Nyoma, Ladakh: Continuing the fourth day of his official visit to Ladakh, Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration visited the Jangthang Nyoma on 9 July 2026, where he inspected community facilities of the Tibetans, met with residents, and addressed a public gathering on the welfare and future development of the Tibetan community.

En route from Leh to Nyoma, Sikyong inspected a 63-kanal plot of land generously donated by the 9th Thiksey Rinpoche, Venerable Ngawang Jamyang Chamba Stanzin. The land has been earmarked to support the future relocation of the Jangthang Tibetan Settlement in Chumur and to provide housing for Tibetan families in Leh who currently do not have permanent residences.

Sikyong also stopped at Mahe Monastery en route, where he inspected the ongoing construction works in the surrounding area and interacted with those involved in the project.

Upon his arrival in Jangthang Nyoma, Sikyong received a traditional welcome from Camp Leader Khenrab Dorjee and members of the local Tibetan community. Following lunch, he toured the settlement, inspecting residential areas and ongoing community development projects.

Sikyong also visited the Jangthang Tibetan School, which currently provides education from kindergarten to Class III for around 70 students. During his visit, he interacted with students and teachers, inspected classrooms, the hostel, and library facilities, and held discussions with the school administration and staff on the school’s functioning and future needs.

He later toured the Nyoma Tibetan Settlement on foot before paying obeisance at Jangthang Monastery, where he was received by the monastery’s abbot. Sikyong also visited the Chostop Museum to gain more insights about the area’s religious and cultural heritage.

In the afternoon, Sikyong addressed members of the local Tibetan community at the Jangthang Community Hall. Reflecting on the successful conclusion of the Year of Compassion, he spoke about the enduring guidance of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and encouraged Tibetans to maintain harmonious relations with neighbouring communities while strengthening unity within their own community.

Recalling his previous visits to Jangthang, Sikyong reaffirmed the Central Tibetan Administration’s commitment to addressing the genuine needs of the Tibetan people through responsible governance. He spoke about ongoing efforts to resolve land-related issues in Ladakh through dialogue with the relevant authorities and stressed the importance of planning for the younger generation by strengthening educational opportunities, community institutions, and long-term development.

Highlighting the importance of self-reliance, Sikyong Penpa Tsering encouraged community members to pursue sustainable livelihoods and entrepreneurship, emphasising that economic independence is essential to building resilient Tibetan settlements. He also informed residents that Kalon (Minister) Palden Dhondup of the Department of Home would undertake an official visit to Ladakh in the coming months to further inspect the settlements, engage with residents, and assess local concerns and development priorities.

Throughout the day’s official engagements, Sikyong Penpa Tsering was accompanied by Local Tibetan Assembly President Dhundup Tsering, TCV Ladakh Director Tenzin Rabten, Project Officer Tenzin Soepa, and staff of the Chief Representative Office.

At about 5:00 PM on Thursday, the 2nd of July 2026, Lobsang Palden, also known as Rangzen Lobga, a patriotic hero, was reported to have planted a Tibetan national flag he was carrying on a crossroad in front of the United Nations Headquarters in New York City and then set himself on fire in protest against the numerous types of policies being implemented by the Chinese government aimed at the wholesale destruction of Tibet. The flames were so intense that within moments he collapsed to the ground. Shortly afterward, an emergency rescue team arrived on the scene. He was then taken to the Bellevue Hospital. But the burns were so severe that he died a little past seven in the evening of that same day.

A resident of New York City, The late Rangzen Lobga was born on 1 June 1974 to his father, Sonam Dargye (Soega), and his mother, Dorje Lhamo, in the Kardze region of Dokham in eastern Tibet. He was ordained at a young age in a monastery in his homeland. He came to India in the 1990s and enrolled at the Gaden Jangtse Monastery in south India. Afterwards he later moved to the United States where he regularly organized vigorous campaign actions for freedom and independence for Tibet.

Unrestrained by any quirk of conscience, China has been unrelenting in carrying out the destruction of Tibet and its people ever since it forcefully occupied the country. In particular, it has been pursuing a hardline policy of destroying the religion, culture, language, and so forth of Tibet. It was in the course of pursuing this destructive agenda that on 1 July 2026, China brought into force its so-called Law for Promoting Ethnic unity and Progress. It was on the day after the implementation of this law that this Tibetan martyr sacrificed his life by the non-violent means of committing self-immolation. Before martyring himself, Rangzen Lobga left a message, in which he said: “The communist government of China has been continuing to carry out measures to implement various policies designed to bring about the destruction of Tibet and its people.” He also said, “I have absolutely nothing adverse to say regarding the Tibetan people in Tibet, to speak the truth wholeheartedly. The public spirited sincerity with which they are carrying out the promotion or otherwise revival of our spoken language and written script, as well as our religion and culture, are seen to be truly admirable. For this reason, I wish to express my thanks to them.” He further said: “I wish to express some words of suggestions regarding my fellow Tibetans living in exile. And we need to be sincere in expressing our views. Nothing can be achieved from doing nothing at the fundamental level when it comes to struggling to pursue the cause of a people. Hence, I wish to make it clear that we the Tibetan people living in exile need to work harder. We sincerely owe it enormously to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, for having granted us a truly democratic system of government. Likewise, even though His Holiness the Dalai Lama has granted us democracy without we having to make any human and material expenses for this purpose. Nevertheless, we have kept on rejecting it and asking him to take it back. Undaunted, His Holiness has stood by his commitment to the implementation of a wholesome democracy in Tibetan society. As regards the reason why His Holiness has granted us democracy, it is not at all in order that we fight among ourselves. Rather, it is with a hope to bring about progress to the Tibetans as a people, and for the sake of the Tibetan nation. In particular, it is worth remembering what His Holiness the Dalai Lama has said in the past, namely, ‘if those of you living in Europe and the United States of America feel and rest satisfied with the fact that you have a house and a car and that nothing else matters, be informed that this is utterly disgraceful. I want you all to know that you are all spokespersons for the people of Tibet. You are spokespersons for the people of Tibet. Hence, you should devote yourself to working for what is good for the people of Tibet. You have to make efforts for the people of Tibet.’ Hence, what I wish to tell you as regards what you should do henceforth, is this: The Chinese Communist government has not, and does not at all make any distinction among the Tibetan people. Whether as Tibetans of each of the three provinces or as

Tibetan people as such, its repression has been alike, without any distinction. I want you to know that it has simply suppressed us alike. Suppressed us to no end without any feeling of remorse. It has not differentiated us on the basis of whether we belong to Dotoe, or Dhomey, or U-Tsang. Rather, it has simply suppressed us all alike. For this reason we are all one as Tibetans. We need to work for the Tibetan national cause. We need to work for the cause of the Tibetan people as such. Presently, we are all alike in being deprived of our human rights. We have no freedom of speech and expression. We have no freedom to put up any picture of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. When we say all that, the question is, why do we lack any freedom. The simple fact is that we have lost it all because we have lost our independence. Since this is the reason, we all should make a commitment that from today onwards, whether it is the Tibetan government, or the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, or the Tibetan public, everyone should unite as one, and make it clear that we will all unite and work together for the sake of the Tibetan nation and people. I see this as extremely important. For this reason, I wish to make it clear that from today onwards, the situation should be such that the Tibetan people belonging to all the Three provinces of Tibet say, ‘I am Tibetan’, without having to squabble on the basis of their provincial and religious parochial affiliations.” He has emphasized, “It is not that independence does not exist; it does. The fact is, we have simply lost it. And we need to wrest it back, with all of us acting in togetherness. Hence, we all should unite as one and act on that basis to campaign for the independence of Tibet. On the matter of campaigning for the independence of Tibet, what I wish to plead, with my two hands held up folded together, is that every Tibetan living in exile involve themselves actively. This is one thing I wish to say. Secondly, if today I carry out a particularly strong campaign action, it might affect our cultural activities. For example, in the coming days, commemorations will be held to celebrate the 91st birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.” And he goes on, “In keeping with our tradition, the birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama should be held with a greater amount of vigour, and in a wholesome manner. It should be ensured being marked as a grand event. Likewise, I want everyone who sing and dance and so forth on the occasion to do so on that day. There is no need to stop these celebrations of the event. There is no need to hold mournings. As regards what then needs to be done, my wish is that while being engaged in doing these performances, they should ask themselves as Tibetans what they can do for the sake of Tibetans as a people, and the Tibetan nation. What efforts they should make. It is important that they think in such terms. Hence, please, I beg to appeal to everyone to be a bit more vigorous in making such efforts. The reason why I am saying all this is that in case I carry out a terrifying act of protest, questions may be asked why I did it. Well, it will not be because I was not getting anything to eat, or anything to wear, or because it was an act of giving vent to a feeling of bitterness on my part. Rather, it will be for the sake of nothing less than our national cause; for the sake of the Tibetan national cause. And when it comes to the Tibetan national cause, everyone should do whatever they can without any stoppage.” He further went on, “Everything we lack, whatever it may be, is all because we do not have independence. This is the one big question. Let it be understood that it is all because we have lost our national independence. If we win our national independence, we will have everything we seek. And so, if the question is, what do we need, the answer, obviously, is that we need national independence. What then should we do to win our national independence? Well, everyone should make efforts. So, I call on everyone to be non-stop in making efforts towards the achievement of this goal. Victory to Independence for Tibet! Victory to Tibet! Victory to Independence for Tibet!”

As stated by him in his final testament, the fact that the late Rangzen Lobga gave up his precious life for Tibet and for the cause of Tibet is a great deed of valour that will forever remain indelible in the history of Tibet. Besides, it bears noting that since 2009, till date, a total of well over 150 Tibetans in Tibet and in exile have carried out self-immolations in an unending series of protest actions. This remains not only the longest series of non-violent protest actions by means of self-immolation but also the largest number of protests by such means in the history of the world. In view of this fact, the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile wishes to appeal to the international community, especially governments, parliaments, and relevant offices of the United Nations, to carry out a legal

review of the so-called Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress of the People’s Republic of China as a matter of urgency and take whatever steps may be required to prevent a crime of ethnic genocide from taking place. We also wish to appeal to the international community to carry out a thorough investigation and hold legally accountable those responsible for perpetrating this crime of genocide, ensuing that they do not get away without paying for their crimes with punishment commensurate with their crimes.

Over the past 77 years, following the invasion and illegal annexation of Tibet carried out by the Communist Chinese government, Tibetans both in Tibet and in exile have made great many sacrifices in carrying out numerous peaceful campaigns of protest. In particular, since the year 2009, Tibetans have continued to carry out an unbroken chain of peaceful protests by means of setting themselves on fire. We accordingly wish to reiterate our call on the leaders of the central government of China to carry out a thorough investigation of those self-immolation cases as a basis to bring to an immediate end to their policies of violent repression and brutality in Tibet. We also reiterate our call on them to commence meaningful dialogue without delay to resolve the Sino-Tibetan conflict.

Issued by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile

3 July 2026

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* In case of any discrepancy between this English translation and its Tibetan original, the latter should be considered as authoritative and final for all purposes.

I would like to thank you all for your greetings on my 91st birthday. As I mentioned 9to those gathered here in Leh, Ladakh, India on 6 July, when I look back on my life, I see that the core of my practice has been to be of benefit to others. That is the altruistic motivation with which I wake up every day.

Spreading compassion and kindness continues to be my life’s primary mission. Such an attitude is essential to making our world a better place for everyone. I therefore call on my brothers and sisters everywhere, both young and old, to practice warm-heartedness and compassion, with genuine concern for the well-being of others. To be able to do so is, I believe, what it means to lead a meaningful and purposeful life of service.

As you may be aware, following a successful medical procedure on my left knee in New Delhi last month, I have since been recuperating here in Ladakh. As in past years, I find the climate here at this time of year well suited to my health, and I therefore plan to remain in Ladakh for the next several weeks.

With my prayers and good wishes,

DALAI LAMA

8 July 2026

Tashi Jong: The Kalon of the Department of Religion and Culture, Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi, visited the Khamgar Drukpa Institute of Higher Studies, Dharmakara, to attend the 9th anniversary celebration of the Indian Himalayan Council of Nalanda Buddhist Tradition (IHCNBT) Conference in Tashi Jong on 5 July, 2026.

Before attending the event, the Kalon visited Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery, Pal Phuntsok Chokhor Ling, and the Khamgar Drukpa Institute of Higher Studies, Dharmakara.

Upon arriving at the nunnery, he was received by the Secretary and Accountant of the Tashi Jong settlement Office, along with the Director of the Tashi Jong Handicraft Centre. Kalon Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi then met Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo at Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery, where they held an in-depth discussion on the preservation, promotion, and development of the Buddha Dharma. Following the meeting, the Kalon offered prayers in the nunnery’s prayer hall and toured the monastery premises.

Kalon Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi subsequently visited Pal Phuntsok Chokhor Ling in Tashi Jong, where he was welcomed by the monastery’s abbot. The Kalon toured the main assembly hall, offered prayers, and visited the monastery grounds, the community hall, the newly built hospital, and the local office.

The Kalon then proceeded to the main assembly hall of the Khamgar Drukpa Institute of Higher Studies, where he offered prayers before visiting the library and the dialectic school’s offices. Prior to the official programme, he held discussions with the abbot of the dialectic school on the monastery’s current situation.

At 10:00 a.m., the Chief Guest, Himachal Pradesh Governor Shri Kavinder Gupta, arrived at the venue, where the ceremony commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp. Monks then recited auspicious prayers and long-life prayers for His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Students from Indian government higher secondary schools sang the Indian national anthem, followed by welcome songs presented by students of the Khampa Ghar School.

After the presentation of badges and mementos to the dignitaries on stage, Shri Adv. Maling Gombu, Chairman of the Arunachal Pradesh Khadi & Village Industries Board (APKVIB) and Secretary of the Indian Himalayan Council of Nalanda Buddhist Tradition (IHCNBT), delivered the welcome address.

This was followed by a speech from Acharya Roshan lal Negi related to the occasion, after which Dr. Rajiv Kumar Singh, Director of the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), addressed the gathering. Students from Indian government primary schools then presented traditional cultural performances from the region. Thereafter, the Guest of Honour, Kalon Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi, delivered his address on the theme, “Preserving the Legacy of Buddhist Studies from Nalanda to the Himalayas.”

In his speech, the Kalon described the occasion as a bridge spanning centuries of human intellectual development that connects the civilisations of different nations/kingdoms. He said the Nalanda tradition represents not only a significant chapter in history but an enduring journey of wisdom that continues today. He highlighted Nalanda University as one of the world’s greatest centres of learning in logic, philosophy, physics, and other disciplines, producing renowned scholars such as Nagarjuna, Chandrakirti, and Shantideva, who emphasised investigating reality through reason and logic rather than blind faith. He noted that it was for this reason that Emperor Trisong Detsen invited Shantarakshita and Padmasambhava to Tibet in the eighth century to establish Buddhism. Although Tibetan Buddhism had once been dismissed as merely a “religion of lamas,” he said it is now widely recognised as an authentic Mahayana Buddhist tradition rooted in Nalanda. Citing His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the Kalon added that the Nalanda tradition aligns closely with scientific inquiry because it encourages critical investigation of reality through logic and reasoning.

The Kalon further explained that although Nalanda University was destroyed in the twelfth century, its teachings survived through the Mahayana institutions established in Tibet, where the Kangyur and Tengyur preserved Buddhist scriptures and commentaries in the Tibetan language. Following the events of 1959, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and more than ten thousand Tibetan refugees carried the authentic Nalanda tradition of Tibetan Buddhism back to India, its original homeland. Stressing the relevance of Buddhist wisdom in today’s turbulent twenty-first century, the Kalon urged everyone to move beyond simply admiring the legacy of the great masters and instead work collectively to preserve and carry forward this invaluable tradition.

Following his address, Kangra District Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa delivered a speech. Traditional Tibetan music and dance performances from Tashi Jong followed, after which the remaining dignitaries addressed the gathering, including State Legislative Assembly Member Kishori Lal, the representative of His Holiness Khamtrul Rinpoche, Abbot Chöying Lhundrup, and the Chief Guest, Himachal Pradesh Governor K.V. Gupta. The programme concluded with a summary address by Abbot Dondrue Gatsal Negi, after which all participants stood to sing the Indian National Anthem, marking the successful conclusion of the ceremony.

On the return journey to Dharamshala, the Kalon also visited Dorzong Monastic Institute near Gopalpur.

-Report filed by Department of Religion and Culture

]]> https://tibet.net/sikyong-penpa-tsering-addresses-sonamling-tibetan-community-visits-settlement-camps-during-official-ladakh-visit/ Wed, 08 Jul 2026 04:43:31 +0000 https://tibet.net/?p=271313

Leh, Ladakh: On the third day of his official visit to Ladakh, Sikyong Penpa Tsering addressed members of the Tibetan community at the Sonamling Tibetan Settlement Community Hall on the morning of 7 July 2026.

The programme began with a minute silence in memory of the patriotic hero Pawo Lobga Rangzen, who self-immolated in front of the United Nations Headquarters in New York in protest against China’s intensifying control over Tibet.

Chief Representative Officer Tashi Dhondup, Local Tibetan Justice Commissioner Pema Sangpo, and Chairman of the Local Tibetan Assembly (LTA) Dhondup Tsering presented a traditional thangka to Sikyong. This was followed by the Chief Representative Officer presenting the settlement’s annual report to Sikyong and members of the community.

Addressing the gathering, Sikyong Penpa Tsering expressed gratitude to the Tibetan people for renewing their confidence in him for a second term and thanked the community for its support throughout his first five years in office. He also reflected on the successful conclusion of the year-long celebrations marking the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and the Year of Compassion, appreciating Tibetan communities for organising numerous initiatives to promote compassion and awareness. He urged Tibetans to practise compassion as a lifelong value rather than limiting it to a commemorative year.

Sikyong further highlighted His Holiness’ vision and Four Principal Commitments, emphasising that His Holiness’ teachings on universal responsibility, secular ethics, and compassion are relevant not only to Buddhists but also to people of all faiths and those without religious beliefs. He noted the growing global interest in Buddhist philosophy and programmes such as Social, Emotional and Ethical (SEE) Learning, stressing that secular ethics are essential for humanity’s future. He further urged Tibetans never to forget His Holiness’ tireless contributions to the Tibetan people, observing that the international recognition enjoyed by the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan cause is deeply connected to His Holiness’ lifelong efforts.

Turning to the Tibetan freedom movement, Sikyong elaborated on the historical evolution and significance of the Middle Way Approach, explaining how it reflects the vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the aspirations of the Tibetan people. He also referred to recent international support for Tibet, including statements condemning China’s Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress. He briefed the gathering on his recent official engagements in Germany and other European countries, including advocacy efforts concerning China’s new ethnic policies. He also presented an overview of the Kashag’s vision and ongoing initiatives, highlighting the importance of strengthening international advocacy through overseas engagement.

Addressing China’s growing global influence, Sikyong observed that while serious concerns remain regarding China’s policies, it is equally important to understand the country’s long-term strategic planning and effective implementation. He noted that China is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and one of the world’s largest economies, with influence that extends across the globe. He stressed that recognising these realities is essential to pursuing a practical and peaceful resolution to the Sino-Tibetan conflict.

Before concluding, Sikyong Penpa Tsering urged the community to remain united and continue supporting the collective efforts of the Central Tibetan Administration. He also encouraged Tibetans to face future challenges with confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of responsibility while drawing inspiration from the vision and guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by LTA Chairman Dhondup Tsering.

Following the public gathering, Sikyong Penpa Tsering inaugurated the newly constructed office of the Leh-Jang Tibetan Freedom Movement and interacted with its administrative and local staff.

In the afternoon, Sikyong continued his official visit across the Sonamling Tibetan Settlement, inspecting Camps 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 13, where he met local community leaders and residents. He also visited Menlha School, a branch of Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) Ladakh providing education up to Class III, and the Agling branch of TCV School, where he interacted with school representatives and reviewed their activities.

The day’s engagements concluded with visits to various settlement camps and schools, allowing Sikyong to maintain close interaction with administrative staff, schoolteachers, and local residents while gaining a better understanding of their needs at the grassroots level. Throughout the visit, he was accompanied by Local Tibetan Justice Commissioner Pema Sangpo, Chief Representative Officer Tashi Dhondup, and Chairman of the Local Tibetan Assembly (LTA) Dhondup Tsering.

In the evening, at the invitation of the Ladakh Buddhist Association and the Ladakh Gompa Association, a dinner reception was hosted at Ladakh Sarai Resort in Saboo in honour of Sikyong Penpa Tsering, Speaker Dolma Tsering, and the visiting delegation from the Central Tibetan Administration and the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala. Other attendees included Security Kalon (Minister) Kunga Tashi and Members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Choedak Gyatso and Gonpo Dhundup.

Ravangla, Sikkim: Kalon Palden Dhondup of the Department of Home (CTA), accompanied by the Department’s Acting Secretary Tsering Yudon and section head of the Northeast Division Uma Thinley, visited Tibetan settlements in Sikkim and West Bengal and engaged with local officials.

Following their arrival at Bagdogra Airport on 2 July, the delegation reached Ravangla Kunphenling Tibetan Settlement in the evening. They visited the Settlement Office and held a meeting with its staff, during which the Home Kalon provided guidance on matters relating to public service and administration.

On 3 July, Kalon Palden Dhondup inaugurated several newly completed projects, including the Community Hall at Camp No. 4, the Multipurpose Cooperative Hall, and the Settlement’s Gyalyum Chenmo Community Hall. Following the inauguration, he addressed members of the local Tibetan community at the Gyalyum Chenmo Hall and responded to questions from the public.

later that day, the delegation visited Thupten Dhargyeling Monastery, Nelung Monastery, office of the Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement, Tibetan Primary Health Centre, office of the local Tibetan Cooperative Society, the Men-Tsee-Khang branch, Regional Tibetan Youth Congress office, Regional Tibetan Women’s Association office, Dangsur Hall, the Local Tibetan Assembly Hall, and the Sambhota Tibetan Day School.

The delegation also visited the Temi tea garden and factory on the following day, where they observed the tea processing and drying stage and learned about the history of the factory.

They also paid a visit to Palchen Choling Monastery and received an audience with Kyabje Goshir Gyaltsab Rinpoche.

In the evening, the delegation visited Tathagata Tsal near the Ravangla Kunphenling Settlement. Together with local officials, they discussed potential sites for tourism and recreational development within the settlement, including plans for the construction of a guest house.

Later that day, at the invitation of Sikkim Legislative Assembly Member Rikshal Dorjee Bhutia, the delegation attended a dinner reception as special guests and held cordial discussions with him.

On 5 July, the delegation departed Ravangla Kunphenling Settlement for Gangtok.

On 6 July, the Home Kalon attended, as the special guest, the inauguration ceremony of the newly constructed Associations’ Hall in Gangtok, built by the Government of Sikkim. The inauguration was held in conjunction with the celebration of the 91st birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. During the programme, a message from Sikyong of the Central Tibetan Administration was read out. The Home Kalon also responded to questions from members of the media and visited each association’s pavilion to personally greet participants and extend his greetings on the occasion.

On 7 July, at the invitation of the Gangtok Settlement Office, the local Ghoton Organising Committee, and the five local Tibetan associations, the Home Kalon-led delegation attended the celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s birthday and the concluding ceremony of the Year of Compassion. The Kalon delivered remarks on the significance of the occasion and officially announced the conclusion of the Year of Compassion observance.

The delegation is scheduled to continue its official visit from 8 to 18 July to the Tibetan settlements in Lachen and Lachung in North Sikkim, as well as Sonada, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Siliguri in northern West Bengal.

– Report filed by Department of Home, CTA