Gangtok: It sent a wave of shock among villagers when 62 lamas (monks) from their hostel were found infected with COVID 19 on Friday evening.
They had to be taken to Govt facility centre, Saramsa today supported by Sub Divisional Magistrate Robin Sewa. The monks from Gonjang Gumpa (monastery), at an altitude of 6066 on the North Sikkim highway got all infected together as they pray, dine together and have common bathrooms.
“It would be preferable it after recovery all the lama kids and young ones are sent home and to their respective families instead of Gumpa Hostel,” said Minister Forest Karma Loday, also representing the Kabi –Lungchuk area.However, T Gonjang Rinpochey (monk of higher divinity) controls the management and they have Community Health Care Centre also.
In the meantime, 37 monks from Rumtek monastery, the historical seat of the Karmapas, are also down with COVID19. All are undergoing treatment.
