Arunachal Pradesh: On 2 November 2024, Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration began his official tour of Northeast India and arrived at the Tenzingang Tibetan Settlement at 3 PM on 3 November. At the main entrance of Gyuto Monastery in Tenzingang, he received a warm welcome from Local Tibetan Settlement Officer Rabten Tsering, Local Assembly Chairman Phuntsok Tsering, the Treasurer of Gyuto Monastery, as well as local residents and students.

At Gyuto Monastery, Sikyong was served traditional welcome refreshments and tea. He discussed settlement-related matters with the local officials before addressing a public gathering at the community hall. The Local Settlement Officer Rabten Tsering first delivered a welcome speech and presented a brief work report. In his address, Sikyong Penpa Tsering noted that he has had the opportunity to visit Arunachal Pradesh once since taking on the role of Sikyong. He conveyed that he had decided to embark on the official tour of Northeast India in conjunction with the inauguration ceremony for the new temple at Thubchok Gatsel Ling in Bomdila on 4 November. He stated, “By electing me as Sikyong, you entrusted me with a great responsibility. Since my early years, guided by my parents and, above all, with the blessing of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, I have had the privilege to serve the Tibetan cause. As we move forward, it is crucial that we remember and honour His Holiness’s vision and compassion in all that we do”.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering introduced the 16th Kashag’s policies and explained that they follow the Middle Way Approach in accordance with His Holiness’s vision and guidance. He also briefed on the Middle Way Policy and discussed Tibet’s global strategic importance geopolitics, and mentioned China’s construction of the world’s largest water reservoir in Tibet.

When discussing the international perspective on Tibet, he noted that recent legislation passed by the U.S. government on Tibet-China relations signals several vital points. First, the U.S. government acknowledges the Tibet-China conflict as an ongoing issue requiring a resolution, one that should be addressed through international law. Additionally, the legislation upholds Tibetans’ right to self-determination, including the authority to make decisions concerning the reincarnation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The legislation further rejects China’s historical claim over Tibet. It clarifies that “Tibet” should encompass all three traditional provinces, U-Tsang, Kham, and Amdo, instead of solely the Tibet Autonomous Region.

Sikyong explained that when international leaders assert Tibet as part of China, it eliminates the basis for genuine dialogue between Tibet and China. He stressed the importance of Tibetans actively raising these issues to the world. However, he noted that effective communication with the international community requires first understanding international affairs and the circumstances within the Tibetan community, including staying informed through available information channels. Sikyong also refuted China’s portrayal of Tibet as a “political paradise,” comparing current policies in Tibet to the totalitarianism depicted in George Orwell’s 1984. He mentioned the recent arrests of monks and nuns from Kirti Monastery, who were detained for sharing photographs of school closures in Tibet. Sikyong Penpa Tsering also emphasized the need for accurate population records in Tenzin Gang and reliable student enrollment figures. After addressing questions from the public, he visited the Local Tibetan Administration office and the new dormitory at Sambhota Tibetan School, Tenzin Gang.