Politics

SIBLAC Calls on Sikkim Govt. to Speed Up Karmapa’s Return to Rumtek

By PTI

The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) on Saturday urged the state government to begin immediate high‑level talks to bring the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorjee, back to Rumtek Monastery. SIBLAC general secretary Sangay Gyatso Bhutia reminded the government of its electoral promise to restore the Karmapa to his traditional seat and said the matter should be treated as a top priority.

The committee noted that the sacred throne at Rumtek has been vacant for 45 years since the death of the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorjee, on 5 November 1981. Generations of devotees in Sikkim and worldwide have awaited the 17th Karmapa’s return, while many elders who campaigned for the cause have passed away without seeing their aspirations fulfilled.

SIBLAC pointed to the Karmapa’s arrival in Bhutan on 29 October for a 10‑day visit to lead prayers and grant public audiences. The committee said his presence in the neighbouring country presents an opportunity that the state government should not miss. It urged the government to initiate formal diplomatic engagement with the Karmapa and relevant authorities to facilitate his return to Rumtek before the Bhutan visit concludes.

The committee questioned the status of an earlier Sikkim government initiative that reportedly earmarked about ₹1.5 crore for sending a high‑level delegation to facilitate the Karmapa’s return. It said there had been no public clarity on the outcome of the initiative or the utilisation of the allocated funds.

The statement added that the Karmapa has not visited the Indian subcontinent since leaving India on a temporary visa in May 2017, a prolonged absence that has fueled uncertainty among devotees. “A broken promise on a matter of such profound spiritual and cultural heritage will not be forgotten,” the committee said, urging the government to act without further delay.