Dharamshala: As per the program of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, parliamentarians Geshe Lharampa Gowo Lobsang Phende and Phurpa Dorjee Gyaldhong after successfully concluding their official visit to Srinagar and Kargil began their official visit to Ladakh.

Upon their arrival at Leh Ladakh on 10th of October, the Tibetan MPs were received by the Chief Representative Officer (CRO) of Tibetan settlement, Regional Justice Commissioner, Local Tibetan Assembly Chair, Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement President, Regional Dokham Chushi Gangdruk representative, Regional Tibetan Youth Congress President, Regional Tibetan Women Association President, among others. The CRO office hosted a high-tea in honour of the Tibetan MPs and the local dignitaries.

On 11th October, the Tibetan lawmakers paid their visit to TCV school and were received by school’s director, principal, and staff members. They held a meeting at the director’s office where the MPs were briefed on school’s status, followed by a series of visits to school’s office, classrooms, library, clinic, homes (hostel), and others. Thereafter, a public talk followed by Q&A was held by the Tibetan parliamentarians. They also visited old age home and branch school.

In the afternoon, a lunch was hosted by TCV School in honor of the guests, followed by visits to the CRO office, healthcare center, Tibetan Cooperative Society office, BRDL office of Leh-Jang, Regional Tibetan Justice Commission office, Local Tibetan Assembly, Men-Tse-Khang, and Tibetan Cooperative Society shop, theatre & hall.

The next day, October 12th, the MPs continued their official engagements by paying their respects at Phodrang, Karma Drubgyue Choeling Monastery, Shenten Yungdrung Lhatse Bon Monastery, and Ruthok Lhundrup Choeding Monastery. They also visited Leh-Drophen Men-Tsee-Khang, the 6th to 9th camps, and the new settlement projects in Makyu and Chushul.

On October 13th, they were welcomed by the respective camp leaders during their visits to the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 10th, and 12th camps of settlement.

At 2:30 PM, a public meeting was convened at the Ladakh Sonamling Community Hall. The event was attended by over 500 people, including leaders of the regional three pillars of democracy, heads of various organizations, representatives from monasteries, members of non-governmental organizations, and other notable local figures and residents.

The meeting began with an introduction to the general situation in Ladakh by the TSO of the Ladakh Sonamling Tibetan settlement. Following this, Member of Parliament Geshe Lharampa Gowo Lobsang Phende spoke about the great accomplishements of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration. Then, Member of Parliament Gyaldong Phurpa Dorje addressed the audience on the critical situation inside Tibet and the international context.

After the speeches, there was a question-and-answer session where the speakers provided detailed responses and clarifications to questions from the public. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by the chairperson of the Local Tibetan Assembly, marking a successful end to the gathering.

The Tibetan MPs are scheduled to leave from Leh on 14th October, and visit Jangthang Nubma, Kakshung, Goeyul, Hanley, Makyu, Chumur, Sumdoe, and Samedh from 14th to 18th October. On 19th October, they will be concluding their official visit with a program in Leh before heading back to Dharamshala on October 21, 2024.