KATHMANDU: The stolen statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, taken from Gakar Monastery in Dolpa, Karnali Province, has reportedly surfaced in the possession of the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA) of China, according to sources.

Sources within the Department of Archeology in Kathmandu reveal that the culprits, identified as Chinese smugglers, transported the statue to the China Guardian International Auction (CGIA) in Beijing before it ended up in the hands of the NCHA through Chinese authorities.

Despite efforts by the Nepali Embassy in Beijing to negotiate its return, there has been no response from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) government.

The statue, dating back to the 15th Century and originally housed in Gakar Gumba, Dolpa, was stolen on May 25, 2016, from the residence of the monastery’s head.

Its recovery after seven years has reignited fervent appeals from Nepali authorities for its repatriation.

The significance of the statue, deeply ingrained in Nepal’s cultural heritage, extends beyond its material value.

For Buddhists in Nepal, it symbolizes the profound enlightenment (Mahaparinirvana) of Lord Buddha.

This incident underscores a recurring problem of Chinese smugglers plundering historical artifacts from Nepal. Despite evidence provided by the Department of Archeology, China’s lack of action implicates its complicity in protecting these illicit activities.