SFT Delhi Executive Council 2012-2013
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Mumbai – The recent decision by the Censor Board to remove “Free Tibet” a fleeting reference to Tibetan freedom struggle in the film Rockstar, releasing tomorrow has disheartened many Tibetans & Indian supporters here in India and across the world.
Activists with Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) rallied and met the Regional Officers of the Censor Board in various cities to highlight the sentiments of the Tibetan & Indian people.
Here in Mumbai, SFT Mumbai activists & Tibetan writer/activist Tenzin Tsundue met Smt. Pankaja Thakur, CEO of the Censor Board of Film Certificate Head Quarters. They met the CEO of CBFC for over an hour long exchange on the details of the decision taken by the Censor Board to blur the “Free Tibet” banner from the film “Rock Star”.
“Tibetans living in India and across the world are disheartened that the “Free Tibet” banner had been deleted from the film which otherwise could have carried the message through this much awaited film of the year,” said Dorjee Tseten, National Director of Students for a Free Tibet-India. “All this is happening at a time when so much brutal oppression is unleashed by China in Tibet, because of which twelve young monks, nuns and young adults have set themselves in a series of self-immolations. And we just heard this morning that there was another case of self-immolation by a Tibetan in Kathmandu.”
Tibetan writer and activist Tenzin Tsundue also addressed the press conference today and said: “This act of self-censorship in India belies the larger reality of India’s support to Tibet and the Indian people’s love and support for His Holiness the Dalai Lama. As much as it denies the Tibetan refugee living in India for the past 52 years, it also denies Indian artists their right to freedom of expression.”
This is the time when internationally people of the world should be standing up with the people of Tibet and support their nonviolent freedom struggle led by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. “Unfortunately this single opportunity to see a “Free Tibet” banner in a mainstream Hindi Film has been banned”, said Dorjee Tseten, SFT National Director.
Students for a Free Tibet – India
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“Sadda Haq; Free Tibet” Tibetan students and supporters protest rallied against the decision of censoring Tibetan Flag from ROCKSTAR
With the ongoing issue of censoring the Tibetan flag from ROCKSTAR and all the controversial politics played among the Bollywood industry under the Chinese pressure, who ultimately suffers are certainly the less powerful ‘Tibetans’. It has now become a violation of Human rights and a game with someone’s Identity. Students for a Free Tibet has launched a campaign recently to protest against the censoring and to warn the Indian government about the game plan of the Chinese communist party, playing with the largest democracy of the world.
Yesterday, with only two days to the release of the movie, the sudden blame game among the censor board and the producers had not only caused big havoc but had also shattered the feeling of most of Tibetan refugees due to the politics that they played using a National flag, but it was clearly seen as how the Chinese government is imposing such kind of pressure, effecting the Free speech and world’s largest democracy that the Tibetan refugees always admire about India.
Dont Censor TIBET from ROCKSTAR
Today, with Tibetans all over India protesting against the Chinese government for pressurizing India in such an unrealistic way and to rise up against the decision of censoring of ‘Tibet’ from the movie, the Delhi chapter of Students for a Free Tibet(SFT) organized a peace march rally as well as a cycle rally at Delhi University. Around 50 Tibetan students and Indian supporters participated in the rally showing their full disagreement to the censoring issue and to appeal the Censor Board not to go under Chinese pressure to value the free speech rights in India. Speaking to the participants and the media, Chapter director of SFT Delhi, Spalgon said “’Sadda Haq’ as the song featuring the Tibetan flag refers, it’s the right of every individual to express their own right. And the Tibetans are just demanding their own right, a Free Tibet. So censoring such a strong message not only shows the violation of free speech in such a democratic country like India, but also shows the clear sign of how the Chinese government is starting to pressurize India and playing with its largest pride, ’The Indian Democracy’.” He also added “for Indians, the censoring of the Flag might just be an issue of free speech. But for the Tibetans, it’s an issue of identity; it’s an issue of survival”
Getting ready for the Rally
The rally was divided in to two parts – a cycle rally reaching each and every nook of Delhi University and a peach march, reaching out each and every Indian student by freezing at every college in the Campus. The rally was aimed to raise the awareness about the current Tibetan situation under Chinese pressure and the threat that India might also face being so loyal towards Chinese orders and negligent towards its thread.
“As an Indian, I personally fear like India might also become like Nepal, a Chinese puppet in the future now. The recent censoring had clearly certified that, we have now no more rights to express our free Speech. The Tibetan Flag in the movie is not only the right of the Tibetans, but also the demand and right which thousands of Indian supporters like me seek from the censor board. If India will be more anti-china and pro-Tibet, Supporting the Tibetan Freedom Struggle, I really feel like there will be much better solution for a peaceful and safer Indian future” said PriyaDarshini, the coordinator of SFT Delhi.
Dont Censor TIBET from ROCKSTAR
Sonam, one of the participants said “In Tibet, we don’t have human rights. We have witnessed 11 cases of self immolations in the recent 6 months only. While escaping from Tibet to exile in India, we always feel the generosity of India being such a huge democratic country. But the recent issue of censoring Tibetan flag had caused havoc in the hearts of most Tibetans. But I am not blaming India. In fact, request them not to be pressurized by China and maintain their own value of Democracy. Support Tibet and help our land to be free again”
We shall over come; Ngatso Rangzen thobgi re; Hum Honge kamiyab
The event finally conclude with shouting of “Sadda haq; itte raq”, Free Tibet, slogans and singing of “we shall overcome” song.
Urgent Press Release
Contact: Dorjee Tseten +919805941166
Tenzin Jigdal +919736660451
TIBET ACTIVISTS TO PROTEST CENSOR BOARD’S REMOVAL OF TIBETAN FLAG FROM UPCOMING FILM ‘ROCKSTAR’
Dharamsala – Activists with Students for a Free Tibet are planning rallies and actions in several cities, including Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Calcutta and Dharamsala, to protest the controversial decision by Censor Board of India to remove the Tibetan flag and ‘Free Tibet’ banners from the film Rockstar, which comes to theaters this Friday. In a shocking move by the Censor Board, director Imtiaz Ali was told to either delete or blur the visual of the flag.
“It is extremely disturbing that such a grotesque violation of free speech is occurring in the world’s largest democracy,” said Dorjee Tseten, National Director of Students for a Free Tibet India. “By caving in to Chinese pressure, the Censor Board is allowing China to threaten the freedom and liberties that Indians enjoy.
“Tibetans are dying for freedom. In the last eight months, eleven Tibetans in Tibet have set themselves on fire in protest of Chinese rule,” said Dorjee Tseten. “At this critical time – when Tibetans are suffering so desperately under Chinese repression – one would expect India to be promoting and protecting the Tibetan people’s basic human rights, not censuring their struggle in a free country simply because China demands it be done.”
Students for a Free Tibet is demanding that the Censor Board reverse its decision before the release of the film and Dorjee Tseten will be seeking a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer, Pankaja Thakur, this week.
Don't Censor TIBET! Free Tibet "Sadda Haq"
Students for a Free Tibet, India (SFT India) is the India National Network of Students for a Free Tibet International, which has over 650 chapters in more than 35 countries, and is a non-profit organization funded entirely by donations from members and supporters.
With you Lakhpa and Samten I have seen your homeland.
I can picture the beautiful monastery at Lhasa,
I can see the white yaks,
I can view your flag flying on the snow capped mountain,
I am dreaming of you and I am feeling you.
Your land has also become a symbol of home for me.
In my dream I feel at home.
Oh how I am struck by the beauty of your land!
Oh my dear friends you have suffered a lot.
I can see your struggle in those old eyes.
In your eyes I can see your desire to go back to your home.
Who knows when will this walk begin for you?
Who knows when will these eyes see Lhasa again?
Till then let’s make Lhasa our own in our dreams.
Let’s make it Our dream.
-Trishma
Trishma SFT Delhi
TIBETANS, SUPPORTERS PROTEST IN 60 CITIES AS CHINA’S PRESIDENT HU JINTAO ARRIVES AT G20 SUMMIT
The Delhi Chapter of Students for a Free Tibet organized various action plans across Delhi to call down the Chinese repression in Tibet and also visited all the G20 embassies in Delhi with respective memorandum. Today, in over 60 cities around the world, Tibetans and supporters are saying Enough! Enough to China’s violent military rule over Tibet and Enough to the world leaders in failing to hold Beijing accountable for its atrocities in Tibet. The actions are executed by around 55 student supporters belonging to different universities of Delhi including, DU, JNU, Ambedkar university, Jamia Hamdard, and IP University etc.
- Dr.Manmohan Singh, Talk TIBET at G20! Political theater at India Gate.
Yangchen P. Sither, Spokes Person of Students for a Free Tibet –Delhi, said “The recent self immolation series in Tibet is a clear sign of the brutal Chinese oppression and the violation of human rights in Tibet by the Chinese Communist Party. Since 2009, 11 young Tibetans have lit themselves on fire in an unprecedented series of actions protesting Chinese rule and calling for the return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet”
Chalk Tibet at Delhi University
“Today on the eve of the G20 submit to be happening in France from tomorrow, we are here to protest and urge our Indian Prime Minister as well as the global leaders to talk Tibet and raise the critical Tibetan issue infront of Hu Jin Tao and other global leaders take immediate action to stop the repression” said Priyadarshini Singh Mahara, an Indian and the Coordinator of Students for a free Tibet – Delhi. “As a Tibetan supporter and a fellow Indian Citizen, I really feel Dr.Manmohan Singh should step forward to take initial steps in resolving the Tibetan issue during the summit. It’s really not time to talk Economy now. It’s time to discuss human values and rights.” She added.
Banner Display at Delhi University!
Celebrities, politicians and other prominent individuals, including Nobel laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu and musicians Radiohead have joined over 20,000 people in supporting a new campaign calling for coordinated global action to resolve the escalating crisis in Tibet, where ten young Tibetans have self-immolated since March 2011. On the eve of the G20 Summit, Tibetans and their supporters are joining a Global Day of Action to highlight a Campaign for Global Intervention, an urgent call to world leaders to exert multilateral pressure on Chinese President Hu Jintao to ease tensions in Tibet.
ENOUGH! Global intervention now to save Tibetan lives
Statements of concern following the self-immolations in Tibet have been issued by a number of governments, such as the United States, Germany and also the European Parliament. Campaigners are calling for a more coordinated, multilateral approach, including a joint demarche and the urgent creation of an appropriate and effective multi-lateral mechanism through which future diplomatic measures concerning Tibet can be agreed. Lobbying efforts have won the support of parliamentarians around the world, see www.StandupforTibet.org.
Enough message by a SFT Delhi member
The harsh reaction of the Chinese government authorities to the 2008 protests across Tibet and the follow-on compulsory “patriotic reeducation” or “legal education” at Tibetan monasteries. Although protests in Tibet have been initiated and joined by all sectors of the society, including students, monks and nuns are frequent targets of repression given that religious practice connected to the Dalai Lama is viewed as subversive by the Chinese government. Elements of the security crackdown in Tibet that began as a reaction to the 2008 protests are ongoing with tightened control all around the country.
‘A Day For Tibet’ an event enriched with talks, presentations, movie screenings and discussion on Tibet’s current situations was organized by SFT Delhi Chapter in-collaboration with Miranda Foreign Student Association at Miranda House(Delhi University). Coordinator of the event Ms.Rinzin Choedon, doing her 2nd year Eng(H) from the same college and also the Deputy Director of SFT Delhi chapter said “We Tibetan students studying at various colleges across Delhi are always mistaken to be some North eastern or some Chinky Indians by our peer college fellows. They never realize the fact that we belong to one different Nation ‘Tibet’ and which is what currently suffering under the Brutal Chinese Occupation. So in order to maintain our true Identity and also to seek genuine support from our peer Indian youths, I personally very much feel the need of such events in different Indian Colleges across India.” The event was audience by a bulk number of students not only from the host college, but also from other colleges, Institutions and Universities.
The Speakers, Guests and the Audiences
The event began with the power point presentation by Mr.Vijay Kranti, a veteran photo journalist, who is not only an expert on Tibet issues but also a great supporter of the cause. His powerful presentation with the title “Sino-Indian relation and its threats” made the fellow Indian student as well as the professors present in the seminar room think twice on India’s stand regarding Tibet and its strategic plans against China. The beauty of today’s event was the whole session presence of Dr.Pratibha Jolly, Principal(Miranda House) who not only shared and imparted her views and knowledge regarding the current Indo-China relation but also promised to make every possible effort to support the Tibetan cause by helping out with platforms for Tibetan student groups like SFT for future events also. Following the interesting discussion with Mr.Kranti gave a clear cut idea to the Indian Students about the importance of Tibet’s independence for India’s own security. Tibetan traditional refreshment Drey-sil (sweet rice) was also served in-between as a taste of Tibetan cuisine. It was then followed with a short documentary ‘Tibet Will Be Free’ which highlights the struggle of the young Tibetan youths for Independence. Finally for the last program, our very own SFT Delhi coordinator Tsering Tashi, a Tibetan refuge student at KMC College(DU) who crossed the Himalaya on bare foot to exile when he was only 14, left a strong impact on the audiences leaving them with tearful eyes with his researched presentation on the current “trend of self-immolations in Tibet and its causes”. It was no doubt an emotional situation at that time where many of the fellow Tibetan students felt it unbearable to realize the fact and shed their tears in vain.
Besides the main programs, we also had a successful signature campaigns on urgent call for restraint in Ngaba, petitions for release of political prisoners, restraining Nomadic life, Global intervention for Tibet and many more. Also present at the event, our own SFT Delhi Chapter Director Mr.Rigzin Spalgon said “Today’s event turned out to be a great success. Basically SFT aims at youth, which we believe are the thrust of the society and considers the most liable group to receive support and with their intellectual and mighty power of pen can take the Tibet’s struggle to a whole new level or height. Youngsters, especially the students being the future seeds of nation are one of the focus areas of SFT-Delhi.”
All in all, today’s event was a great success, which ended up with promises from the respectable Principal of the Miranda House College for many more similar events in future. As a token of thanks and gratitude, the respected professors, speaker and the Principal were greeted with traditional scarf and some small Tibet related mementos.
13 Tibetan students(7girls and 6 boys) stormed the Chinese Embassy on 9th October 2011, with Tibetan flags and shouting slogans in protest against the policy of patriotic re-education campaign and forced disappearance of Tibetans in Tibet as more and more Tibetans set themselves on blaze in order to express the harsh reality of their life under Chinese occupation. One of student said’ The consecutive self immolation of Tibetans and specially the monks inside Tibet is clear sign that for Tibetans in Tibet, it is easier and more honorable to burn themselves to ashes than to live under humiliating and oppressive imperialist China.”
Tsultrim Dorji shouts slogans while holding a banner after climbing a pole during a protest outside the Chinese Embassy.
As the situation in Tibet unfolds a gruesome picture, Tibetan youth in exile becomes restless and explosive, a seven day hunger strike observed by eight Delhi University Tibetan students just called off on 7th October and today they knocked the Chinese Embassy as the news of self immolation of two Tibetans in Amdo, Tibet reached their ears. This protest is to condemn and oppose the Chinese government’s policy of repressing Tibetan monks, writers, singers, artists and activists in particular and Tibetan people in general. Another student involved in the protest said’ We will never stop our activities unless situation in Tibet is not improved. Hu Jinthao ascended on power ladder of China by stepping on bloods and bones of Tibetans and he wants to step down on the ashes of Tibetans too. But we will not remain silent and passive.”
Tibetan exile students hold onto each other as they are detained by police at the protest
So far international governments including US, India, France, England and others and international organization like UN remain as silent spectators despite the suffering and desperation of the Tibetan people in Tibet unveiled through the nonstop self immolation in Tibet in the very recent past. If freedom and democracy and peace and security are the principles they uphold and cherish, then why they turn a blind eye to the atrocities against humanity in Tibet. Why Tibetan people in Tibet do not deserve justice and human rights?
[Courtesy: RTYC Rohini Press Release ]
Regional Tibetan Youth Congress Delhi, has launched a hunger strike campaign which will be observed by Delhi University Tibetan Students for seven days as an expression of our solidarity and condolence to families of martyred monks. Tibetan monks in Tibet unveils the brutal reality of Tibet to the world and it is a clear sign that situation in Tibet is getting worse and tense day by day and it is certain pushing religious minded Tibetan Buddhists to take such actions.
The Eight Delhi university Tibetan students sitting for the hunger strike
Tibetans all over the world are disturbed and deeply saddened by the occurrence of the recent events in Tibet and hence Tibetans in exile are launching various protest campaigns against the Chinese government to combat their crimes in Tibet.
The Students with Mr.Surender Ji & Mr.Norbu la after the press conference
Mr. Palden Sonam, President of RTYC Rohini joins the hunger strike along with Mr. Tsultrim Dorjee, Mr. Dorjee Tseten, Mr.Tenzin Norbu, Mr. Phuntsok Choephel, Ms. Tenzin Jangchup, Ms.Tenzin Dolkar and Ms. Sonam Dickyi, although they might be young but they have voiced serious concerns over the recent sad incident in Tibet and unison they said, “we can’t remain as silence spectators, we demand China to listen and we will make our voice heard.” The main objective of this campaign is to garner more attention from international governments, international organizations and world people to take notice and extend their support to pressurize China to fulfill the three demands which we have proposed to the Chinese Government.
Students for Free Tibet (SFT), Delhi chapter organized an event-‘A Tibet Assembly’ at one of the most top-notch colleges across the country, Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi University.
The Assembly began with a performance of Tibet’s unique cultural opera dance known as ‘Tashishoepa’ in the college auditorium, with an objective to sprinkle cultural awareness amongst Indian youths. This was followed by a talk by Dorjee Tsetan, the National Director of SFT India, which enriched large number of students with ongoing situations in Tibet as well as SFT’s objectives.
“Time has now come to shift from throwing ourselves at the streets and protesting all day towards educating and having the youths abreast with information on Tibet and how important is it to India to make themselves aware of it’’ said Spalgon, Students for a Free Tibet Delhi chapter Director.
SFT aims at youths as the thrust of the society and considers them the most liable group to receive support and align with them to fight against frauds effectively.
In these streak beliefs, SFT Delhi often seeks supports from the youths by mediating about Tibet’s historical and political issues, distributing pamphlets, screening documentary movies and introducing Tibetan culture and performing arts.
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With similar routines held at LSR (Lady Shri Ram College), the assembly dispersed with great satisfaction with the students bringing up questions, suggestions and confusions from which it is recognizable that the program successfully managed to install curiosity and interest on Tibet’s issues. There was also a circulation of signature campaign on urgent call for restraint in Ngaba, where two monks, devoid of religious freedom, recently self-immolated themselves in protesting against Chinese intensifying harsh treatment on nomads, petition on Lobsang Tenzin’s need for medical care after 23 long years of imprisonment and Lama Jigme Guri’s immediate release. The campaign was hard-hitting and effectual.
In the light over the day’s programs, the Grassroots Coordinator of the SFT Delhi chapter Tsering Tashi said, “We purposely choose colleges and educational institutions to obtain genuine support from youths who will one day become policy makers, decision makers and can stake our Tibet issue at international level with truth. Having huge western supports, it would be more effectual if India starts rendering its moral and genuine help more than before in resolving the tensions between Tibet and China”.
SFT Delhi articulated its gratefulness towards such a fine Institution to provide the stage and spaces to perform and yet, is expecting to get further opportunities to advertise Tibet and its drooping issues of humanity.
རྒྱ་གར་རྒྱལ་ཡོངས་ནང་གི་ཆེས་སྙན་གྲགས་ཅན་གྱི་ལྡི་ལི་གཙུག་ལག་སློབ་གྲྭ་ཆེན་མོའི་ཡན་ལག་བུད་མེད་མཐོ་སློབ་ལད་ཌེ་ཞེ་རེ་རམ(Lady Shri Ram )ནང་ལྡི་ལི་བོད་རང་བཙན་སློབ་ཕྲུག་ཚོགས་པའི་བཀོད་སྒྲིག་འོག་“བོད་ཀྱི་འདུ་འཛོམས་”་ཞེས་པའི་བོད་དོན་དྲིལ་བསྒྲགས་ཀྱི་ལས་འགུལ་ཞིག་སྤེལ་ཡོད་ལ། ལས་འགུལ་འདུ་འཛོམས་ཀྱི་ཐོག་མར་རྒྱ་གར་གཞོན་སྐྱེས་ཚོར་བོད་ཀྱི་སྲོལ་རྒྱུན་རིག་གཞུང་དང་འབྲེལ་བའི་བཀྲ་ཤིས་ཞོལ་འབག་ངོ་སྤྲོད་གནང་བ་མ་ཟད། ལྡི་ལི་བོད་རང་བཙན་སློབ་ཕྲུག་ཚོགས་པའི་རིག་གཞུང་ཚན་ཁག་གིས་དངོས་སུ་བོད་ཀྱི་གནའ་བོའི་རིག་གཞུང་གི་ཆ་ཤས་གང་དེ་འཁྲབ་སྟོན་གནང་བ་་ལ་ཚོགས་ཁང་ནང་འཛོམས་པའི་རྒྱ་གར་སློབ་ཕྲུག་ཡོངས་ཀྱིས་དགའ་བའི་ཐེལ་མོ་དྲག་ཏུ་བརྡེབས་སོང་ལ། དེ་ནས་རྒྱ་གར་རྒྱལ་ཡོངས་བོད་རང་བཙན་སློབ་ཕྲུག་ཚོགས་པའི་འགན་འཛིན་རྡོ་རྗེ་ཚེ་བརྟན་ལགས་ཀྱིས་རྒྱ་གར་གྱི་མི་རབས་གསར་པ་ཚོར་བོད་ཀྱི་དངོས་ཡོད་གནས་ཚུལ་གོ་རྟོགས་སྤེལ་ཆེད་དང་ཁོང་ཚོའི་ཁོངས་ནས་བོད་དོན་ལ་གདུང་སེམས་མཉམ་བསྐྱེད་དང་ཁ་ཞེ་གཉིས་མེད་ཀྱི་རྒྱབ་སྐྱོར་ཡོང་བར་སྤྱིར་བོད་ཀྱི་གནའ་བོའི་ལོ་རྒྱུས་དང་མི་ལོ་དྲུག་ཅུའི་རིང་གི་རྒྱ་ནག་གི་དྲག་གནོན། ལྷག་པར་བོད་ནང་གི་ད་ལྟའི་ཛ་དྲག་གི་གནས་བབ་སྐོར་ལ་ངོ་སྤྲོད་དང་འགྲེལ་བཤད་ཞིབ་རྒྱས་བསྐྱོན་པར། རྒྱ་གར་སློབ་ཕྲུག་ཚོའི་ངོས་ནས་རང་ཉིད་ཀྱི་སེམས་སུ་གནས་པའི་བོད་དོན་དང་འབྲེལ་བའི་དྭོགས་གཞི་ཁག་ཕྱི་རུ་བཏོན་ནས་དྲི་བ་འདྲ་མིན་དང་བསམ་ཚུལ། ནང་སྒོས་སུ་ཕན་ཚུན་དབར་ལ་སེམས་ཐག་ཉེ་པོའི་སྒོ་ནས་གྲོས་བསྡུར་ལྷུག་པོར་བྱུང་།
དེ་ཡང་རྒྱ་གར་མི་སེར་ཡིན་པའི་ལྡི་ལི་བོད་རང་བཙན་སློབ་ཕྲུག་ཚོགས་པའི་སྤྱི་ཁྱབ་འགན་འཛིན་ལ་དྭགས་པ་རིག་འཛིན་དཔལ་མགོན་ལགས་ཀྱིས “་ད་ནི་ང་ཚོ་ཁྲོམ་གཞུང་ལ་བཏོན་ནས་ངོ་རྒོལ་སྐད་འབོད་བྱེད་པ་ལས་ཀྱང་ཤེས་ཡོན་གྱི་བརྒྱུད་ལམ་འདྲ་མིན་བརྒྱུད་ནས་རྒྱ་གར་གྱི་མི་རབས་གསར་པ་ཚོར་བོད་ཀྱི་གནས་བབ་སྐོར་ལ་གོ་རྟོགས་སྤེལ་བའི་དུས་ལ་བབ་འདུག་ལ། ཕྱོགས་གཞན་ཞིག་ནས་ཁོང་ཚོར་ཡང་བོདདོན་གྱིས་རྒྱ་གར་རྒྱལ་ཁབ་ཀྱི་བདེ་འཇགས་སྐོར་ལ་ཐེབས་པའི་ཤུགས་རྐྱེན་ཁག་ཧ་གོ་རུ་འཇུག་རྒྱུ་ནི་བོད་མི་ཡོངས་ཀྱི་སྐབས་བབ་ཀྱི་ལས་དོན་གལ་ཆེ་ཤོས་དེ་ཆགས་འདུག”ཅེས་བརྗོད་སོང་།
བོད་རང་བཙན་སློབ་ཕྲུག་ཚོགས་པས་ལས་འགུལ་གྱི་ཁ་ཕྱོགས་མི་རབས་གསར་པའི་གཞོན་སྐྱེས་ཚོར་གཏོད་དགོས་པའི་རྒྱུ་མཚན་གཙོ་བོ་ནི་ང་ཚོས་མི་རབས་གསར་པ་ཚོ་ནི་སྤྱི་ཚོགས་གང་ཞིག་ཁ་ལོ་བསྒྱུར་བའི་གཞི་རྩའི་ནུས་ཤུགས་དང་ཐོན་ཁུངས་གསར་བ་ཞིག་ལ་ངོས་འཛིན་བྱེད་ཀྱི་ཡོད་ལ། ཤེས་ཡོན་སྡེ་ཚན་ཁོངས་ཀྱི་མི་རབས་གསར་བ་ཚོའི་ལྷག་བསམ་ཟོལ་མེད་ཀྱི་རྒྱབ་སྐྱོར་ལ་བརྟེན་ནས་འཛམ་གླིང་ནང་གི་དྲང་བདེན་མ་ཡིན་པའི་ཆབ་སྲིད་ཀྱི་དབང་སྒྱུར་ཡོད་ཚད་བདེན་པའི་ཐབས་ལམ་གྱི་ནུས་སྟོབས་འོག་ནས་མགོ་རྟིང་བསློག་ཐུབ་པར་ཡིད་ཆེས་བྱེད་ཀྱི་ཡོད། རེ་བ་དང་ཡིད་ཆེས་དེའི་ངོས་ནས་ལྡི་ལི་བོད་རང་བཙན་སློབ་ཕྲུག་ཚོགས་པའི་ཚོགས་མི་ཡོངས་ཀྱིས་སློབ་ཞོར་གྱི་ཆུ་ཚོད་ཡོངས་རྫོགས་བེད་སྤྱད་དེ་ལྡི་ལི་གཙུག་ལག་སློབ་གྲྭ་ཆེན་མོའི་ཡན་ལག་མཐོ་སློབ་འདྲ་མིན་གྱི་འཛིན་སྐྱོང་སྡེ་ཚན་ཁག་གི་གནད་ཡོད་མི་སྣ་ཚོ་དང་མཉམ་དུ་འབྲེལ་བ་བཙུགས་ནས་ལོ་རེར་ཁོང་ཚོའི་རྒྱབ་སྐྱོར་ལ་བརྟེན་ནས་རྒྱ་གར་དང་བོད་ཀྱི་མཁས་དབང་ཁག་མཐོ་སློབ་འདྲ་མིན་ནང་གདན་འདྲེན་ཞུས་ནས་བོད་ཀྱི་ཆབ་སྲིད་ལོ་རྒྱུས་སྐོར་ལ་བགྲོ་གླེང་བཀོད་སྒྲིག་དང་། བོད་ཀྱི་རང་བཙན་འཐབ་རྩོད་དང་འབྲེལ་བའི་གློག་བརྙན་གཟིགས་འབུལ། བོད་ཀྱི་སྲོལ་རྒྱུན་གཞས་སྣ་གཟིགས་འབུལ། བོད་དོན་དང་འབྲེལ་བའི་ཕྱག་དེབ་དང་ཡིག་ཆ་གལ་ཆེན་ཁག་རིན་མེད་ཐོག་འགྲེམས་སྤེལ་སོགས་བྱས་ནས་རྒྱ་གར་གྱི་མི་རབས་གསར་པ་ཚོའི་ཁོངས་ནས་བོད་དོན་རྒྱབ་སྐྱོར་བ་ཙམ་མ་ཡིན་པར་རྒྱ་གར་མི་རིགས་ཚོའི་ཁོངས་ནས་བོད་དོན་འཐབ་རྩོད་ཀྱི་སྣེ་ཁྲིད་མི་སྣ་གང་མང་བསྐྱེད་བསྲིང་བྱེད་པར་འབད་པ་བྱེད་ཀྱི་ཡོད།
དེ་ཡང་དེ་རིང་གི“བོད་ཀྱི་འདུ་འཛོམས་”ཞེས་པའི་ལས་འགུལ་གྱི་གལ་ཆེའི་རང་བཞིན་དང་དམིགས་ཡུལ་སྐོར་ལ་ལྡི་ལི་བོད་རང་བཙན་སློབ་ཕྲུག་ཚོགས་པའི་གཞི་རིམ་ལས་འགུལ་གྱི་འབྲེལ་མཐུད་པ་ཚེ་རིང་བཀྲ་ཤིས་ལགས་ཀྱིས་“ ང་ཚོས་རྒྱ་གར་གྱི་རྒྱལ་ས་ལྡི་ལི་ནང་གིོ་ལས་འགུལ་ཕལ་ཆེ་བ་ཤེས་ཡོན་གྱི་བསྟི་གནས་དང་མཐོ་སློབ་ཁག་ནང་སྤེལ་བ་ལ་ཡང་འཆར་གཞི་རྒྱ་ཆེན་པོ་ཞིག་དང་དམིགས་ཡུལ་རྒྱང་རིང་པོ་ཞིག་བཟུང་ཡོད། གང་ཡིན་ཞེ་ན་ད་ལྟའི་རྒྱ་གར་གྱི་མི་རབས་གསར་པ་ཚོ་ནི་མ་འོངས་པའི་རྒྱ་གར་རྒྱལ་ཁབ་ཀྱི་ཆབ་སྲིད་ཀྱི་གནད་དོན་ཐག་གཅོད་བྱེད་མཁན་དང་གཞུང་གི་སྲིད་བྱུས་ཁག་གཏན་འབེབས་གནང་མཁན་གྱི་དཔུང་སྡེ་ཞིག་ཡིན་པས། ང་ཚོས་ད་ལྟ་ནས་ཁོ་ཚོར་བོད་དོན་སྐོར་ལ་གོ་རྟོགས་ཡག་པོ་སྤེལ་ཐུབ་པ་ཡིན་ན་ཁོང་ཚོས་མ་འོངས་པར་ཆུང་ས་ནས་རྒྱ་གར་ནང་གི་བོད་མི་སྐྱབས་བཅོལ་བའི་དཀའ་ངལ་ཁག་ལ་་དངོས་ཤུགས་བརྒྱུད་གསུམ་ནས་རྒྱབ་སྐྱོར་བྱེད་ངེས་ལ། ཆེ་ས་ནས་ད་ལྟའི་བོད་རྒྱ་གཉིས་དབར་གྱི་དཀའ་རྙོག་སེལ་བར་ཕྱོགས་ཡོངས་ནས་ནུས་པ་བསྐྱོན་ངེས་རེད”་ཅེས་བརྗོད་སོེང་།
དེ་རིང་གི་ལས་འགུལ་འདི་བརྒྱུད་ནས་ང་ཚོས་རྒྱ་གར་གྱི་སློབ་ཕྲུག་ཚོའི་ཁོངས་ནས་བོད་དོན་སྐོར་ལ་དོ་སྣང་བྱེད་མཁན་གྱི་སློབ་ཕྲུག་གང་མང་ཞིག་བསྡུ་རུབ་བྱེད་ཐུབ་ཡོད་ལ། དེ་ཡང་ལས་འགུལ་གྱི་མཐའ་མར་གཙོ་བོ་བོད་ཨ་མདོ་རྔ་པའི་ནང་གི་ད་ལྟའི་ཛ་དྲག་གི་གནས་བབ་ཞི་འཇགས་ཡོང་ཆེད་དང་། བོད་ཀྱི་ཆབ་སྲིད་བཙོན་པ་བློ་བཟང་། གྲྭ་འཇིགས་མེད་རྒྱ་མཚོ་སོགས་གློད་གྲོལ་ཡོང་ཆེད་ས་ཡིག་བསྡུ་བྱས་ནས་ལས་འགུལ་དེ་རྒྱལ་ཁའི་ངང་མཇུག་བསྒྲིལ་བ་ཡིན། ང་ཚོའི་དེ་རིང་གི་ལས་འགུལ་བསྒྲིལ་ཟིན་པ་རེད་མོད། ང་ཚོས་ཁོང་ཚོར་ཤེས་ཡོན་གྱི་འབྲེལ་ལམ་ཡག་པོ་བཙུགས་ཐུབ་ཡོད་པའི་རྒྱུ་མཚན་གྱིས། ང་ཚོའི་དབར་གྱི་བོད་དོན་དང་འབྲེལ་པའི་ཆབ་སྲིད་ཀྱི་སྡིངས་ཆ་མཇུག་བསྒྲིལ་མེད། དེ་ཡང་ སང་ཉིན་ནས་བཟུང་སྟེ་ང་ཚོས་དེང་རབས་ཀྱི་དྲ་ལམ་བརྒྱུད་ནས་ཁོང་ཚོ་དང་མཉམ་དུ་བོད་དོན་དྲིལ་བསྒྲགས་ཀྱི་ལས་འགུལ་གཞན་ཞིག་དབུ་འཛུགས་བྱ་ངེས་ཡིན།
Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) works in solidarity with the Tibetan people in their struggle for freedom and independence. We are a chapter-based network of young people and activists around the world. Through education, grassroots organizing, and non-violent direct action, we campaign for Tibetans’ fundamental right to political freedom. Our role is to empower and train youth as leaders in the worldwide movement for social justice
བོད་རང་བཙན་སློབ་ཕྲུག་ཚོགས་པས་བོད་མི་ཚོའི་རང་བཙན་འཐབ་རྩོད་ཀྱི་ལས་འགུལ་ལ་གདུང་སེམས་མཉམ་བསྐྱེད་ཀྱི་ཐོག་ནས་ལས་འགུལ་འདྲ་མིན་རྩོམ་གྱིན་ཡོད་ལ། ང་ཚོ་ནི་ལས་འགུལ་པ་དང་གཞོན་སྐྱེས་མི་སྣས་གྲུབ་པའི་རྒྱལ་སྤྱིའི་རང་བཞིན་གྱི་ཚོགས་པ་ཞིག་ཡིན་ལ། ཤེས་ཡོན་དང་། འཚེ་མེད་ཞི་བའི་ལས་འགུལ། གཞི་རིམ་གྱི་བཀོད་སྒྲིག་ལ་སོགས་པའི་སྦྱོང་བརྡར་ཁག་བརྒྱུད་ནས་བོད་མིའི་གཞི་རྩའི་ཐོབ་ཐང་དང་ཆབ་སྲིད་ཀྱི་རང་དབང་རྩོད་ལེན་བྱེད་ཀྱིན་ཡོད་ལ། ང་ཚོའི་ལས་གཞི་ཁག་བརྒྱུད་ནས་གཞོན་སྐྱེས་ཚོར་འགོ་ཁྲིད་ཀྱི་སྦྱོང་བརྡར་སྤྲད་དེ་ཁོང་ཚོས་མ་འོངས་པར་འཛམ་གླིང་ནང་གི་དྲང་བདེན་གྱི་འཐབ་རྩོད་དང་ལས་འགུལ་ཁག་གི་ཁྲོད་དུ་སྣེ་ཁྲིད་བྱེད་ཐུབ་པའི་ནུས་པ་བསྐྱེད་བསྲིང་བྱེད་རྒྱུ་དེ་ཡིན།
November 4, 2010
President Barack Obama
c/o US Embassy to India
Shantipath, Chanakyapuri , New Delhi – 110021
Tel: 011-2419-8000 , Fax: +91-11-2419-0017
Dear President Barack Obama,
We welcome your arrival in India, the world’s largest democracy and a leading Asian power. In addition to being home to over a billion people representing a multitude of ethnic groups and religious affiliations, India is also home to more than 100,000 Tibetan refugees.
In exile, Tibetans have set up robust advocacy organizations to press for an end to China’s occupation of our homeland. Together, the undersigned organizations represent a wide array of Tibetans in exile, from students to women’s groups to former political prisoners. We appeal to you to use your first state visit to India as an opportunity to press for fundamental change on the ground in Tibet.
In recent weeks, thousands of Tibetan students, some as young as 13, have taken to the streets in the eastern Tibetan province of Amdo (currently annexed into China’s Qinghai Province) to protest the Chinese government’s decision to replace Tibetan with Chinese as the medium of instruction in Tibetan schools. Tibetan language is the foundation of our rich culture and by denying young Tibetans the opportunity to learn their own language, the Chinese government is systematically attempting to eradicate Tibetan culture and identity. The United States government has recognized the importance of protecting Tibetan language, as outlined in the Tibetan Policy Act. We call on your administration to immediately oppose the sinicization of Tibetan schools and to do everything in your power to help protect Tibetans’ distinct religious, cultural, linguistic, and national identity.
Since the brutal repression of the Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule in 1959 and His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s flight into exile, thousands of Tibetans escape every year, on foot, over the highest and most dangerous mountains in the world. Many of our people have lost their lives and generations of children have been separated from their families in order to flee Chinese government repression in our homeland.
Ironically, it is here in exile in India that Tibetans are best able to preserve our culture by learning and speaking our language, practicing our religion, and celebrating our rich culture. We have established a thriving and unique democracy, with all the basic rights denied to us under Chinese rule. Under the leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government-in-Exile and, of course, with the generous support of the government of India, we are ensuring that the Tibetans inside Tibet are not forgotten. Their suffering under Chinese rule continues to be recognized as one of the most pressing global human rights issues of our time.
We call on you to publicly recognize the government of India for supporting the Tibetan people and to seek new approaches with your Indian colleagues to help bring about a just and lasting resolution for the Tibetan people. It is clear that an end to China’s occupation of Tibet will also achieve greater regional security and indeed global security. As the most influential world leader of our time, you are uniquely positioned to help bring this about.
While we remain grateful for the safe haven provided to us by the government and people of India, ultimately, it is the desire of every Tibetan refugee to return home. We urge you to take bold and concrete action today to help change the course of history for six million Tibetans and to signal to the world that non-violence truly can triumph over violence and oppression.
Sincerely,
Dolkar Lhamo Kirti, Tibetan Womens’ Association
Woeser Rinpoche, GuChuSum
Chime Youngdung, National Democratic Party of Tibet
Tenzin Choedon, Students for a Free Tibet-India
SFT Delhi and the gandhi study circle, St. Stephen’s college organized a two day festival (27th and 28th october) on tibet that drew students in large numbers. the festival was held at st. stephen’s college with a combination of diverse events in an attempt to portray to students the cultural, social and most importantly political relevance of tibet.
The festival opened with a yak dance and opera that became very popular and the tibetan food stalls quickly ran out of food.
Yaks in the main corridor!
Opera
Tingmo and meat stew!
the photo exhibition complete with write-ups on the history of tibet and the growth of the community-in-exile and the freedom movement, was strategically placed at the entrance to the main corridor so as to attract walkers by. Many students and teachers were seen curiously inspecting the panels.
- Photo exhibition
The most poignant exhibition of the gross cruelties of the Chinese govt was the Great Wall of Shame, a photo-exhibition of detailed accounts of murder and human rights violation by the CCP. Many were overwhelmed by the graphic details of the photographs, some even questioned the tibetan students at the site about the photographs.
the Great Wall of Shame
there were inspirational talks by Mr. Vijay Kranti and Prof. Srikanth Kondapalli strongly emphasizing the threat India faces.
- Prof. Srikanth Kondapalli
the interactive session with Ven. Bhagdo and Tsewang Dhondup, their brutally honest accounts of their experiences moved many to tears. hearing the personal accounts of tibetan students who came from tibet, over the himalayas, was particularly touching. there were two film screenings: Undercover in Tibet and Meltdown in Tibet.
Tibetan students share their stories
the closing event of the fest was the dance performance by tibetan students showcasing traditional nomadic, and modern dance styles.
Cultural dance
December 9th, 2010
Delhi: SFT Delhi staged a silent march in Delhi University, North Campus a day before the Global Climate Change Summit taking place in Cancun, Mexico is scheduled to close.
“Any talk of climate change we feel is incomplete without talk of Tibet,” said Jyotsna George, President of Students for a free Tibet (SFT)’s Delhi Chapter. “The aim of this march is to raise awareness about the critical role of Tibet in any dialogue concerning Climate Change. “
Banners emphasizing Tibet as the ‘Third Pole’ were displayed on the march besides distributing information fliers containing factual details of the major Asian rivers originating from Tibet, rapidly melting glaciers, China’s merciless construction of dams, mining, deforestation, soil erosion and other forms of environmental degradation.
“We condemn Chinese government’s policy to resettle Tibetan nomads who for centuries live in harmony with the nature,” said Rigzin Spalgon, Vice-President of SFT Delhi’s chapter. “The lifestyle of the nomads is ideal for conservation of the environment. The coercive restriction of movement of nomads is directly affecting the Tibetan grasslands.”
The march commenced from the Arts Faculty at two o’clock in the afternoon. The route covered most of the colleges in North Campus: St. Stephen’s, Hindu, Hansraj, Kirori Mal, Ramjas and Shri Ram College of Commerce. Many Indian supporters, particularly from the North-East of India joined the march. Marchers carried placards reading different slogans: ‘Tibet’s Glaciers are Melting, South Asia is Drying’, ‘Tibet’s Rivers are the Lifeline of Asia’, ‘Stop Mining Tibet’.
En route, many passers-by stopped the student volunteers to enquire about the march.Pedestrians were seen pausing to read the banners and placards. The protesters received encouragement from various people: from rickshaw pullers to busloads of school children to strangers on the road.
The marchers returned to the Swami Vivekananda statue in Arts Faculty where everyone gathered to speak a few words on the issue. SFT India’s Grassroots Coordinator, Shibayan Raha opened the discussion with comments on the aim of the march, climate change in general, with specific emphasis on Tibet. SFT Delhi President Jyotsna George thanked the volunteers for their support and effort, and briefed the gathering on SFT Delhi’s forthcoming events.
Students protest at Rajghat, Dec.14, 2010New Delhi,
December 14 – A group 
of young Indian and Tibetan students here are calling on the Indian government to publicly press Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to bring an end to China’s 50-year occupation of Tibet and to resolve the 40-year Indo-Tibetan border dispute.
A day ahead of Premiere Wen Jiabao’s visit to the Indian capital Tibetan and Indian students unfurled a banner that read, “Tibet’s Independence: India’s Security” at Rajghat, the memorial of India’s father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi.
“The Chinese government’s illegal infiltration into sovereign Indian territory will not end until Tibet once again takes its place amongst free and independent nations,” said Rigzin Spalgon, a Ladakhi student and Delhi Vice-prezident of Students for a Free Tibet. “As a Ladakhi, I am aware of the arrogance of China’s leadership when it comes to the border issue and I call on all those who believe in India’s independence to support the Tibetan people in their just struggle. A free and independent Tibet only will ensure lasting peace and stability for people living along the Indo-Tibetan border.”
“Our action here today sends a clear message to Wen Jiabao that the youth of this nation will not tolerate China’s blatant attempt to colonize parts of India, nor will we remain silent while China continues to brutally suppress the Tibetan people,” said Shibayan Raha, Grassroots Director of Students for a Free Tibet – India. “The Indian people wholeheartedly support the Tibetan people’s nonviolent struggle for freedom. We call for a long overdue shift in India’s policy on Tibet recognizing the Tibetan people’s right to independence – a position that will also strengthen India’s position in border negotiations with China.”
The New York based group claims there is a growing chorus of Indian students across the country calling on their Government to recognize Tibet as a key factor in resolving its territorial dispute with China.
The group lauded India for sending its Ambassador to Norway to the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo on December 10 and urged the Indian leadership to press China to release the jailed Nobel laureate Liu Xiaobo.
Tibetans and supporters will carry out protests around the Indian capital during the Chinese premiere’s three-day visit beginning tomorrow. Tibetan groups like the Tibetan Youth Congress, Tibetan Women’s Association, GuChuSum ex political prisoners’ movement, National Democratic Party of Tibet and SFT will also spearhead protest demonstrations in various parts of the city in the next three days.
Beginning in 1999, the Chinese Government conducted a secret 7 year survey of the Tibetan plateau in search of mineral deposits. With an investment of $44 million, the survey led to the discovery of many deposit sites including a seam of copper and gold deposits along the Yarlung Tsangpo (the Brahmaputra in India) gorge.
The Chinese government set about facilitating contracts for extracting deposits from this site (Shethongmon mine). A property option agreement was signed between China NetTV Holdings and a Canadian Company, Continental Minerals.
DIRECT CONSEQUENCES
The primary process of copper and gold mining requires large quantities of water of which the obvious source would be the Yarlung Tsangpo.
The ore is found in conjunction with arsenic laden pyrite. After grinding, the rock is washed with acid that helps separate the ore from the rock. The remnant of this process is a highly acidic mixture consisting of arsenic and cyanide. At times, the process of ore separation is not completely successful with portions of the ore being left behind. This will cause copper contamination when it reaches the groundwater.
INDIRECT CONSEQUENCES
Siltation –
An excess of siltation leads to flooding, a problem already existing in areas along the Brahmaputra. In this project, siltation will happen in the following two ways: first, 300 million tonnes of rock have to be first removed, before reaching the 182 million tonnes of ore, and second, in order to carry out mining, intense deforestation is required to get to the rock containing ore.
Melting of glaciers (Deglaciation) –
The Brahmaputra is only one of the two rivers that are perennial because of their origin in glaciers. Intense mining activities indirectly lead to environmental changes that speed up the melting of glaciers immensely. As the glaciers retreat, the volume of water in the rivers will increase at first causing widespread flooding. They will then go in to a rapid decline reducing the volume and flow of the rivers, making them merely seasonal.
According to a United Nations Development Program (UNDP) climate report, at the current rate of temperature rise the Himalayan glaciers could completely disappear by 2035.
Any industrial mining activity involves the usage of machinery over a long period, and thus the use of fossil fuels. These fossil fuels are a major source of greenhouse gases.
The second largest contributor to global warming, Black Carbon has already caused a 7% increase in glacial retreat a year. Black Carbon emissions originate from coal powered stations and diesel engines. A railway line has been built through the Shethongmon mine to carry the ore from the mine site to the smelter.An estimate has been made that approximately 210,000 tonnes of ore will be transported to the smelter. With a single train being able to carry a maximum of 5,000 tonnes at once, this will mean 42 trains a year or one train a week will be required to carry the ore. Once functional, the fuel will lead to the emission of large amounts of black carbon and thus glacial melting.
Other environmental changes –
The Tibetan plateau serves as an “airshed” for the Asian continent. The northern jetstreams flowing over the Plateau determine the timing and force of the seasonal South Asian monsoons in India. Deforestation on the Plateau will delay and weaken the summer monsoon, endangering the livelihood of millions of farmers who depend on these rains.
with inputs from Reecha Das and Ananya Ramani, SFT India interns (June 2010)
Posted by High Peaks Pure Earth on Jan 12, 2011
High Peaks Pure Earth has translated a blogpost by Woeser that was originally written for broadcast on Radio Free Asia on January 5, 2011 and posted on her blog on January 10, 2011.
As reported on the Dalai Lama’s official website, the Dalai Lama participated in a video conference with Chinese human rights lawyers Jiang Tianyong and Teng Biao on January 4, 2011. Organised by Woeser’s husband Wang Lixiong, this video conference followed on from a series of Twitter conversations between the Dalai Lama and Chinese netizens that Wang Lixiong organised in 2010.
High Peaks Pure Earth has used the translation by Ragged Banner of Woeser’s poem “On the Road” that appeared in the volume “Tibet’s True Heart” and that she quotes in her article below, it is a poem that she wrote in Lhasa in May 1995. Follow this link to read the whole poem: http://raggedbanner.com/pOTR.html
It all started with a video conversation in cyberspace. On January 4, 2011, His Holiness was in Dharamsala engaging in a video conversation with the two human rights lawyers, Teng Biao and Jiang Tianyong, as well as the author Wang Lixiong. And I, I was standing behind Wang Lixiong, attentively listening to every word. When the Dalai Lama appeared on screen, I could hardly believe it, tears started streaming down my face.
“How I Met His Holiness the Dalai Lama Without a Passport”
By Woeser
Seven years ago, in my essay collection “Notes on Tibet”, I wrote this about a group photo showing a father with his son quietly making their way from Lhasa to Dharamsala: “he who conveys an air of humility and modesty on both sides but embraces the centre, is the most illustrious of all devout Tibetan people, the most affectionate, eager person – the Dalai Lama.” Because of this sentence and because of a few articles that touch on the truth, the local authorities labelled my work as “containing severe political errors”, “praising the 14th Dalai Lama and 17th Karmapa, and promoting serious political and religious opinions are wrong. Some essays already to some extent contain political errors.” After this, I was removed from my public position, this is when I left Lhasa.
Even earlier than that, already 16 years ago, I composed a poem implicitly conveying: “On the road, I clutch a flower not of this world, Hurrying before it dies, searching in all directions, That I may present it to an old man in a deep red robe. A wish−fulfilling jewel, A wisp of a smile: These bind the generations tight.” Later on, I turned this poem into lyrics, openly saying that “old man in a deep red robe”, “is our Yeshe Norbu, our Kundun, our Gongsachog, our Gyalwa Rinpoche …” all of which are Tibetan terms of respect for the Dalai Lama.
Just like so many Tibetans, hoping to be able to see His Holiness, to respectfully listen to his teachings, to be granted an audience, this has also been my innermost wish; from a very young age, I have always longed for this moment to come true. But, I cannot get a passport, just like many other Tibetans, it is almost unthinkable that this regime that controls us will ever grant us a passport, which should, in actual fact, be a fundamental right that every citizen enjoys. Last year, Lhasa gave out passports to anyone above 60 years of age, albeit only for the period of one week. As a result the office in charge of passports was full of the grey-haired, limping elderly; and it was clear that they were all heading for the foothills of the Himalayas to visit relatives, pay homage to the holy land of Buddhism, as well as to fulfil that dream that no one speaks of but everyone knows. I am sorrowfully thinking that I may have to wait until I am 60 years old until I get hold of a passport.
However, the internet gave my passport-less self a pass to travel; in the New Year, it helped me to make my dream come true – through the internet I met, as if in a dream but still very vivid and real, His Holiness the Dalai Lama!
It all started with a video conversation in cyberspace. On January 4, 2011, His Holiness was in Dharamsala engaging in a video conversation with the two human rights lawyers, Teng Biao and Jiang Tianyong as well as the writer Wang Lixiong. And I, I was standing behind Wang Lixiong, attentively listening to every word that was spoken. When the Dalai Lama appeared on screen, I could hardly believe it, tears started streaming down my face. This miracle facilitated by the technological revolution, making it possible to overcome geographical distances and man-made barriers and building a bridge that enables the Dalai Lama to speak with Chinese intellectuals, is unquestionably of tremendous magnitude. I heard His Holiness saying to the three Han Chinese intellectuals: “it’s just as if we were together, we only can’t smell each other’s breath”. At the end of the 70-minute long conversation, His Holiness asked in a concerned voice: “Can you see me clearly?” When all three of them said that they could, he light-heartedly pointed at his eyebrows and laughed: “so, did you also see my grey eyebrows?”
I cried and I cried. When I, as Tibetans do, prostrated three times, silently reciting some prayers, holding a khata in my hands and kneeling in front of the computer with tear-dimmed eyes, I saw His Holiness reaching out both of his hands as if he was going to take the Khata, as if he was going to give me his blessings. I am unable to describe with words how I felt…I am really such a fortunate person; in Tibet, many people get into trouble simply for owning a photo of the Dalai Lama.
In fact, today, many people from all over China have met with His Holiness and they have not at all lost their freedom, since we are all citizens of this country, Tibetans should also not be punished for having an audience with His Holiness.
Facing the image of me on the screen, the Dalai Lama instructed me in an earnest and tireless way: “Do not give up, keep going, it is of the utmost importance that Han Chinese intellectuals and we Tibetans always tell each other about the real situation, that we communicate with and understand each other; you have to internalise this. Over the past 60 years, the courage and faith of those of us Tibetans living in Tibet has been as strong as a rock. The international community is paying close attention to the real situation in Tibet, people from all over the world see that there is a truth in Tibet, Chinese intellectuals are increasingly aware of this, looking at it from a broad perspective, big and powerful China is in the process of transforming. Hence, you must remain confident and work even harder, do you understand?”
By then, I had already calmed down and kept the words spoken by His Holiness in my heart. Beijing,
January 5, 2011
New Delhi: Selho Gyal (20) and Tsering Dorjee (18), both students of Tibetan Children’s Village, Suja (Distt Kangra, Himachal Pradesh) started a month long ‘Cycling for Tibetan language’ from Rajghat, Delhi today. The journey was flagged off in the presence of many other Tibetan students studying in different colleges of Delhi and many other Tibetan supporters.
This initiative by the two students is aimed to educate Indians, especially targeting Indian students on the language reform in Tibet – Beijing’s mission to exterminate Tibetan language. The two cyclists will also inform Indian public about the importance of protection and promotion of Tibetan language and Culture, which is Tibetan people’s inherent right.
“Our effort is in solidarity with Tibetan students who protested in October last year for Language right in Tibet,” said Selho Gyal, one of the student cyclists. “Students across Tibet have expressed their resentment against this discriminatory policy and students worldwide took action to amplify their voices and support their demand for freedom of language.”
Tibetan Language is the foundation of Tibetan culture and the new language policy Beijing is trying to impose on Tibetan reveals the Chinese governments’ deliberate attempt to assimilate Tibetans in Chinese society.
“Tibetans have every right to use their language in private and public life,” said Tsering Dorjee. “We demand the Chinese Government to create a favorable condition to enable the development of Tibetan language for Tibetans living in Tibet.”
Selho Gyal and Tsering are using their winter break to educate Indians on language discrimination faced by Tibetan students in Tibet and promote friendship and trust between Indian and Tibetan students. The two will be cycling for a month from Delhi, Dehradun, Chandigarh and end their journey in Dharamshala, the heart of Exile Tibetan community where the Tibetan Government in Exile is based.
This festival is organized by the Film Club of Miranda House, University of Delhi.
They will screen films by Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam on 15th, 17th and 19th of February, 2011.
Program:
Tuesday 15th Feb
2.00pm Dreaming Lhasa (90 mins)
Thursday 17th Feb
2.00pm The Shadow Circus (50 mins)
3.15pm The Reincarnation of Khensur Rinpoche (62 mins)
Saturday 19th Feb
10.45am The Sun Behind the Clouds (79 mins)
The film screening on the 19th (Saturday) will be followed by an interactive session with the filmmakers.
SFT Delhi Regional Conference 2011 (first of its kind in India!)
Venue: Tibetan Youth Hostel, Rohini East, New Delhi
Dates: 25th – 27th February 2011
For details on participating please do mail us at sftdelhi@gmail.com
Friday, Feb 25th
| 5:00 – 6:00pm | Registration |
| 6:00 – 7:30pm | Opening Circle |
| 7:30 – 8:00pm | Film Screening – A Force More Powerful (Part 1) |
| 8:00 – 9:00pm | Dinner |
Saturday, Feb 26th
| 8:00 – 9:00am | Breakfast |
| 9:00 – 9:30am | Morning Circle |
| 9:30 – 10:30am | Vision and Strategy |
| 10:30 – 10:45am | Tea Break |
| 10:45 – 12:45pm | Intro to Non-Violent Direct Action |
| 12:45 – 1:45pm | Lunch |
| 1:45 – 3:45pm | Grassroots Organizing |
| 3:45 – 4:00pm | Break |
| 4:00 – 5:30pm | Teaching Tibet |
| 5:30 – 6:30pm | Dinner |
| 6:30 – 7:30pm | NVDA Slide Show |
| 7:30 pm | Open Interaction among participants (ALL) |
Sunday, Feb 27th
| 9:00 – 9:30am | Morning Circle |
| 9:30 – 11:00am | Campaign Strategy |
| 11:00 – 11:20am | Break |
| 11:20 – 12:10pm | Ideal Community |
| 12:10 – 12:30pm | Campaign Briefing |
| 12:30 – 1:00pm | Lunch |
| 1:00 – 2:00pm | Lobby Day |
| 2:00 – 2:45pm | Media and Messaging |
| 2:45 – 3:30pm | Break |
| 3:30 – 4:00pm | Communication Security/ Video Activism |
| 4:00 – 5:00pm | Create an SFTtv Episode in groups using Messaging (All) |
| 5:00 pm | Closing Circle
|
SFT Delhi concludes its first ever Regional conference on 27th of Feb 2011. It was a 3 day long conference which was in other words, more like an action camp full of energy and knowledge to strategize the RANGZEN momentum among the budding Tibetan Youths. There were 46 registered participants, of which, majority felt that it was a good experience and should be sustained. We had experienced trainers: Tenchoe and Jigdal (who came down from SFT Head Office, Dharamsala) and our long time friend and supporter, Shibayan. Joining them were four young trainers, our very own members, who had the opportunity to gain experience from the SFT India Action Camp (held in October, 2010): Dhadon, Kalsang, Spalgon and Jyotsna. The trainers, in a fun and interesting way, shared a new spirit of activism with the participants. Some of the aspects covered in our training were: Activism and Campaigning, Tactics, Planning, Grassroots Organization, Team work, Media Messaging and Blockade.
Some snaps of the conference….
Morning circle: Participants introduction
Vision and Strategy
- Shibayan sharing his Blockades and Lockdowns tactics.
Teaching Tibet session: planning a mock presentation
A participant makes her presentation
Media and Messaging
Campaign Strategy: Participants planning a mock campaign.
The Participants......
TOP TEN REASONS TO SUPPORT SFT
Reason 10: SFT is youth :Our base of young Tibetans and supporters know change is possible. Young people have the passion, commitment, and inexhaustible energy to work for what they believe in.
Reason 9: SFT is nonviolent :We apply nonviolence theory and practice to our activism for Tibet because we believe it’s the most effective way to achieve our goal. There is no better way to fight for peace than to promote nonviolence as a weapon.
Reason 8: SFT is grassroots :We’re a network of students, Tibetans, activists, professionals, artists, volunteers, and many others working at the grassroots level to mobilize people power in a way that truly changes the course of history.
Reason 7: SFT is diverse :SFT’s membership is composed of Tibetans, Americans, Europeans, Indians, Chinese, Canadians, Australians, Japanese, Taiwanese, and dozens of other nationalities with diverse cultural backgrounds and political viewpoints — because the goal of Tibetan freedom unites everyone.
Reason 6: SFT is global :We are everywhere. With members in more than 50 countries, chapters and networks in 35 countries, and offices in 4 countries, our constituency spans the globe.
Reason 5: SFT is cutting-edge :SFT’s membership and leadership is made up of the most talented innovators, strategists, and visionary techies. We use the latest information technology and social media tools to successfully execute campaigns and actions that inspire Tibetans and directly challenge China’s control over Tibet.
Reason 4: SFT is about training:We invest in the next generation of Tibetan leaders and Tibet activists through our unique leadership training programs. Our Free Tibet! Action Camps and regional trainings help young leaders hone their skills to effectively lead strategic campaigns and non-violent actions for Tibet.
Reason 3: SFT is fun:We believe in hard work and in having fun. We emphasize the importance of humor and laughter in our work, so that freedom is not merely the destination but also the journey.
Reason 2: SFT is strategic :We think and plan before we act. Our leadership has the vision, experience, and strategy to develop and execute effective campaigns and actions.
Reason 1: SFT is for an independent Tibet :Ultimately, we believe that the social, economic, environmental, and cultural interests of the Tibetan people can only be truly safeguarded if Tibet is an independent nation. We know this goal is possible and will continue to work hard to achieve it.
Membership to SFT India is open to anyone interested to lend a hand to the cause.
For Students- Rs.100 for 3 years
For Non-Students- Rs.200 for 3 years
If interested mail us – info@sftindia.org www.sftindia.org
For Delhi Chapter:
Visit www.sftdelhi.wordpress.com/www.facebook.com/sftdelhi
SFT Delhi elected a new team to constitute its executive council. With the aim of putting our actions into practice, we felt the necessity of giving our young members a chance to put their brains to work. Below is a short description about the new council and its executives.
Tsering Tashi is doing his BA Eng(H) from Kirori Mal College and Rinzin Choedon is doing her BA Eng(H) from Miranda House. They have been elected as the chapter coordinators. With their good leadership qualities and confident personalities, they have always been charismatic members of SFT Delhi. They will be leading the team for all its campaigns/ programs and will be the front face of SFT Delhi.
E-mail: chennangwa2008@gmail.com / rinchoe88@yahoo.comNgodup Nyima Dorjee is doing his B.Com (P) from Satyawati College and has been elected as the Campaign Director. He is an active nationalist and a highly patriotic Guy. Due to his enthusiasm and creativity for initiating different Tibet related campaigns, he will be taking charge of leading all the decided campaigns.
E-mail: ngodup_264678@yahoo.com
Rinchen Palzom is doing BA Psychology(H) from Daulat Ram College and has been elected as the Information Director. With a friendly nature and a good sense of communication, she has been a favorite of all from our team. She will be coordinating all the externals, as well as the internal affairs by acting as a link for all SFT Endeavors.
E-mail: kittyktmb6@yahoo.com
Tenzin Tsogyal is doing BA Pol.Sc(H) from JDM College and Penpa Dolma doing BA Eng(H) from LaxmiBai College. They have been active and reliable members of SFT Delhi. They have volunteered to take charge as the Development Directors. They will be handling all the accounts related stuffs and will keep a continuous vigil on the SFT Funds as well.
E-mail: t.tsogyal@yahoo.com / penpa67@yahoo.co.in
Kunga Choedon is doing her BA Eng(H) from LaxmiBai College and will be Blogging and handling all the net related stuffs. Possessing a creative English write-up with a deep desire to do something special for SFT, She had been given a platform as the Blogger for SFT Delhi.
E-mail: kuchoedon@hotmail.com
Tenzin Palden doing his B.Com(P) from BR Ambedkar College volunteered to take charge of the Merchandise stuffs. A fun filled Frank guy and his friendly nature will help us deal well with the others regarding stocks and recruiting more supporters.
tenzinpalden1@gmail.com
With a hope in our heart and belief in humanity we set out to make aware more of the cherishing seeds of tomorrow, for the sake of world peace, for the sake of Human Rights in Tibet.
On Thursday 24th March, 2011 we organised a brief fest on Tibet focusing on the issues regarding Geo-Politics and Language Rights in Lady Shri Ram College. In addition, three Tibetan students shared stories regarding their journey to exile. Moreover, our Tibetan poet Bhuchung D Sonam, whose work includes ‘Dandelions of Tibet’, and ‘Muses in Exile’, concluded the programme graciously by reading some of his poems which were greatly appreciated with applause.
We summed up by distributing Khapsey and tea to all attendees and we were grateful to see more of enthusiastic students who stepped forward to know more about Tibet’s issue.
~kunga choedon
Rinzin Choedon gives a power point presentation on Geo-Politics and Tibet
LSR students listen in
Tsering Tashi answers a question
Palden Sonam gives an account of his experience as a young Tibetan refugee
Pema Dolkar, student of LSR, tells her story
Bhuchung la reads his poetry
Students at the SFT Table
Global Student Fast in Solidarity with Tibetans in Ngaba
4th April,2011
Delhi: Tibetan college students in Delhi joined the Fast for Freedom, a global action called to show solidarity with Tibetan middle school students in Ngaba, eastern Tibet who staged a hunger strike following the self-immolation of 20-year-old Phuntsok Jarutsang, a monk from Kirti Monastery.
Dechen Lhamo introduces the event in Tibetan
SFT Delhi Chapter Coordinator Rinzin Choedon gives some opening remarks
His action on 16th March marked the third year anniversary of events that unfolded in 2008, when Tibetans were shot dead after monks from Kirti Monastery began a demonstration in defiance of China’s illegal occupation of Tibet and call for His Holiness to return to Tibet. Phuntsok, who was heard shouting out messages of support for the Dalai Lama, died the following morning in hospital. The police were seen kicking and beating him up while extinguishing the fire.
“China’s illegal occupation and its false policy in Tibet for more than 50 years is the core reason for discontentment amongst Tibetans in Tibet,” said Tsering, the coordinator of Students for a Free Tibet’s Delhi Chapter. “Beijing’s claim over development in Tibet has been undermined continuously by Tibetans inside Tibet.”
Students chant the Mani Prayer
The ‘Fast for Freedom’ mirrors the hunger strike by Tibetan students from a middle school in Ngaba. Following the self-immolation protest of the ‘Martyr’d Monk’ in Ngaba, Students at Upper Middle School of the prefecture staged a fast from March 17 to show their respect and solidarity with Phuntsok. However, China has imposed tight security measures across Tibet recently and the armed Chinese military forces have confiscated mobile phones of many students and teachers, leading to a communication breakdown between students and their families causing unnecessary tension in the region.
“We are here to show our solidarity to the Tibetan Students in Ngaba who staged hunger-strike in support of Phuntsok and demonstrate our respect for his sacrifice,” said Rinzin Choedon, a Tibetan student in Delhi and the co-coordinator of SFT Delhi. “We call the international community to hold China responsible for the deteriorating Human Rights condition in Tibet that led to Tibetans taking such dire measures. We also urge the governments around the world to put pressure on China in releasing all Tibetan prisoners of conscience in Chinese prisons.”
- SFT Delhi Chapter Coordinator Tsering Tashi talks to Tibetan media
This is the second self-immolation by a Kirti Monastery monk. In February2009, Tapey, a monk in his mid-twenties from Ngaba’s Kirti Monastery, set himself on fire to protest against a ban by Chinese government prohibiting the monks of the monastery from observing a major Tibetan new year prayer festival.
Reports at the time confirmed that Tapey was shot at by Chinese police after he set himself alight. He, however, survived and was later taken to police custody. But his whereabouts remain unknown as no one has seen or heard about him since then.
Tenzin Tsogyal offers a khata in the memory of Martyr Lobsang Phuntsog la
The ‘Fast for Freedom’ is organized by students at different places in Dharmshala, Pune, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Mangalore, Baroda in India on Monday and globally in London, New York & Toronto and is coordinated by Students for a Free Tibet.
Our Indian supporters: Spalgon, Jyotsna and Amitoj at the Candle Light Vigil
Chronology of events in Ngaba after Phuntsok’s self-immolation.
17th March 2011 – Phuntsok died 3am Lhasa Time in Ngaba
- Hunger strike staged by Upper Middle School students in Ngaba.
19th March 2011 – Security Intensified in and around Ngaba
20th March 2011 – Security Intensified in and around Ngaba
- Monk officials of Kirti Monastery and leaders of towns and villages in and around Ngaba County were instructed to make sure there’s no firework, incense ceremony and throwing of windhorse prayer flags in the air as a symbol of celebration of the Tibetan Elections day in Exile.
21st March 2011 – Patriotic re-education Campaign in Kirti Monastery, Ngaba.
22nd March 2011 – Arrested and are being detained on suspicion of involvement in Phuntsok’s protest.
Phuntsok’s 19 year old brother Lobsang Tseten, a monk from Kirti Monastery,
Phuntsok’s maternal Uncle Lobsang Tsundue
Samdrup another monk from Kirti monastery belonging to the same native division 2 of Me’uruma township
Lobsang Jamyang, 16 year old was arrested from his home in Upper Tawa, Ngaba County between 12 and 1 am.
23rd March 2011 – Kirti Monks were told to improve their awareness on law and regulations.
- Monks were issued copies of three handbooks 1) on the constitution of the P.R.C., 2) on the law concerning (respect for) the PRC flag and 3) PRC regulations on the mediation of public disputes.
24th March 2011 – Arrest
- Lobsang Choemphel, 24, monk from Kirti Monastery was taken away from the monastery compound.
The reason for his arrest and other details are not known.
- Also around that date, Lobsang Ngodup, 32, another monk at Kirti Mongastery’s Tantric College, from upper Chukle in Cha Township, Ngaba County was arrested. The reason for his arrest is not known.
- Local authorities called public meetings in upper Tawa and Gapma villages in Ngaba county, and instructed lay people to go for security duty at Kirti monastery. Anyone failing to do so would be fined 30 yuan per day of non-attendance.
25th March 2011 – Arrest
- Lobsang Tsepak, 27 a Kirti monk and student in Beijing Minorities University was arrested around 6pm. Reasons for arrest and other details are not known.
1st April 2011
- According to reports received on April 1st, a large number of troops sent to enforce the blockade of Kirti Monastery entered the compound today, and prevented even the 70 year old (elderly) monks previously removed to the outer perimeter from moving freely, and it is feared that if this blockade continues, the monks will face problems obtaining daily essentials.
www.studentsforafreetibet.org www.sftindia.org www.facebook.com/sftdelhi www.sftdelhi.wordpress.com
“We may never be strong enough to be entirely non-violent in thought, word and deed. But we must keep non-violence as our goal and make strong progress towards it”: Gandhi.
With the subtlest fold of heart and moisture in our eyes regarding the conditions in Tibet, here we SFT Delhi organised an event on 4th April 2011, to take part in the Global Day of Action: Fast for Freedom at the Majnu ka Tila monastery. The objective was to show solidarity with the Tibetan middle school students in ngaba who staged hunger strike and the self immolation of 20 yrs old monk Phuntsok Jarutsang from Kirti monastery, and to end China’s voilent crackdown in those areas.
We held our fast from 11am to 5pm, which was followed by candlelight vigil at 7 o’clock, where we chanted the holy mantra (mani) and prayers. There was some Indian students too, who thoroughly and morally stood with us to support the Tibet issue. We are grateful to them. With the collaboration of all, the event went well.
Thank you all for your kind support.
Eventually the zealous crowd was dispersed with repeating the slogan “Bodhgyalo(free tibet) and long live H.H The Dalai Lama three times.
The world: so enigmatic, cloaked in the puzzling lies. Amidst that symbolic existence one is trapped and wants to find out the real truth. Urging on to unravel the truth and eliminate the hidden injustice happening in Tibet, we paced on to our usual little effort: we organised a RANGZEN TIBET FEST at IIT (Indian Institute of Technology), Delhi on 9th April.
We also set up a SFT Delhi table at JNU during its Tibet fest organized by Tibet Forum (JNU) on 8th of April. There, not only did we have our merchandise on sale, but also held some petition sign up campaigns and distributed different Tibet related pamphlets to the Indian and other Foreign students to give them at least a little knowledge on Tibet.
As DU exams are approaching near the IIT fest, was our last event for this academic session. We entered the gate of IIT, for the first time, with dual feelings: expectation of maximum audience and determination to shooting right to our goal of making more people aware about the truth of the standard of living for Tibetans inside Tibet. Although most of the students were on holiday, many curious seekers of knowledge did step forward to unravel Tibet’s issue, making the auditorium packed up with enthusiasts. There was a multicultural environment, from a Korean journalist Ye-rinne, to Frederic Bobin (South Asian Director of French Newspaper, Le Monde) to Indians from different cities and various walks of life.
An awakening speech by Mr Vijay Kranti watered the seeds of India’s tomorrow. Winding up, three friends shared their story of escape from Tibet. The program was very successful and effective; the audience took a lot of interest and threw up many questions related to the issue of forbidden Tibet. Thank you for your support and pacing beside us, providing a helping hand. We believe in ourselves and our earthlings.
~Kunga Choedon
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- sharing the grievous story of there escape from Tibet
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- YAK Dance at JNU by TIBET FORUM
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- SFT Table at JNU Tibet Fest
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- infront of the auditorium ( IIT Delhi)
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- zealous audience watching the slideshow by Mr Vijay Kranti
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- striving hard to make out for the best.
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- distributing the pamplets in IIT
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- presenting a small token of gratitude
On the occasion of International Mother Language Day, SFT Delhi celebrated the day to commemorate the importance of our unique and precious Tibetan Language. Under the brutal Invasion and oppression of China, we feel the danger of losing our own mother tongue and see it as a threat to the future Tibetan generations. We believe that language is a primary Identity of a Nation and being a Tibetan, every youth should come forward, take special responsibility and show concern in preserving our own Tibetan Language.
On 21st Feb 2011, we took some advance steps and initiative to showcase the importance of our mother language and how it is slowly vanishing among the young adults. On the very day, besides speaking fluent Tibetan for the whole day, we also promoted its importance to our Indian friends in Delhi University. In addition, we created a short video clip to illustrate the state of our own Tibetan language for Tibetans at this stage!
In Tibet, there is no freedom to be a pure Tibetan since now even their language right is taken away by the Chinese. But what binds us here? We are all free so it is our prior responsibility to make use of the rights that our young brothers and sisters in Tibet are deprived of. Tibetans in Tibet are patriotic to do something for Tibet but they don’t have any rights. We have freedom here so just stand forward and make a difference.
In the video, the play showcases the daily life of Tibetan youth and the careless difficulties that they face while speaking their own mother tongue. Although it is a short informal skit, we can clearly see where our mother language “Bod Yig” stands, while we lose ourselves in other societies. A young guy finds it easy to speak fluent Hindi/English or any other language but cannot speak pure Tibetan. So, I urge the Tibetans especially the young people to take special consideration and come forward in promoting and preserving our own Mother language.
~ Rixin Spalgon
UPDATE: Radio Free Asia is reporting that overnight Chinese forces arrested 300 monks from Kirti Monastery in Ngaba, eastern Tibet. Two elderly Tibetans have died after being beaten by Chinese police when they formed a human chain to try and stop the monks from being taken away: http://is.gd/D4c2bH
The situation is critical and many more lives are at stake. Below are 10 simple actions you can take to pressure China to stop the siege in Ngaba.
1) Urge people to sign the urgent petition: http://is.gd/HgiqsV and Post this image to your Facebook Profile page and wall:http://www.studentsforafreetibet.org/img/original/takeactionngaba.jpg.
2) If you are in the U.S., send an urgent letter to your Congressional Representatives urging them to raise the crisis in Ngaba with Assistant Secretary of State Michael Posner who will be leading next week’s U.S.-China Human Rights Dialogue in Washington, D.C.
https://secure3.convio.net/sft/site/Advocacy cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=786
3) Send an urgent letter calling on your government leaders to take the strongest diplomatic action possible calling on China to:- Immediately withdraw security forces from Ngaba;- Unconditionally release all detainees;- Allow international observers and media unrestricted access to Ngaba.
Find your representative: http://www.studentsforafreetibet.org/section.php?id=43
4) Fax a letter in Chinese to the Sichuan Public Security Department: +(86) 0288 6663 961. Copy Chinese text below (English translation underneath). You can also fax the letter to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate nearest you:http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zwjg/2490/
至西川公安部
日僧侣平措自焚而死后，中国当局对西藏人民一连串的武力镇压。月年个人深切关心阿坝县格德寺日益恶化的情势─
我要求你们立即采取以下行动：
─
─
─
─
我已经要求我国驻北京大使馆以及政府代表注意阿坝县情势，并且要求他们向中国政府关切此事。贵单位持续在西藏镇压只会增强国际社会对西藏运动的支持并破坏中国的国际形象。
FAX to Public Security Department,
Sichuan: I am deeply concerned about the situation in Ngaba County (Ch: Aba Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province).
Following the death of Phuntsok Jarutsang, a monk from Kirti monastery, on 16 March 2011 there has been a violent and intimidating crackdown against Tibetans by the Chinese authorities.
I demand that you immediately:
- release all the Tibetans who have been arbitrarily detained.
- cease with the crackdown and intimidation of Tibetans in Ngaba and the monks at Kirti Monastery.
- stop the forced political re-education at Kirti Monastery, which violates Tibetans’ basic right to religious freedom.
- allow independent international media and government officials to visit the area.
I have alerted my Beijing embassy and government representatives to the grave situation in Ngaba and have urged them to raise this issue with Chinese officials. Your continued crackdown in Tibet only serves to further garner global support for the Tibet cause and tarnish China’s international reputation.
5) Sign the following Online Petitions:
- Amnesty International’s urgent action appeal for Ngaba:http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/ASA17/021/2011/en/d75f7611-be66-4d5a-9391-c80c43501d56/asa170212011en.html
- International Tibet Network’s appeal to world leaders:http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5380/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=6257
- International Campaign for Tibet’s appeal to the U.S. Ambassador to China, Jon Huntsman: http://action.savetibet.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=3932
6) Read the global statement issued by the International Tibet Network, of which SFT is a member organization. Circulate this statement to your local media contacts:http://www.studentsforafreetibet.org/article.php?id=2320
Watch video footage smuggled from Ngaba (in Tibetan, courtesy of Voice of America):http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwmstGsFlJc&feature=feedu
View dramatic photos (courtesy of Free Tibet):http://www.freetibet.org/newsmedia/photographs-depicting-immediate-aftermath-phuntsogs-self-immolation-and-funeral
7) Call your Embassy in China: Explain the ongoing human rights situation in Ngaba and urge them to press the Chinese government to immediately end the siege in Ngaba:http://www.chinahighlights.com/embassy/embassy-in-china/beijing/
8) Call Chinese authorities in Sichuan and demand the immediate release of those detained and for an end to the military crackdown in Ngaba:http://www.studentsforafreetibet.org/article.php?id=1235
9) Call the Chinese Embassy in your country: Tell them that people worldwide are watching the situation in Ngaba, Tibet closely and demand the release of all those detained in the protest: http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zwjg/2490/
10) Organize a solidarity protest: Send details of your protest to info@studentsforafreetibet.org and we’ll help spread the word!
Read more about the situation in Ngaba:
Two elderly Tibetans killed as hundreds of monks detained from Kirti; crackdown deepens (International Campaign for Tibet): http://www.savetibet.org/media-center/ict-news-reports/two-elderly-tibetans-killed-hundreds-monks-detained-kirti-crackdown-deepens
Besieged Monks ‘Tortured’: http://www.rfa.org/english/news/tibet/tortured-04212011123529.html
China Bans Foreigners from Restive Tibetan Area (Reuters):http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=29412&article=China+bans+foreigners+from+restive+Tibetan+areas
takeaction_ngaba
I had the opportunity to attend the Indian Solidarity Evening at Jantar Mantar, on Sunday, May 14th, 2011.
I was incredibly moved and humbled to see the three Tibetan men, braving the sweltering heat of Delhi summer, sitting on their (then) 21st day of hunger strike.
The evening was a sombre occasion. There was an assorted crowd of students (both Indian and Tibetan), foreigners, activists, and curious people from all walks of life.
Crowd at the gathering
There were host of speakers who said a few words of support and solidarity. Someone read a poem, and another sang a song. Someone spoke in Hindi, and another in Tibetan. I felt very privileged to be able to speak on behalf of SFT Delhi, and voice my concern, and support for the three men, and their demands.
Candle Light Vigil
These men are : Kunchok Yangphel (finance secretary, TYC), Dhondup Ladhar (vice president, TYC) and Tenzin Norsang (joint secretary, TYC).
Three Brave Men
Today, they enter their 25th day on hunger strike.
~ Jyotsna Sarah George
PRESS RELEASE
Tibetans & Supporters Protest China’s Latest Propaganda Drive in Tibet & Censure the Ongoing Crackdown in Kardze & Ngaba
New Delhi, July 13, 2011 – Tibetans and supporters staged a protest at the India Gate in New Delhi, slamming China’s latest propaganda drive in Tibet. The Chinese authorities’ most recent campaign inside Tibet is driven by two highly sensitive anniversaries:
- The 60th anniversary of the signing of the 17 Point Agreement of 1951 which, according to China, marks the “peaceful liberation” of Tibet. (Note 1) and
- The 90th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on 1 July.
“The Chinese government’s propaganda display in Lhasa, in addition to their just-released white paper on Tibet, are nothing but futile attempts to convince the world that Tibetans are happy and prosperous under Chinese rule, when the reality couldn’t be further from the truth”, said Jyotsna George, spokesperson for the Delhi Chapter of Students for a Free Tibet, “Tibetans have repeatedly rejected Chinese rule and it has only been ever growing since the widespread protests across the plateau in 2008”.
China has sealed off the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) to foreign tourists for a month to prepare for and choreograph these events. Reports suggest that senior Chinese leaders and perhaps some foreign guests will travel to Lhasa in mid July for events to mark the 60th Anniversary of the signing of the17 Point Agreement. The period is also likely to include military exercises which will only serve to heighten existing tensions.
Following the major crackdown in Ngaba (Chinese: Aba), Kardze (Chinese: Ganzi) has been closed to visitors since April 21. A wave of protests has been taking place in the region since 6 June calling for ‘Independence’, ‘Freedom’, the release of local and respected religious teachers, and ‘the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet’.
“We are here today to expose the true reality of 60 years of Chinese tyranny in Tibet and to support Tibetans in Kardze and across eastern Tibet who have been protesting daily for their human rights and freedom despite intense crackdown by Chinese armed forces”, said Priyadarshini Singh, a Tibet supporter, “further, we demand that China immediately stop the ongoing crackdown in Kardze & Ngaba and release all those detained and imprisoned at once.”
So far there have been more than 39 arrests including some senior monks, nuns and laypeople with girls as young as 17 & 18 years old.
Kardze is currently under heavy security watch and military clampdown. Several checkpoints have been installed everywhere requiring Tibetans to show household registration, identity cards, a document from the local government granting permission to travel thereby imposing strict restrictions over the movement of Tibetans.
Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) works in solidarity with the Tibetan people in their struggle for freedom and independence. We are a chapter-based network of young people and activists around the world. Through education, grassroots organizing, and non-violent direct action, we campaign for Tibetans’ fundamental right to political freedom. Our role is to empower and train youth as leaders in the worldwide movement for social justice.
Today, the Global Day of Action for Tibet, SFT India is joined by SFT Chapters and Tibet Support Groups in the US, Japan, France, and Germany, in protesting against China’s false claims of the “peaceful liberation” of Tibet.
