Renew Tibet policy: ITFA to govt

Tribune News Service

Dharamsala, January 19

The Indo-Tibetan Friendship Association (ITFA) has urged the Indian government to adopt a new policy over the Tibet after the US has brought in Tibet Policy and Support Act (TPSA) 2020.

Though the Tibetan government-in-exile was located in Dharamsala, the Indian government does not recognize it. It has also maintained a stoic silence over Tibetan religious issues such as reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. The TPSA 2020 adopted by the US senate talks of sanctions against China if it interferes in religious matter such as reincarnation of the Dalai Lama.

The ITFA that held a meeting here to felicitate the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) said that the Indian government should also recognize Tibet as an autonomous region and rights of the Dalai Lama over his reincarnation.

Sikyong, president of Tibetan government in exile Lobsang Sangay, heads of Tibetan democracy, including Chief Justice Commissioner, Speaker of the Tibetan parliament-in-exile, Deputy Speaker of Tibetan parliament-in-exile, Justice Commissioners, Kalons (ministers), heads of autonomous bodies, Members of Tibetan Parliament, ITFA president Ajit Nehria, ITFA’s former president Ajay Singh Mankotia, Deputy Mayor of Dharamsala, Onkar Nehria, ITFA advisor Ram Swaroop, and ITFA advisor Subhash Nehria were among those who attended the ceremony at Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA).

Sangay expressed gratitude to the ITFA for the firm support shown by them toward the Tibetan struggle for the last 25 years.

“It is our dream that once we return to Lhasa we are able to establish a similar friendship association to cement the bond we share,” said Sikyong.

Speaking on the diplomatic clashes between India and China resulting from the border dilemma, Sangay said that the only way to prevent such conflict is by ensuring genuine autonomy for Tibet.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.