On April 22, 2025, a horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, left 26 civilians dead, most of them Hindu tourists. The assault, carried out by five armed militants, shocked the nation. In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor, striking nine terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (Pok).
Sikkim’s Response to Terror Attack
But while the military response was swift, another powerful message emerged from the northeastern state of Sikkim. On May 10, Governor Om Prakash Mathur and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang led the Sarva Dharma Evam Sarva Jatiya Sabha, a historic gathering of religious and ethnic communities, to reaffirm national unity.
Here are the seven most powerful moments from the event that captured India’s resilience.
1. Traditional Attire as a Symbol of Unity
The Sabha began with a striking visual—leaders and attendees dressed in traditional Sikkimese attire. Lepcha, Bhutia, Nepali, and other ethnic groups wore their cultural garments, making the event a living tapestry of Sikkim’s diversity.
This was no accident. Organisers had encouraged participants to showcase their heritage as a statement against divisive forces. The message was clear: India’s strength lies in its unity, not uniformity.
2. Governor Mathur’s Declaration of ‘Operation Sindoor’
Governor Om Prakash Mathur took the stage to detail India’s military response. He confirmed that Operation Sindoor had successfully destroyed terror launchpads in Pok. He also praised the armed forces for intercepting kamikaze drones and missiles aimed at Jammu.
His most powerful line? “Their courage protects our sovereignty and upholds the dignity of every Indian mother who wears sindoor proudly.” The reference to sindoor (vermilion) tied military action to cultural identity, resonating deeply with the crowd.
3. CM Tamang’s Praise for PM Modi’s Leadership
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang echoed the Governor’s sentiments but added a political dimension. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for strengthening India’s defence capabilities.
“Under PM Modi’s leadership, India has shown it will not tolerate terror,” Tamang declared. He urged citizens to support Operation Sindoor and stand behind the armed forces. His speech reinforced the idea that national security is a collective responsibility.
4. Interfaith Prayers for National Solidarity
The Sabha wasn’t just about speeches but also a spiritual gathering. Buddhist monks, Hindu priests, Christian pastors, Muslim imams, and Sikh leaders stood side by side, offering prayers for peace and national unity.
This rare display of interfaith harmony sent a strong message: terrorism seeks to divide, but India’s strength comes from its diversity. Including lesser-known groups like the women-led Brahma Kumaris, Indigenous Mangpa (Rai), and Bongthing (Lepcha) spiritual leaders made the moment even more significant.
5. The ‘Rashtriya Ekta’ Resolution
The heart of the event was the passing of a resolution affirming India’s unity. Proposed by Forest Minister Pintso Namgyal Lepcha and seconded by Cooperation Minister Arun Upreti, it was endorsed by all attendees—politicians, religious leaders, and community representatives.
Rashtriya Ekta (National Unity) wasn’t just a slogan—it was a commitment. The resolution called for citizens to reject divisive ideologies and stand together against threats to the nation.
6. Remembering the Pahalgam Victims
Chief Secretary R. Telang recounted the Pahalgam attack in grim detail, ensuring the victims were not forgotten. He described how the militants had specifically targeted tourists, turning a peaceful holiday spot into a scene of tragedy.
His retelling served as a sobering reminder of why Operation Sindoor was necessary. It also reinforced the Sabha’s core message: terrorism affects all communities, and the response must be unified.
7. Women-Led Spiritual Movements Take Centre Stage
One of the event’s most underreported aspects was women’s prominent role. The Brahma Kumaris, a female-led spiritual movement, played a key part in the prayers. Indigenous female spiritual leaders from the Limboo and Rai communities also participated.
This was more than symbolic—it highlighted how women are often at the forefront of peacebuilding efforts in India and globally.
Conclusion: Sikkim’s Blueprint for a United India
The Sarva Dharma Sabha was more than a political event—it was a masterclass in national unity. Combining military resolve (Operation Sindoor) with cultural solidarity, Sikkim showed how India can respond to terror without compromising its pluralistic values.
As Governor Mathur said, “Today, again, the citizens came together to demonstrate their unwavering unity with the nation.” In a time of division, Sikkim’s defiance offers a model for the rest of India—and perhaps the world.
Final Note:
This article is based on verified reports from the Sikkim government, eyewitness accounts, and official statements. Share your thoughts on social media using #UnitedIndia or #SikkimUnity.
