The primary responsibility of the Department of Security is to ensure the security of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The Department has a Branch Security Office which arranges public audiences with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and helps Tibetan refugees in seeking renewal of their refugee registration certificates from the Government of India. The Department also runs a research unit to monitor developments in Tibet and China.
In addition, the Department of Security runs three Reception Centres to look after the growing number of new refugees arriving from Tibet. The refugees usually arrive first in Nepal, from where they make their way to Dharamsala and other Tibetan communities via Delhi. There are branch reception centres in Kathmandu and Delhi, where new refugees are given food and lodging, and guided to their onward destinations. The Reception Centre also helps the new refugees to find jobs, join schools and monasteries.
Department of Security established in 1959, is one of seven departments within Central Tibetan Administration and it headed by Kalon (Minister). Its main responsibility is to provide security to the person of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and to monitor changes in the exile Tibetan community as well as inside occupied Tibet. I am extremely glad to acknowledge that to date no untoward incident has happened to the security of His Holiness due to unwavering support and assistance from Government of India and various State Governments and also dedication and alertness of all concerned staff in the Department.
Though invisible but constant blessings of Tibet’s deities and collective prayers of Tibetan people has also played a significant role in the security of His Holiness. I thank all of them and further appeal them to be ever more vigilant and proactive in their works as security threat is projected to increase in a rapidly evolving and changing socio-political environment aided by our emboldened adversary.
It is but natural that every human society has its own internal dynamics, which produces its share of divergent views and dissension, and Tibetan community is no exception to them. However, it is our responsibility to remain alert and take necessary measures to prevent any threat to the larger cause of Tibet and interest of its people. It is superfluous to state the importance of unity among us for our struggle and therefore, we must ensure localism and sectarian issues do not flare up.
It is also strategically important for us to maintain cordial relationship with local people and to abide by prevailing laws and customs of host countries. However, we have been observing that many Tibetans in frantic pursuit of their desire to migrate to western countries by all means are using fraudulent methods to obtain visas. Many of them also get duped by unscrupulous agents taking huge amount of money. I request all the Tibetans to use legal and proper channels for obtaining necessary documents and to avoid unnecessary troubles for oneself and also to the larger community.
I may also reiterate here that as His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s overall schedule is very rigid throughout the year devoting as much time as possible on international engagements and whatever time he finds in between should be used for rest and recuperation, therefore, I appeal all my fellow Tibetans to refrain from seeking audience and inviting Him for any program unless it is very important and has national significance.
Finally, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all my colleagues at the Department and other concerned officials. Thank You.
Mail:
Secretary
Department of Security
Central TIbetan Administration
Dharamshala-176215 H.P., India
Tel: +91-1892-226186, 222254, 224954
Fax: +91-1892-223038
E-mail: [email protected] / [email protected]
