Dharamshala: - March 10, 2013: Today we observe 54th anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising Day. On this day in 1959, thousands of Tibetans protest the Chinese invasion and occupation of Tibet. Today we pay tribute to all those Tibetans who have sacrificed their lives for Tibet.
Since 2009, 107 Tibetans have self immolated including 28 in November 2012 just before 18th Party Congress of The Chinese Communist Party. Sadly, 90 of them have died. We dedicate this day to all the self immolators and those who have died for Tibet.
The occupation and repression in Tibet by the government of People Republic of China are the primary conditions driving Tibetans to self immolation.
Tibetans respond to these violations with even the slightest show of dissent results in prolonged imprisonment, torture, public humiliation and disappearance at the hands of security forces. The prohibition of peaceful protest and harsh punishments compel Tibetans to resort to self immolation. They choose death rather than silence and submission to the Chinese authorities.
Through various media, the Kashag has consistently appealed and categorically discouraged Tibetans in Tibet from self-immolating as a form of protest. Life is precious and as human beings we do not want anyone to die in such a manner. As Buddhist, we pray for the soul of the deceased. As Tibetans, it is our sacred duty to support the aspirations of Tibetans in Tibet: the return of His Holiness the great 14th Dalai Lama to Tibet, freedom for the Tibetan people, and unity among Tibetans. The only way to end this brutal and grave situation is for China to change its current hard line Tibet policy by respecting the aspirations of the Tibetan people.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the great people of and Government of India for their unflinching and generous support. At the same time, we urge you to press Chinese govt. to enter into meaningful dialogue with Tibetan leadership.
We call on the International community to press the Chinese govt to allow the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights entry to Tibet and also to give access to diplomats and the International media. Only in this way can the truth.
To commemorate 54th Tibetan National Uprising Day, about 1000 Tibetans living in Bir, Chauntra and Tashi Jong hold a peaceful public gathering in Chauntra where Shri Gulab Singh, MLA HP has been invited as Chief Guest. Mrs. Juchen Kunchok Chodon & Mr. Tsultrim Tenzin, Tibetan Parliamentarians and all the Representatives of Monasteries, School and Settlement were attended the anniversary.
Thereafter a peaceful (Path Yatra) street procession will be hold in Palampur which will end at Basket Court near SDM office.
Shri Trilok Kapoor, Chairman, HPWFL and National General Secretary of BJP for SC/ST is invited as Chief Guest & Shri Ajay Dharwal, Vice Chairman of Nagar Panchayat, Jogindernagar along with all the Pradhan of Tashi Jong, Battu, Chauntra, Bir, Kyori, Suja, Chowgun along with all the Tibetans will gather for Public Gathering.
Thereafter a press conference has been organized at Press Club, Palampur
