Where Has the Promise to Bring the Karmapa Back to Rumtek Gone? Sikkim Government Faces Pressure During His Bhutan Visit

Dragon Media News Desk

The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee has urged the state government to act immediately to facilitate the return of the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, to Rumtek Monastery while he is visiting Bhutan. The committee has also called on the government to fulfil its election promise and disclose how funds reportedly allocated for the effort were used.

In a statement issued by its General Secretary, Sangay Gyatso Bhutia, the committee urged the government to hold formal, high-level talks with the Karmapa and relevant authorities before his brief visit ends. It claims the government issued an official notice allocating approximately 15 million Indian rupees to send a high-level delegation to facilitate his return. The statement says the government has not publicly explained what happened to the initiative or how the funds were spent.

However, public reports cite different figures. News reports say the Sikkim government allocated 10 million rupees for the current year, with provision for up to 20 million rupees annually. The government has stated in its budget presentation that it will continue to pursue the Karmapa’s return with the Indian government. Until official records disclose the allocation year, budget heading and expenditure, the committee’s claim about 15 million rupees and its use cannot be independently established.

The obstacle to entering Rumtek does not appear to be within the Sikkim government’s power to remove on its own. According to published reports, India’s Cabinet Committee on Security eased restrictions in 2018 to allow the Karmapa to visit Sikkim, but the restriction on entering Rumtek remained. A state pledge to pursue his return and approval for access to Rumtek are therefore separate matters.

The committee’s statement says the Karmapa arrived in Bhutan on October 29. Published reports, however, say he arrived in Paro on October 30. The discrepancy over the date of his arrival remains unresolved.