Tibet
Today:
The Solidarity actions around the world in the support of present crisis in Tibet.
Date: April 12, 2008
April 12, 2008 report Nepal - Nepal Tibetan Solidarity Forum (NTSF) held a meeting with two French visiting senators, Mr. Repenter and Mr. Kola, along with their secretaries, translators and a French journalist. The Tibetan MPs and NTSF coordinators conveyed the visitors on the latest information inside Tibet. The coordinators were also able to shed light on the status of Tibetan refugees in Nepal. Both French Senators promised that they would continue to raise Tibetan issue upon their return to France. Scarves and a small memento were given to the visitors on behalf of all the Tibetans in Nepal. Mr. Repenter also informed that another group of delegation would arrive next week from France to find out more on the situation in Tibet. Clementown, Dheradun - From March 23 until April 08, 2008, Clementown Tibetans have been praying with lhabsol (flour offering) every morning. They have also been reciting dolma (special prayer) daily from 2-8 PM. Like other solidarity Committee, Tibetans in Clementown have been participating in hunger strikes and conducting individual prayers at home and mass prayer. Uttarkhand, Dehradun - Hunger strike in Uttarkhand has continued to take place at the Gandhi Stadium in Dehradun until the crisis in Tibet ends. 850 Tibetans from Uttarkhand , from the 4 Tibetan settlements will participate in Global Action day in Delhi. "Funeral Procession" to condemn China's massacre in Tibet Guwahati, April 10, 2008 Today the 9th of April, funeral procession was started from Paltan Bazaar to Dighalipukhuri Paar at around 10 am. There were 142 effigies symbolizing the dead people in Tibet. 284 Tibetan demonstrators, who had shaven their heads the first day of the three-day Peace Procession covering a distance of about two kilometers, carried the effigies. On reaching Dighalipukhuri Paar, rest of the Tibetan Protesters with prayers honoured the effigies symbolizing the dead. The crowd got driven with emotions and could not stop themselves from weeping. With deep pain in heart, a lady protester had even fainted away. The effigies were then laid on the ground with immense respect.
Later, Mr. Zubeen Garg, a renowned Bollywood Singer and Mr. Sankar Das, Pracharak Pramukh of RSS, Assam who were present at the event, and four Tibetan Welfare Officers laid the Tibetan National Flags on the effigies followed by offering of the scarf. The funeral ceremony was started with the Tibetan and Indian National Anthems, which was followed by observance of two minutes of silence to pay homage and respect to the martyrs of Tibet. Singer, Mr. Zubeen Garg expressed his solidarity with Tibetan cause and sang one of his songs which he composed for Tibet. He stated that he would continue to support until the issue of Tibet is resolved. Earlier today, he met all groups of Tibetans, who came from different places of North-east India. Mr. Sankar Das also expressed his support and solidarity towards Tibetan cause. He narrated independent history of Tibet and urged Government of India to take stronger stand on the issue of Tibet.
Mr. Lhakpa Tsering, representative of four Tibetan NGOs also spoke on the occasion. He informed the gathering about the reason behind organising this funeral procession. He further expressed the need of even more determination towards the ongoing struggle of Tibet. Mr. S. Bhattacharjee, Chairman of North-Eastern Students' Union to express his solidarity towards the Non-Violent struggle of Tibet, also joined the event. The leaders of Assam Karuna-Maitri Society for Peace viz; Dr. Lalit Shyam (President), Mr. R.K. Phukan (Working President) and Mr. Anupam Barua (Secy. Gen.) were also present with banners stating their solidarity towards Peaceful Struggle of Tibet. Mr. Tenzin Rabga, secretary of Tibetan settlement, Tenzingang, Arunachal Pradesh made vote of thanks to the eminent Indian guests supporters present. The funeral ceremony continued with the chanting of prayers for the peaceful resting of the souls of the martyrs led by the monks present among the protesters. By 5.00 p.m. the effigies of the dead were carried towards the cremation site at the banks of River Brahmaputra. There, the last rite was performed with prayers and burning of the effigies. Thousands of pamphlets in English and the local language, Assamese were distributed to the local people who showed keen interest in the ongoing peaceful protest. A Press Conference was also held at Guwahati Press Club at 1.00 p.m. wherein many media persons belonging to different News Agencies flocked to cover the statements briefed by Mr Karma Yeshi and Mr Dawa Tsering, the two Parliamentarians of the Tibetan Government in Exile, Dharamshala. Solidarity Towards Peace Struggle In TibetHunger Strike and Candle Light Vigil in Guwahati, Assam April 8 2008Guwahati April 9, 2008 Today the 8th of April, 2008 around 500 Tibetans from places like Tezu, Miao, Kalaktang, Tuting, Tezingang, Itanagar, Tawang, Dirang, Rupa, Tenga and Bomdila (Arunachal Pradesh) Shillong (Meghalaya), Dimapur and Kohima (Nagaland), Tinsukia and Dibrugarh (Assam) and led by two Parliamentarians Mr. Dawa Tsering and Mr. Karma Yeshi of Tibetan government in exile under Tibetan Solidarity Committee along with Mr. Lhakpa Tsering, representative of four Non Governmental Organizations gathered in Dighalipukhri Paar, Guwahati at 10 am to observe a day long hunger strike. The inaugural function was started with the National Anthems of India and Tibet followed by observing two minutes silence in the name of the martyrs in Tibet. There were many Indian supporters like Mr. Dirang Chakraborty (Veteran Journalist), Mr. Kamala Raj Konwar (President, Buddhist Studies Centre, Upper Assam) and Mr. Dayal Krishna Bora (Pramookh, RSS) to express their solidarity towards the cause of Tibet. The two MPs and the Indian guests lit candles in front of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Mr. Karma Yeshi then gave the opening speech. He said "we are all gathered here to pay our homage to the people in Tibet. We, living in exile are the rightful persons to raise voice on the people living in Tibet's behalf against the crisis in Tibet". He further explained the demands of the Solidarity Committee on behalf of the Tibetan Community urging the International Community to support the issue of Tibet. Mr. Dirang Chakraborty narrated us the history of Independent Tibet. He on behalf of the local people of Assam and the whole India particularly the Hindu community expressed full support towards the cause of Tibet. At around 12.00 noon, head shaving ceremony was observed in which many male participants offered their hair to mourn the killings in Tibet. A total number of 56 people have shaven their heads, which carried a good coverage in all media. Mr. Tsewang Tashi, Settlement Officer of Miao Chopheling was among the first to volunteer for the head shaving ceremony.At 5.30pm a candle light procession was conducted starting from Dighalipukhri paar covering a distance of 4 kms. in the Guwahati city. (Route Dighalipukhuri Park via RBI point to Paltan Bazaar flyover, Panbazar panitanki road, DC court to Dighalipukhuripaar.) Eminent singer of India Zubeen Garg supported the just cause of Tibet. He stated that, "Tibetans are very peace loving people and we must stand behind them." He even urged international community to boycott Beijing Olympics. "Present Situation in Tibet" a Skit Show depicting China's Brutal Torture in TibetGuwahati, 11th of April 2008. Today the third day of the ongoing protest in Guwahati i.e. on 10th of April, a skit show depicting "Present Situation in Tibet" was started from Paltan Bazaar to NCP office ground, opposite to Dighalipukhuri Paar at around 10 am. There were seven groups of 20 people each performing the skit depicting. When the Skit Show entered the broad lane of Dighalipukhuri paar, the demonstrators shouted slogans, "Long Live His Holiness the Dalai Lama", "China - Stop torture in Tibet", China - Lift Media Ban in Tibet", China - Release political prisoners" and so on. Indian Public moving by the roadside also witnessed the show and took keen interest. Few artists got fainted while performing the skit show who were later taken to the hospital and got discharged after few hours. On reaching the NCP office ground, the program began with the singing of Tibetan and Indian National Anthems, which was followed by observance of two minutes of silence to pay homage and respect to the martyrs of Tibet. The guests of the third day were Mr. Thupten Tempa (Hon'ble former minister of Arunachal Pradesh), Dr. Lalit Shyam (President of Assam Karuna Maitri Society for Peace) and Mr. Harpul Singh Chaudhary (President of Purvanchal Jat Samaj, Guwahati). Tibetan parliamentarian, Mr. Karma Yeshi spoke on the occasion. In his speech, he stated that this skit show depicts the reality of what is happening inside Tibet under Chinese rule. He further stated that since media is banned in Tibet, this show represents struggle of Tibetans in Tibet and performing such skit show in free world will enlighten the world community on the issue of Tibet. He further urged the need of unity, continuity and commitment in struggle. Mr. Thupten Tempa also made his remarkable speech by recalling the historic old ties between Tibetan & Monpa communities. He stated that since Tibetans are the followers of Buddhism, which originated in India, so, it is the moral duty of the "Guru" India to help their students when they are in trouble. He further gave commitment on behalf of the Himalayan community in general & Monpa community in particular, to continue their support towards the rightful cause of Tibet. He further prayed for the longevity of "His Holiness the Dalai Lama". Dr. Lalit Shyam, read out the statement, which was issued by the Assam Karuna Maitri Society. The statement stated that with deep sense of sorrow the society expresses their concern over the current situation in Tibet. The statement further reads a speedy restoration of Peace, Harmony and Human Rights in Tibet. Later, Mr. Harpul Singh Choudhary expressed his solidarity towards Tibetan cause. He further stated that Tibetans must have patience and continue their struggle with same determination. Further, a delegation of Indo-Tibetan Friendship Society, Itanagar led by Mr. Thupten Tempa joined the procession for two days by showing their solidarity & support towards the issue of Tibet. This three-day peace procession was also joined by members of Friends of Tibet - India, Dibrugarh (Assam) to show their solidarity towards the cause of Tibet. A Puja led by Venerable Monks, was then performed for the resting of souls of the Tibetan martyrs and speedy resolution of Tibet issue through peaceful means. Later, reciting of slogans for Tibet was continued. Many Indians were supportive towards the ongoing peaceful procession. Tibetan parliamentarian Mr. Dawa Tsering gave the concluding speech. He paid his tribute towards the martyrs of Tibet. In his speech, he said that Tibetan people's determination is the source of our inspiration to continue our struggle further. He then thanked the participants from North-east India for their commitment towards the struggle. He further thanked the guests for their solidarity and urged them to continue their support. He also told the Tibetan gathering to keep their commitment and present themselves as proper representatives of the Tibetan people inside Tibet. Tibetan Solidarity Committee, North-east India requested Mr. Thupten Tempa to give away scarves to the heads of the Tibetan settlements and communities. Three day Peace Procession concluded with the singing of Tibetan & Indian National anthems. Earlier today, under the guidance of two Tibetan parliamentarians," Tibetan Solidarity Committee, North-East India" was formed. This committee will take responsibility of organizing major Tibetan events in the days to come. The committee members will be as below: Mr. Tsewang Tashi, Settlement Officer, Miao (President) Report filed by: Tibetan Solidarity Committee, North-East, India
Nepal Tibetan Solidarity Forum has resumed their activities following the few days' halt during the election period. A large number of medias have appeared again at the prayer site. From Sunday April 13, 2008, a 24 hours relay hunger strike will began with 60 new hunger strikers to substitute daily. Special Delhi Program, 12th April 2008 0900 hrs Assemble at Ram Lila Maidan Contact: 12 April report - The three-day mass activity organized here at Delhi came to a promising conclusion this evening with the participants from north Indian Tibetan communities returning back to their respective places pledging to reinvigorate the movement initiated by the Tibetan Solidarity Committee. Simultaneous with the press conference of Mr. Lodi Gyari, an Inter faith led by Swami Agnivesh was conducted at the Jantar Mantar. Among the other Indian supporters visiting the protest sites were Ms. Arundhati Roy, renowned Indian writer, Mr. Colin Gonzalves, Director, Human Rights Law Network, and many Indian supporters spoke in solidarity with the Tibetan people at this crucial juncture. Other activities of the day included a stage play depicting the plight of Tibetans injured in the recent demonstrations who are being refused medical treatment at hospitals and clinics in Tibet. At the end of the day, a street play in Hindi entitled " Where is India in the Tibetan Crisis?" organized by the Tibetan Solidarity Committee as an outreach to the Indians was presented to the Tibetan protestors in Jantar Mantar. This street play is moving around public places in the whole of Delhi. Dharamsala - Over one hundred fifty people gathered at Lhabsoeri for sangsol and roughly 2000 came to pray at the main temple, Tsuglakhang. Former Tibetan Minister, Alag Jigme kindly addressed the gathering of 3500 people at Tsuklakhang. Thereafter, the protest began from the temple to the main market to lower Dharamsala. Local Indian speakers addressed at the main market to mark their support for the Tibetan cause. Evening's candle light vigil had 3000 participants where a French supporter addressed the gathering. Mumbai - 2nd phase of the day two at 6 pm, “Interfaith Prayer Meeting for World Peace” program was held at Sane Guruji Maidan, behind Siddhi Vinayak Temple. All the representative of various faiths has showed their solidarity towards Tibet cause. They said China should be encouraged to have interfaith dialogue with H.H. the Dalai Lama from which large number of problem can be solved without violence.
Shri K.S. Sudarshan in his speech, “Calls for complete Independence” and Shri Ashok Singhal said “Tibet should be open to international media and said that the government of India should re-consider the decision to participate in the opening ceremony of Olympic”. They both extend their solidarity towards the Tibetan and Tibetan cause.
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