SIBLAC demands action after Pakistani climber’s ascent of sacred Khangchendzonga, calls for purification ritual

The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has voiced its concern over the ascent of Mount Khangchendzonga by a Pakistani climber, calling it a direct threat to the religious beliefs and security interests of the state and the country.

Speaking to reporters, SIBLAC General Secretary Sangay Gyatso Bhutia said that Pakistani mountaineer Naila Kiani reached the summit of Khangchendzonga on May 23, 2025, an act he described as highly sensitive and deeply disrespectful to Sikkimese faith.

“Khangchendzonga is not just a mountain for us; it is our guardian deity. The summit is considered sacred, and in the past, climbers have shown respect by not stepping on the peak,” Bhutia said. “But this time, we are extremely disappointed. First, on May 18, there was an expedition led by a group from Nepal. Then on May 23, a Pakistani national summited the peak and reportedly placed a flag there. This is a matter of serious concern,” he added.

Bhutia said SIBLAC is now deeply pessimistic about how the issue is being handled. He questioned whether the state and central governments are taking the matter seriously, and expressed doubts about their commitment. “If the government is serious, they don’t have to do anything extraordinary. All they need to do is involve the Resident Commissioner in Delhi and follow up with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs,” he said.

SIBLAC has also requested that the matter be pursued legally under the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, as they believe the religious sanctity of the peak has been violated. “In the past, we had to fight similar cases ourselves. Our convenor had to sell his land to afford legal expenses. That should not happen again. The state government has the resources. If they care about the people of Sikkim, they must act now,” Bhutia said.

He also referred to past examples where expedition teams stopped short of the actual summit out of respect for local sentiments. “Even when people climbed from different routes, they always respected our beliefs and did not step on the summit. That is what matters — not the route, but the summit,” he explained.

Reacting to criticism that some Sikkim legislators have not spoken out on the issue, Bhutia clarified that he does not accuse anyone directly but believes some may be unaware of the seriousness of the matter. “They may not understand that it's not about the path to the mountain — it’s the summit that is sacred. Only SIBLAC is raising this issue now. It’s unfortunate,” he said.

He further warned that allowing foreign climbers from hostile countries to reach such spiritually significant sites can pose a national security risk. “This isn’t just about religion or tradition anymore. There are larger security implications,” Bhutia said.

As a response to the defilement of the sacred site, SIBLAC is organizing a special purification ritual on June 15, which they say is essential to “cleanse and appease” the guardian deity of Mount Khangchendzonga. “We are inviting everyone to take part in the puja. This is our duty, and we hope people will stand with us in protecting our faith and our land,” Bhutia added.

The issue continues to gain attention across Sikkim, with many citizens questioning the silence of political leaders and the lack of immediate action. SIBLAC has assured that they will continue to pursue the matter through legal, religious and political channels until a firm response is taken by authorities.