Date: March 17, 2008
Shimla - Peaceful demonstration by Tibetans in Shimla
Tibetans in Shimla, in solidarity with Tibetans in Tibet, as an expression of resentment and anguish against the suppressed rule of Tibet by People's Republic of China for more than four decades, organized peaceful demonstrations The Shimla Tibetan Solidarity Sub-committee jointly with the Friends of Tibet and the Tibetan Women's Association along with approximately 400 local Tibetans organized a rally in Shimla. However, the mass protest was disrupted by Local Indian Police warning them not to observe such events in future.
On March 17, 2008, on hearing the escalation of brutal suppression of the peaceful demonstration in Tibet, the regional Tibetan Solidarity Committee along with Non Governmental Organization, organized an emergency meeting during which they resolved to carry out the following activities and the result after the actions included:
- On 18th March 2008, recited the Tibetan Prayer "Jangchup Semchok (generating a compassion heart mantra)" followed by candle light vigil in the evening.
- From 18th March till 21st March, nearly 150 Tibetans observed Hunger Strikes for three days (72 hrs) at District Commissioner's Office, later broke the fast when the MLA of Shimla, Shri. Rajan Sushant provided juice to the Hunger Strikers to end the strike. He also addressed the gathering by saying that he firmly supports the peaceful and non-violent struggle carried by the Tibetans in exile and he will also appeal the Central Government of India to pressure China with other nations.
- Also on the same day, nearly 500 Tibetans started a peaceful march from Distt. court to the Main Road via Distt. Magistrate House. The march was concluded by Prof. V.S. Negi (President of the Indo-Tibet Friendship Society) addressing the masses of his support for an end to the brutal suppression in Tibet. The Tibetans later concluded the procession with "Dhentsik Monlam (Prayer of Truth)."
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Sweden - Tibetan community in Sweden and Swedish Tibetan Community jointly organized protests on March 17th in front of the Central city and the Chinese Embassy respectively with six demands:
1. Stop killing in Tibet
2. Stop the culture genocide in Tibet
3. Send UN fact finding delegation to Tibet
4. Stop the violence in Tibet
5. Send world NGO's medical help to Tibet
6. Stop making unjust criticisms of HH Dalai Lama.
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Ladakh - Activities organized by the North-South Ladakh Tibetans are as follows:
Activities in Ladakh: Includes both Objectives and Implementation
- 17/3/2008: Observed peace march by nearly 1,000 Tibetans including monks and layperson and as a mark of solidarity and mourning for the unprecedented event in Tibet, closed all local small business.
- 19-20/3/2008: Asked for permission with much difficulty to host a hunger strike observation from the Indian dignitaries.
- 21/3/2008: In spite of no permission, the chairperson of the local Tibetan Assembly followed by both governmental and non governmental organization observed a day long hunger strike and all small business units including taxi unions were closed and all movements were restricted as a mark of mourning for the recent crackdown in Tibet.
- 22/3/2008: 50 Tibetans from each camp on each day observe a day long hunger strike. There are 12 camps in total and this is the fourth day of the hunger strike.
- Continuing from 21/3/2008: As directed by the Tibetan Government, all Tibetans recited prayers by from 9:00AM till 5:00PM. At night, each camp rotated the responsibility of leading the prayers. The prayer will continue for another two weeks.
- 23/3/2008: As a mark of solidarity, hunger strike activity was joined for an hour by Chief Executive Councilor of Ladakh Hill council Mr. Thupten Tsewang (MP) and three other dignitaries. They all supported the peaceful activity and kindly addressed the gathering.
- 24/3/2008: Approximately 500 Tibetans participated in a day long hunger strike inaugurated by members from the Himalayan Tibet Support Group and leaders from different religious background (Hindu, Islam, and lamas from different schools), and the representatives of the Tibetan Parliament, Mrs. Ngawang Lhamo and Mr. Sertha Tsultrim. The members of the parliament explained the objective of the Tibetan Solidarity Committee and also expressed their gratitude to the non Tibetans for their unwavering support towards the Tibetan cause. Mr. Tashi Rabgey (80 years old and scholar in Tibetan Buddhism and Culture) supported the activity and also participated in the hunger strike.