Dharamshala: A joint committee of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and the Kashag (Cabinet) met today, 17 August 2026, to discuss preparations for an official prayer service at the Main Temple (Tsuglagkhang) and a peace march from McLeod Ganj to the Dharamsala Police Ground scheduled on 20 August 2026. The program will mark the 49th day since the passing of Tibetan martyr Lobga Rangzen, who self-immolated in front of the United Nations Headquarters in New York on 2 July 2026.

As previously announced on 7 August 2026, the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and the Kashag will jointly organise the prayer service and peace march to offer prayers and pay respects to the late martyr, as well as to all those inside and outside Tibet who have sacrificed their lives, bodies, and resources for the Tibetan cause, religion, and nation. The program will also serve as a peaceful expression of protest against China’s policies in Tibet, particularly the so-called “Ethnic Unity and Progress Law.”

The joint committee comprises Parliamentarians Geshe Lharampa Atuk Tseten, Lobsang Thupten Pontsang, and Gonpo Dhundup, along with Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) Secretary Karma Rinchen, Department of Health Secretary Jampa Phuntsok, and Department of Finance Secretary Thupten Tsering.

The committee will be assisted by Department of Security Joint Secretary Jigme Gyatso and Dharamshala Tibetan Settlement Officer Kunchok Migmar.

The joint committee was appointed by the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, along with the Sikyong of the Central Tibetan Administration to coordinate and oversee preparations for the prayer service and peace march.