Raising Day Celebration 2026 Held at 3rd India Reserve Battalion, BHQ Manglay
Manglay, March 6(IPR): The Raising Day Celebration 2026 of the 3rd India Reserve Battalions (IRBn) was observed with great enthusiasm and ceremonial splendour at its Headquarters (BHQ) at Manglay, today.
The Chief Minister of Sikkim, Mr Prem Singh Tamang, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Present amongst during were, SLA Speaker Mr MN Sherpa, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Advisors, Chairpersons, DGP Sikkim Mr Akshay Sachdeva, ADGP, IGs, DIGs, DC Namchi, SP Namchi, other officers from Police Department alongwith 3rd IRBn and Police personnel and veterans.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister extended his heartfelt congratulations to the 3rd IRBn on the successful completion of 18 years of service, commending the battalion for its dedication and contribution to maintaining peace and security in the State. He appreciated the physical demonstrations and cultural presentations by the police personnel, stating that they reflected the talent, discipline and commitment of the Sikkim Police.
The Chief Minister also made a slew of announcements, stating that infrastructure facilities including a gymnasium hall, multipurpose hall, swimming pool, and firing range will be constructed at the 3rd IRBn BHQ Manglay campus. He further announced that 55 vehicles will be provided to the police department to further strengthen operational capacity. Additionally, he also stated that 500 new posts will be created in the Police Department with 30 percent reservation for women, strengthening the force while promoting gender inclusivity.
The CM then advised the police personnel not to display Police signage on their private vehicles and urged them to avoid misuse of their authority, while continuing to work with dedication for the betterment of the public. He further commended the Police Department for maintaining one of the lowest crime rates in the country, adding that the State Police has received recognition at the national level for this achievement.
Highlighting the State Government’s commitment to employee welfare, he spoke about ongoing efforts to ensure recognition, career growth, and promotion opportunities for the government employees. He informed that the government has undertaken cadre reviews across various departments and assured that further cadre reviews will be taken up for the leftover departments with outmost priority.
Encouraging the gathering to remain future-ready, the CM urged people to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) and modern technology, stressing its potential to transform lives and help individuals stay relevant in an evolving world. He also highlighted the growing popularity of marathon events in Sikkim, stating that such events attract international, national, and local participants, promote sports and fitness, encourage youth participation, and generate employment opportunities. Moreover, the initiatives taken up by the Health and Family Welfare Department in organising sports activities for senior citizens, particularly retired employees were also appreciated by the CM.
DGP Sikkim Mr Akshay Sachdeva, expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister for the continuous support extended to the Police department, particularly for the newly constructed administrative building and the vehicles being provided to enhance mobility and operational efficiency. Emphasising the importance of maintaining good physical and mental health among police personnel, he also encouraged them to enhance their knowledge through the use of information technology and AI-based learning. He further informed that senior officers are regularly deputed to various training programmes to strengthen and upgrade policing standards in the State.
The CO 3rd IRBn Mr Rinzing Chopel Rai, also highlighted the achievements and contributions of the battalion, particularly in maintaining law and order and serving the people of the State.
Earlier on the occasion, the CM inaugurated the Teesta Command Block, the newly constructed administrative building of 3rd IRBn, strengthening the battalion’s infrastructure.
During the occasion, he also handed over the cheques under the Chief Minister’s Educational Assistance Scheme to students and scholars to support their pursuit of higher education.
Similarly, the sponsers and volunteers of Sikkim Dragon Run 2026 were also felicitated in the occasion, namely Mr DP Sharma Vice-Principal Temi SSS, Mr Karma Sherpa Manjushree Public School Mr BB Sharma, School Incharge Tarku SS, Mr LB Rai Head Master Lamatar JHS, Mr Diwakar Temi Tarku Tourism Development Committee, Ms Radha Pradhan MD Sikkim Temi Tea Estate, Mr Pokraj Rai Blue-Ink Studio Rangpo and Mr Subham Pradhan, Sikkim Chronicles.
The occasion featured several demonstrations by battalion personnel, including the Mountain Warrior Challenge and an Anti-Riot Drill, showcasing the force’s preparedness and operational capabilities. Cultural performances, including a Zumba presentation by 2nd IRBn Pipaley, a group song, traditional dance, a UAC demonstration by PTC Yangyang, were also shown.
As part of the occasion, the Inter-Branch Football Final Match between the 1st IRB Delhi and the Communication Branch Police Department was also held, in which 1st IRB Delhi emerged victorious and clinched the trophy.