Guwahati, April 11 – On the 10th of April, the third day of the ongoing protest in Guwahati, a skit depicting the “Present Situation in Tibet” started from Paltan Bazaar to NCP office ground. There were seven groups of 20 people each performing the skit.
When the performers entered the broad lane of Dighalipukhuri paar, they shouted slogans of ‘Long Live His Holiness the Dalai Lama’, ‘China – Stop torture in Tibet’, ‘Lift Media Ban in Tibet’, ‘Release political prisoners’ and so on. Many Indians walking by also witnessed the show. A few artists fainted while performing the skit.
On reaching the NCP office ground, the program began with the singing of Tibetan and Indian National Anthems. A two minutes silence was observed to pay homage and respect to the martyrs of Tibet. The guests of the third day were Mr. Thupten Tempa (Hon’ble former minister of Arunachal Pradesh), Dr. Lalit Shyam (President of Assam Karuna Maitri Society for Peace) and Mr. Harpul Singh Chaudhary (President of Purvanchal Jat Samaj, Guwahati).
Speaking on the event Mr. Karma Yeshi (a member of Tibetan Parliament in-Exile) stated that the skit depicts the reality of what is happening inside Tibet under Chinese rule. He further said that since media is banned in Tibet, this show represents the struggle of Tibetans in Tibet and performing such skits will enlighten the world community on the issue of Tibet. He further urged the need of unity, continuity and commitment in the struggle.
Recalling the historic ties between Tibetan and Monpa communities Mr. Thupten Tempa stated that since Tibetans are the followers of Buddhism which originated in India, so it is the moral duty of the ‘Guru’ India to help their students when they are in trouble. He further gave full commitment on behalf of the Himalayan community in general and the Monpa community in particular to continue their support towards the rightful cause of Tibet and prayed for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Dr. Lalit Shyam, read out a statement issued by the Assam Karuna Maitri Society. The statement stated that with a deep sense of sorrow the society expressed their concern over the current situation in Tibet. The statement further comprehended a speedy restoration of Peace, Harmony and Human Rights in Tibet.
Expressing his solidarity towards the Tibetan cause Mr. Harpul Singh Choudhary urged that Tibetans must have patience and continue their struggle with the same determination.
A delegation of Indo-Tibetan Friendship Society, Itanagar led by Mr. Thupten Tempa joined the procession for two days by showing their solidarity & support towards the issue of Tibet. The three day peace procession was also joined by members of Friends of Tibet – India, Dibrugarh (Assam).
There was a Puja led by Venerable Monks for the resting of souls of the Tibetan martyrs and speedy resolution of Tibet issue through peaceful means.
The concluding speech was given by Tibetan parliamentarian Mr. Dawa Tsering. Paying tribute to the martyrs of Tibet he said that the determination of the Tibetan people is the source of inspiration to continue our struggle further. He thanked the participants from North-east India for their commitment towards the struggle and the guests for their solidarity and urged them to continue their support. He asked the Tibetan gathering to keep up their commitment and present themselves as proper representatives of the Tibetan people inside Tibet.
On the 9th of April, a funeral procession started from Paltan Bazaar to Dighalipukhuri Paar at around 10 am. There were 142 effigies symbolizing the dead people in Tibet. The effigies were carried by 284 Tibetan demonstrators who had shaven their head on the first day of the Three Day Peace Procession covering a distance of about two kilometers.
On reaching Dighalipukhuri Paar, the effigies were honored by the rest of the Tibetan Protesters with prayers. The crowd driven with emotion could not stop themselves from crying and a lady protester even fainted.
Mr. Zubeen Garg, Singer and Mr. Sankar Das, Pracharak Pramukh of RSS, Assam and four Tibetan Welfare Officers offered scarves and laid Tibetan National Flags on the effigies.
The funeral ceremony began with the Tibetan and Indian National Anthems followed by a two minutes silence to pay homage and respect to the martyrs of Tibet.
Expressing his solidarity with the Tibetan cause Mr. Zubeen Garg sang one of his songs which he had composed for Tibet. He stated that he will continue to support until the issue of Tibet is resolved. Mr. Sankar Das also expressed his support and solidarity towards the Tibetan cause. Narrating the independent history of Tibet he urged the Government of India to take a stronger stand on the issue of Tibet.
Mr. Lhakpa Tsering, representative of the four Tibetan NGOs also spoke on the occasion. He informed the gathering about the reason behind organising the funeral procession. He further expressed the need of more determination towards the ongoing struggle of Tibet.
The event was also joined by Mr. S. Bhattacharjee, Chairman of North-Eastern Students’ Union to express his solidarity towards the Non-Violent struggle of Tibet.
The leaders of Assam Karuna-Maitri Society for Peace viz; Dr. Lalit Shyam (President), Mr. R.K. Phukan (Working President) and Mr. Anupam Barua (Secy. Gen.) were also present with banners stating their solidarity towards Peaceful Struggle of Tibet.
In the evening the effigies of the dead were carried towards the cremation site at the banks of River Brahmaputra. The last rites of the funeral ceremony were performed with the chanting of prayers by monks for the souls of the martyrs to rest in peace.
