochar celebration in Soreng on Monday, Golay stressed that communal harmony is crucial for progress, noting the SKM government's secular approach and inclusive policies.

“Communal harmony is essential for the State’s progress and the SKM government has successfully nurtured it through its secular approach and inclusive policies,” said Chief Minister Golay during the event, which marked the Tamang community’s New Year celebration.

Sonam Lochar, which falls on January 30 this year, was celebrated earlier this year to allow community members to observe the festival on its official date with their families. The Chief Minister explained that the state government had been preponing community festivals to facilitate such celebrations.

CM Golay also emphasized that all Sikkimese communities should be able to celebrate their cultural heritage without political interference. “Divisions based on caste and religion must be avoided,” he added, urging unity and the promotion of traditional Sikkimese attire and food. He encouraged people to stay connected to their roots and cultural heritage.

The Chief Minister made it clear that his presence at the Sonam Lochar event was not as a representative of the Tamang community but as the Chief Minister of all Sikkimese communities. "A Chief Minister is for all Sikkimese communities and not just for the particular community he belongs to," he stated.

Golay also responded to various demands raised by Soreng district MLA Aditya Golay. He assured that genuine developmental requests would be prioritized. The demands included a visit by the Chief Minister to Soreng-Chakung constituency with the Janta Bhetghat Karyakram, establishment of a Tamang Cultural and Research Centre in Gumpadara, a one-way route in Soreng Bazar to address traffic congestion, development of Jautar Stadium, and the construction of a parking plaza in Soreng Bazaar.

In response, Golay confirmed that Rs. 89 crore had already been sanctioned for the parking plaza, with work expected to begin soon. He also criticized the previous SDF government for neglecting Jautar Stadium, which the SKM government has now completed and will further develop with artificial turf.

The Chief Minister announced that his Janta Bhetghat programme would begin in the Soreng-Chakung constituency before March, thanking the residents for their strong support to the SKM party during the Assembly elections.

The Sonam Lochar celebration also featured traditional Tamang food stalls and cultural activities. Golay’s mother, Dhan Maya Tamang, and his spouse, Sarda Tamang, were present at the event, alongside ministers and MLAs.

The organizing committee honored the Chief Minister for his contributions to the upliftment of all Sikkimese communities, as well as 15 individual achievers from the Tamang community. Scholars and artists from Nepal and the Darjeeling hills also participated in the celebration.

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