Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu embarked
on a three-day visit to the Tibetan settlement in Mundgod last Tuesday,
reported Central Tibetan Administration, a group for restoring freedom.
A delegation of Tibetan representatives led by Lhagyal
Rinpoche, Rikya Rinpoche, CRO Jigme Tsultrim and settlement officer Lhakpa
Dolma received the CM at the airport on November 14.
The next day, CM Khandu attended the enthronement
ceremony of the 10th Lhagyal Rimpoche as the Tsokchen Tulku at Gaden Jangtse
Monastery. Hundreds of devotees from Ladakh and Tawang, including Tibetans
attended the ceremonial event.
On November 16, CM Pema Khandu held a meeting with
representatives of around 26 local Tibetan associations during which the latter
thanked the CM for his support. CM Khandu was accompanied by MPs Phurpa Tsering
and Karma.
Settlement officer Lhakpa Dolma briefed the ongoing
projects to the CM, and the latter emphasised the need for preservation of
Buddhism.
He spoke about strengthening the harmonial
relationship between Monpas and Tibetans given the significant existence of
monks from Arunachal at the Tibetan monastic institutions.
Dolma assured to render whatever support and
assistance were required by the Tibetans in exile.
At the same meeting, CM Khandu agreed to donate 30 lakhs
for the construction of Camp 10’s community hall at the settlement. The Tibetan
representatives felicitated CM with a statue of Buddha to mark his auspicious
visit.
In the afternoon before departure, CM Khandu visited
Gaden Shartse to attend the 3rd Arunachal Buddhist Committee meeting.
NE Watch Desk
