Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, April 27: The Department of Security of the exile Tibetan government, officially known as the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), convened its first-ever two-day “Tibet Freedom Fighters’ Conclave” from April 24 to 25 in Dharamshala.
A total of 89 veterans attended the conclave, representing a wide spectrum of Tibet’s resistance history. Participants included former political prisoners, veterans of an independent Tibet, members of the Chushi Gangdruk (“Four Rivers, Six Ranges”), former fighters of Lodrik (an organisation established in 1960 by Tibetan guerrilla fighters), ex-servicemen of the Special Frontier Force (SFF), also known as Establishment 22 (“Two Two”), former bodyguards of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and officials from the Department of Security.
The conclave concluded with a formal ceremony on Monday at the Main Tibetan Temple, where the CTA honoured all 89 participants with medallions as a national tribute to their lifelong service to the Tibetan cause, through both armed resistance and political resilience.
Addressing the ceremony, Security Minister Gyari Dolma stated that a total of 28 resolutions had been adopted during the conclave. She noted that participants unanimously expressed gratitude to individuals associated with the Gaden Phodrang, the private office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. According to a press statement issued by the Department of Security, discussions focused on ensuring the successful fulfilment of His Holiness’s vision and aspirations. Deliberations drew upon historical experiences, the current geopolitical context, and the lived realities of Tibetan patriots, while also examining the strategic direction of the Department of Security.
Department of Security Secretary Karma Rinchen told Phayul that the resolutions encompassed a wide range of issues, some of which may be made public, while others may remain confidential. “If I were to summarize the essence of these points,” he said, “the most important aspect of the resolution was how to effectively carry out and fulfill the vision and guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.”
He further highlighted that participants stressed the importance of recognising both the challenges and opportunities facing Tibetan society today, as well as identifying their sources. Several attendees emphasised the need for the Department of Security to enhance public awareness regarding potential threats, particularly pointing to efforts by the Chinese government to create divisions and influence public sentiment within the Tibetan community.
Following the ceremony, Phayul spoke with a few former veterans to learn about the suggestions they put forward during the two-day conclave. Phayul learned that among the most prominent recommendations was the call for the establishment of a dedicated Tibetan military force and a designated training camp, which they argued is vital for national security. Participants also voiced concern over the declining number of Tibetans joining the SFF, attributing the trend to increasing migration to Western countries within the exile community.
Dawa, an SFF veteran and recipient of the prestigious Shaurya Chakra for gallantry, noted that under the current arrangement with the Indian government, Tibetans serving in the SFF receive stable salaries, without financial burden on the exile administration. He added that SFF personnel contribute significantly in taxes to the Tibetan administration and that recruitment into the force could help support families economically, potentially curbing migration and encouraging Tibetans to remain in refugee settlements in India. The 91-year-old veteran said that if he were given the choice between sending his children abroad or into the army, he would undoubtedly choose the latter.
Responding to questions about the relevance of a military institution in the future—particularly in light of the exile government’s policy of non-violence and its pursuit of a resolution within the framework of China, the 88-year-old veteran Kalden Choesang reflected that Tibet lost its land despite having an army, as it lacked sufficient strength, proper infrastructure, and institutional support, with families themselves bearing the burden of sustaining it.
