A devastating fire late Friday night destroyed the Thangu Sertok Gumpa, a historic Buddhist monastery in Lachen, North Sikkim, and consumed two nearby residential houses, officials said, adding that there were no reported injuries or fatalities. The blaze broke out at the monastery around midnight and rapidly spread to adjacent structures before it could be brought under control.
Emergency response vehicles were unable to reach the remote site, forcing local residents to work together to contain the flames until help arrived. Officials said the difficult terrain and isolation of the area hindered immediate firefighting efforts.
Established in the mid-1960s, Thangu Sertok Gumpa had long been recognised as a key centre of Buddhist worship and a repository of cultural heritage for Lachen and neighbouring communities. For decades it served as an important spiritual institution for local residents.
News of the destruction has deeply saddened the community, with many describing the monastery as a treasured symbol of the region’s religious traditions and cultural identity. Locals expressed concern about the loss of a landmark that had been closely linked to the area’s history.
Authorities said the exact cause of the fire remains unknown. A detailed assessment of the damage is expected to be carried out, and an investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances that led to the incident, according to a local report.
The loss of the monastery is being viewed by residents and officials as a significant cultural setback for North Sikkim, given the site’s historical and spiritual importance to the local Buddhist community.
Original Source: https://nenews.in/politics/fire-destroys-historic-monastery-and-two-houses-in-north-sikkims-lachen/53293/
Category: Politics,Fire,Lachen,Monastry,North Sikkim,Thangu Sertok Gumpa
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Publish Date: 2026-06-06 18:05:00
