Tibetan Movement 2008

The Solidarity actions around the world in the support of present crisis in Tibet.

Date: April 2, 2008

Report from Solidarity committee, UK and Europe Chapter

31 March 2008: Global Day of Action

At 12.00 noon, Tibetans and UK Tibet Support Groups members held a memorial service for all innocent victims who died during the recent uprising in Tibet at Westminster Abbey. A Minute's silence was observed and attendees lay flowers and prayers made for those who have been killed in Tibet since 10th March 2008. As a symbol of mock funeral, attendees put Khatags over their heads.
At 06 PM Vigil at the Chinese Embassy, Portland Place

In front of the Chinese Embassy, candle light vigil with a minute's silence and prayers and flower/khatag were offered to pay respects to those who have been killed over the last two weeks in Tibet. The event was well attended by both Tibetans and supporters.

Fourteen Tibetans who represented the 140 Tibetans killed as a result of the demonstrations and protests in Tibet since 10 March 2008, each wore a khatag covering their face in respect of those who have been killed. There were silhouettes printed with the names of those who have been confirmed dead.
The main message during the candle light vigil was "Respect the Tibetan people – no Olympic torch in Tibet" "1.5 million signatures, it's time for dialogue with the Dalai Lama"
1st April 2008: Tibet Adjournment debate in Parliament

Tuesday 1.30PM in the Grand Committee Room, off Westminster Hall
Mr. Norman Baker MP opened the debate with great force and expressed his regret that Tibetan issue has still been not resolved after 50 years of Chinese occupation. He reiterated that Tibet was an independent nation especially from 1911 to 1950. He further mentioned that it was of much regret that no government has expressly condemned the Chinese authorities for using excessive force and brutality on innocent Tibetans exercising their fundamental right of expression of dissatisfaction with the Chinese rule.
The debate was well attended with many of the MP speaking for the need for British government to lead the international community by example as UK has direct treaty relationship with Tibet when it was an independent nation.

Nepal -

Shabten recital of 1/4/08: Number of participants = 1200 + 140 during night = 1340

Dolma Gyeypa 3,57,275
Dolma Dhueypa 4,37,787
Dolma Zung 1,23,974
Mani 47,25,529
Vajra Guru 18,52,914
Tamding Zung 2,42,805

The 1st round of 72-hour non-stop Dolma recital ended today. Starting tomorrow 0900, an 80-hour non-stop Dolma recital is scheduled. Nuns from Kyidong Thugje Choeling will lead the prayer, provided that the police allow the nuns to leave their nunnery.

Arrests and Injury:
Several groups of demonstrators are arrested. Because of multiple arrests exact number of arrested not yet confirmed. So far no news of injury is reported. The exact number shall be included in tomorrow’s update.

Sangsol:
Today too started off with a Sangsol in the compound of the congregation center. The number of people present at the Sangsol was about 500, a low figure because of the timing. Chithue Yungdung Gyaltsen la addressed the gathering after the Sangsol.

Programs from TSC:

The programs and announcements published on April 1st were relayed to the public by an address by Chithue Yungdung Gyaltsen la.

Delhi -

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact persons:

Tsetan Norbu: +91 9818 970 928

Youdon Aukatsang: +91 9999 915 061 9868 944 267

Launching a Freedom Bike Rally in Support of Freedom of Expression in Tibet

The Tibetan Solidarity Committee-Delhi Chapter will launch a Freedom Bike Rally at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi on April 4, 2008 from 2.30 pm onwards. With Tibetan flags and message of peace and human rights in Tibet, the bikers will cover the whole of Delhi to create awareness on the current crisis inside Tibet and appeal for solidarity to the Indian community.

Tibetans inside Tibet are being killed, injured, arrested and tortured for merely exercising their right to freedom of expression. Their main slogans were "FREE TIBET" and "LONG LIVE HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA". Since March 10th (49th Anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day), over 140 Tibetans have been killed, at least 500 injured and over 1300 arrested and many more left unaccounted for merely raising these slogans.

The latest reports emanating from Tibet shows that China has enforced strict control by deploying thousands of PLA troops in all Tibetan areas. Of late, the Chinese propaganda is aggressively attempting to equate Tibetan activities with acts of terrorism. Chinese authorities have alleged that Tibetan groups are planning suicide squads and have also carried reports of guns and weapons being uncovered from monasteries. These reports are trying to discredit the worldwide support for the non-violent peaceful Tibetan protests both inside and outside Tibet.

Dehradun -

BRIEF ACCOUNT OF ACTIVITIES:

1. 26th March 2008: Shri. Lal Chand Sharma, Former Congress President of Dehradun was the chief guest on the day when the indefinite relay hunger strike was launched in Dehradun. Two minutes mourning was also observed for all those Tibetan killed by the Chinese soldier recently.

2. 27th March 2008: Smt. Neelam Sehgal, Vice President of the Himalaya Parivar Bal Vikas visited the hunger strike and expressed her solidarity and support for the cause. Mr. Ajay Sharma, Member of National Human Rights Committee also expressed his support and promised to participate in the hunger strike along with 40 other members of NHRC on 29th March.

3. 28th March 2008: Shri. Bhagat Singh Koshiyari, Former minister of the State expressed his solidarity and support for the Tibetan cause and also viewed that the BJP both at the Center and the state fully supports the ongoing Tibetan movement.

4. 30th March 2008:On behalf of the Kashag, Kalon Ven. Tsering Phuntsok, Minister for Culture and Religion (CTA) addressed the thousands of Tibetan gathered at the Dehradun Gandhi Maidan over the recent killings in Tibet. Minister also paid his visit to the Tibetan who has been sitting on hunger strike.

5. 31st March 2008: On the sixth day of relay hunger strike, 15 members local Indian supporter headed by Shri. Gajendar Khanduri, Member of Himalaya Parivaar Association, Uttarakhand and five members Ladakh Tibetan Support Group headed by Mr. Lobsang Thutop expressed their solidarity to the Tibetan cause by joining the relay hunger strike for two hours and five hours respectively. Besides, Chairman Bharma Charya Bhodisagar, Trailokya Buddha Mahasangh also visited the spot and expressed his support.

Dharamsala -

BRIEF ACCOUNT OF ACTIVITIES:

1. Around one thousand people gathered at Lhabsoeri for sangsol.
2. Relay hunger strike continued.
3. Around one thousand people participated in candle light procession.