Dharamshala — The Department of Security of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) organised a two-day conference entitled “Tibet Freedom Fighters' Conclave” and a gratitude ceremony in Dharamshala. It also presented Tibet Medal to Tibetan freedom fighters, who have made significant contributions to the Tibetan cause.
The Department of Security of the Central Tibetan Administration organised two-day conference entitled "Tibetan freedom fighter's Conclave" from April 24 and 25, 2026, at at the Administrative Training and Welfare Society Centre near Dharamshala. The former political prisoners and attendees of the conference had an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, on April 27, 2026. After that, a formal gratitude ceremony was held at the Thekchen Chöling Temple in Dharamshala.
The attendees included former political prisoners and their families, retired Tibetan soldiers, former members of the Chushi Gangdruk, the Special Frontier Force (SFF), Lodrik, and former security personnel and representatives from the Dalai Lama's former security guards. A total of 89 people attended the event.
Gyari Dolma, Minister of the Department of Security of the Central Tibetan Administration presented Tibet Medals to former political prisoners, freedom fighters and ex-security personals, who have made significant contributions to the Tibetan cause.
Kalon Dolma Gyari addressed the gathering, she said, "There were so many Tibetans sacrificed their lives the Tibetan freedom and cause, but few of them managed to escape to exile. Therefore, we wanted to invite our freedom fighters to Dharamshala and honour them, which including former political prisoners and their families, retired Tibetan soldiers, former members of the Chushi Gangdruk, the Special Frontier Force (SFF), Lodrik, and former security personnel and representatives from the Dalai Lama's former security guards."
She extended felicitations to several individuals, including former members of the independent Tibet’s army. Among those recognised were Mingur (96), Thubrab (88), and Tashi (84). From Lodrik, four individuals aged 91; Ngawang Tsultrim, Kelsang Tsering, Sonam Tashi, and Pachen were honoured, along with Nyima Tashi (81), a former Dhapon representing the retired Dhanglob community.
Former political prisoners were also acknowledged, including Keutsang Rinpoche, who spent 20 years in Chinese prisons; Jampa Tenzin (12 years); Lobsang Yonten (over 20 years); and Phurba Pon, who endured more than two decades of imprisonment. Others honoured included Diring Ngawang (93), Ani Phuntsok Dolma, and members of the former bodyguards of His Holiness led by Sonam, as well as Ngarong Arti.
Kalon Dolma Gyari underscored that the conclave is a tribute to the courage and sacrifices of Tibetan freedom fighters and all those who dedicated their lives to the Tibetan cause. Family members of prominent resistance leaders, including Andruk Tamdin Choekyi, daughter of Andruk Gonpo Tashi, and Tenzing Sonam, son of Lhamo Tsering, were also invited and recognised.
Members of five Tibetan non-governmental organisations (NGOs) based in Dharamshala also offered khata (white scarf) to all attendees to express their gratitude for their sacrifices for the Tibetan cause and the Tibetan freedom movement.
