425 Sikkimese leave for Delhi to express solidarity with Karmapa

GANGTOK, 01 Feb: A delegation of 425 people, including monks, from Sikkim left today for New Delhi to extend moral support to the team already in New Delhi working for the Karmapa and persevering to register a protest against the speculative reportage by national media [on the Karmapa issue] which was hurting the sentiments of Buddhists all over the world.
This was informed during a press conference convened today by the recently appointed spokesperson of the Karmapa Reception Committee and the Joint Action Committee [for the Karmapa], Thukchuk Lachungpa, today.
Mr. Lachungpa also contended today that the issue of the reincarnation of the Karmapa and the recent issue regarding the recovery of cash from the Gyuto Monastery at Sidhbari were totally different and unrelated issues. “As far as the people are concerned they already have their XVIIth Karmapa in Ogyen Trinley Dorje,” he stated.
He mentioned that the people of Sikkim were unanimous in their support for their spiritual leader, the Karmapa, at this time when he was being hounded by false allegations.
He further maintained that the Karmapa was never directly involved in the financial affairs of the monastery or the Karma Kagyu sect which he heads and that these were maintained by his staff and managers.
He highlighted that the devotees from all around the world made monetary donations to the Karmapa, with several devotees even coming in from mainland China.
He further informed that the Karmapa’s office at Sidhbari had even submitted an application to the central government to regularize the cash donations received by it, but that no response was received to this request. Every detail of the money has been maintained properly, he added.
He also pointed out that except the Chinese Yuans recovered after the raid at Sidhbari Monastery, there is no scrap of evidence to link the Karmapa with China, save his devotees there, who also made these cash donations.
Mr. Lachungpa also reiterated the condemnation of the KRC, JAC and the people at large of the misleading statements and speculations being made by the media at large on this situation.
He reminded people of the massive meeting of Karmapa supporters proposed for 05 February at Old Guards’ Ground at Tathangchen. This meeting, he said, would be a coming together of people in support of the Karmapa and to condemn the media speculations and allegations being leveled at the Karmapa, painting him to be a Chinese spy.
[SAGAR CHHETRI]