Dharamshala, March 10 – The road to Hu Jintao’s “harmonious society” must be paved through a society of freedom, justice and equality—a society that in turn necessitates elimination of big Han chauvinism and local nationalism—His Holiness the Dalai Lama said this morning, adding that the Tibetan Administration has been sincerely consistent in its demand for a genuine national regional autonomy, which will not only cement and promote Sino-Tibetan relations, but also secure sustenance of the rich culture and language of the minority Tibetans. <read full statement>
Addressing a thousand-odd Tibetans and non-Tibetans gathered here at the Tsuglakhang, braving an inclement weather and intermittent downpour, to commemorate the 48th Tibetan National Uprising Day, His Holiness reiterated that the national regional autonomy enshrined in the state Constitution has not been translated into reality, citing that the great influx of the Chinese population into Tibet has endangered the continuity of distinct identity of the Tibetan people.
Underlining that the railway has further increased Chinese population transfer and the concomitant degradation of bio-diversity—and that despite a certain presence of competent Tibetan cadres, barely a few had managed to scale the higher rungs of the communist leadership—His Holiness said that only a meaningful autonomy could provide real benefits to both the majority and minority nationalities, as well as to the central and the local governments.
“As this particular autonomy is for the minority nationalities, the demand for a single administration of the Tibetan nationality is sincere, just and transparent,” His Holiness said, adding, “we have no hidden agenda.” Although the ultimate decision on the Tibet issue rests upon the Tibetan people, His Holiness said that “The Tibetan delegation stands ready to continue the dialogue anytime, anywhere.”
Survival of Tibetan struggle already assured
In his address, Kalon Tripa Samdhong Rinpoche reinforced that despite the recent barrage of derogatory remarks and baseless allegations spewed by some of the Chinese officials, which has irked the Tibetans and disturbed the atmosphere of dialogue, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Administration shall remain steadfast in sincerely carrying forward the dialogue process in accordance with the Middle-Way Approach. <read full statement>
“Sooner the issue of Tibet reached a conclusive solution, the better it is for both the Tibetans and the Chinese,” the Kalon Tripa said, adding that even if the Tibet issue continued to fester for long, the existing sound polity in exile, backed up by a complete plan of action, will see that the Tibetan struggle stays alive for generations with the same firm resolve and courage.
Recalling the statement issued by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile during Hu Jintao’s India visit, Speaker Kama Chophel urged that the six round of talks between the representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the People’s Republic of China be held at the earliest, in addition to the proposed visit of His Holiness to the sacred Buddhist sites in China.
Indian MPs pledge full support for Tibet
A high-level 15-member delegation of eminent Indian parliamentarians of eight major parties, led by former Indian Defense Minister George Fernandes, Bashishtha Narain Singh (Samta), and Maharani Pratibha Singh (Congress I), were the guests of honour, amidst a glittering battery of eminent Tibetans, including religious leaders and dignitaries of the Administration.
In an extremely moving speech, George Fernandes, a life-long staunch supporter of Tibet, said that the moral strength of His Holiness stands out tall in the bleak present situation of Tibetan cause. He said that although the years of endeavors may not have achieved any concrete results, the struggle must go on without any let up, until the full resolution of Tibet issue. “I am an optimist. In fact, I have always been optimistic [on the Tibet issue]. And I shall always remain an optimist,” Fernandes concluded.
Addressing the occasion, Bashishtha Narain Singh, an MP and convener of the All Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet (APIPFT), said that the Indian parliamentarians reaffirm full support to His Holiness and the Tibetan Administration. In fact, Mr Singh said that he had raised the Tibet issue in the Rajya Sabha on 7 March, urging the Indian government to initiate formal talks with the Chinese government on the need for earnest commencement of Sino-Tibetan dialogue.
Pledging her unconditional support for the Tibetan cause, Maharani Pratibha Singh (Congress I), an MP and convener of the APIPFT, said that the Forum has been pivotal in promoting the Tibetan struggle for freedom. She said that although the continued presence His Holiness in India may be very desirable, her people would spare no means in realizing the eventual return of His Holiness to his homeland.
