Mt Khangchendzonga ‘violated’ by Pakistani climber: Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee seeks purification

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.

Also Read: Sikkim tribal students earn national spotlight after excelling in mountaineering course

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.