Dharamshala: As per the program of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, a delegation comprising parliamentarians Geshe Lharampa Gowo Lobang Phende and Phurpa Dorjee Gyaldhong successfully concluded their official visit to Srinagar and Kargil on 9th October 2024.

Upon their arrival at Srinagar on 7th October, the Tibetan parliamentarians were warmly received by Abdullah Butt, President of the regional Tibetan youth congress, along with his two colleagues. On the next day, parliamentarians Geshe Lharampa Gowo Lobsang Phende and Phurpa Dorjee Gyaldhong accompanied by Abdullah Butt paid a visit to Tibetan Public School and they were received by the school’s principal Abida Ali, teachers, and students.

Addressing the school assembly, MP Geshe Lharampa Gowo Lobsang Phende shared the objective of their official visit, especially about the great accomplishments of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and about the Central Tibetan Administration. While, MP Phurpa Dorjee Gyaldhong shed light on global situation, specifically Tibet’s situation after its occupation by China, advised students to study Tibetan language.

After the ceremony in front of the school, photos were taken with the students. Then, they inspected with classrooms from first to tenth grade, the library, prayer hall, assembly hall, computer training room, as well as the science laboratory.

Additionally, they met with the school principal, secretary, and local dignitaries to learn about the school, specifically discussed methods of teaching the Tibetan language. They gathered opinions and information on these matters. In the afternoon, the two parliament members visited three Tibetan settlements in the Srinagar area for inspection.

On the morning of October 9, 2024, the two parliament members departed from Srinagar and arrived in Kargil in the afternoon. From there, they visited the office of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council in Kargil. They met with Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, the Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Kargil, and Mr. Phunchok Tashi, the Executive Councillor for Rural Development Department and Zanskar Development Authority, who is from the Zanskar region.

During this meeting, Mr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon inquired about His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s health with great concern. He also expressed his sincere wishes for His Holiness’s swift knee recovery and good health. He further mentioned that a grand palace for His Holiness the Dalai Lama is being constructed in the Zanskar region, which is scheduled to be completed in 2025. At that time, they plan to extend a special invitation to His Holiness to visit Zanskar. He requested the two parliament members to convey this invitation to His Holiness.

Additionally, the two parliament members briefly introduced Mr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon about the critical situation in Tibet, the Tibetan people’s struggle for justice, and their current official visitation program. They also expressed gratitude to Mr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon and other related officials for their support and assistance to the Tibetan market vendors in the area. They appealed for continued support on matters related to the welfare of Tibetan people in the region. In response, Mr. Akhoon assured them that any Tibetan facing difficulties could directly contact them for assistance, and he promised to help. After the meeting, the two parliament members visited the Tibetan market.

Following this, the Tibetan MPs are scheduled visit Tibetan communities in various regions of Ladakh—including Leh, Zanskar, Nubra, Dhurduk, Jangthang Nubma, Kakshung, Goeyul, Hanley, Makyu, Chumur, Sumdoe, and Samedh—from October 11 to 21, 2024.