Tibetans seek stronger expressions of solidarity

ANNIVERSARY OF PANCHEN LAMA’S ‘DISAPPEARANCE’ OBSERVED AS INTERNATIONAL TIBET SOLIDARITY DAY
GANGTOK, 17 May: International Tibet Solidarity Day was observed here in capital today with the prayers, a peace rally and a call for expressions of solidarity from the International community to Tibet cause.
The Central Tibetan Administration announced 17 May as International Tibet Solidarity Day. The day is significant for the Tibetan community, as it should also be for the world community, as it marks the disappearance of 6 year old Gendun Choekyi Nyima and his family and caretakers in Tibet a few days after he was recognized as the reincarnation of Panchen Lama. This was back in 1995, making the 11th Panchen Lama the youngest political prisoner of the world. The anniversary of his disappearance in the hands of the Chinese authorities is observed as the International Tibet Solidarity Day and symbolizes the international community’s solidarity with the aspirations of the Tibetan people who desire for freedom and continue to stand strong in the face of great adversity.
Today, prayers were offered at Deorali Gurulakhang for the Tibetan self-immolators who sacrificed their lives for the Tibetan cause. A peace rally was then taken out from Gurulakhang to Thakurbari.
Addressing a press conference today, a Member of Tibetan Parliament in-Exile, Youdon Aukatsang, urged the international community to express solidarity with Tibet as the people inside Tibet have been suppressed for too long and need international support.
Ms Aukatsang further informed that 117 self immolations to protest Chinese occupation of Tibet announce the Tibetan rejection of Chinese policies and the people inside Tibet proclaiming that they hav had enough.
“The Tibetan people will continuously resist Chinese occupation of our homeland and its policies and we want the world to support us more strongly now,” she urged.
While expressing gratitude towards India and the people and especially to the people of the Himalayan region, Ms Aukatsang mentioned that the country can do much more on the Tibet issue.
Another Tibetan Parliamentarian, Lobsang Yeshi added that a huge credit goes to Indian government and its people and their compassion in supporting the Tibetan struggle and keeping it alive. He added that this day was to seek support and solidarity from the world community to support Tibet. He briefly spoke about the policies of Chinese government and situation of Tibetan people inside Tibet.
Tibetan Settlement Officer, Gangtok, Zigmee Dorje read out the message of Central Tibetan Administration on the occasion. The message informs that with self-immolations now numbering 117 since February 2009, and over a million Tibetans having perished as a result of Chinese occupation, Tibetans inside Tibet are sending a clear signal to the world rejecting People’s Republic of China’s policies in Tibet which have led to political repression, cultural assimilation, environmental destruction and economic marginalization. It is added that now, more than ever before, Tibetan people need to be reassured and given hope that their plight has not been forgotten by the rest of the world.
“The Central Tibetan Administration therefore calls upon Tibetans and their friends to observe this day with expressions of solidarity involving people’s elected representatives, local government or holding an activity as deemed appropriate. In view of self-immolations, particularly the recent self-immolation by two monks of Ngaba Kirti monastery, all are requested to hold prayers on that same day,” the message concludes.