Gangtok, 11 August: Two parliamentarians from the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile arrived in Sikkim on Tuesday and were received by regional Tibetan settlement officials and representatives of local organisations, the Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat said.
Delegation received at Bagdogra and welcomed in Gangtok
Tenpa Yarphel and Gyaltsen Choekye Gagya flew into Bagdogra Airport, Siliguri, and were met by Jinpa Phuntsok, the Gangtok Tibetan Settlement Officer, and Tsering Wangchuk, chairperson of the Local Tibetan Assembly, the Secretariat reported.
On arrival in Gangtok later on Tuesday evening, the two parliamentarians were welcomed at Hotel Tibet by staff of the Gangtok Tibetan Settlement Office and leaders from several regional Tibetan organisations, who presented ceremonial khatak scarves and traditional tea.
Scheduled official programmes across the settlement
According to the Secretariat, the delegation will carry out official engagements and visit a number of areas falling under the jurisdiction of the Gangtok Tibetan Settlement Office beginning on 12 August 2026. The announcement named participation by representatives from a range of community groups.
- Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement (BRDL) — President and members
- Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (RTYC)
- Regional Tibetan Women’s Association (RTWA)
- Religious and cultural bodies including Guru Lakhang
- Regional associations such as Chushi Gangdruk, U-Tsang, and Dhomey
The Secretariat did not provide further detail on the itinerary, duration of the stay or the specific venues for the planned meetings.
Significance for local Tibetan community
Visits by members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile typically serve multiple functions: they allow elected representatives to interact directly with diaspora communities, review the welfare and administrative needs of settlements, and discuss cultural and civic programmes. In Sikkim, where a recognised Tibetan settlement exists in Gangtok, such exchanges are of local importance to community governance and cultural preservation.
Local organisations named in the reception play active roles in social and cultural life for Tibetans in the region and are often involved in education, welfare and religious affairs. The presence of both youth and women’s association representatives suggests the engagements could range from cultural events to discussion of community concerns.
Officials and organisations involved
| Person / Body | Role |
|---|---|
| Tenpa Yarphel | Parliamentarian, 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile |
| Gyaltsen Choekye Gagya | Parliamentarian, 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile |
| Jinpa Phuntsok | Gangtok Tibetan Settlement Officer |
| Tsering Wangchuk | Chairperson, Local Tibetan Assembly |
The Secretariat’s brief account named additional groups that joined the welcome, including representatives of regional associations and the staff of Hotel Tibet, which hosted the reception.
What remains unclear
The Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat report did not indicate whether the parliamentarians will hold open public meetings, meet state officials, or issue statements relating to policy or the broader Tibetan cause. It also did not specify whether the visits will include outreach to non-Tibetan communities or collaboration with local Sikkim government bodies.
Observers typically watch such visits for any announcements affecting educational, welfare or cultural projects in settlements; however, no such details were released in the initial communique.
Context
The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile represents the interests of Tibetan communities living outside Tibet and often sends delegations to regional settlements across India. Gangtok has an established Tibetan settlement and community institutions that engage with parliamentary representatives when they visit.
The Secretariat filed the report on 11 August 2026. Further information on the delegation’s programme and any outcomes will likely be issued by the Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat or the Gangtok Tibetan Settlement Office following the scheduled engagements from 12 August.
