Dharamshala — Tibetan NGOs commemorate the 66th anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising Day by peace march from McLeod Ganj to Kacheri, Dharamshala on March 10,2025. They said, "This day marks a painful and tragic chapter in Tibetan history-one that Tibetans will never forget. It is the 66th anniversary of the Chinese Communist regime's illegal and violent invasion of Tibet."
Tibetans and supporters around the world commemorated the 66th Anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising Day in more 20 countries and 50 cities including Dharamshala, Guwahati, Itanagar, Tawang, New Delhi, Mangalore in India and New York, Minnesota, Jackson Heights, Chicago, Monterey, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Boston in USA. Toronto in Canada, Paris in France, London, Manchester in England, Hague in Netherlands, Berlin in Germany, Brussels in Belgium, Zurich in Switzerland, Oslo in Norway, Stockholm in Sweden, Copenhagen in Denmark, Dublin in Ireland, Rome in Italy, Vienna in Austria, Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane in Australia, Tokyo in Japan, Taipei in Taiwan, Brazil, and Portugal, on March 10, 2025.
The peace march organised by four Tibetan NGOs, the Tibetan Youth Congress, the Tibetan Women's Association, Students for a Free Tibet-India and the National Democratic Party of Tibet, brought together hundreds of Tibetans, including monks, nuns, students and foreign supporters of Tibet, from Tsulhakhang, the main temple of McLeod Ganj, to Kacheri, in Dharamshala, on March 10 2025.
While marching from Mcleod Ganj to Kacheri, Dharashalala, they chanted the following slogans: "Free Tibet, China, get out of Tibet", "Tibet is not part of China", "Tibet belongs to Tibet", "Tibet was a Independent country" ,"CCP out of Tibet now", "Stop killing in Tibet", "Stop torture and genocide in Tibet", "Free the Panchen Lama","Free Tibetan political prisoners", "We demand human rights in Tibet", "United Nations speaks for Tibet".
After the arrival of the peace marchers in Kacheri, Tibetan activists from Tibetan NGOs organised an event to commemorate the 66th anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising Day with Indian leaders in Dharamshala. During the commemoration, the Tibetan and Indian national anthems were sung and a minute's silence was observed as a mark of respect for the Tibetan martyrs.
Tashi Dhargyal, Vice President of Tibetan Youth Congress read out the statement of the four Tibetan NGOs, "Today, we solemnly commemorate the unwavering determination, immense courage, and profound sacrifices made by the Tibetan martyrs who have given everything, including their precious lives, for the cause of Tibet, its people, and its rich cultural heritage. We stand in solidarity with our Tibetan brothers and sisters inside Tibet, who continue to endure relentless oppression under the repressive policies of the Chinese Communist Party. As we observe this momentous occasion, we also mourn the devastating earthquake that struck Dingri at the beginning of this year, causing significant loss of life and destruction of property. Our deepest condolences go to the affected families. We offer our profound respect and prayers for Gyalo Dhondup, former Chairman of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile and elder brother of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, who passed away during this critical period in Tibet's political struggle. We pray for his swift rebirth and extend our heartfelt sympathies to his bereaved family."
"This day marks a painful and tragic chapter in Tibetan history-one that Tibetans will never forget. It is the 66th anniversary of the Chinese Communist regime's illegal and violent invasion of Tibet. Since then, both the Tibetan government and its people have endured decades of systematic oppression, terror, and repression under Beijing's rule. On March 10, 1959, Tibetans uncovered a sinister plot by the Chinese authorities to assassinate His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama under the pretext of inviting him to a Chinese military camp. In response, tens of thousands of Tibetans from all three provinces of Tibet voluntarily and resolutely gathered at Norbulingka to protect His Holiness. While ensuring his safety, they took to the streets to fight for Tibet's sovereignty and Independence chanting slogans such as "Long Live His Holiness the Dalai Lama," "Free Tibet," and "China, Get Out of Tibet." This historic uprising was met with brutal violence, as Chinese armed forces massacred unarmed Tibetan civilians and tightened their grip on Tibet. Since that fateful day, March 10th has remained a deeply symbolic day of resistance and resilience for Tibetans worldwide, a day of remembrance, unity, and an unwavering commitment to the Tibetan struggle until Tibet regains its rightful freedom," the Vice President said.
The statement continued by saying ,''Since 1949, the Chinese Communist regime has systematically invaded the Tibetan regions of Do-tod and Do-med, subjecting Tibet to decades of exploitation, destruction, and repression. To this day, Beijing continues its relentless extraction of minerals from Tibet's sacred mountains, large-scale deforestation, river diversions, and the construction of massive dams across the plateau. Entire ancestral villages and monasteries have been forcibly relocated, and Tibet's environment suffers severe degradation. In its attempt to systematically erase Tibetan identity, the Chinese government has aggressively suppressed the Tibetan language, destroyed monasteries, and targeted monks who have played a vital role in preserving Tibetan culture. Many have been arbitrarily arrested, imprisoned, and even disappeared through illegitimate means. Furthermore, the Chinese government has seized control of Tibetan educational institutions such as Raga Sherig Norbu School, imposed strict quotas on monks in monasteries, expelled them, and enforced indoctrination under the guise of "patriotic education." Tibetan university students are denied the right to take examinations in their own language, and graduation thesis must be written in Chinese. Government employees face outright prohibitions against participating in religious activities. Meanwhile, Tibetan children are forcibly separated from their families and placed in colonial-style boarding schools designed to erode their heritage and instill loyalty to the Communist Party."
Ms Tenzin Passang, President of Students fro a Free Tibet-India said, "China's cartographic aggression extends beyond Tibet and its regions, targeting regions such as Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh, and the South China Sea, reflecting its broader expansionist ambitions. Online, influential Tibetan voices are systematically censored, and platforms for free expression are suppressed. Even in times of humanitarian crisis, such as the recent earthquake in Digri-China deliberately obstructs aid to Tibetan areas, deepening the suffering of those in need. Under these oppressive policies, 169 Tibetans have resorted to the desperate act of self-immolation, sacrificing their lives in a powerful protest to defend Tibet's nation, people, and cultural identity. This unrelenting oppression stands as a stark testament to the severe human rights crisis in Tibet, inflicting profound and lasting harm on its people and their identity."
"The continued survival of the Tibetan cause and the preservation of Tibetan identity on the global stage can be attributed to the profound wisdom, compassion, and visionary leadership of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the unparalleled leader of the Tibetan people. Under his guidance, both governmental and non-governmental Tibetan organizations, along with international governments and supporters, have undertaken critical initiatives to advance the Tibetan cause. The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to Tibet through legislative measures such as the Resolve Tibet Act of 2024. Additionally, international non-governmental organizations and the global community have demonstrated unwavering solidarity in supporting Tibet's struggle. We are deeply grateful for these efforts and remain hopeful that until a just resolution to the Tibetan issue is achieved, the international community will continue to stand in defense of Tibetan religion, culture, and fundamental freedoms," She added.
Tsering Dolma, President of Tibetan Women's Association said, "We call upon the international community to remain vigilant and extend steadfast support in confronting the ongoing human rights crisis in Tibet. At this pivotal moment of global political transformation, it is imperative that we rise above internal divisions and remain resolute in our collective pursuit of justice. The preservation of Tibet's unique traditions, language, and moral values is not only a responsibility but a necessity. Now more than ever, both governmental and non-governmental organizations must align their efforts, strengthen their unity, and intensify their commitment to the Tibetan cause."
"It is imperative that every Tibetan actively participates in and supports initiatives and campaigns that fortify our struggle. In accordance with the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, we must reinforce the unity of Tibet's three provinces, consolidate our collective strength, and uphold our solemn pledge to unity. This year as we celebrate His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama's 90th birthday, we honor His Holiness's lifelong dedication, we must stand firm, unwavering in our commitment, and united in purpose. The future of Tibet depends on our determination, and we must forge ahead with courage, conviction, and an unbreakable spirit," they concldued their statement.
