The abbot of Namgyal Monastery presides over the prayer service at Tsuglagkhang in Dharamsala on 16 August 

DHARAMSHALA: The Department of Religion and Culture of the Central Tibetan Administration yesterday organised a prayer service to mourn the recent self-immolations of Lungtok and Tashi in Ngaba.

The prayer service at the Tsuglagkhang was attended by entire officials of the Central Tibetan Administration. “We express deep condolence and solidarity with all those Tibetans who have sacrificed their lives for freedom in Tibet,” the department of religion and culture said in a statement.

Kalon Tripa briefed the gathering about the two US congressmen’s urgent appeal to the state department to undertake visible and coordinated diplomatic pressure on the Chinese government to end the crisis in Tibet.

Congressmen James P McGovern and Frank R Wolf sent a letter to Secretary Clinton on 9 August, expressing grave concern over the spate of tragic self-immolation of Tibetans in response to the Chinese government’s repression in Tibet.

“We are very aware that US officials regularly discuss Tibet and many other human rights issues with like-minded governments. However, more visible, public and coordinated diplomacy is necessary for the Chinese government to feel pressure to alter its conduct,” the letter noted.

The congressmen suggested that the US could host an international conference on the issue of Tibet, hold periodic, public meetings with governments and establish Contact Group among its partner nations at the United Nations as an effective means of expressing support to the issue of Tibet.

“As the United States continues its “pivot” towards Asia, it is important that the US demonstrate that it is not deaf to the desperate appeals for help and support emanating from Tibetans,” the congressmen said.