Gangtok: Prominent tribal leader and social activist Tseten Tashi has made an urgent public appeal for the immediate suspension of any proposed expeditions to Mount Khangchen Dzongna, a peak considered sacred by the indigenous communities of Sikkim.
Issuing a strongly worded statement on Thursday, Tashi warned that any attempt to scale the mountain would be a direct affront to the religious beliefs and cultural identity of the Bhutia and Lepcha people.
Amid growing concern over reports of a possible expedition—allegedly involving the Indian Army—Tashi revealed that he had already dispatched formal letters to the Governor of Sikkim, the Chief Minister, and the Secretary of the Ecclesiastical Department. He urged the state’s highest authorities to intervene swiftly to preserve the sanctity of what he described as a “living symbol” of Sikkimese spiritual heritage.
Mount Khangchen Dzongna, often revered as the Guardian Deity of Sikkim, holds a sacred status that transcends its physical presence. For generations, the Bhutia and Lepcha communities have worshipped the mountain, considering it a divine entity rather than a geographical landmark. According to Tashi, scaling the peak is not only culturally insensitive but also violates the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which protects places of religious significance from desecration.
Recalling earlier decisions, Tashi reminded that the Sikkim government had officially restricted expeditions to the mountain in 2001, a move that was later reinforced by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2019. He emphasized the need for these protections to be upheld in order to maintain harmony and respect among the region’s diverse cultural groups.
Beyond spiritual concerns, Tashi also highlighted the environmental fragility of the Himalayan region. Referring to the recent Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) disaster that caused widespread damage in Sikkim, he cautioned that any human activity on or near the sacred peak could trigger further ecological consequences. He stressed that the risks to local communities and ecosystems far outweigh the potential glory of any summit attempt.
His call for action has resonated widely, with support pouring in from civil society, cultural institutions, and religious organizations across the state. Many have echoed his sentiments, arguing that preserving the sanctity of Mount Khangchen Dzongna is not merely a matter of faith, but also of identity, tradition, and environmental stewardship.
One elder from West Sikkim, voicing the community’s collective sentiment, remarked, “We do not see this mountain as just rock and snow. It is our protector, our guide—a sacred presence in our lives. To climb it is to dishonor our ancestors.”
Tashi concluded his appeal by urging unity among all Sikkimese to defend their cultural heritage. “This is not a protest against progress,” he said. “It is a plea for respect—for our beliefs, for our environment, and for the generations to come.”
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