Dharamsala Marks 45th Anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising Day
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Dharamsala, 10 March: Dharamsala marked the 45th anniversary of the Tibetan national uprising against Chinese rule that took place on 10 March, 1959 in Lhasa after a decade long resistance, during which thousands of Tibetans were killed and His Holiness the Dalai Lama took refuge in India. The anniversary of this uprising is observed every year as Tibetan National Uprising Day.
Hundreds of Tibetans from all quarters gathered at Tsuk-la-khang (the main Buddhist cathedral in Mcloed Ganj) where an official ceremony was held. In his statement, His Holiness the Dalai Lama expressed his strong determination to spare no means in seeking a solution to the Tibetan issue with the Chinese government that is mutually acceptable. He lauded the recent contacts between special envoys and the Chinese government, and stressed the need to keep this momentum going and to further intensify it. He also said that the envoys are exploring an early visit to China, which is hoped will help dispel the prevailing skepticism among many Tibetans and Tibet supporters on the willingness of China for a meaningful dialogue.
He welcomed the release of Ani Phunstok Nyidrol and appealed for the release of all other political prisoners in Tibet. He also expressed his gratitude for individuals, governments and parliaments throughout world who have urged China to resolve Tibet situation peacefully.
While lauding the recent thaw in the Indo-China relationship, he said that India can and should play a vital role in resolving the Tibetan problem. He expressed his hope that ‘China will become more open and eventually more democratic’, and that ‘there is a window of opportunity for the Chinese leadership to act with courage and farsightedness in resolving the Tibetan issue once and for all’.
Prior to the statement of His Holiness, Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche read the statement of the Kashag, followed by the statement of the Chairman of the Assembly of Tibetan People’s Deputies, Mr. Pema Jungney.
The conclusion of the official ceremony was followed by a long procession of Tibetan monks, students, and lay people including many foreigners to the main town.
Click Here for 10 March Statements