ITANAGAR, May 2 - Thousands of protesters took to the streets of the tranquil town of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh bordering China on Saturday.
Earlier, the huge crowd comprising of villagers, panchayat leaders, students, members of NGOs, government officers assembled at Parade Ground in Tawang in protest against a voice clip circulated in the social media allegedly by one Lama Lobsang Gyatso against the Abbot of Tawang Monastery, Guru Tulku Rimpoche.
The rally witnessed unprecedented participation from different parts of the district, from remote Mago-Thingbu area in China border to Lumla and Zemithang area along Bhutan border.
The 6000-odd gathering at the Parade Ground expressed solidarity with Guru Tulku Rimpoche while vehemently condemning the act of offending the religious sentiments of Buddhists of the district.
Tawang Zilla Parishad chairperson Jambey Tsering, in his speech, expressed solidarity with the people for fighting the �unruly and disruptive element creating chaos and confusion in the society.� He appealed all to be vigilant of such elements hell bent to disrupt peace in the society.
ZPM Tsering Dorjee questioned the credibility of Lobsang Gyatso as a monk and also for his unsolicited interference in affairs of the people in the district particularly the present case of abusing Guru Tulku Rimpoche for no rhyme or reason.
Public leaders Tsering Tashi and Karsang also spoke in the rally condemning the �unmindful� act of Lobsang Gyatso in hurting the religious sentiments of devout Buddhists.
The rally resolved that Lobsang Gyatso should tender an unconditional apology to the Abbot of Tawang Monastery and also circulate a voice message in social media seeking apology from the Buddhist population for hurting their religious sentiments. Gyatso is presently in police custody at Tawang PS following registration of a case under sections 153(A), 295(A), 298 and 506 IPC after PRI representatives lodged an FIR against him on Friday.
