Dharamshala, August 21: On the 49th day of Tibetan martyr Lobasang Palden’s supreme sacrifice, the exiled Tibetan government (Central Tibetan Administration – CTA) and the exiled Tibetan Parliament jointly organized a prayer meeting and peace march in Dharamshala. The march commenced from Tsuglagkhang in McLeod Ganj and proceeded to the Dharamshala police grounds, attracting a large turnout from the Tibetan community, representatives of the exiled government, and Tibet supporters.
Prime Minister of the exiled Tibetan government, Pema Tsering, stated that the march was not only a tribute to Lobasang Palden but also a peaceful protest against China’s policies aimed at erasing the distinct cultural, religious, and linguistic identity of Tibetans.
He emphasized that Lobasang Palden self-immolated in opposition to China’s ongoing repression and the recently enacted “Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress.” The 49th day of his sacrifice holds special significance in Tibetan Buddhist tradition, symbolizing the completion of the ‘Bardo,’ or the 49-day intermediate state after death.
Pema Tsering remarked that while the new law claims to promote unity and progress, its actual intent is to ‘Sinicize’ Tibetans, Uyghurs, Mongolians, and other officially recognized ethnic minority communities in China. He accused China of attempting to eliminate the languages, cultures, religious traditions, and national identities of these communities, merging them into a singular Chinese identity.
He stated that this peace march sends a message of solidarity to Tibetans and supporters worldwide. The aim is to raise a collective voice against China’s policies in a peaceful and democratic manner, rather than promoting violence or self-immolation.
The Prime Minister clarified that the Central Tibetan Administration does not view self-immolation as a path for the movement. He noted that the loss of even one Tibetan patriot is an irreplaceable loss for the entire Tibetan movement. Therefore, this march calls for peaceful struggle and strengthening international support.
The event began with a two-hour prayer meeting at Tsuglagkhang temple, honoring all Tibetan patriots who have sacrificed their lives both inside and outside Tibet. Solidarity with their families was also expressed. Following the prayer meeting, the peace march proceeded from McLeod Ganj to the Dharamshala police grounds.
The exiled Tibetan government has also issued directives to all Tibetan settlement offices and Tibet offices worldwide to hold similar prayer meetings in their respective areas, allowing the Tibetan community to collectively remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for Tibet.
Pema Tsering noted that since early July, Tibetan communities across various countries have initiated peaceful protests, campaigns, and awareness programs. These efforts aim to oppose China’s policies towards minority communities and amplify Lobasang Palden’s voice internationally.
He added that individuals from Uyghur, Mongolian, and pro-democracy Chinese communities have also joined these campaigns. This indicates that many communities share concerns about China’s increasing assimilationist policies and are uniting to protect their cultural and religious identities.
Pema Tsering claimed that there is significant international concern regarding China’s new law. Countries including Australia, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States have criticized or expressed concern over this law.
He mentioned that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, also raised concerns about this law during the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council, stating that it could impact education in minority languages, religious freedom, and cultural rights. Meanwhile, the European Parliament condemned this law and demanded its repeal.
The Prime Minister affirmed that the Tibetan community’s struggle is to protect their identity, culture, language, and religious freedom, and this movement will remain entirely based on peaceful principles. He urged Tibet supporters worldwide to continue raising their voices in defense of Tibetan rights and cultural identity.
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