Dharamshala: As per the program of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, a delegation consisting of parliamentarians Dhondup Tashi and Tsering Yangchen successfully concluded their periodical visit to Tibetan settlements, communities, and winter business traders in Northern Indian states.

Upon their arrival in Poanta Tibetan settlement on 9th February, the MPs were warmly welcomed by Settlement Officer Gelek Jamyang, Chagzoe Tenphel of Shalu Gonpa, Head Master Dorjee Damdul of Sambhota Tibetan School, Head of the Poanta Cholsum Industrial Society, alongside representatives of Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement, Lhamo (opera) Association, Regional Tibetan Women Association, Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, and local leaders.

On 10th Feb, the MP began their program paying obeisance at the Shalu monastery and visiting Men-Tsee-Khang, offices, settlement, and Sambhota Tibetan school. Thereafter, a public meeting was held where MP Dhondup Tashi discussed how the current Middle Way Approach policy of the Central Tibetan Administration is not only beneficial for quickly resolving the Tibet-China conflict, but also emphasized that the essence of the Middle Way Approach is to unite the three traditional provinces of Tibet and preserve Tibetan language, culture, and traditions. He mentioned that this is crucial for the survival of the Tibetan people and the continuation of their struggle.

MP Tsering Yangchen spoke about the 8th World Parliamentarians’ Convention on Tibet held in Washington DC in 2022, where parliamentarians from many countries participated in discussions about Tibet and issued declaration. She also mentioned the recent reconstitution of the All-Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet, including the election of new convener and co-convener, indicating strong support and attention.

On 11th Feb, two Parliament Members departed from Poanta and visited the Tibetan winter market in Jagadhri, the Tibetan traders’ market in Ambala, and the new Tibetan Colony in Ambala. During a public meeting, they were joined by Arun Joshi, the President of the Bharat Tibat Sahyog Manch of Haryana state, and member Rawat. Additionally, Ravi Choudhari, the President of the local Gandhi Market, and his associate Arjun Choudhari were also present. The two Parliament Members presented ceremonial scarves (khatas) and expressed gratitude for their support of Tibet. In response, these officials assured their continued support for the Tibetan cause and promised to provide whatever assistance possible to the local Tibetan traders. The news of these meetings with local Indian officials was also reported in Indian media outlets.

On 12th February, they visited the Tibetan markets in Patiala and Chandigarh, where they learned that Tibetan traders in Chandigarh were facing challenges due to poor business and high market rents, with their leases set to expire on 17th February. In response, Kamaljit Singh Panchhi (leader of the minority community) facilitated a meeting with Amit Kumar, IAS, Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh, to address the grievances of the Tibetan traders. The Commissioner agreed to extend the lease for an additional week and reduced the market rent by one lakh rupees. Later that evening, the MPs met with DC Nishant Yadav of Chandigarh to discuss support for Tibetan residents and advocate for the just cause of Tibet. The DC shared his experience of having met His Holiness the Dalai Lama and assured his full assistance and support. They also visited Tibetan market in Mohali.

On 14th February, the MPs visited Delek House, a patient hostel of Delek Hostel in Chandigarh, as well as branch of Men-Tsee-Khang. In the afternoon, they departed to Ludhiana and were welcomed by Tibetan Refugee Trader’s Association’s executive committee members Lobsang Choezin and Seldon, and its secretary Tenzin Kunsang. The MPs were introduced to their office and to their ongoing project of hotel construction.

On 15th February, the two parliament members met with some long-time Indian merchants in Ludhiana. They thanked the merchants for providing reasonable prices and payment terms to Tibetan winter traders over the past 40-50 years, as well as maintaining mutual trust and friendly relations. The Indian merchants expressed that most Tibetans are honest and kind-hearted people and mentioned how they have a mutually beneficial relationship in terms of trade and cash flow. However, they noted that in the past 5 years or so, there has been an increasing challenge with more people returning unsold goods.

The two parliament members successfully completed their official periodic visitation program and returned to Dharamshala.