DHARAMSHALA: Mr. Tashi Phuntsok, Secretary, Department of Information and International Relations, Central Tibetan Administration, highlighted the close historical bond shared by the Tibetan people with Himachal Pradesh during a meeting with visiting Tibet supporters from the state.

A six-member delegation from Mandi and Rewalsar chapter of Tibet support group based in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh is currently on a two-day visit to Dharamshala, the seat of the Central Tibetan Administration.

Expressing his gratitude to the show of support by the visiting delegation, DIIR Secretary explained the spiritual and historical affinity shared by the Tibetan people with Himachal Pradesh especially the regions of Mandi, Relwasar and Kullu/Manali.

“The Tibetan people are familiar with Mandi and Rewalsar as it is a sacred pilgrimage site for them. Moreover, the Tibetan people built the first tarred-roads in these areas during the early stages of exile. Therefore, we share a rich association,” he said.

DIIR Secretary also explained the delegation about the on-going budget session of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, and apprised them about Middle Way Approach, the official policy of the Central Tibetan Administration to resolve the Tibet issue with China.

The delegation, on their part, suggested more cultural exchanges and interaction between the communities to foster further kinship and co-operation.

The delegation earlier visited the Tibetan parliament to witness the ongoing budget session and met with the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House.

The six-member delegation comprised of advocate Mr. Vishal Thakur, Mr. Dinesh Kumar, Mr. Desh Raj, and Mr. B.R Kaundal, from Mandi; and, Mr. Bansi Lal Thakur and Mr. Tej Singh Thakur from Rewalsar. Mr. Tenzin Lekshay, the settlement officer of Mandi, along with representatives from the local Tibetan assembly and associations accompanied the delegation.

Earlier, members of Tibet support groups from Bir, Chauntra and Kullu, have visited the Central Tibetan Administration on similar excursions. These visits are aimed to forge closer ties between the Tibetan and Indian communities to educate each other about their cultural heritage and garner continued support on the Tibet issue among the Indian public