Tibetans hold Peace March in Delhi
Thursday, 17 April 2008, 2:29 p.m.
 (2ndfrom left)Ven Thupten Phegye, president of the Dharamshala chapter of Tibetan Solidarity Committee addresses media persons at a press conference in Dharamsala on Thursday, 17 April 2008/Photos:Sangjey Kep |
Dharamshala: Under the
umbrella of the Delhi Chapter of Tibetan Solidarity Committee, a core
group of 50 runners – including both Tibetans and Indians with Gandhi’s
message of non-violence and blessings in their hearts – began a peace
march in New Delhi today.
According to organisers: “The Torch for Tibet is the symbol of
the enduring nature of our non-violent struggle for fundamental
freedoms and persistence to seek a lasting solution to the issue of
Tibet through negotiation.”
At 11:00 am this morning, the freedom torch – a lamp – was lit
at Rajghat, the memorial ground of Mahatma Gandhi, after an
inter-religious prayer meeting.
The lamp was then carried on by eminent sports personalities,
including Nafisa Ali, former national swimmer and social activist
before passing it over to other runners. The rally will end at Jantar
Mantar.
 Photos of the peaceful protests in Tibet on display |
On 10 April, the Kashag of the Central Tibetan
Administration has strongly appealed to all quarters of the Tibetan
Diaspora to desist from any kind of violent methods and respect the law
of host country during the passing of Olympic Torch relay through
India.
Meanwhile at the seat of the Central Tibetan Administration in
Dharamshala, the regional Tibetan Solidarity Committee has appealed to
all the peace-loving international community for their timely support
to resolve the issue of Tibet.
Speaking at a press conference this morning at the main temple
here, committee’s president Ven Geshe Thubten Phegye said His Holiness
the Dalai Lama has been steadfast for seeking meaningful autonomy for
Tibet within the frame-work of constitution of the People’s Republic of
China.
He said the Indian government has the responsibility to
maintain security for the smooth passage of Olympic relay in India and
Tibetans should honour the laws of the host country.
The committee has called for an early resumption of dialogue
between His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Chinese leadership, and an
immediate end of repression and release of Tibetan detainees. Demand
was also made for medical assistance to injured Tibetans and opening up
of Tibet to the international media and access to daily necessities
like food and water.
A photo exhibition was also on display, showing Chinese forceful crackdown on the peaceful Tibetan protesters in Tibet.
