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Anniversary of Tibetan Uprising Day observed

By Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, March 10 � With the slogans like �Tibet�s freedom is India�s security�, a gathering of around 200 Tibetans living in the North East today observed the 53rd anniversary of Tibetan Uprising Day here by taking out a procession and candle light march.

The gathering, mostly comprising second and third generation of Tibetans in the North Eastern region expressed grave concern over deteriorating situation in Tibet and deep rooted resentment among the Tibetans resulting in self immolation by people due to China�s repressive policies.

�More than 10,000 Tibetans live in the North East and most of them have never seen their own country. Since the land of Tibet has been isolated from the outside world by the Chinese government, through inflicting blockade on media and other major means of communication, the people of Tibet have no other option to vent their ire. So far, 26 Tibetans have torched their bodies protesting Chinese oppression and demanding the return of Dalai Lama,� Pema Chophel, vice president of Tibetan Freedom Movement told The Assam Tribune.

A procession was taken out today from Lakhidhar Bora Kshetra in Guwahati to Chandmari. In the evening, a candle light march was also taken out from Judges� Field to Dighalipukhuri. The programme was organized by Tibetan Solidarity Committee, North East.

The message of Dr Lobsang Sangay, Prime Minister of the Tibetan Government in exile was read out to the gathering by Lhakpa Tsering, Tibetan Welfare Officer, Shillong. �When China invaded Tibet in 1949, it promised to usher in a socialist paradise. But in reality, Tibetans are treated as second class citizens on their own land. Tibet has also become one of the most militarized areas in the region,� the message said.

Nava Thakuria, secretary of Guwahati Press Club, while expressing solidarity with the freedom struggle of Tibet said that the North Eastern region of India would be benefitted through development and prosperity in Tibet. �Through this event in the heart of Guwahati, the Tibetans of North East have made their presence felt. I earnestly believe that gradually more and more people of the region and the country would associate themselves with the Tibetan cause,� he added.

Senior journalist Rupam Baruah and Jaharlal Saha of Vivekannanda Kalyan Kendra also expressed their solidarity with the Tibet�s freedom movement and exhorted upon the Tibetan population to carry on the peaceful movement.

The speech of Tibetan Parliament in exile was also read out on the occasion which urged the United Nations and the international community to support the Tibetan people in securing their own distinct cultural, spiritual and traditional identity.

�The Tibetans living in exile are extremely concerned about the condition in Tibet. We appeal the Indian people and International community to exert pressure on China to end brutalities in Tibet,� Dawa Thakchoe, president of Regional Tibetan Women�s Association said.

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