Dharamshala: Members of the Sirmour Indo-Tibetan Friendship Society are on a two-day visit to Dharamshala to receive an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and visit the Central Tibetan Administration and its leadership.

This morning, the delegation led by Advocate Aninder Singh Notty (President of Vypar Madal, Paonta Sahib) and Narinder Pal Singh (Director of The Scholar Homes School, Paonta Sahib) met with Kalon (Minister) Norzin Dolma and Secretary Karma Choeying of the Department of Information and International Relations for an hour-long interaction, during which, Kalon Norzin enlightened them about the organisational structure and functions of the CTA and the various departments under its jurisdiction. She highlighted the twin objectives or the primary task of the current administration which is to resolve the long-standing Sino-Tibet conflict and take care of the welfare of Tibetans in exile.

Kalon talked about the Middle Way Approach as the fundamental political stand of the CTA in resolving the Sino-Tibet conflict. The gathering was also acquainted with the prevailing situation inside Tibet including the recent hardline policies implemented by the CCP such as the imposed mass DNA collection of Tibetans as young as five and the enforced assimilation of Tibetan children into the vast network of colonial boarding schools designed to culturally uproot them.

Kalon further talked about the significance of the Tibet issue to the international community and the global support received by Tibet through the efforts and advocacy of Tibet support groups. While stressing Tibet’s deep cultural ties with India since ancient times, Kalon thanked the government and the people of India for their consistent kindness and generosity.

Secretary Karma Choeying explained to the gathering the indispensable role of India Tibet Coordination Office in Tibet’s struggle for freedom through its coordination with the various Tibet Support Groups across India. He urged the visiting members of the Sirmour Indo-Tibetan Friendship Society to forge close connections with ITCO for future initiatives and programs.

Following the interaction, the visiting delegation was led on a tour of the Tibet Museum and TibetTV broadcasting studio.

This visit was facilitated by the settlement officers of the Sirmour district-TSO Gelek Jayang of Poanta settlement, TSO Tenzin Namgyal of Puruwala settlement, TSO Rapten Tsering of Kamrao settlement and TSO Sonam Wangdue of Sataun settlement.