May 22, 2013, Itanagar: The Tibetan Parliamentary delegation wrapped up the seventh leg of North-East zone lobby campaign today following a Press Conference in the capital of Arunachal Pradesh. During the 5-day campaign, the delegation called on the Chief Minister and Political Leaders of the State for stronger and fortified expressions of political support for the resolution of crisis inside Tibet.
On May 20, whilst the high-level talk between the visiting Chinese Premier Li Keiqiang and Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh was underway in New Delhi, the 3-member Tibetan Parliamentary delegation held a meeting with the Honorable Chief Minister (CM) of the State Shri Nabam Tuku at the CM Bungalow.
The CM expressed solidarity with the aspiration of the Tibetan people inside Tibet and said that 'he feels connected to Tibet socially and culturally.' The CM expressed admiration for the 'exile Tibetan Administration and the exile Tibetans' perseverance that persists despite all odds.' Taking stock of China's diplomatic maneuvers in the contentious border row between India and China over Arunachal Pradesh, the CM affirmed that 'practically Arunachal Pradesh shares border with Tibet and not with China.'
The Tibetan delegation met with Shri Mukut Mithi, Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (Congress), former Chief Minister and president President of Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC). Shri Mithi avowed party support for the passing of an 'All-Party Parliamentary Resolution on Tibet Crisis.'
Members of Legislative Assembly - Smt. Karya Bagang and Shri Passang Dorjee Sona received the Parliamentary delegation and assured State support for the Tibetan movement, particularly on Socio-Cultural avenues.
The remaining 58 Members of Legislative Assembly who were placed in their respective constituencies in the wake of the May 16 State-wide Panchayat and Municipal elections and with whom the delegation couldn't engage in a direct face-to-face meeting were apprised of the campaign and its goals through a memorandum sent via priority mail.
On May 20, the Tibetan delegation took part in a symposium on 'Tibet and India' along with leaders of the four political parties of the State, three of which are mainstream parties: Indian National Congress (INC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), National Congress Party (NCP) and one regional party- People's Party of Arunachal (PPA).
Shri Thupten Temba, (former Minister) and current Chairman of Media Department, APCC, Shri Tai Taga, State President, BJP, Shri Khafa Bengia, (former Minister) and current President of NCP, Shri Kameng Ringu, President of PPA represented their respective parties.
The strategic symposium dwelled on numerous bilateral issues such as 'Water' and 'Border' affecting Tibet and India, particularly Arunachal Pradesh. The Brahmaputra River that originates from Tibet serves as lifeline for the State and caters to the future developmental plans to make the State the 'Powerhouse' of India.
Following the meeting, the NCP leaders issued a press statement demanding a 'Water-Sharing Agreement between India and China.' "As stakeholders in the lower riparians, we deserve access to information on China's use of Tibet's waters," said Mr. Khafa Bengia.
The party leaders unequivocally pledged support-politically and socially for Tibet and Tibetans in Tibet and in exile and resolved to submit a joint letter to the Chief Minister on the Tibet crisis.
The symposium held at Hotel Donyi Polo Ashok, was facilitated by members of Tibet Support Group of Arunachal Pradesh (TSGAP): Mr. Anok Wangsa (former Minister, former MLA), Mr. Tacho Kabak (former NCP President), Mr. Karpak Sora (APCC) and Nima Sange (APCC).
While deeming the steadfast support of the Indian Government and its people towards the Tibetan people as significant, the delegation appealed the Indian leaders for substantial and public expressions of solidarity and support amid the unprecedented spate of self-immolations by Tibetans inside Tibet and the subsequent deepening crackdown by Chinese Government. The delegates also urged India to engage in urgent diplomatic actions pressuring the Chinese Government on various fronts.
The 3-member delegation led by former speaker and member of TPIE, Mr. Pema Jungney, include Ms. Yangchen Dolkar and Ms. Dhardon Sharling. After a successful lobbying campaign in West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand Sikkim, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh the delegation will visit Meghalaya for the 'All -India Parliamentary Lobby Campaign'.
