Dharamshala – Tibetans worldwide fervently protested the Chinese Communist Party's unlawful seizure of Tibet in 1959. Even after 65 years, Tibetans endure profound anguish stemming from the fracturing of familial bonds, spiritual dislocation from their leader and brethren, and the profound detachment from their homeland, Tibet. The Chinese regime subjects Tibetans to egregious inhumanity marked by discrimination, torture, arbitrary detention, extrajudicial killings, and the pervasive specter of imprisonment.
Tibetans from all over the world peacefully marched in the streets such as New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Madison, Minnesota, Colorado, Bay Area, Seattle, Calgary in the USA, Ottawa, Toronto in Canada, London in England, Berlin in Germany, Amsterdam in Netherlands, Paris in France, Geneva in Switzerland, Sydney and Canberra in Australia, Tokyo in Japan, Taipei in Taiwan, Dharamshala, New Delhi, Mundgod, Bylakuppe, Ladakh in India etc, to protest against the illegal occupation of Tibet by the Chinese Communist Party and the serious human rights violations committed by the Chinese government against Tibetan brothers and sisters in Tibet. The peaceful demonstrators call on the Chinese government to release all Tibetan political prisoners, who suffer daily torture and discrimination in prison. They also call on the Chinese government to respect human rights in Tibet, to leave Tibet and set Tibetans free.
Tibetans from around the Dharamshala took peace march from Mcleod Ganj to Kacheri, Dharamshala, to protest against the illegal occupation of Tibet by the Chinese Communist Party and the serious human rights violations committed by the Chinese government against Tibetans inside Tibet. Tibetan Youth Congress, Tibetan Women's Association, Students for Free Tibet and National Democratic Party of Tibet organised the peace march, on March 10, 2024.
The four Major Tibetan NGOs issued a statement on the 65th Anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day and it states, “Today marks a pivotal moment in Tibetan history, commemorating a day deeply ingrained in the collective consciousness of Tibetans worldwide as a source of inspiration and unwavering commitment to our cause. As we gather to commemorate this day, we, the representatives of the four leading Tibetan NGOs in Dharamshala, reach out with a message of unity and remembrance to our brothers and sisters within our homeland and those spread across the globe. We bow in solemn tribute to the brave hearts, the Tibetan martyrs, whose ultimate sacrifices have lit the path of our struggle against the shadow of Chinese annexation”.
“The year 1959 stands as a testament to the unyielding spirit of the Tibetan people, when Tibetans from all walks of life converged in Lhasa on March 10th, in a resolute stand against the unlawful occupation by the Chinese Communist Regime. This uprising, a clarion call for the "Long life of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the independence of Tibet, and the expulsion of Chinese invaders," marked the genesis of the Tibetan National Uprising. The ensuing decades have seen the Chinese regime employ draconian measures, culminating in the tragic loss of over a million Tibetan lives, all in the pursuit of freedom and justice. In 2008, the flames of resistance were rekindled across Tibet, witnessing with over 170 Tibetans, within our homeland and in exile, turning to self-immolation— a harrowing testament to their desperation and protest against China's suffocating policies,” the Tibetan activists said.
The four organisations explained, “Despite such monumental sacrifices, the Chinese authorities continue their relentless crackdown, arbitrarily detaining, imprisoning, and torturing Tibetans, erasing our cultural identity, shackling our spiritual practices, and silencing our voices with imprisonment and torture. The Chinese authorities perpetuate a systematic erasure of Tibetan cultural identity by mandating Tibetan children's enrollment in Chinese-style boarding schools, aimed at indoctrinating them with Chinese ideology while severing ties to our rich heritage. Monks and nuns are subjected to compulsory "Patriotic Education," forcibly eroding their spiritual autonomy, while any voluntary Tibetan cultural teachings are prohibited within monastic institutions, Tibetan officials are coerced into compliance with Chinese policies, suppressing their religious freedoms and prohibiting engagement in religious activities. Moreover, Tibetans endure discriminatory practices, requiring numerous permits for inter-regional travel within Tibet and facing limited opportunities across various fields, perpetuating a cycle of marginalization and oppression”.
“The recent turmoil in Kham Dege, where thousands of Tibetan protesters are arrested, for standing against the destructive force of a hydropower dam on the Drichu River, which threatens the displacement of residents from two villages and six monasteries, jeopardizing their homes, livelihoods and cultural heritage. This is a stark reminder of the continuous assault on our way of life and the sanctity of our land. These actions not only threaten the existence of Tibetans but also the delicate ecological balance vital to our region and beyond,” they added.
“This repression extends beyond Tibet's borders, manifesting in the diasporas where numerous Tibetans experience transnational repression. Supporters of the CCP have been known to intimidate and aggressively disrupt peaceful protests, underscoring the far-reaching impact of China's efforts to silence dissent,” the Tibetan activists mentioned.
“Amidst these trials, the enduring belief in Tibet's historical independence fuels our collective spirit, Tibetans worldwide have steadfastly advocated for our inherent rights. With support from the international community and Tibetan support groups, global awareness about Tibet's historical independence and the dire situation inside Tibet is growing. The recent approval of the 'Resolve Tibet Act' by the US House Foreign Affairs Committee is a significant step forward. We thank Representatives McGovern and Micheal Mccaul for introducing the bill and the US House of Representatives for its passage. We urge the Senate to pass this bill into law, affirming the Tibetan people's right to self-determination. Additionally, we commend the increasing number of countries condemning China's human rights violations in Tibet during the Universal Periodic Review, with 20 UN member states making 24 recommendations and three mentions,” they wrote.
“In light of the persistent adversities endured by Tibetans, especially those within Tibet itself, the unity and collective action of Tibetan organizations and individuals worldwide are indispensable. Now more than ever, it is imperative that we amplify the voices of those in and out of Tibet, echoing their aspirations and dreams through our unwavering actions and advocacy. Together, bound by our steadfast commitment, we will persist in our noble pursuit of freedom for Tibet, standing shoulder to shoulder until justice prevails,” the statement concluded.
