Here is an update with the prompt response I received (7th August 2024) from Dr. Passang D Phempu of the Ecclesiastical Department of Sikkim. However, I did not receive any responses yet to emails sent to Tibetan exile representatives, other Sikkim representatives,  nor from the Home Office Ministry, India.

In particular, it is disappointing that despite over 800 signatures on this petition, and thousands of  the 17th Karmapa's followers globally and in Tibet and India, the Tibetan exile administrators have not only not responded about the petition, but also do not seem (publicly at least) to be making any real, sustained efforts to raise awareness and change the ongoing blocking of the 17th Karmapa going to Sikkim over the last twenty or so years. Yet, the 14th Dalai Lama and 12th Tai Situpa were recently able to visit Sikkim without any issues, and there was a huge media campaign by them recently during the 14th Dalai Lama's visit to the USA too. 

As you can see from the photo posted of all the Karma Kagyu monastic institutions/monastics following the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, at an online teaching yesterday, the vast majority of legitimate and recognised Karma Kagyu institutions and centres, monks, nuns and laypeople, in Tibet, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Asia generally, is unquestionable and real. So why is he still unable to visit there,and why no substantive reasons yet given publicly by anyone regarding his twenty years absence there? 

If it is due to the Thaye Dorje group's court cases for Sikkim, or other legal actions by them (as has been stated by a reliable source), people need to know and pressure needs to be put on them to drop their unreasonable and hostile legal actions against the 17th Karmapa and his Karma Kagyu followers.

RESPONSE FROM ECCLESIASTICAL DEPARTMENT OF SIKKIM

Subject: Re: Petition for the Return of HH 17th Gyalwang Karmapa to Sikkim 

Thank you for forwarding the petition concerning the return of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, to Sikkim. We appreciate your dedication to this important cause. 

We are pleased to inform you that the present government under the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang is actively working on this matter. The Chief Minister has been in repeated correspondence with the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, to facilitate the return of His Holiness to Sikkim. The Government of Sikkim recognizes the profound significance of this issue for the thousands of followers of His Holiness in India, worldwide and particularly Sikkim and is committed to ensuring religious freedom and expression. 

Additionally, the Hon’ble Minister for the Ecclesiastical Department, Ven. Sonam Lama, maintains regular correspondence with the Office of His Holiness. On the auspicious occasion of His Holiness's previous birthday, the Hon’ble Minister had also arranged a video conference with His Holiness, during which he formally requested His Holiness to visit Sikkim. The Hon’ble Minister’s team which also includes the Ecclesiastical Department has been working tirelessly in coordinated efforts to make necessary arrangements in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, to facilitate His Holiness's return to Sikkim. 

We understand the urgency and importance of this matter for the people of Sikkim and are dedicated to making His Holiness’s return a reality. Your support and advocacy are greatly appreciated as we continue our efforts. We look forward to keeping you updated on any progress. 

 Best regards,

Secretary, Ecclesiastical Department , Govt. of Sikkim