The Tibetan political leader hoisted Tibetan flag at Pang Gong lake which borders Tibet recently while he was in Ladakh to celebrate the 82nd birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Dr. Lobsang Sangay on the eve of His Holiness’s birthday, offered sangsol and prayers at the highland lake which borders Tibet, now occupied by China.
“On the eve of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 82nd birthday and coinciding with Lhakar (white Wednesday), a day celebrated as the soul day of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, President of the Central Tibetan Administration Dr Lobsang Sangay offered Sangsol and prayers at Pang gong lake for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and for Tibetan people inside Tibet.” said the report in the official website of Central Tibetan Administration.
While the Tibetan political leader said that even though he is physically very close to Tibetans inside Tibet, he is very far political situation inside Tibet, during the ceremony at the shore of Pang Gong lake, the most significant highlight has become the hoisting of the Tibetan flag there. The Tibetan flag is banned inside Tibet and hoisting it on the Indian territory very close to Tibet, which is under Chinese authority is being taken as a highly political activity.
“This is a very significant gesture, given that it has happened for the first time at this location which has emotional and political symbolism.”said the Observer Research Foundation’s Manoj Joshi according the report in The Wire especially considering its timing. The report suggests that the Tibet card has been involved into the boiling border issue between India and China over the Doklam region in Sikkim due to this political action from the Tibetan political leader.
A former MEA secretary, R.S. Kalha said, “The unfurling of the Tibetan flag is a political act, especially at this time” according to the report. Dr. Lobsang Sangay had met with the Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Leh before coming to the lake for the prayers. It was reported that he had poured blessed grains into the lake that he received from the Dalai Lama so that it would bless Tibetans inside Tibet as well.