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

Date: March 27, 2008

Nepal -It was reported that 17 Tibetans went to the old Chinese Embassy in Hitisar to demonstrate. They shouted slogans for not more than 4-5 minutes when Nepal police came and lathi charged them. They were taken to Bhirendra Police station in Maharajganj. All 17 arrestees were released at 8:45pm.

Local transportations (mini buses and taxis) were checked by Nepal Police this morning at Boudha. Anyone in monk’s robes and chupa were being taken off the vehicle.

Delhi - Delhi Chapter of the Tibetan Solidarity Committee organized a panel discussion on the The

Current Crisis in Tibet at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi from 3.30-5.30 pm on 27 March 2008.
Government of India- Mr. Kanwar Sibal who served as a former Foreign Secretary and Mr. Dilip Mehta, Former Secretary at MEA. Both the speakers lauded the Dalai lama on this commitment to peace and non-violence even in the face of such crisis and termed the Chinese accusation of him being the mastermind of violence inside Tibet as absurd. Mr. Dalip Mehta referred to the Dalai Lama as an asset to Tibet, India and China.
Mr. Sibal pointed out that India should use its good offices with China to push for a dialogue with the Dalai Lama.
On behalf of the Tibetans, Mr. Tsetan Norbu, member of Tibetan Parliament in Exile and chief coordinator of Tibetan Solidarity Committee-Delhi chapter gave a clear picture of the current crisis in Tibet and atrocities committed by the Chinese authorities. He stated that the current crisis reflects deep dissatisfaction and frustration of the Tibetans with the repressive Chinese policies despite so called development undertaken by the Chinese authorities.
Retired Major General Vinod Saigal moderated the session and spoke strongly in support of the Tibetan movement both inside and outside Tibet.
The conference room was packed with audience who participated fully in the question and answer session. There was a strong resonance from among the audience that the Indian government must take a tougher position on the current situation inside Tibet.

England - 

Members of the Parliament in England will put down a debate on Tibet and Norman Baker (in picture on the right) was successful. The debate has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 1, 2008, in the Grand Committee Room. MPs will see the possibility of whether they can go to Tibet as fact finding delegation with some well known and respected human rights organisations. Tibet support MPs will raise the current situation in Tibet with the British Foreign Secretary and will table an EDM (early day motion) expressing their deep concern at the extreme measures China is taking in Tibet against the Tibetan people.  

Dharamsala -    

Sangsol and mass prayers are held everyday and are organized under RTSC by Bodh Rangwang Denpai Tsogchung (Freedom Movement) and Tsuglagkhang Ghertsa Tsokpa (Tibet charity) respectively.

More than 450 Tibetans residing in Norbulinga Institute joined by Tibetans around Mcleodganj gathered at the Main Temple. Rev. Thupten Phelgye la (MP) who is also the president of Dharamsala Regional TSC and Mr. Sonam Topgyal la, Ex. Kalon Tripa addressed the gathering. After the talk, candle light vigil was observed from the Main Temple to Mcleodganj Bus Stand.

Shimla - Tibet Information Centre in Shimla

In continuation with the protest and demonstration in Shimla since 10th of March 2008, the Tibetan Youth Congress in collaboration with Friends of Tibet and Indo Tibetan Friendship Society, more than 400 people including local people took part in peaceful protest on from 18 to 21 of March. All local Tibetan organization organized 72 hour hunger strike, which was ended with the closing speech by Mr. Rajan Sushan who inspire the Tibetan people by supporting and asking the Government of India to speak out for the just cause of Tibet issue.

The Shimla Tibetan Solidarity Committee was formed on 22nd, and on 25th of this month, a press conference was held in Shimla to appeal for all Nations to send a fact-finding delegation, arrange for immediate medical facility to Tibet and for unconditional talk by the Chinese Government with His Holiness the Dalai Lama to resolve the Tibet issue.

Tibetan MP Mr. Sonam Damdul paid an official visit to Shimla to see the on-going activities of Shimla Tibetan Solidarity Committee, by having group meeting of all the Tibetan organization in Shimla.

On 26, the committee opened the Information Centre relating to present crisis in Tibet at Mall Road in Shimla, where large number of government staff and public are provided with latest news and photo about protest and demonstration taking place inside Tibet and other parts of the world. At the same time, Tibet support signatures and message campaign from the general public were collected, which will be used for the presentation to the Governor, Chief Minister, Speaker and all MLA of Himachal Pradesh at later date. The Committee vows to undertake different events at Shimla like Peace March, Hunger Strike, and candle light vigil march and arrange mass prayer for those who were killed in Tibet, and for peaceful resolution of Tibet crisis.

Mr. Rajesh Thakur, an Indian supporter stated in his message, "Indian Government and general Indian public has to make necessary responses against what ever is happening  in Tibet by Chinese force after all it's a question of human rights.

Orissa Phuntsokling -
Source: Settlement officer

1) On 21March a memorandum was given to the Governor of Orissa informing him of the serious situation in Tibet and to request him to address the urgent need of the Tibetans in Tibet.

2) On 23 March under the leadership of Mr. Gyari Bhutruk la (MP) along with Shri Vishu Prasad Das, East Zone organization Secretary, ABVP, the presidents of Local Assembly, Settlement offices, RTYC and RTWA organized a press conference in Bhuvaneshwar, the capital of Orissa from 6.30 till 8 pm in which 14 different press and media took part. In which following points were raise:
To stop the arrest and detention of Tibetans immediately
To send International monitoring committee in Tibet
To immediately dialogue with HH the Dalai Lama

3) On 24th March, more than 145 Tibetans from different NGO's staged a peaceful demonstration from Kalpana Square to Lower Post Master General in Bhuvaneshwar to support the peaceful demonstration in Tibet and to protest against the brutal act of PRC. RTSC at Bhuvaneshwar Lower Post Master General organized the hunger Strike with 150 Tibetans to appeal to the world community to support for the cause of Tibet.

Bylakuppe:

All the reincarnated lamas from three major monastics (sera, gaden, depung) enrolled in hunger strike

.

 

 

Mungod -
Source: Settlement officer

Mundgod Regional Tibetan Solidarity Committee (TSC) was formed on 20th March, 2008. By March 25, Regional TSC advisor Ven. Sertha Tsultrim Woeser along with the members of RTSC finalized the activities and programs to carry out in South India. The following day, 24 volunteers from Mundgod Tibetan Settlement staged 24 hours long Chain Hunger Strike, which will continue until 1st April.
               
The advisor and the members of RTSC have been circulating different camps to explain the nature of TSC activities and request donations. There have been mass prayers held regularly in all the monasteries and it will continue till 26 April. 25 trulkus from Mundgod also staged hunger strike in front of the Gandhi statue in Bangalore.