Official Visit of the Home Secretary to Tibetan Settlements in Kullu and Dalhousie

Dates: April 16 – 20, 2026 (5 Days) Dignitary: Honorable Home Secretary Palden Dhondup Locations: Tibetan settlements under the jurisdiction of Kullu (Northern India) and Puntsokling Settlement in Dalhousie.

Background and Context

Following a recent visit to Dharamshala by representatives from the Kullu and Dalhousie regions—where they met with the Honorable Sikyong (President), members of the Standing Committee of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, and the Home Secretary—urgent local grievances were reported. The representatives specifically appealed for assistance in resolving critical issues and requested formal inclusion in the Rehabilitation and Relocation Project.

In response to these appeals, and to gain a firsthand understanding of the situation for future planning, the Department of Home (DoH) scheduled this assessment visit.

Visit Itinerary and Activities

From April 16 to 20, 2026, the Home Secretary visited several high-priority sites, including:

  • Kullu Region: Yulo Koe (Kullu), Dekyiling (Manali), 15 Mile, and Palrabling Settlement (Dobhi).

  • Dalhousie: Puntsokling Settlement.

Key objectives carried out during the visit included:

  • Consultation Meetings: Engaging in discussions with local leaders and community stakeholders.

  • Public Addresses: Holding general meetings with the Tibetan resident population.

  • Problem Solving: Deliberating on solutions for complex land disputes and local grievances.

  • Project Oversight: Inspecting ongoing development projects.

  • Future Planning: Assessing the necessity of new initiatives to alleviate current hardships.

  • Verification: Conducting detailed inspections of the living conditions of families currently listed under the Relocation Project.

Delegation Members

The Home Secretary was accompanied by a specialized team from the Department of Home, including:

  1. Mr. Ngodup Woeser: Deputy Secretary and Head of the Rehabilitation and Relocation Project.

  2. Mr. Yeshi Tenzin: Section Officer and Head of the Northern Region Desk.