Dharamshala: Kasur Alak Jigme Thinley Phuntsok, a former Kalon of the Central Tibetan Administration and speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, passed away on July 26 in Shri Balaji Hospital in Kangra district.
On July 31, monks from Rongpo monastery in Amdo region of eastern Tibet organized a prayer service along with local Tibetans for Alak Jigme.
Over 2000 people, including locals from his birth place, Gyalpo village in Rabgong County of Amdo region, came to pray, offer butter lamps and chant for him.
He was 72 when he passed away due to illness. Alak Jigme was born at Rebkong in north-eastern Tibet's Amdo region. At the age of 7, he was recognized as the reincarnation of Jigme Tulku of Rongpo monastery.
Alak Jigme has been an active and respected member of the Tibetan community throughout his life.
In 1996, he was directly appointed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the Auditor General and retired in 2004 at the age of 65.
Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay has expressed his condolences and deep sorrow at the passing away of Alak Jigme. As a mark of respect and mourning, a prayer service was held and all the offices of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) remained closed for the afternoon.
