Nepali Authorities Demand Return of Stolen Buddha Statue Unearthed in China

In a development that has stirred both outrage and urgency, the stolen statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, pilfered from the sacred grounds of Gakar Monastery in Dolpa, Karnali Province, has resurfaced in the possession of the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA) of China.

Reports from sources within the Department of Archaeology in Kathmandu unveil a troubling trail of illicit trade, alleging that Chinese smugglers orchestrated the statue’s clandestine journey to the China Guardian International Auction (CGIA) in Beijing. Subsequently, it found its way into the inventory of the NCHA, raising eyebrows and ire alike.

Despite fervent appeals and diplomatic endeavors by the Nepali Embassy in Beijing, the Chinese government has thus far remained unyielding, refusing to acknowledge or act upon requests for the statue’s repatriation.

The statue’s origins trace back to the hallowed halls of Gakar Gumba in Dolpa, its venerable presence dating back to the 15th century. Its brazen theft from the sanctuary’s custodian on May 25, 2016, has left a lingering scar on Nepal’s cultural legacy, a wound exacerbated by its recent unearthing.

Beyond its material value, the significance of the statue transcends earthly bounds, holding profound spiritual resonance for Nepali Buddhists. It embodies the pinnacle of Lord Buddha’s journey – his Mahaparinirvana, his ultimate enlightenment – making its retrieval not merely a legal imperative but a spiritual calling.