Kathmandu, October 1:

The 27 idols of Buddha and a stupa brought back from Lhasa is all set to be re-established in its original place at Yetser Jangchur Ling Monastery (YJLM) in Dolpa.

Organ Dorje Gurung, vice chairman of YJLM while talking to The Himalayan Times said, “The idols will be re-established in the YJLM on October 3 in presence of Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA), Prithvi Subba Gurung, higher authorities of the government and some national and international priests.”

“The Ministry of Finance has approved the budget of Rs 530,000 for transportation of the idols but the cabinet is yet to endorse the decision,” he said.

The idols will be transported to Pokhara on October 2 and to Dolpa on a helicopter on October 3, he informed.

People of Saldang VDC are eager to see the idols being re-established in their original places so they must be taken to their destination on time, he said.

The 27 idols had been stolen on August 16, 2005 by some Khampas and had been taken to Tibet from where they were returned back to Nepal on June 21, 2007 after a Tibetan court convicted Khampas — Tashi Funchok, Chhering Funchok, Kunsang, Thaching and Chhewang Sonam and sentenced jail terms and fine for the theft.