Date: May 10, 2008
May 10, 2008
Delhi Observes Two Months of Chinese Crackdown in Tibet
By Tenzin Sangmo
New Delhi, May 10 - The Delhi Chapter of the Tibetan
Solidarity Committee observed two months since the act of repression and that against humanity by Beijing in Tibet. Chinese authorities came down hard on peaceful demonstrations by ethnic Tibetans following March 10 2008. Protests were first carried out by Drepung monks in the Barkhor area of Lhasa who were eventually detained and tortured. According to Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, more than ninety rallies across the Tibetan plateau were carried out since resulting in 204 known killings, over 1000 people sustaining injuries and 5714 further arrests.
China's atrocity has garnered much criticism throughout the world. Tibetans living in exile and other support groups have openly criticized China by organizing rallies and disrupting the journey of the Olympic flame through its international expedition. Situation in Tibet remains critical despite talks between H.H. the Dalai Lama's envoys and Chinese leaders May 4 in Shenzen, China. Notwithstanding China's exhibition of sincerity towards dialogue, they are constant in their efforts of vilifying the Dalai Lama.
Tibetans in Delhi and their supporters have been demonstrating peacefully at Jantar Mantar since March 14. The Tibetan Solidarity Committee today organized a day long mass rally which was flagged off by eminent social activists and Indian Parliamentarians across party line. The program kicked off at 11:30 am and saw many speakers addressing the crowd of about 500. Guests included Advocate JP Sharma from the Lawyers Tibet Support Group, Vipin Sen Gupta (Rajya Sabha Member, West Bengal), Tapin Gao (MP, Arunachal) and Thupten Chewang (MP, Ladakh) among others.
Chithue Karma Choephel spoke on the sensitive issue and urged Tibetans to continue with their non-violent struggle keeping in line with the Dalai Lama's message of peace and harmony.
Nepal –
Shabten recital of 9/5/08: Number of participants = 450
Dolma Gyeypa 31,942
Dolma Dhueypa 1,86,457
Dolma Zung 65,596
Mani 31,546,774
Vajra Guru 4,16,245
Tamding Zung 1,75,783
Relay Fasting 28th day:
There were 75 people taking part in today’s fasting starting from 9AM to 9 AM next morning.
Commemoration of 2 full months since the present crisis in Tibet:
NTSF circular invitation to today’s Shabrim congregation was positively responded with 2000 people attendees at the Shabrim center in Baudha. NTSF invited Mr. Kapil Shrestha highly distinguished and respected human rights activist and former member of the National Human Right Commission of Nepal, has always been a good friend of Tibetans and extremely supportive of Tibetan’s struggle for human rights in Tibet.
Except for the Press Release in Tibetan, the introductory speech and the vote of thanks were delivered in Tibetan by Chithue Yungdung Gyaltsen la. Avenue television taped the entire event and telecasted it online. Ven Jampa Losel la was especially invited to deliver today’s Press Release in Nepali language. The aim was to address the people of the host country; explaining the reason, the means and our short and long term goals. Ven Jampa Losel la did a praiseworthy job.
Following is a short synopsis of Mr. Kapil Shrestha speech. He proceeded with offering a Jaldar to a Portrait of His Holiness and said:
“I am here today to show my solidarity and express my support for the Tibetans and your cause. Today the issue of Tibet has reached the peak of Mount Everest which is something that hasn’t happened for many years. Tibetans in-exile in Kathmandu, New Delhi, London, Paris, San Francisco and the world over are showing their solidarity to their brothers and sisters in Tibet by various means. The purpose and aim of these protests are not directed at harming China. The aim and purpose of these protests is to simply demand fundamental human right to the Tibetans in Tibet which is their birthright. A human being must be able to live as a human and with respect. These are absent in Tibet. A human being must be able to live without fear of any kind. Chinese actions do not accord this to the Tibetans. The Tibetan people must have the right of governance of their country. China has made the Tibetans a minority in their own country. China has made mockery of the revered Olympic Games and the Olympic torch by taking it to the peak of Mt. Everest, the highest point on the earth. Chinese authorities including Hu Jintao may be feeling bravado in this. But in reality, it is not so because sportsmen scaling the peak usually are congratulated and praised. The scaling of Everest by China this time received no such praise or adulations. On the contrary it has earned world condemnation because they not only misused such a noble land mark but also pressured its neighbor, Nepal in prohibiting climbers and deploying armed security people at such a holy and noble place. You have lived as refugees since 1959 having forced to leave your own country. The Tibetans in Tibet continue to suffer the brutality of China for all these years. No respectable country in the world today acts like how China does in Tibet. China’s accusations against His Holiness are laughable. He is a Nobel Lauriat. Nobel Peace Prize is never awarded to undeserving person. Earning such recognition is not easy and simple. Lord Buddha taught us to be compassionate. His follower, His Holiness is teaching us to be compassionate and smile. The whole world knows the sincerity of His Holiness. You are conducting your protests in such a peaceful and non-violent way such as holding mass prayer congregations, fasting, etc. Even if you get beaten by the police, you continue respond by saying Namaste with your hands folded. Your struggle is for truth and justice and it shall prevail.”
Arrests and injury:
A number of Tibetans have been arrested from Hatisar, the visa section of the Chinese Embassy. Some of the protesters have chained themselves together and thrown away the key making it very difficult for the police to arrest and load them on police vehicles.
Mundgod -
May 8, 2008: Prayers at monastery, nunnery, and village are continued. Relay hunger strike is going on by 25 people every day.
May 9, 2008: At 6 AM, Mr. Kithur of Ambedkar follower started his 12 hours hunger strike in front of the statue of Mohandas Karamchan Gandhi to show his solidarity for Tibetans suffering inside Tibet and his opposition to the Chinese people’s rule in Tibet and to oppose the use of force and brutality in Tibet by the Chinese government soldiers. Mr. Guru Swamy and Mr. Kithur family also supported his action and stayed with him on hunger strike for sometime.
A memorandum and a signature campaign requesting help from the UN and Human Rights Commission for the release of 11 Panchen Lama Gedun Choekyi Nyima was posted.
May 10, 2008: Initiated by Mundgod Tibetan Community, a signature campaign to oppose and condemn Dorjee Shungten Society’s call to His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the high court on May 12 was started. Memorandum was drafted to be forwarded to Honorable Judge High Court of Delhi. An application was given to the Indian Prime minister and the copy given to the Tashildar Office of Mundgod Taluka.
Settlers conducted special prayer at monastery and community hall. Another special prayers by 40 monks from Loseling Monastery were arranged at Kalachakra Temple. Our TSC President visited all the section.