Poanta: Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Pema Jungney attended the 2nd Meeting of Indo-Tibetan Friendship Society of Sirmaur district (North India) in Poanta Cholsum Settlement as a Chief Guest.
Speaker was invited jointly by the Settlement Officers of Paonta Cholsum, Puruwala, Satun and Kamrao Tibetan Settlement of Sirmaur district (North India). Guest of Honor at the meeting was Choekyong Wangchuk, Health Kalon of CTA and special Guest was Gita Ram Thakur, General Secretary, ITFS.

Speaker thanked the Indo-Tibetan Friendship Society, founded on 1986, for inviting him to the 2nd meeting after 33 years of its establishment.

He greeted the guests, participants, and also payed reverence to the members of Indo-Tibetan Friendship Society of Sirmaur district who could not attend the meeting.

Speaker further briefed about the ancient historical ties of India and Tibet. He spoke about Indo-Tibetan relation in the field of religion, culture, social, and, environment.

Since India and Tibet have Teacher pupil’s relation (Guru Chela), as always said by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. In 1959, Tibetans who fled China’s oppression took refuge in India, the land of Teacher (Guru).

In the past 60 years, many Tibetans have taken shelter in various states of India. The first generation Tibetans had worked hard to protect the Tibetan culture, religion and language and also the second and third generation Tibetans have been striving to revive and protect Tibetan culture, religion and language, for which the Indo-Tibet Friendship Society has always supported.

Speaker further spoke about the current critical situation inside Tibet, especially since 2008, Tibetans inside Tibet have protested against the harsh policy of China. Till today from 2009, 153 Tibetans have self immolated inside Tibet, which were mostly young Tibetans.

Tibetans inside Tibet are restricted to travel within the territory of Tibet and they are under strict surveillance of CCTVs and security guards in disguise of civilian.

Speaker then talked about the policy of China on environment like blocking and diversion of rivers, which cause severe impact to many Asian countries including India.

He also spoke about the confrontation of Doglam incident by India, which showed India’s power and strength.

Speaker then spoke about the failure of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which was aimed to benefit only China.

Speaker urged them to support the 16th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile’s vision of establishing All India Members of Legislative Assembly’s forum for Tibet, starting states having Tibetan settlements and communities.

Speaker also urged the Indo-Tibetan Friendship Society to spread awareness about Tibet Cause to young Indians by organizing introductory programs to schools and colleges. Till now, with the blessing of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and support from Indian government and people, Tibetans have been able to keep the Tibetan struggle alive.

Finally, Speaker thanked all the participants on behalf of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and prayed for long and healthy life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.