In protest of China’s imminent execution of respected Tibetan Buddhist monk Tulku Tenzin Delek, campaigners took part in a street theatre performance in McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala. Activists staged his mock execution, 3 months before his scheduled execution could take place. Coinciding with Tibetan Democracy Day, on Thursday 02 September, Tibetans staged the execution outside the Tsuglagkhang temple to draw attention to the injustice that has been widely condemned by the international community. Those leaving the morning Democracy Day celebrations were confronted with the stark image, and were asked to sign postcards to both the Indian and Chinese Foreign Ministers, before printing their hand signature upon a large banner that grew throughout the morning.
Students for a Free Tibet India (SFT) spokesperson Tenzin Choeying commented: “performances like today’s mock execution represent an innovative and direct way of reaching out to the people of Dharamsala and to sensitise them on the case of Tulku Tenzin Delek”. Karma Sichoe, local SFT activist, also emphasised the significance of holding the event on Democracy Day as a manifestation of freedom of expression. He also stressed the significance of the figure of Tulku Tenzin Delek to Tibetans in their continuous struggle, “Our identity is in threat –we have very few people who can make such a change in our society. Tulku Tenzin Delek is one such person who can make a change in our society. He has been sensitive to all sort of social issues. Not just preserving religion and culture, he has been acting for the benefit of the environment and for the rights of the Tibetans inside Tibet. That’s why it is important and urgent for us to manifest our concerns through this campaign.” On Tenzin Delek’s arrest and death sentence, Karma Sichoe also pointed out how Chinese authorities fear the rising popularity of Tulku Tenzin Delek amongst Tibetans and Chinese: “Chinese authorities can only impose violence and physical control, but are in fact failing to control the minds of the people.”
Joining local activists in the action, representatives of Students for a Free Tibet UK highlighted the international significance of Tenzin Delek, as a role model for people across the world. SFT UK Representative, Ivan Costantino said “This action by Tibetans at their exilic headquarters should reinforce international governments’ attention to the significance of Tenzin Delek’s case and motivate international Tibet Support Groups as they intensify their efforts to save Tenzin Delek’s life.”
Following the success of the event, and the urgency of Tenzin Delek’s situation, a further afternoon of activities has been organised at the TCV Day School in Dharamsala on Sunday 5th September. A screening of Devotion and Defiance complimented by poetry readings and freedom songs, including poet-activist Tenzin Tsundue, and the outlining of international campaigns will form part of the day’s activities.
Students for a Free Tibet work in solidarity with the Tibetan people to achieve their quest for freedom and independence. We raise political, economic, environmental and social issues that affect Tibetans living in Tibet and in exile to the public. As a network of young people around the world, dedicated to non-violent, grassroots action, we campaign for the fundamental right of Tibetans to freedom. We believe that young people can and must take responsibility to change our world for the better. There are over 650 SFT groups worldwide.
