Mangan, May 1: Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, marked the occasion of Buddha Purnima with prayers at Samling Choling Monastery in Lachung on Friday.

He was joined by Sikkim’s Social Welfare Minister Samdup Lepcha and renowned singer Mohit Chauhan. The gathering also witnessed the presence of senior officials and community leaders, including Forest Department Chairman Pema Wangyal Lachungpa, Medicinal Plants Board Chairman Sonam Gyatso Lachenpa, Tourism & Civil Aviation Chairman Sonam Norgay Lachungpa, Pipons of Lachung, Chutimpas, monks, and local residents.

Officials from the Social Welfare Department, district administration, and police, including Secretary Sarika Pradhan, Special Secretary Satyen Pradhan, DC Mangan Anant Jain, and SP Mangan LB Chettri, were also in attendance.

After offering prayers and interacting with monks, Rijiju inspected the under-construction monastery within the complex. He was briefed on the progress and assured support from the Government of India for its early completion. The Union Minister later visited Ani Gumpa Monastery, where he offered prayers.