Dharamshala: Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel led Tibetan parliamentary delegation consisting of MP Atuk Tseten, MP Lopon Thupten Gyaltsen, MP Tsanetsang Dhondup Tashi, MP Geshe Ngaba Gangri, MP Geshe Atong Rinchen Gyaltsen, and MP Tsering Yangchen successfully concluded their official Tibet outreach campaign in Delhi from 5 to 9 August 2024.
The delegation, divided into two groups, reached out to 44 prominent Indian leaders. This included 2 Union Ministers, 28 Members of Parliament from 11 different political parties and 1 independent representing 18 different states which included 13 MPs who attended the APIPFT dinner, the Speaker and an MLA of the Delhi Vidhan Sabha, the General Secretary of Bharatiya Janata Party with two of the BJP spokespersons, the General Secretary of the Janata Dal (United), 6 former MPs and MLAs, and two leaders of the Tibet support groups.
They shed light on the grave situation of the Tibetan people under the Chinese Communist regime while highlighting the cordial relationship shared by India and Tibet grounded in geographical, cultural, and religious ties while focusing on the increasing China’s expansionist and aggressive policies and the need of holding the Chinese government accountable for its actions.
Additionally, the Convener and Co-convener of the All Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet (APIPFT) were appointed with the successful revival of the forum. The delegation also visited the new Indian parliament building and observed the ongoing parliament session, the 265th session of Rajya Sabha.
The delegation was accompanied by Tashi Dekyi, Acting Coordinator of India Tibet Coordination Office; Tenzin Paljor and Tenzin Sherab, staff of Tibetan parliamentary secretariat; and Phuntsok Gyatso, Delhi based coordinator of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.