Dharamshala: As per the program of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, a delegation consisting of MP Dhondup Tashi and MP Tsering Yangchen sucessfully concluded their periodical visit to Tibetans in Shimla from 2nd to 4th February, 2025. During their visit, the MPs met with several key officials, including the Honorable Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla; the Speaker of the Vidhan Sabha, Shri Kuldeep Singh Pathania; and the Revenue Minister, Shri Jagat Singh Negi, among others.

Upon their arrival at Shimla Airport on 2nd February, the MPs were warmly received by Shimla’s Chief Representative Officer, Tsewang Phuntsok, and local Tibetan Assembly member, Pema Dorjee. They were further welcomed at their hotel by representatives from the Jonang Takten Phuntsokling monastery, the president of the Regional Tibetan Women’s Association, the Doctor of Shimla Men-Tsee-Khang, and other local Tibetan leaders.

In the afternoon, the MPs paid their respects at Jonang Takten Phuntsokling Monastery and Dorje Drak Monastery. They also visited the Jonang Takten Old Age Home, the residents of Yangchen Gatseling, and the Chief Representative Office of Shimla.

On 3rd February, the MPs met with Shri Kuldeep Singh Pathania, the Speaker of the Vidhan Sabha, and presented him with a Tibetan parliament souvenir and publications. During the meeting, the MPs expressed their heartfelt gratitude to India and its people, particularly to Himachal Pradesh and its citizens, for their unwavering support and assistance to the Tibetan community and cause. They also briefed the Speaker on the ongoing human rights violations, religious restrictions, and the destruction of basic freedoms in Tibet. Additionally, they highlighted the policies aimed at the Sinicization of Tibet and Tibetans, which have led to the erosion of Tibetan religion, culture, environment, and nationality.

Speaker Pathania assured the Tibetan MPs of the state government’s continued support to the Tibetan community, emphasizing that Tibetans in the state are an integral part of Himachal Pradesh. He expressed his concern over the critical situation in Tibet and its potential impact on India. The Speaker also conveyed his desire to visit Dharamshala in the future. Following the meeting, the Tibetan MPs were given a tour of the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha hall.

In the evening, the Tibetan MPs paid a courtesy call on Himachal Pradesh’s Hon’ble Governor, Shri Shiv Pratap Singh Shukla. During their meeting, the MPs expressed their gratitude to the Governor for hosting His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamshala, and 14 Tibetan settlements across the state for many decades. They thanked the government and the people of Himachal Pradesh for their continued support and assistance to the Tibetan community. The MPs also raised concerns about some of the challenges faced by Tibetans in the state, particularly regarding documentation issues in Shimla. The Governor assured them of his best efforts in addressing the issue and reiterated his unwavering support for the Tibetan cause.

This was followed by a courtesy call on Shri Jagat Singh Negi, the Revenue Minister of Himachal Pradesh, where the importance of properly implementing two key policies was discussed: the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy 2014, established by the Government of India, and the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy, Himachal Pradesh 2015, introduced by the Himachal Pradesh State Government. The Minister listened attentively to the concerns and assured that assistance would be provided to Tibetan refugees.

On February 4th, the Members of Parliament (MPs) held a public gathering at the hall of Sambhota Tibetan School (STS) in Shimla. The event was attended by the Principal, teachers, and staff of STS, heads of the Local Tibetan Assembly and Tibetan NGOs, local Tibetan leaders from Yangchen Gatseling Tibetan Settlement, and the general public. During their addresses, MP Tsering Yangchen discussed the global status of the Tibetan issue and the role of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, while MP Dhondup Tashi spoke about the current situation in Tibet and the policy of the Central Tibetan Administration. The public talk was followed by a Q&A session.

After the public meeting, the MPs conducted an inspection of Sambhota Tibetan School (STS) and successfully concluded their periodic visit to Shimla. Their program will continue in Solan and Dolanji in the following days.