April 24, 2008 report
April 24, 2008:
Kollegal –
1. 7th April 2008: As per the direction of Central Tibetan Solidarity Committee, 522 people from Kollegal Dhondenling Settlement shaved their heads to express their support and solidarity to the ongoing Tibetan movement and also mourned for those Tibetans martyrs who died in the recent killings in Tibet.
Delhi –
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
For Immediate Release
April 24, 2008
Tibetans Demand the Release of 11th Panchen Lama and all other Political Prisoners imprisoned in Tibet
On the occasion of the 19th Birth Anniversary of the Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima (April 25, 2008), we urge the Chinese government to free the Panchen Lama immediately and unconditionally as well as release all political prisoners imprisoned in Tibet.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama recognized Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the 11th Panchen Lama on May 14, 1995. Within days of the announcement, the Chinese police took the six year old child and his family from their home and to this day their whereabouts and well-being are unknown.
Despite repeated attempt, no international human rights organizations not even the United Nations have been allowed access to the Panchen Lama or his family members.
Instead China has played reincarnation politics by nominating and selecting their own Panchen Lama in November 1995. Behind this and various other recent Chinese promulgated policies on reincarnation and religion lies their agenda to undermine and control the Tibetan people, their religion, and their nation.
The ongoing Chinese crackdown has resulted in 154 reported deaths, over 500 injured and many thousands arrested. We urge the Chinese government to release all the people arrested and cease further arbitrary arrests and detentions. In addition, we also demand the release of the 119 known Tibetan political prisoners who remain imprisoned prior to the crackdown.
To mark the day, Tibetan Solidarity Committee-Delhi chapter will organize a special event starting at 11 am in the morning. Among other activities, there will be a Tibetan children's painting competition. We will have a host of guest speakers to address the public. Well-known Indian band Parikrama will perform a few acoustic numbers in solidarity with the Tibetan struggle in the evening of the same day.
Indian supporters of the Tibetan cause will launch a signature campaign to pressure the Indian government to take a stronger stand on the Tibetan issue and yet another international student's group will be taking out a free the Panchen Lama petition campaign.
Issued by: The Tibetan Solidarity Committee- Delhi Chapter
Dharamsala -
1. 23rd April 2008: Around 300 people gathered at Lhabsoeri for sangsol.
2. Relay hunger strike continued. 50 nuns from Shugseb nunnery participated in the hunger strike.
3. Photo exhibition on recent killings in Tibet continued.
4. In the evening around 1500 people participated in the candle light peace procession.
5. Continued to offer thousand butter lamps for all those who died in the recent killings in Tibet.