CTA
August 10, 2009

Dharamshala -- On his arrival at Bakula Airport at Leh in Jammu and
Kashmir on Sunday, His Holiness the Dalai Lama was received by Chief
Minister Omar Abdullah, who himself drove His Holiness in an official
vehicle from the airport to Choglamsar.

Large crowds of locals, including Buddhists, Muslims and Hindus, in
their traditional dresses were lined up on both the sides of the road
holding flowers and Khatags right from the airport to Shivetsal
palace at Choglamsar.

Soon after reaching at his Palace, His Holiness the Dalai Lama
extended thanks to Abdullah and other dignitaries for warm welcome.

In a conversation with the Chief Minister, His Holiness the Dalai
Lama said he had a very friendly relationship with his grandfather
and founder of National Conference Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and his
father Farooq Abdullah.

His Holiness said the Jammu and Kashmir State has a very long and
bright future under the young and dynamic leadership of Abdullah.

His Holiness will stay in Ladakh till 29 August during which he will
give Buddhist teachings and confer initiations in Leh and Zanskar.