Group of Tibetan protesters demand resignation of President Sangay and MP Tenpa Yarphel

DHARAMSALA, March 17: Around 80 protesters have gathered at the basketball court at Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamsala to stage a ‘silent and peaceful’ protest against Kashag’s decision to replace Penpa Tsering from the Office of Tibet in Washington, Central Tibetan Administration’s (CTA) mission in North America.

A group of Tibetans who claimed to be ‘Truth Seeking Volunteers’ stated that the Kashag’s decision to replace Penpa Tsering from CTA’s mission in North America was wrong and further claimed that Kashag is being unjust these days.

“As a citizen, we all felt that the decision was very wrong and whatever the Kashag is doing these days is all injustice and not fair. That’s why as a citizen we are raising our voice,” Thinley Kalsang the group’s representative from New York said.

The group further said their ‘silent and peaceful’ protest is to protect the legacy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the integrity of CTA’s rule of law and its democratic system and demanded a special commission be formed to resolve the matter immediately.

When enquired about what would be their next step, Thinley Kalsang said, “We are here as the Tibetan Parliament is in session until March 24. The Parliament is one of the three pillars of democracy and we want the parliamentarians to hear our concern. We request them to at least form an investigative committee to see who is right and who is wrong, and take a decision based on the findings of the committee.”

Citing misuse of power by CTA President, Dr Lobsang Sangay and disrespect and humiliation of state oracle Nehchung by Tibetan parliamentarian Tenpa Yarphel, the group demanded their resignation on moral ground.

Responding to the protesters calling for his resignation, President Sangay stated that although he appreciates the protesters for making use of the democracy bestowed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, he disagreed with what they had to say. The political head of the Tibetan people further stated that he had the mandate of the Tibetan people as he was twice elected by the Tibetan people in exile representing all the three traditional Tibetan provinces and religious sects.

“Sikyong, elected by the Tibetan people and Kashag approved by the Tibetan parliament are shouldering the responsibility entrusted by the people. Kashag’s view of the protesters is that they are exercising their freedom of expression which is within their right,” President Sangay concluded.

MP Tenpa Yarphel remarked that there is a discrepancy over protesters demanding him to step down and called on the protesters to thoroughly go through the footages of the parliamentary proceedings as their allegation against him was already settled before the end of the parliamentary session by the Speaker. “Apart from that, I don’t understand what they are saying,” Tenpa Yarphel concluded.

Members of ‘Truth Seeking Volunteers’ claimed that they have gathered voluntarily in Dharamsala to hold their protest from March 17-24.

A similar protest was held at the same site on November 27, 2017, by around 80 protesters. Click here to read the earlier report.