Dharamshala — A group of Tibetan activists launched the “Rangzen Walk” for Tibetan independence on Friday outside the UN Headquarters in New York. The march aims to honor the memory of Tibetan martyr Lobga Rangzen and protest the upcoming visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington, D.C. Participants are marching to Washington D.C, to condemn the Chinese communist government’s repressive policies and genocidal laws in Tibet.
More than 10 Tibetan activists, including Kunga Norbu—son of Taktse Jigme Norbu and nephew of His Holiness the Dalai Lama—launched the “Rangzen Walk” for Tibetan independence on September 17, 2026, at 5:47 p.m. The march was intentionally timed to depart at the exact same hour, day of the week, and location in front of the UN Headquarters where Pawo Lobga Rangzen self-immolated on July 2, 2026.
The demonstration honors the legacy of Rangzen, the former President of TNC NY/NJ, who organised numerous Rangzen Walks and passionately advocated that Tibetans must never abandon their independence struggle. By retracing his steps, the participants aim to carry forward his lifelong mission for a free and independent Tibet.
The "Rangzen Walk" led by two Tibetan mothers, the group of 13 Tibetans and one Kalmyk will carry this conviction from the United Nations to the White House, passing through Philadelphia's Independence Hall. Set to arrive on September 24, the marchers aim to protest the arrival of dictator Xi Jinping, demand Tibetan independence, and strongly condemn China's genocidal policies.
The “Rangzen Walk” participants include Rangzen Dolkar, Kunsang Palmo, Kunga Norbu, Geshe Jampa Choedup, Ngawang Norbu, Namgyal Wangdu, Yungdung Tashi, Dri Kalsang, Nyangtsa Penpa, Ngawang Norbu Sherpa, Bair Khulkhachiev, Lobsang Tseten, Ngawang Tsehring, and Tenzin Thinley.
The "Rangzen Walk" is organised by Tibetan National Congress NYNJ and supported by Capital Area Tibetan Association, Tibetan Association of Philadelphia Culture Center, US-Tibet Committee, RTYC NYNJ, Dhokham Chushi Gangdruk (Tri-State), SFT NYNJ.
Jigme Ugen, President of Tibetan National Congress (TNC) said, "We are protesting Xi Jinping, the architect of the colonial regime that killed 1.5 million Tibetans, separated a million Tibetan children into colonial boarding schools, and turned Tibet into the least free nation on earth."
"On July 2nd, former Tibetan National Congress, New York’s president, Pawo Lobga Rangzen, self-immolated outside the United Nations. He became the 171st Tibetan self-immolator. His final message was not to mourn, but to continue organising for independence. Pawo Lobga Rangzen organised many runs and walks, and to carry his legacy forward, the TNC has organised a walk from the UN Headquarters to the White House to unwelcome Xi Jinping. On September 24th, join them and hundreds of Tibetans in DC to carry the voices of our political prisoners, the million Tibetan children, the Panchen Lama, our martyrs, and Tibet itself. Finally, I salute the Tibetans who confronted Xi in New Delhi. That resistance must follow him (Xi) everywhere. Wherever Xi goes, Tibet must be there. Because we are still here and resisting. Be there in Washington DC on the 24th to unwelcome Xi Jinping," he added.
