Dharamshala: As part of their ongoing official visitation to the Hunsur Rabgyaling Tibetan Settlement, Parliamentarians Khenpo Kada Ngedup Sonam and Lhamo Tsering Kongtsa visited 15 camps and villages within the settlement on 26 August.
The Parliamentarians were warmly received at 9:00 AM by the Chair of the Local Tibetan Assembly, Secretary of the Tibetan Settlement Office, two local leaders (chi-mi) and the Accountant. They subsequently visited 15 villages, from Village A to Village P, as well as the IT/Computer Department.
During their visit to each village, the Parliamentarians were welcomed by local monastic and lay members of the community. They addressed the public on a range of important issues, including health and healthcare awareness, the long-term sustainability of the settlement, adherence to the laws of the host country and the rules and regulations of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), and the promotion and development of cooperative initiatives.
Despite the considerable distances between the various camps and the limited time of approximately 15 minutes allocated to each village, the Parliamentarians spent nearly five hours visiting the different areas of the settlement, enabling them to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the villages.
The Parliamentarians visited the following villages and areas:
- Village F (Rinchengang) — 173 residents
- Village H (Samtenling) — 160 residents
- Village B (Kyidrongling) — 133 residents
- Village E (Tashigang) — 200 residents
- Village C (Paljor Rabten) — 60 residents
- Village A (Dundupling) — 141 residents
- Village D (Dekyiling) — 125 residents
- Village P — Resettlement Project Area
- Village J (Ganden Khangsar) — 97 residents
- Village K (Puntsokling) — 44 residents
- Village I (Sampelling) — 70 residents
- Village L (Delek Rabten) — 85 residents
- Village N (Jampaling) — 79 residents
- Villages M and O (Samdrupling and Tashi Rabten) — 117 residents combined
At 3:00 PM, a consultative meeting was convened with local officials and representatives of various civil society organisations.
Speaking at the meeting, Parliamentarian Khenpo Kada Ngedup Sonam highlighted the responsibilities of public servants and the importance of maintaining an appropriate sense of responsibility and service among settlement representatives and staff. He also spoke on ways to strengthen and advance cooperative initiatives within the settlement.
Parliamentarian Lhamo Tsering Kongtsa emphasised the importance of integrity in public service, effective cooperative administration, and organisational development.
The meeting was attended by the Chair of the Local Tibetan Assembly, Secretary of the Settlement Office, President of the Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement (BRDL), Chagzoe of Dzongkar Choede Monastery, Principal of Sambhota Tibetan School, Director of the Local Primary Health Center, Resident Doctor of Men-Tsee-Khang, President of the Milk Cooperative, camp leaders, President of the Sports Club, President of the Veterans Association, and Presidents of the Regional Tibetan Women’s Association (RTWA) and Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (RTYC).
Following their presentations, the Parliamentarians responded to questions and concerns raised by the participants. In their concluding remarks, the Parliamentarians provided guidance on the overall situation of the settlement, the need to strengthen communication and mutual understanding between local officials and the public, and the importance of maintaining unity among Tibetans from all three traditional provinces of Tibet.
They particularly urged the public to uphold and put into practice the final testament and aspirations of the late patriot Rangzen Lobga. The meeting concluded at 5:30 PM.
