¨     Pakyong Airport in Sikkim will be renamed after freedom fighter Trilochan Pokhrel, as announced by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.

¨     The decision was declared during the 31st Foundation Day celebration of the Akhil Sikkim Khas Chettri Bahun Kalyan Sangh at Rangpo.
¨     The renaming has been proposed in honour of Pokhrel, who is regarded as Sikkim’s first independence activist.
¨     His participation in the Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement and Quit India Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi was highlighted.
¨     The airport, which serves as Sikkim’s only airport, was inaugurated in September 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
¨     The contribution of the Khas, Chettri and Bahun community to Sikkim’s social fabric was acknowledged during the event.
¨     The Chief Minister emphasised Sikkim’s tradition of harmony in diversity and mutual respect among communities.
¨     During the programme, social worker Kipu Tshering Lepcha was conferred with the Sikkim Gaurav Samman award in appreciation of his service.