SIKKIM: Home Kalon Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang accompanied by Home Secretary Chhimey Rigzen arrived in Gangtok, Sikkim on 3 February 2018 on a two-day official visit.
They called on Dr Pawan Kumar Chamling, the honourable Chief Minister of Sikkim at his residence on 4 February 2018. They were accompanied by Mr Dorjee Rigzen, Settlement officer of Gangtok, Mr Tenzin Nordhen, Settlement Officer of Ravangla, Mr Pema Wangdak, Gangtok Municipal Councillor and three other local Tibetan leaders.
The Chief Minister welcomed Home Kalon and the delegation at his residence. They exchanged greetings and souvenirs to greet each other. Kalon Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang thanked Dr Chamling for receiving him at his residence despite his busy schedule and congratulated him on being conferred the Indian Organic Ambassador award by the Central Government and many such awards as well for his able and dynamic leadership.
Kalon Khorlatsang apprised Dr Chamling on the purpose and importance of the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy- 2014 (TRP-2014) formulated by the Government of India for the well-being of the Tibetan refugees living in India. He further explained that five States have already adopted the policy and that he is looking forward to a similar outcome from the other concerned states.
Kalon Khorlatsang requested Dr Chamling to endorse the policy and expedite its execution in the state for the larger benefit of the Tibetans living in Sikkim. Dr Chamling replied that the matter is already in the cabinet and will very soon be passed for implementation.
Kalon Khorlatsang also brought a couple of local issues facing Tibetans such as Highway road diversion in Ravangla and need of a separate marketplace for the Tibetans in Gangtok before the Honorable Chief Minister for his consideration. To which Dr Chamling assured Home Kalon that the Tibetans in the state have always been treated on a par with local Sikkimese and that he will make sure that they are treated well in Sikkim. He also assured Kalon Khorltsang that the Highway road diversion issue will be resolved and will also find a way to see if a separate marketplace for the Tibetans in Gangtok could be facilitated.
– Report filed by Department of Home –
From left: Pema Wangdak (Gangtok Tibetan councillor), Home Kalon Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang, Chief minister Dr Pawan Chamling and Home Secretary Chhimey Rigzin.
Home Kalon meeting with local Tibetan leaders at Hotel Tibet in Gangtok.
Home Kalon inspects the ongoing repair works at the TSO building with committee members.