Sunday, Sep 14, 2025 21:45 [IST]
Last Update: Saturday, Sep 13, 2025 16:02 [IST]
GANGTOK,: The Former Legislators’ Federation of Sikkim (FLFS) convened a condolence meeting on September 11 at its office in Gangtok to mourn the passing of Late Athup Lepcha, former minister and a respected member of the federation. The meeting was chaired by FLFS president DB Thatal, a press release on Saturday informs.
Late Athup Lepcha, aged 84, passed away on September 10. He was remembered as a visionary leader, a committed environmentalist, and a towering figure from Dzongu, North Sikkim.
FLFS president DB Thatal and general secretary TW Basnett spoke warmly of his contributions, particularly highlighting his tenure as minister of Forest (1979–1984) and his role as president of the Affected Citizens of Teesta, the release mentions.
During the meeting, the speakers praised his leadership in the grassroots movement against destructive hydropower projects in Sikkim and his lifelong efforts to safeguard the ecological and cultural heritage of Dzongu.
He dedicated his life to the protection of Sikkim’s forests, rivers and mountains, and was a beacon of courage and humility, Thatal said.
The FLFS members observed a two-minute silence as a mark of respect and expressed their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. The gathering acknowledged that Late Lepcha’s wisdom and guidance would be deeply missed within the FLFS fraternity.
The federation has also appealed to all its members to attend the funeral service scheduled to be held on September 14, at 10:00 am at his residence in Dzongu, as a gesture of respect and solidarity.
Late Athup Lepcha’s passing marks the end of an era of dedicated public service and environmental activism in Sikkim, said the FLFS.
