Arunachal: On the morning of 5 November 2024, Sikyong Penpa Tsering embarked on a journey from Bomdila to Tawang. En route, at the Sela Tunnel, he was warmly received and offered tea by a group of Tibetans led by Tulku Tenzin Gyatso Rinpoche of Thubten Shedup Ling Monastery in Tawang and Lama Tashi Choegyal, the president of the Indo-Tibetan Friendship Association in Tawang. Sikyong was accompanied by Shri Jambey Wangdi, Chairman of the Department of Karmic and Aadhyamic Affairs in the Arunachal Pradesh state government.

Upon his arrival in Tawang later that afternoon, Sikyong visited the Gaden Namgyal Lhatse Monastery, toured the Gaden Namgyal Lhatse Museum, and paid a visit to the newly inaugurated memorial museum dedicated to Indian war hero Brigadier Bob Khathing. He also toured the new Men-Tsee-Khang (Tibetan Medical and Astro Institute) construction site and the Men-Tsee-Khang itself. In the evening, he addressed the Tibetan community residing in Tawang and addressed the public.

In his address, Sikyong extended his greetings and emphasised the primary goal of clarifying the truth of the Tibetan cause. He reaffirmed the importance of establishing diplomatic relations and dialogue with China. He also stressed the need for global advocacy for the Tibetan cause to gain international support. He noted that, as of the time, he had visited 27 countries and was committed to conducting outreach tours twice, as promised.

Sikyong stated, “Although there are numerous refugee communities worldwide, the Tibetan people are distinct. As His Holiness the Dalai Lama has often pointed out, we are refugees, not exiles. We were compelled into exile due to the Chinese government’s occupation of Tibet.”

He went on to highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Tibetan youth under Chinese rule, particularly the recent forced closures of Tibetan schools and the expulsion of students under 18 from monasteries, who were subsequently sent to compulsory boarding schools. He emphasised that in the absence of freedom in Tibet—whether in language, religion, or politics—it is essential for Tibetan youth in exile to uphold and understand the values of Tibetan language, culture, and Buddhism.

Sikyong also drew parallels between the current situation and the Chinese annexation of Tibet in 1959, asserting that the Sino-Tibetan issue should be addressed through international law rather than separate national laws. He pointed out that while the international community may acknowledge Tibet as part of the People’s Republic of China, it does not make similar claims regarding other regions such as Mongolia, Uyghur, or Manchuria. This, he argued, underscores Tibet’s legitimate claim for international support and advocacy.

Regarding the positions held by the Tibetan people in exile, Sikyong clarified that the Central Tibetan Administration does not impose restrictions on individuals regarding their stance on independence or the Middle Way. He emphasised that the position of the Central Tibetan Administration remains firmly aligned with the Middle Way Policy.

Following his address, Sikyong answered questions concerning the Tibetan people’s resettlement program and ongoing Tibet advocacy efforts in India.

During this tour, Sikyong was accompanied by Additional Secretary Tashi Dickey and Uma Trinley from the Department of Home, CTA.