TYC clears internal crisis, VP resigns

Wednesday, August 04, 2010

Tibet Sun
By Lobsang Wangyal
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Mecloed Ganj, India-- As expected, the first business day of the 14th General Body meeting of the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) involved ousting the vice president Dhondup Dorjee from the organisation.

Gyari Dolma presents trophy to Bylakuppe Regional Tibetan Youth Congress for the best performance by a regional chapter of the organisation during the opening of the 14th General Body meeting of the organisation at the TCV School auditorium in Dharamshala, India, on 2 August 2010. (Tibet Sun/Lobsang Wangyal/India)

Soon after the inaugural ceremony, the members held a 10-hour closed-door meeting until 9 pm on Monday, finally clearing the issue of Dorjee.

According to sources, members ruled that vice president Dhondup Dorjee had wronged TYC by sending a letter to the US embassy which hindered the planned TYC hunger strike in New York.

A majority of members demanded Dorjee to officially resign and Dorjee obliged.

The members also ruled that the president and the executive members who ousted the vice president had also done wrong as they do not have the power to oust any members from the organisation.

Many members Tibet Sun interviewed expressed relief over the final judgment.

The meeting was inaugurated by President Tsewang Rigzin followed by Chief Guest Gyari Dolma’s speech.

Dhondup Dorjee, who would in the past be seated next to the president, was not officially seated among the executive members as he helped himself to a chair and sat at the end of the row.

TYC’s Martyr’s Award was given to the Tibetans who lost their lives in the anti-China protests since March 2008. The award was accepted by Ngawang Woeber of Gu Chu Sum Movement (Tibetan Ex-Political Prisoner’s Association) signifying many members.

Rangzen ( Independence) Award was honoured to those who fought for Tibet’s independence in Tibet. The award was taken by proxy Lhasang Tsering.

The Social Service Award was accorded to Tibetan people who have worked in the rescue and relief operations of the Kyigudo (Ch: Yushu County) earthquake victims in April this year.

Bylakuppe, Darjeeling and Shimla regional chapters were honoured as the first, second and third best performers respectively.

The on going session in next few days will discuss on core issues such as activities, security of the Dalai Lama, social services, unemployment among the youth and the upcoming elections of Kalon Tripa (prime minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile) and the members of the exile parliament.

A 10-member new executive members is accepted to be elected before the meeting ends on 8 August.