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Tibetans reaffirm faith in Dalai Lama, Middle-Way

By Lobsang Wangyal | Tibet Sun

Delegates at the Special Meeting of Tibetans in Dharamshala, India, on 22 November 2008. The conclave of about 600 participants reaffirmed their faith in the leadership of the Dalai Lama and the majority supported his middle-way policy to achieve autonomy for Tibet, and called for continuation of dialogue with China.Tibet Sun/Lobsang Wangyal/India

Tibetans sent a strong message to China rejecting the accusation of Tibetans seeking to separate Tibet from China and their charge of Tibetans using violence means, throughout a six-day Special Meeting in Dharamshala.

Around 600 influential and opinion-making members of Tibetans-in-exile attending a Special Meeting for the future of Tibet reaffirmed their faith in the leadership of the Dalai Lama and their support for his Middle-Way policy to achieve autonomy for Tibet to resolve the Tibetan issue after five days of brainstorming sessions.

The majority of the participants called for continuation of dialogue with China, even though eight rounds of talks have not produced any result.

The delegates also empowered the Dalai Lama to decide the future policy of Tibet as and when required. And they resolved that regardless of any policy, non-violence will be the strategy to achieve any goal.

The conclave was divided into 15 committees that presented their reports yesterday. The final consensus will be reported today. It is likely to put a deadline on the quest for autonomy, failing which the Middle-Way policy would be reviewed.

Participants campaigning for an independent Tibet felt that regardless of the outcome of the meeting, it has sent a strong message to China and reinvigorated the Tibetan movement.

“Whatever it is, the meeting is a turning point. It is clear that Tibetans are ready for a change. The Chinese government must understand that Tibetans are fed up,” said Lhadon Tethong, the president of Students for a Free Tibet.

“Whether for Middle-Way or independence for Tibet, people are calling for a more vigorous movement and people are ready to take responsibility, starting a new phase in the Tibetan movement,” she said.

Another participant pushing for Tibetan independence, Tendon Dahortsang, 28, president of the Tibetan Youth Association in Europe, said, “It’s clear that dialogue is not working.”

“This meeting is a first important step for change. We can’t wait for China to change. We have to push for it.”

Tsewang Rigzin, President of the largest Tibetan group, the staunchly pro-independence Tibetan Youth Congress, said, “Regardless of the recommendations of this meeting, it will not affect the Tibetan Youth Congress at all.”

He brushed aside charges of hampering the Middle-Way policy to achieve autonomy by the group’s continued quest for Tibetan independence. “We are in a democratic set-up. Everybody has the right to have their opinion and the right to choose their own political stand.”

However, he said that the dialogue is at a dead end. “The talks have failed and there’s no alternative.”

Earlier this month, the Dalai Lama accepted failure in the talks with China and sought guidance from Tibetans.

“I have to accept failure,” he said on a visit to Japan. “Suppression (in Tibet) is increasing and I cannot pretend that everything is OK.”

Tibetans supporting the Middle-Way approach argue that it is practical.

“The Middle-Way policy is practical and it is going with the times,” Jamyang Jinpa, a 29-year-old monk attending the meeting said.

The Tibetan government-in-exile also sought the opinions of 17,000 Tibetans from inside Tibet ahead of the meeting.

There was some argument among the younger generation that they have not been represented well, which they feel is a drawback of the meeting.

“The meeting is about the future of Tibet, but there are not that many youngsters in the meeting,” said Tenzin Dasel.

Copyright © 2008 Tibet Sun

Published in Tibet Sun