Bylakuppe: The contribution of Tibetans Soldiers, who have served in the Special Frontier Force (A unit of Indian Armed Forces) in fighting with enemies by joining with the Indian Soldiers, have been hailed by Air Marshal (retd.) Nanda Cariappa, son of First Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal late K.M. Cariappa.

He was speaking as the chief guest at a felicitation programme organised by Indo-Tibetan Friendship Society (ITFS), Bylakuppe, in honour of Tibetan ex-Servicemen of Special Frontier Force and the families of deceased ex-Servicemen recently.

He further said that the security of India depends on the freedom to Tibet. “Tibetan soldiers are protecting our country in an altitude of 18,000ft. without oxygen and they have also participated in India-Pakistan War for liberation of Bangla. According to them, the time will come when Tibetans residing in temporary houses in India will certainly go back to Tibet for permanent houses, he added and appealed Tibetan youths to follow the footsteps of their forefathers.

Meena Nanda, wife of Nanda Cariappa, attended the event.

Earlier, B.V. Javaregowda, President of ITFS, Bylakuppe, explained the purpose of the day. Settlement Officers of Tibetans Government Lobsang Yeshi explained the history of Tibet  and another Settlement Officer Chime Dorje introduced Air Marshal (retd.) Nanda Cariappa to the gathering. A.A. Chengappa, Secretary of ITFS briefed the activities of the Society. Members of Parliament (MPs) of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile Lobsang Sithar and Ngodup Dorjee also spoke.

Pema Sithar, President of Tibetan ex-Servicemen Organisation, briefed on the roll of the Tibetan Soldiers in Tibetan Army.

Presidents of Tibetan Youth Congress, Tibetan Women’s Association and Heads of various Monasteries were present. More than 500 ex-Servicemen and their family members participated. J.P. Urs, South Zone Co-ordinator of  Tibet Support Group, proposed a vote of thanks.