
Leadership and officials of the CTA hold prayer service to commemorate the 1989 Peaceful demonstration in Tibet.
Dharamshala: The Department of Religion and Culture of the Central Tibetan Administration organised an hour-long prayer service to remember and honor the sacrifices made by peaceful Tibetan demonstrators who took part in the protests of 1989 against the Chinese government.
The prayer service was attended by the leadership of the Central Tibetan Administration headed by Acting Chief Justice Commissioner Karma Dadul, Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, Justice Commissioners, Kalons and senior officials of the CTA.
On 8 March 1989, the Chinese government imposed martial law to repress thousands of peaceful Tibetan demonstrators comprising monks, nuns, and laypeople who took to the streets to protest against the Chinese authorities. The day is considered in the political history of Tibet as the most tragic moment that killed many Tibetans and many were injured and imprisoned.
Every year since then, CTA organises a prayer service on 8 March to remember and pay tribute to the Tibetan compatriots who sacrificed their lives and limb for the greater cause of Tibet.
Speaking to the gathering at the prayer service, Sikyong Penpa Tsering said, “Through this annual prayer service, we recall the sacrifices of peaceful protestors and we express our heartfelt solidarity with them. As we commemorate the event, we are simultaneously reminded that even now, Tibet remains in a dire situation and Tibetans are subjected to a series of repressive measures”. Sikyong further reiterated the administration’s firm commitment to resolving the long-standing Sino-Tibet conflict.
Sikyong also mentioned the propitious prescient indicated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama during his recent in-person audience with His Holiness. His Holiness mentioned the auspicious divination indicating this year to be favourable and hopeful for His enduring wish to visit Tibet and China. Likewise, His Holiness has expressed his deep-seated desire to visit Tibet this year.
“We must remain hopeful and reassured that our struggle will succeed”, concluded Sikyong.