On Tibetan turning Indian voters, PM Sangay says his concern is refugees

DHARAMSALA: The Tibetan administration in Dharamsala does not endorse Tibetan refugees who are gradually turning into Indian voters. Tibetans are scattered in 40 countries across the world and majority of them are living in India. They have first time participated in Indian general elections in 2014. This time also they are ready participate in last phase of 2019 elections on May 19, this weekend.
Tibetan activist Lobsang Wangyal is known face here as he has fought many cases against the Indian authorities seeking Indian passport too. He and many like him are eager to cast their vote on May 19 to participate in the general elections.
In an exclusive interaction with the TOI, the political head of the Tibetans, their Prime Minister Dr Lobsang Sangay when asked about his message for the Tibetans turned into Indian voters said that Tibetan administration is only concerned for welfare of Tibetan refugees.
“Our priority is Tibetan refugees. Central Tibetan Administration is concerned about the welfare of Tibetan refugees only”, he said adding that though it is constitutional right that anyone born between 1950 to 1987 in India is a citizen of this country but Tibetan administration is for Tibetans living in exile.
Sangay said that voters in India have not increased from 2014 to 2019 but in Tibetan community the democracy is thriving as there has been an increase of 78% despite the fact that Tibetans have to pay to turn into a voter.
“In last 10 years, till 2016 there is an increase of 78% in Tibetan voters. This has happened only in Tibetan democracy, while others democracies across the globe has not witnessed such high increase. We have freedom tax, unless you can’t pay that you can’t vote. But Tibetans are paying it and participating in more and more numbers” he said.
Lobsang Wangyal, the Tibetan activist expressing his views said that India’s core issues regarding Tibet won't change with whatever party forms the government.
“But the day-to-day life of Tibetans could change because of government policies. Tibetans have their own views about each party. Tibetan voters will decide on the basis of their personal experiences” he said.