Dharamshala: On 16 August 2026, members of the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Parliamentarians Tenpa Yarphel and Gyaltsen Choekye Gagya, held a meeting with Tibetans in Gangtok, Sikkim, as part of their official visitation program.

The meeting was attended by Gangtok Tibetan Settlement Officer Jinpa Phuntsok, Local Tibetan Assembly Chair Tsering Wangchuk, representatives of various Tibetan associations and Rumtek Monastery, and members of the local Tibetan community.

An overview of the official visitation program currently being undertaken by members of the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile was provided during the meeting.

In their addresses, the parliamentarians encouraged Tibetans to strengthen their efforts towards the national cause and to preserve and promote the Tibetan language and culture. They also called for the commemoration and honoring of patriotic hero Rangzen Lobga, who self-immolated in pursuit of the restoration of Tibetan independence.

The parliamentarians further outlined the evolution and development of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. They emphasized that, although the 18th Parliament assumed office only a few months ago, its members have been actively fulfilling their duties mandated by law, including advocacy for the Tibetan cause, without neglecting their responsibilities.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the parliamentarians responded in detail to questions and feedback from members of the public and provided necessary clarifications. The program concluded successfully, marking the completion of the official visitation within the jurisdiction of the Gangtok Tibetan Settlement Office.