By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, Sept 28: The minister (Kalon) for Department of Security Phagpa Tsering told the ongoing session of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile that his department has a 100 percent record when it comes to the protection of covert information.
The minister, Phagpa Lha, was responding to questions on the security of classified information in the parliament. “The department is considered by many as a spy agency and we have the highest priority when it comes to the safekeeping of classified information. The department has had not one incident when secret information was leaked outside and I personally assure that it will remain that way in the future,” the Desung Kalon said.
Several MP’s raised questions as well as suggestions on the security of the Dalai Lama as well as reviewing his schedules and making it less hectic with the Tibetan leader’s age and health in mind. MP Pema Chagtsoetsang said that security arrangements for the Dalai Lama needed to be more closely monitored in light of incidents such as two pro-Dhogyal nuns who were within a close proximity to the Dalai Lama during a teaching in Los Angeles and a similar incident in New York. Pema also pushed for better coordination between local organizers of Dalai Lama overseas events and the security team to avoid confusion and mismanagement.
The North American Chithue further mentioned, “As far as the private audience and visitation arrangement is concerned with the Dalai Lama at his residence, I can say from my personal observation that the such measures are solely dependent on the discretion of the concerned authority at Ganden Phodrang (Dalai Lama’s private office) who sometimes give greater priority to their family and friends rather than important individuals such as organizers of public talks and foreign volunteers. Arranging visits and audiences for important individuals can contribute positively to the Tibetan struggle at large.”
Other queries regarding the RC (registration certificate) documentation of exile Tibetans, reception of newly arrived Tibetans and reception centers were also discussed on the 8th day of the second session of the 16th TPiE.
The Dept. of Security founded in 1959 is primarily assigned with providing security to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and also to monitor changes in the exile Tibetan community and inside occupied Tibet.
