Dharamshala— Recognising the unwavering valour and steadfast resolve of Tibetans residing in Tibet who fearlessly voiced their dissent against the repressive policies of the Chinese government, the members of the standing committee of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile paid solemn tribute yesterday to those Tibetan protesters.
These courageous individuals, who peacefully demonstrated last year and subsequently sought sanctuary in India amidst China's draconian crackdown, epitomize the indomitable spirit and resilience of the Tibetan people in their quest for freedom and justice.
The standing committee members convened with twenty Tibetans, comprising both monks and laymen, hailing from all three traditional provinces of Tibet - U-Tsang, Kham, and Amdo. Each of them partook in the unprecedented peaceful demonstrations against the misguided policies of the Chinese government in Tibet in March 2008, coinciding with the 49th anniversary of the Tibetan national uprising day.
In attendance at the meeting were Ven Sonam Tenphel, Sonam Damdul, Geshe Monlam Tharchin, Dolma Tsering, Kunchok Choedon, and Gyalrong Dawa Tsering, members of the standing committee.
Engaging closely with the Tibetan refugees at the parliamentary secretariat, the standing committee members, under the leadership of the Parliament's speaker and deputy speaker, listened to the individual accounts and experiences of the Tibetans regarding their involvement in peaceful protests against the oppression in Tibet.
Several refugees expressed deep-seated concern and resentment towards the misguided policies of the Chinese government, notably the systematic marginalisation of the Tibetan language in Tibet and the defamation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Under the dominion of China, the Tibetan language has been supplanted by the Chinese language in publications and educational institutions in Tibet, imperiling the very essence of the unique Tibetan cultural heritage. Tenpa Dhargye, a monk from Machu in Kanlho Tibet Autonomous Prefecture, conveyed to the parliamentarians that most publications, including newspapers in Tibet, are now published in Chinese rather than Tibetan.
"Efforts by the Central Tibetan Administration in exile should be concentrated on fortifying endeavors to preserve and revive the Tibetan cultural heritage from annihilation, particularly the Tibetan language in Tibet," added Tenpa Dhargye.
Tsewang Dhondup, who sustained two gunshot wounds from Chinese security forces while attempting to save the life of a monk struck by a bullet during a protest last year in Drakgo County in Karze, commended the solidarity of Tibetans in exile for their steadfast support of their compatriots in Tibet and their unwavering resolve to sustain the struggle for the just cause of Tibet. Unfortunately, the monk Dhondup tried to rescue succumbed to his injuries.
"I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Central Tibetan Administration for providing much-needed medical assistance to me," expressed Tsewang Dhondup, whose left hand has been rendered virtually useless due to severe injuries sustained from the gunshot. He is presently undergoing treatment under the care of the Tibetan Reception Centre in Dharamsala.
Speaker Penpa Tsering provided the Tibetans with a historical overview of the Tibetan struggle, commencing from the coerced signing of the 17-point Agreement between the Tibetan government and the People's Republic of China in 1951 to the exodus of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and thousands of Tibetans following the armed oppression by the government of the People's Republic of China in March 1959.
The speaker commended Tibetans residing within Tibet for steadfastly maintaining their loyalty and allegiance to Tibet despite enduring the oppressive rule of the Chinese government for the past five decades.
"The resilience and unity displayed by the Tibetan populace within Tibet serve as a perennial wellspring of inspiration for Tibetans in exile to perpetuate the struggle for the Tibetan cause," added Speaker Penpa Tsering.
The speaker assured the Tibetans that the Parliament would spare no effort in ensuring their welfare by fostering enhanced career opportunities for them.
Expressing her gratification in commemorating those Tibetans who sacrificed their lives for the Tibetan cause, Deputy Speaker Dolma Gyari stated, "As representatives of the Tibetan people, we bear the responsibility of safeguarding the welfare of our people, particularly by extending necessary assistance to Tibetans arriving from Tibet."
