By Tenzin Sangmo
New Delhi, May 5 – A peace march in support of the people of Tibet was held in New Delhi May 4. The march saw intellectuals, writers, artists, journalists, students, teachers, activists and the general public of Delhi take part in support of the Tibetan people’s peaceful struggle against the current human rights abuses and violent oppression of their countrymen by Chinese authorities. Organized by the intellectual community in the Capital, the march was a symbol of support towards the non-violent struggle and a call for peaceful solution regarding Tibet.
Dr. Prem Singh, Member of the Organizing Committee said, “Our plea is that this non-violent protest against oppression may be allowed to continue till a peaceful solution is arrived at the earliest. Any forceful method to deprive the Tibetans of their right to struggle for their identity and autonomy might create unpleasant, unfortunate and even violent circumstances. We, therefore, would like to hope for an immediate peaceful solution of the Tibet problem.”
The peace march started from Mandi House at 5 pm and reached Jantar Mantar at 6 pm. Veteran journalist Prabhash Joshi (Editorial Advisor, Jansatta) flagged off the march from Mandi House and they were received by Kuldip Nayar another noted journalist and human rights activist at Jantar Mantar.
Senior intellectuals/writers in a large number have given their consent/support for the cause of Tibetans including Krishna Sobti, Kedarnath Singh, Rajendra Yadav, Shivnath, Prashant Bhushan, Suneel, Dr. Yogendra Yadav, Prof. Rajkumar Jain, Dr. Aditya Mishra, Dr. S. S. Rathi, Prof. Anil Mishra, Dr. Devendra Raj Ankur, Prof. Sudhir Chandra, Mastram Kapur, Prof. Anand Kumar, Chitra Mudgal, Ramgopal Bajaj and Surendra Mohan.
Kuldip Nayar addressing the crowd stated that they (intellectuals) were not late, if not early in coming out and showing their support for the Tibetans. Suppression of smaller countries and minorities by more powerful nations has always been the way of the world, but it is imperative that scholars and intellectuals take to the street to show support for the oppressed. He also said that the learned group should always speak up against the immoral and inhuman activities.
In face of the recent uprising in Tibet and its violent containment by China, Tibetans across the world have been protesting peacefully for a meaningful solution. This is perhaps the first time in India where an organized group of intellectuals have come together voluntarily in lieu of the present crisis and stood up for those in suffering.
They also expressed their grief at the Indian Government’s stance on the Tibet issue but mentioned that the citizens and general public of India nevertheless stand in support with the call for freedom and an end to 60 odd years of oppression.
The program concluded at 8:30 pm with a prayer session which saw the 80 intellects and hunger strikers at Jantar Mantar numbering to about 200 ask for peace and harmony in Tibet and the world. The Delhi Chapter of the Tibetan Solidarity Committee then expressed their gratitude towards the group for their solidarity in the much needed time of tribulation.
