Sikyong addresses the gathering for the prayer service. Photo/CTA/Tenzin Phende

Dharamshala: The Central Tibetan Administration held a prayer service today at the Sikyong Hall to express solidarity and mourn the  death of Tibetans in Tibet due to natural calamities and the resurgence in Covid-19 cases.

5 Tibetans inside Tibet had died due to a flood although the extent of damage to property and livestock has not been reported. Addressing the gathering Sikyong said, “The death  toll from the recent quake in Tibet did not specify how many of them were Tibetans and how many were Chinese. Regardless of nationality, we express solidarity for all those affected by the natural disaster which registered 6.8 on the Richter scale.”

While taking note of the tightened COVID-restrictions, Sikyong  added “The COVID-restrictions have added to the hardship of Tibetans inside Tibet. Though we can not ascertain the number of casualty, I wish all the affected Tibetans and Chinese a swift recovery and release from suffering. Through the Department of Religion, we have issued directive to the settlements to observe a regular prayer service in this regard.”

After the prayer service, all the offices of CTA were closed for the day.

Sikyong and the Kalons lead the prayer service. Photo/CTA/Tenzin Phende

The prayer service in progress. Photo/CTA/Tenzin Phende