Saidul Islam, a journalist from Diphu, Assam, passed away suddenly in Sikkim on Sunday following a suspected cardiac arrest. Islam was the founder of the news portal Hills View Today and served as a correspondent for Gana Adhikar.
He had also been associated with ETV Bharat and Assam Times Post during his journalism career. A resident of Rongnihang Pathar in Diphu, he had travelled to Sikkim for a short leisure trip accompanied by several senior journalists.
According to Danielson Bey, Working President of the District Press Club of Karbi Anglong, the group arrived in Sikkim on the night of November 30 at around 11 to 11:30 pm as part of a tour.
The next day, on December 1, they began their planned activities. The group had visited a waterfall earlier in the day to enjoy the scenic beauty and fresh mountain air. After returning to the lodge, Islam suddenly collapsed around 12:40 pm, and colleagues rushed him toward the nearest hospital.
Bey said that the collapse initially occurred at Gonjang Monastery, and although the exact reason was not immediately known, it appeared to be a heart attack. Islam passed away on the way to the hospital despite immediate efforts to save him.
Following the incident, the four-day tour was cancelled on the very first day. Bey added that while they had considered planning another visit, no fresh dates have been fixed yet, as the team is still processing the sudden tragedy.
Islam’s family members reached Sikkim early on Monday morning. They informed the District Press Club that Islam had been suffering for several years from heart-related issues, chest pain, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other long-term ailments. They believe these pre-existing health conditions may have contributed to his sudden cardiac arrest.
The Sikkim government and hospital authorities extended full support to the visiting journalists and the bereaved family. All required procedures, including the post-mortem, were completed without delay. The body was subsequently handed over to the family, who have taken it back to Assam by ambulance.
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