Gangtok, April 30, 2026: An honour ceremony recognising the outstanding service and contributions of the Indian Army and its Black Cat Division was held at Lok Bhavan in Gangtok on Thursday. The event celebrated the Army’s role in safeguarding the nation’s borders while acknowledging its significant contribution to social welfare, infrastructure development, and community engagement in Sikkim.
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| Om Prakash Mathur presents a letter of appreciation to an officer of the Black Cat Division during an Army honour ceremony at Lok Bhavan, in the presence of Prem Singh Tamang. (Image: DIO Gangtok) |
Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur attended the ceremony as the chief guest, while Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay was also present on the occasion. The programme brought together senior military officers, government officials, and members of the armed forces to honour the dedication and service of the Indian Army in the strategically important Himalayan state.
Among those present were General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Black Cat Division Major General M. S. Rathore and the newly appointed GOC Major General Ashish Negi. During the ceremony, Governor Mathur presented a letter of appreciation to the Black Cat Division in recognition of its unwavering commitment to protecting the country's borders and its valuable contribution to developmental and humanitarian initiatives in the region.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Mathur described the occasion as a tribute to the values of dedication, courage, discipline, and selfless service upheld by the Indian Army. He highlighted Sikkim's strategic importance and praised the Army for its dual role in ensuring national security while actively contributing to the state's socio-economic development.
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The Governor also commended the Army for developing and maintaining important tourist and heritage destinations, including Nathu La Pass, Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple, Chola, the Sikkim Inspiration Site, and Doklam, which have helped promote tourism and preserve the region's historical significance.
He further appreciated initiatives such as Operation Himrahat and Operation Goodwill, along with programmes focused on improving living conditions in border villages through infrastructure development, environmental conservation, hydroponic farming, cultural activities, and civil-military cooperation.
Senior officials from the Chief Minister's Office, officers from various government departments, army personnel, and invited guests also attended the ceremony, reaffirming the strong partnership between the Government of Sikkim and the Indian Army in promoting security, development, and public welfare across the state.
