Dharamshala: The Department of Religion and Culture, Central Tibetan Administration, held an hour-long prayer service in remembrance of the sacrifices made by peaceful Tibetan demonstrators who took part in the protests of 1989 against the Chinese government.
Officiating President Karma Yuthok Gelek, Kalon of Department of Religion and Culture, CTA attended the prayer service along with members of Kashag, Speaker, Deputy Speaker and members of Tibetan Parliament, Tibetan Justice Commissioners, staff, monks of Namgyal Monastery and the local Tibetan community.
Speaking to media persons following the prayer service, Officiating President Karma Gelek Yuthok said that it’s important to recall and highlight the sacrifices of the peaceful demonstrators of 1989. He said that the protests were a spontaneous response to the imposition of repressive measures by Chinese authorities in Tibet.
Thousands of Tibetans took to the streets of Lhasa to protest the Chinese government’s brutal and unjust policies against Tibetans and commemorate the 29th anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day in 1989. In response to the protests, Chinese authorities declared martial law and opened fire on the protesters, killing hundreds and injuring even more.
Every year since then, CTA organises 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.