TAIPEI, Taiwan: Tibetans and Tibet supporters on Sunday gathered near Taipei city’s 101 tower to offer prayers on the 49th day of the death of Tsewang Norbu, a 29 year old Tibetan monk from Tawu in Tibet, who self-immolated after staging a peaceful protest against the Chinese government.

 Sunday’s event and the prayer service is also to remember and offer prayers for the two young monks,Lobsang Kalsang and Lobsang Kunchok from Kirti Monastery in Tibet, who set themselves on fire calling for the freedom of Tibetan people in Tibet.

Tibetans and Tibet support groups in Taiwan also marked this day by riding 49 bicycle and most of the riders are Tibetan. The program began at 4 pm and the chief guest for the event was Ms. Chen Jie Ru, a Member of Parliament and long time Tibet supporter, who is concerned over the self-immolation of the monks and urged the Chinese government to end its repressive practices and respect the rights of Tibetans to practice their culture and religion. After her speech, a minute of silence was observed in remembrance of all those Tibetan martyrs who set themselves on fire for the cause of Tibet and the Tibetan people.

 At 4:30 pm, the riders started their bicycle ride within Taipei city by carrying photos of Tibetan martyrs and chanting slogans of freedom and human rights in Tibet. Another highlight of the event was Taiwan’s aboriginal couple singer Panai, who sung Taiwanese native songs in support for the Tibetans people’s plight.

 At 6.25 pm bicycle riders reassembled at the event venue and at 6:30 pm about 30 Tibetan monks from different Tibetan dharma centers offered prayers till 7 pm. The event was concluded with brief speech by Mr.Dawa Tsering, Representative of H.H. the Dalai Lama to Taiwan.

Mr.Dachompa, President of the Tibetan association extended his heartfelt gratitude to all the participants who, despite the unfavourable weather conditions of the Sunday, which is a typhoon day in Taipei city, extended their genuine support and full co operation for the cause of Tibet.