DHARAMSHALA: Ms. Dolma Gyari, Kalon for the Department of Home, Central Tibetan Administration visited Sonamling Tibetan settlement in Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir on 18 November. She was accompanied by Mr. Palden Dhondup, Additonal Secretary of Home Department.

They were in Ladakh for a series of discussions with Mr. Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, and Mr. K.K Pathak, Joint Secretary, FFR Division, Ministry of Home Affairs.

The dignitaries discussed socio-economic factors as well as education of the Tibetans living in Ladakh during their meeting. They also met the local Tibetan community and promised to address their grievances.

Mr. Kiren Rijiju, in his address to the Tibetan public, spoke of the rich historical and spiritual ties that Tibet and India shares. He also explained the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy – 2014, formalised by the Indian government, under which Tibetans residing in India can avail state and central government benefits.

The meeting was organised by Sonamling Tibetan settlement office under the direction of the Home Department, Central Tibetan Administration.

Following their visit to Sonamling Tibetan settlement, Home Kalon Dolma Gyari and senior Indian official Mr. K.K Pathak visited areas of Ladakh Jangthang including Nyoma, Dungti, Goyul, Sumdho and Samed. They were accompanied by Mr. Mehaboob Ali, Additional Director-Tourism Leh, Mr. Palden Dhondup, Additional Home Secretary, Mr. Dhondup Tashi,Tibetan Settlement Officer, Mr. Dhondup Tsering, President of Local Tibetan Assembly, Ladakh, Mr. Wang Thinley, President of Tibetan Co-operative Society, Mr. Kelsang Phuntsok, Director T.C.V. school and Mr Karma Yeshi, Secretary Tibetan Co-operative Society.