'Tibetans in exile should be able to return home'

Tibetans in exile should be able to return to their homeland and live in a democratic setup, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said Saturday at the Himalaya Festival-2013.

"The people of India are well-wishers of Tibetans residing here (in Himachal Pradesh) and we wish to see them back to their own country soon so that they could live in a democratic set up, as they desire," the chief minister said. The festival has been jointly organised by the Himachal Pradesh tourism department and the Central Tibetan Administration to celebrate the Himalayan culture and way of life.

"India and Tibet have a long association and we are happy that His Holiness Dalai Lama is living in Himachal Pradesh," the chief minister said.

He said there were certain issues of concern on the northern borders which should be resolved amicably by mutual efforts.

Singh said it was an excellent initiative to organise the Himalaya Festival, and it would go a long way in promoting friendship and cultural understanding among people, especially those living in the Himalayan regions.

The state would endeavour to organise this festival in better way in future by inviting all states of the Himalayan region, he said.

Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay of the Tibetan government-in-exile said the people of his country living in exile were indebted to the government of India for providing all support in hosting them and providing education at subsidised rates.

He said Tibetans owed special gratitude to the state government, as the headquarters of the government-in-exile is based in Dharamsala.

"We hope that the Himalaya Festival would spread a message world over to come and enjoy the natural beauty, hospitality and kindness of the people of the state," he said.

He also thanked the chief minister for lending support to the Tibetan community whenever required.

Tsering Wangchuk, CTA health minister, said the festival was organised to promote friendship and inculcate the spirit of oneness among the Himalayan people.