Thursday, January 30 2025

Sikyong and Hon’ble CM of Arunachal Pradesh Attended a Seminar on “Environment and Security” in Itanagar, Raising Concerns Over PRC’s Proposed Mega Dam

Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh: On 24 January 2025, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, alongside the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu, inaugurated a day-long seminar on “Environment and Security” at the Dorjee Khandu Auditorium Hall, Legislative Assembly, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. The seminar focused on discussing the implications of mismanagement and large-scale projects in Tibet, which pose a significant threat to India’s security and disrupt the regional ecosystem.

The opening ceremony was also attended by Shri Tapir Gao, MP (Lok Sabha), Co-Convenor of the All-Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet; Shri Rinchen Khando Khrimey, National Convener of the Core Group for the Tibetan Cause; and Shri Tarh Tarak, President of the Himalayan Suraksha Manch, Arunachal Pradesh.

The event saw substantial participation from Tibet Support Groups across India, along with prominent former and incumbent ministers, political figures, and senior officials from the Arunachal Pradesh state government. Notably, Shri P.K. Thungonk, the first Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, was present. Representatives from over 26 tribal communities of the state also attended to emphasise the significance of the seminar.

On the Tibetan side, the seminar was graced by Tenzingang Tibetan Settlement Officer Rapten Tsering, Tashi Dekyi, Coordinator of the India-Tibet Coordination Office, secretary of the Tibetan Settlement Office along with representatives from local Tibetan civil societies, and officials from the Department of Home and the Department of Information and International Relations.

In his welcome address, MP Shri Tapir Gao condemned the People’s Republic of China (PRC) for its ongoing violations of fundamental human rights and the mismanagement of Tibet’s natural resources. He emphasised that the lack of security and freedom in Tibet would have far-reaching consequences for neighbouring countries, particularly India. He also expressed grave concern regarding China’s approval of a mega-dam project on the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra (known as the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh). “We must collectively voice our opposition to this pressing issue,” said Shri Gao, urging the Government of India to officially recognise the institution of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Shri Gao also conveyed a message from Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab, the Convener of the All-Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet, who, despite being unable to attend, reaffirmed his unwavering support for the Tibetan cause.

Shri R.K. Krimmey provided a succinct overview of the Core Group for the Tibetan Cause and the All-Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet, explaining their roles in advancing the seminar’s objectives. He emphasised, “We are not merely supporting Tibetan refugees, but advocating for a cause that is directly linked to our national security.” He also highlighted that such high-level seminars, attended by current and former politicians and officials, are essential to safeguarding India’s borders. “Our borders did not require large standing forces for patrolling until China’s occupation of Tibet,” he added.

Following this, Sikyong Penpa Tsering delivered the keynote address, reflecting on the 66 years of Tibetan refugee presence in India. “None of us anticipated that we would remain here for such an extended period,” he noted. Drawing upon historical ties between Indian and Tibetan civilisations, Sikyong emphasised the shared linguistic and religious bonds, as well as the 6th Dalai Lama’s Arunachali origins. He also referenced the treaty between Tibetan and British East India plenipotentiaries, which established the McMohan Line.

Sikyong further introduced the structure of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), explaining its three democratic pillars and departments that work toward advancing the Tibetan struggle for freedom. He highlighted the role of Tibetan monasteries in India, which currently host over more than 60% of Himalayan Buddhist followers, ensuring the preservation of Tibetan Buddhism in the face of PRC’s attempts to erase it in Tibet.

Addressing China’s growing global influence, Sikyong spoke about its disruption of the international order and increasing security threats to India, not only along the Himalayan border but also in India’s maritime regions. He also discussed the potential risks posed by China’s expanding economic power.

To address these geopolitical and strategic challenges, Sikyong elaborated on the CTA’s “Middle Way Approach,” introduced by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, which seeks a peaceful and mutually beneficial resolution to the Tibet-China conflict.

The Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Pema Khandu, extended his appreciation to the organising committees and participants, underscoring the interconnectedness of Tibet’s issues with Arunachal’s environment and security. “The challenges faced beyond our northern borders have far-reaching consequences, particularly for the lifeline river systems in Arunachal Pradesh,” he said. The honourable Chief Minister also stressed the importance of shared Buddhist traditions and the historical ties between Tibetans and the indigenous tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. “The occupation of Tibet by China has directly threatened our borders,” he stated, raising concerns about China’s intentions to construct massive infrastructure projects in Tibet, including the proposed world largest one in Metok County. He also pointed out that China’s non-signatory status to international water treaties exacerbates the risks posed by these mega-dams.

The honourable Chief Minister commended the international recognition of Tibet’s struggle, particularly the recent passage of supportive legislation in the United States, which garnered unprecedented bipartisan and bicameral support.

The Chief Minister further urged the people of Arunachal Pradesh to better understand the Tibetan refugees in their midst, who are integral to preserving the region’s shared culture. “Many of our monks and nuns are studying in Tibetan monastic institutions, and their contributions are vital to the survival of Tibetan Buddhism,” he emphasised.

In his vote of thanks, Shri Tarh Tarak, President of the Himalayan Suraksha Manch, recalled his visit to the border regions of Arunachal Pradesh connecting Tibet. “It is striking how many communities in Tibet share ethnic ties with our tribal populations. Our scholars must delve into this history to uncover these deep-rooted connections,” he concluded.

Later that afternoon, Sikyong Penpa Tsering and Shri Vijay Kranti, Tibetologist and Former National Co-Convenor of the Core Group for Tibetan Cause-India, gave a compelling presentation during the afternoon session of the seminar on “Environment and Security.” The session was moderated by Shri Moji Riba, Assistant Professor and Founder Head of the Department of Mass Communication at Rajiv Gandhi University.

A grand dinner reception was also hosted by the Hon’ble Chief Minister in honour of Sikyong Penpa Tsering and participating members of the Tibet Support Group’s presence at his residential office.

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