Dharamshala: The Kashag and the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile jointly offered an official prayer service at the Main Temple (Tsuglagkhang) and organized a peace march from McLeod Ganj to the Dharamsala Police Ground today, 20 August 2026.

The program marked 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.

The prayer service and peace march paid respects to the late martyr and to all those inside and outside Tibet who have sacrificed their lives, bodies, and resources for the Tibetan cause, religion, and nation. The events also served as a peaceful expression of protest against China’s policies in Tibet, particularly the so-called “Ethnic Unity and Progress Law.”

Organised by the Central Tibetan Administration along with the Tibetan Youth Congress, the closing program “Honouring the Enduring Aspirations of the Tibetan Martyrs” was held at the Dharamsala Police Ground. The program began with the singing of the Indian and Tibetan national anthems, followed by a one-minute silence to mourn and honor the heroic men and women of Tibet.

Speeches were delivered by Shri Ajit Nehria, President of the Indo-Tibetan Friendship Association, Dharamsala; Tashi Dhargyal, Vice President of the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC); and Shri Shamsher Singh Nehria, Mayor of the Dharamsala Municipal Corporation.

A message from Shri Shanta Kumar, former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, India, was read by Additional Secretary Tenzin Norbu. This was followed by the Kashag’s statement delivered by Sikyong Penpa Tsering and the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile’s statement delivered by Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Tenzin Lobsang, General Secretary of the Tibetan Youth Congress, followed by the chanting of the “Words of Truth” prayer, accompanied by music performed by Upper TCV School.