NEW YORK: Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the democratically elected political leader of the Tibetan people, spoke to over 300 Tibetan families residing in New York and New Jersey on 10 October. Sikyong is currently in the US to receive the prestigious presidential medal of Salisbury University, Maryland on 13 October.

In his address to the Tibetan community, Sikyong spoke about the structure and functions of the various departments of the Central Tibetan Administration. He said the Central Tibetan Administration is committed to serve the interests of the Tibetan people by addressing their grievances, at the same time working to resolve the Tibet issue by leading the peaceful Tibetan movement.

He also spoke about the Middle Way Approach to resolve the Tibet issue. Sikyong asserted that the Middle Way Approach is mutually beneficial and remains the only viable solution. “The Middle Way Approach straddles a middle path between status quo and independence – one that categorically rejects the present repressive policies of the Chinese government while not seeking separation from the People’s Republic of China,” he said.

He also attributed the growing international support for Tibet to the Middle Way Approach by pointing out the recent resolutions passed by the US Congress. The US Congress recently passed two resolutions expressing support for the Middle Way Approach and urged China to resume the stalled dialogue process with His Holiness the Dalai Lama or his representatives.

Expressing gratitude to the government and people of India for hosting His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people, Sikyong added that India is one of Tibet’s staunchest supporters. He also explained the recent Rehabilitation Policy announced by the central government of India, which ensures the sustenance of the Tibetan settlements in India.

Emphasising his concern at the security threats posed by Dolgyal protesters to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Sikyong said: “For several years now, a few followers of the Dolgyal cult have persistently made baseless allegations against H.H. the Dalai Lama and the CTA.  This campaign reached a new level with demonstrations specifically targeting His Holiness during his visits.”

“CTA treats security threats to His Holiness the Dalai Lama with utmost seriousness. We are doing everything to confront the challenge,” he explained.

Labelling the allegations of discrimination made by the cult followers as baseless and unsubstantiated, Sikyong said: “The monasteries which propitiate Dolgyal exist freely in Tibetan settlements as any other monasteries. They are issued Indian Registration Certificates (RC) which, without discrimination, allows residency in settlements, access to school, health services, scholarships, old age stipend and any other benefits.”

“The children of Dolgyal propitiators study in the Tibetan school system without a single case of expulsion. Moreover, far from denying them their religious freedom, Tibetan Dolgyal propitiators continue to travel within India and abroad on documents issued by the Indian government with the endorsement of the Central Tibetan Administration. Therefore, they have neither been denied their religious freedom nor their rights to live in India and travel abroad,” he said.

Sikyong attended a fundraising gala dinner organised by the Tibetan Community of New York and New Jersey on 9 October. The fundraising was for renovation of the Tibetan community hall of New York and New Jersey.

Sikyong has left New York on 11 for Salt Lake City where he was invited to inaugurate the Utah Tibetan Association’s new community hall.