Promoting a message of independence through non-violence, three Indiana based Tibet support groups coordinated a five-day “March for Tibet’s Independence” that ends today with a major rally from 12-2pm at Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis, Ind. The culmination of this walk corresponds with the 44th Anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising in Lhasa, Tibet and Mayor Bart Peterson of Indianapolis recognizing March 10th as “Tibet Independence Day” in Indianapolis.
This march was inspired by Taktser Truklu (Thubten Jigme Norbu) who is the oldest brother of His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Co-Founder of the International Tibet Independence Movement (ITIM), and Founder of the TCC. The march was led by Jigme Norbu who is the Director of the Tibetan Cultural Center, son of Taktser Truklu, and nephew of His Holiness The Dalai Lama.
This walk began in Bloomington on March 6 and covered about 60 miles. Approximately 35 Tibetans and 25 Westerners participated during the course of the march. Walkers came from Minnesota, Kentucky, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Ohio as well as Indiana. The objectives of this walk included, for instance, advocating for the independence of Tibet, Eastern Turkestan, Southern Mongolia, and Taiwan, encouraging the release of The Panchen Lama and Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, and promoting a Boycott of China’s Goods.
At Monument Circle today between 12-2pm, various government leaders, and Tibet and Taiwan activists will speak about the importance of independence for the countries mentioned in the preceeding parargraph and the importance of March 10th in the Tibet movement. On March 10th, 1959, the People’s Liberation Army completed its brutal invasion of Tibet and slaughtered 10’s of thousands of Tibetans who were defending their capitol city, Lhasa. At that time, Chairman Mao claimed he was “liberating” Tibet. According to Larry Gerstein, President of ITIM, “we still do not accept this so called “liberation.” Tibet at that time and also NOW belongs to Tibetans. China had no right to enter Tibet and has no right to still be in Tibet. The idea of Tibet needing to be liberated is absolutely ludicrous. Some day in the very near future, the leaders of The PRC will be the ones to be “liberated” from their delusional, self-serving, and destructive beliefs about Tibet. At this time, Tibet will be returned to the Tibetans.”
Contact: Larry Gerstein, President-International Tibet Independence Movement
317-490-0111 cell;
rangzen@aol.com; www.rangzen.org
