DHARAMSHALA: Jonangpas appealing for a seat in the Tibetan Parliament on the basis of their distinct religious tradition have suspended their sit-in after Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay, Speaker Penpa Tsering and Deputy Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel offered them water this morning.

Mr. Tsangyang Gyatso, President of the Jonang Well Being Association, explained that they are temporarily calling off their sit-in based on the advices of the Gaden Phodrang, the Kashag, the Tibetan Parliament and the desires expressed by general devotees of the tradition.

Jonangpas have been appealing for an amendment in the Tibetan Charter to provide seats for the tradition in the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile.

They have also submitted a seven-point petition to be met by the Tibetan Parliament. Out of which four of the points – to allot same number of seats during special meetings, to allot same number of seats during religious meetings, to teach about Jonang tradition in Tibetan schools, and provide equal seats in the Tibetan Buddhist scholars committee – have been accepted.

However, the Tibetan Parliament has not accepted to provide parliamentary seats for the tradition, upholding their earlier resolution. At that time, the Speaker allowed time for deliberations but none of the parliamentarians availed the opportunity. So, the request was not adopted.