Leh, Ladakh: Today, on 8 July 2024, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the incumbent Kalon (Minister) of the Department of Home (CTA), arrived in Ladakh to begin his visits to Tibetan settlements and key offices of the Tibetan community as part of his second leg of the official tour to Tibetan settlements in India.
Upon arrival, Sikyong was accorded a warm welcome reception by the Chief Representative Officer Dhondup Tashi, Local Tibetan Justice Commissioner Pema Sangpo, President of the Local Tibetan Assembly Dhondup Tsering, and representatives from Monasteries, local Tibetan Mensteekhang, Tibetan Primary Health Care Centre, Tibetan schools and other Tibetan civil societies. Joint Secretary Tashi Dickey from the Department of Home and a representative from SARD, who are part of the inspection team, joined the reception.
Thereafter, as part of his first-day itinerary, Sikyong kicked off an inspection of the Tibetan offices and ongoing projects in Choglamsar, namely the Chief Representative Office, Local Tibetan Justice Commission Office, Tibetan Primary Health Care Centre, office of Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement, Choglamsar-based Drophen Men-tsee-khang, and office of regional Tibetan Co-operative and its cable office and shop.
At the same time, Sikyong interacted with the heads and staff of the respective offices to hear their pleas concerning the well-being of the community members.
During the official visit cum inspection at the aforementioned premises, Sikyong was accompanied by Chief Representative Officer Dhondup Tashi, Local Tibetan Justice Commissioner Pema Sangpo, and President of the Local Tibetan Assembly, Dhondup Tsering, along with Joint Secretary Tashi Dickey from the Department of Home and a representative from SARD.
According to Chief Representative Officer Dhondup Tashi, Sikyong will visit Sonamling and all Jangthang settlements during this formal visit to address the public and inspect ongoing projects in the respective areas. He further stated that the programme includes meeting with prominent Ladakh leaders and Union Territory officials.