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Sikyong Sangay calls on Uttrakhand CM Bahuguna, Supports flood relief work

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DHARAMSHALA, July 11: Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the elected head of the Tibetan people, met with Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna of the flood ravaged state of Uttrakhand in the state capital Dehradun on Wednesday.

Sikyong Sangay conveyed “sympathy and support” on behalf of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the exile Tibetan administration to CM Bahuguna and also handed over donations of Rs 3,00,000 and Rs 2,38,201 from the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan community in Dharamsala respectively for the ongoing relief work.

Devastating rains followed by flooding and massive landslides have wrecked havoc in the state, killing over 5,000 people. Thousands of people have been airlifted from cut-off regions of the state after a rescue mission on military footing was launched by the Indian government.

Tibetan groups and monastic institutions situated in the state had also joined in the relief efforts and set up a camp at the Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport, providing basic amenities to the injured upon their arrival at the base camp.

The local Tibetan monasteries were able to raise within their monasteries an amount of Rs 4,00,000 to aid the relief and rescue efforts.

The Doon Tibetan community also held prayer service and lit hundreds of butter lamps to pay homage to those who have become victims of the catastrophe.

The Dalai Lama had earlier written to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and CM Bahuguna, expressing his condolences to families who have been effected by the devastating rain and floods and also offered monetary contributions to the ongoing relief efforts.

Sikyong Sangay during his meeting with the CM also sought support from the state government for the resolution of certain pending issues being faced by the Tibetan community in the state.

The chief minister assured to give his best possible support, according to a report on the official Tibet.net.

The elected head of the Tibetan people also met with Tibetans living in Tsering Dhonden and Dhondupling Tibetan Settlement in Clement Town near Dehradun.

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