DHARAMSHALA: The Tibetan people should continue and re-invigorate their peaceful struggle for genuine autonomy, said Indresh Kumar, a senior leader of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at a public address held for the Tibetan community in Mcleod Ganj today.

He also expressed his unwavering support to the Tibet issue, and called for an worldwide intellectual and political approach to urge China to hold dialogue with Tibetan representatives and question China on the whereabouts of the Panchen Lama and the repressive policies that are being pursued in Tibet.

Indresh Kumar is a long-time friend of Tibet and the founder of the Bharat Tibbat Sahyog Manch. He is also a senior functionary of the RSS, largely regarded as the parent body of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which recently achieved a thumping victory in the Indian general election.

“With the victory of the BJP in the the greatest democracy in the world, a new era has dawned on India. A new era of inclusive growth, security and development,” he said, adding that the dawn of this new era has also brought upon a renewed approach towards Tibet.

“We hope that the Tibet issue is resolved as soon as possible and not linger on for another 50 years or so. The new Indian government will provide its best co-operation and support towards the same,” he said, indicating that the invitation of Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay and Kalon Dolma Gyari to the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is part of this renewed approach towards the Tibetan people.

“It is a due recognition given to the Central Tibetan Administration by the new Indian government,” he added.

Indresh Kumar was accompanied by Kalon Dolma Gyari of the Department of Home. Kalon Dolma Gyari thanked him for his continued support towards Tibet and urged him to kindly resolve various other difficulties that are being faced by the Tibetan people in exile.

She raised issues of bureaucratic hurdles faced by Tibetan residents in India particularly with regard to employment, eligibility to trade licenses, welfare schemes, tenancy etc. She also sought his urgent assistance to repeal the case against 210 Tibetan families for allegedly encroaching on forest land in Mcleod Ganj.

Indresh Kumar is on a day-long visit to Dharamshala. He met Mr. Penpa Tsering and Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament respectively in the morning and attended a meeting with representatives of Tibetan NGOs and Tibet support groups in Dharamshala.

The Kashag also hosted a luncheon to honour his visit. The luncheon was attended by Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay and members of the Kashag.