Senator Janet Rice addressing the gathering during the commemoration of 65th Tibetan National Uprising Day.

Canberra: In commemoration of the 65th anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising Day, the Tibetan communities across Australia on 10 March organised peaceful rallies and marches in protest of China’s continued political repression in Tibet since its illegal invasion. The rallies called on China to immediately stop the misguided policies that aim to eradicate Tibet’s language and religion. 

The protest particularly highlighted the recent tragic adversity faced by Wonpotoe area in Derge, eastern Tibet. Cross communities representatives and Australian supporters also joined the march in solidarity. 

In its capital ACT, the Canberra Tibetan community is joined by Nowra and Waga Waga Tibetan communities with over 90 partakers gathered at Garema Place in Civic. The program began with prayers in honour of Tibetan compatriots who have given their lives for the just cause of Tibet. 

Stephen Rowe, the president of ACT and NSW Amnesty International, addressed the gathering and reiterated support for the Tibetan movement. Dawa Sangmo, Chinese Liason Officer of the Tibetan Information Office, read the official statement issued by the 16th Kashag (cabinet). Tenzin Dalha from the Canberra Tibetan Community also delivered speech in which he condemned China’s short-sighted act of constructing Kamthok hydropower dam that will eventually lead to loss of invaluable Buddhist cultural relics and artefacts in the local monasteries. 

The rally was followed by a march to the Chinese Embassy where Songfa Liu, president of Falun Dafa, and Claudia NG, president of Hong Kong Community Link, addressed the gathering.

In Victoria state, a march was carried out to State Library Victoria from the Police memorial with participation from members of Tibetan community across Melbourne, ATC members, and members of V-TAG. Senator Janet Rice from the Green party, who is also an ardent supporter of Tibet addressed the gathering. Other speakers including Zatul Rinpoche and Jerry, convenor of China New Youth Democratic Party, also spoke at the rally. 

Tibetan communities of Sydney in NSW and Brisbane in Queensland organised similar peaceful protests in commemorating the 65th anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising Day. Kyizom Dhongdue from Amnesty International, Drew Pavlou, a well-known Australian Activist, and Doring Tenzin Phuntosk, Member of Tibetan Parliament in Exile addressed the gathering. 

-Report filed by OoT Canberra