Sikkim Renews Talks With Centre to Facilitate 17th Karmapa’s Return to Rumtek

The Sikkim government has renewed its efforts to bring back the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, to Rumtek Monastery, an issue that has remained unresolved for decades.

Ecclesiastical Affairs Minister Sonam Lama confirmed that the state is working with the Union government to re-establish contact with the Karmapa. Once communication is secured, a formal invitation will be extended on behalf of the state.

Lama recently met Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju in New Delhi. He stated that Shah expressed willingness to personally communicate with the Karmapa if official channels succeed.

A dedicated committee has been formed under Lama’s leadership, with around ₹1 crore allocated in the state budget to support the initiative, continuing a trend of annual allocations.

For Sikkim’s Buddhist community, the Karmapa’s return holds immense religious significance. Rumtek, rebuilt in the 1960s by the 16th Karmapa, has stood without its spiritual head for over four decades due to succession disputes.

Recognised by the Dalai Lama, Ogyen Trinley Dorje fled Tibet in 1999, lived under Indian protection, and later acquired Dominican citizenship. His return since leaving India in 2017 has been hindered by citizenship and visa complications.