New Delhi: The Executive Body Meeting of Tibet Support Group of Arunachal Pradesh (TSGAP) was held under the Chairmanship of Shri Tarh Tarak, President of Tibet Support Group of Arunachal Pradesh, in Itanagar, on 19 November 2023.
Shri R. Khrimey, former MP and National Convener, Core Group for Tibetan Cause – India (CGTC-I); Shri Tenzin Tsundue, Tibetan activist and writer; Dr. Leiky Wangchuk, Chairman, State Food Commission and President of Itanagar Buddhist Culture Society (IBCS); Shri Dorjee Phuntso, President of Mon Mimang Tsokpa (CBO of Monpas); Er. Pema Dorjee Khochi, President of Tuting Memba Welfare Society (CBO of Memba Community); Shri Anok Wangsa, Ex. Minister and Chairman of State Level Vigilance & Monitoring Committee; Shri Sambu Siongju, State President, Minority Morcha; new executive members of TSGAP and well-wishers attended the meeting.
Shri R. K. Khrimey, the National Convener of Core Group for Tibetan Cause – India, who was present as the special guest commended the formation of a new team of TSGAP under the presidentship of Shri Tarh Tarak, State BJP Vice-President. At the same time, he encapsulated the Tibet-China conflict in his remark, saying, “Some organisations and groups are demanding freedom for Tibet and some are demanding autonomy from the PRC. And we, as an activist, want a solution to Tibet.” He further said, “His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is the longest guest of the Government of India and so are the Tibetan refugees. They never encroached single inch of land in India and refrained from applying for Indian citizenship to continue their struggle for freedom.” Hence, Shri Khrimey stressed creating awareness of the Tibetan struggle among younger generations while underlining the potency of Indians’ voices in supporting Tibet’s strive for freedom. He also condemned the Chinese atheist government’s attempt to appropriate the right to recognise the reincarnation of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama despite having no legitimate rights.
Shri Tarh Tarak, President of TSGAP, briefed his recent visit to Tibet borders and interaction with people of the border area that inspired him to support the Tibetan cause and spoke about the emotional connection Arunachal people share with Tibetans.
Shri Tarak, with an earnest hope in team strength, implored the dignitaries to support the Tibetan freedom struggle with the best effort and further assured to work as per the directive of Core Group for Tibetan Cause – India. He also appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Pema Khandu for all-round development in the country with team spirit and team strength.
Shri Anok Wangsa, former Minister and Chairman SLMC and the founder member of TSGAP, delivered a congratulatory message to the new team and highlighted the Tibetan cause and Tibet issues, stating that, “Tibetan refugees cannot be compared with Chakma-Hajong refugees in the state”. He apprised the new team to have awareness about Tibetans and Tibet issues so that such issues can be raised forward and supported in any forum at any level.
Tibetan activist-cum-writer Tenzin Tsundue, in his address to the executive body meeting of TSGAP, acknowledged their efforts for the greater cause of humanity, particularly Tibetans suffering across the world. Highlighting the Tibetan freedom struggle, he stressed the historical independence of Tibet. He declared that change was necessary in Tibet’s status quo from that of an occupied land. He expressed hope that the Tibetan freedom endeavour would secure freedom from the PRC and that Tibetans should spearhead the struggle. Tibetans with support from the Tibet Support Groups’ movement should intensify the struggle for the desired change. He emphasised, “Tibbat ki Azadi, Bharat ki Suruksha” (Tibet’s freedom to ensure India’s security) and support for the Tibetan cause need to be directed towards both Indian and Tibetan prosperity rather than towards pity.”
Shri Nima Sangey, Secretary General of TSGAP, highlighted the main objective of the formation of TSGAP which is to support the Tibetan Cause on humanitarian grounds. He said that a need of hours is to know Tibet and its struggles and Tibetan issues as very crucial for India. He also deliberated on activities initiated by the Central Tibetan Administration to observe a year-long THANK YOU INDIA in 2018, marking the 60th year in exile since His Holiness the Dalai Lama stepped foot in India. The programmes in 2018 include Pad Yatra (Peace March), Thank You India Public event, Tibet festival, Pray for India, Toward a Green India, Toward a Healthy India, Feed the Hungry, Toward a Clean India, Cover the Cold etc.
He also said that Tibetans called the Tibetan freedom struggle movement “Made in India” and the success of it will be India’s success story. “With our support, the Tibetan cause will definitely boost up the morale of Tibetan leaders in their fight”, he added, while calling all the members to come forward and support the Tibetan freedom struggle. He concluded that TSGAP prays for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama; the quick resolution of the Tibet-China conflict; and the return of His Holiness and exiled Tibetan people to their homeland.
TSGAP consist of 40 new executive members, including President Shri Tarh Tarak, Secretary General Shri Nima Sangey, Advisors, Vice-Presidents, Secretaries, Assistant Secretaries, Coordinators, Co-Coordinators, Convener, Co-Conveners, Media advisors and Legal Advisors. The members were selected from the prominent personalities of the state, such as former Ministers, former MLAs, Corporators (IMC Itanagar), former panchayat leaders and Govt. officers and officials. The appointment letter was handed over by Shri R. K. Khrimey and Shri Tarh Tarak in the presence of dignitaries.
Besides, Ngawang Tsering Shakspo, the Director of Centre for Research on Ladakh and Sabu Solitarian Guest House, Museum and Library; Shri Tarh Tago, Convener TSGAP; Smt. Tadar Hanghi, Corporation Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC); and Vice-President of TSGAP also addressed the occasion.
During the meeting, the members observed two minutes of silence to pay homage to Tibetan self-immolators.
-Report filed by ITCO, New Delhi