The Chief Minister while expressing his happiness on being conferred with the award said, “There are few self-vested people, who always make an issue of every award I get”. He said these people should rather focus on development and constructive works. “We have to maintain peace, unity and communal harmony for a happy and prosperous Sikkim,” said the Chief Minister.

Thukchuk Lachungpa, the President of Pang Lhabsol Committee (Statue of Unity) said that the award was presented to the Chief Minister for his untiring efforts to maintain peace, unity and communal harmony in the state. He said no communal clashes have ever occurred under the governance of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling.

Earlier the Governor and the Chief Minister offered prayers at the ‘Statues of Unity’. Pang Lhabsol was also celebrated at Rongli, where monks and devotees gathered to offer peace prayers.