Shimla, April 11 (HS): A sudden disappearance of two minor monks, aged 12 and 13, from the Jonang Buddhist Monastery in Sanjauli, Shimla, has prompted significant concern. The boys went missing between 12 PM and 2 PM on April 10, leading the local police to register a kidnapping case following a report by Pema Phuntsok, the monastery manager, at the Dhali police station.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), the children were engaged in their routine, without any signs of unusual behavior. After an initial search of the monastery failed to locate them, authorities were alerted. The missing boys hail from Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh and Darjeeling in West Bengal.

The Dhali police have officially registered a case under Section 137(2) of the Indian Penal Code and have associated with the local police in both boys' home states for identification. Investigations have included reviewing nearby CCTV footage, and questioning other monks and staff members. Established in 1963 by Amdo Lama Jinpa, Jonang Takten Phuntsok Choling is the only monastery of its tradition in India and accommodates over 100 monks.

The monastery is steeped in Tibetan Buddhist customs, including the tradition of placing colorful prayer flags on hilltops. The management has expressed deep concern over the disappearance and urges anyone with information to contact the police or monastery management. Meanwhile, local police are committed to every possible effort to locate the missing children.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar