Political leader of Tibetans-in-exile Lobsang Sangay lambasted China for imposing repressive policies in Tibet, as hundreds of Tibetans and top Indian political leaders listened on Tibetan Democracy Day, 2 September 2015. Tibet Sun/Lobsang Wangyal
By Lobsang Wangyal
MCLEOD GANJ, India, 3 September 2015
Political leader of Tibetans-in-exile Lobsang Sangay lambasted China for imposing repressive policies in Tibet, as hundreds of Tibetans and top Indian political leaders listened on Tibetan Democracy Day.
He said many Tibetans continue to languish in Chinese prisons as political prisoners, and the death of one well-known prisoner Tulku Tenzin Delek, who died while in custody, signals the continuing hard-line policy of the Chinese government.
He added that the main objective of his administration, alleviating the sufferings of Tibetan people inside Tibet, remains unchanged.
China is gearing up to celebrate the “50th anniversary of the founding of the Tibetan Autonomous Region” on the 5th of this month, which will be attended by Beijing’s top leaders.
Sangay said, “Judging the ground realities in Tibet, there is no cause for celebration. The Tibetan people’s aspirations and the wishes of 142 self-immolators remain unfulfilled.”
He reiterated his government’s commitment to the Middle Way Approach to resolve the Tibetan issue of seeking autonomy within China rather than independence through this policy.
“It is hoped that the Chinese government led by Xi Jinping will soon realize that dialogue is the only viable solution for a peaceful resolution of the issue of Tibet.”
Two ministers of the Government of India, Shanta Kumar and Maneka Gandhi, along with leaders of the opposition parties of India, also attended the gathering.
Expressing his support and solidarity with the Tibetans, Shanta Kumar commended the way Tibetans have preserved their culture in exile and sustained their movement for a free Tibet.
Kumar particularly expressed his respect for the Dalai Lama, honouring him for his works, and said he will raise the issue of Tibet in the Indian Parliament.
Maneka Gandhi, who is known for animal welfare and environmental campaigns, also expressed her solidarity with the Tibetans.
China is preparing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of genocide in Tibet. The members of Chinese communist party will be remembered by their comrades for their ruthlessness in destroying thousands of villages and monasteries during their invasion of Tibet. It is a day for us to take solemn pledge that we will rise up until Tibet is Free from colonialism.
Emerging China is a threat to global peace. It is already flexing its muscles in South China sea and deploying its naval power to subdue its neighbours.