News and Views on Tibet

TYC marchers enter Chandigarh

Share on facebook
Share on google
Share on twitter

DHARAMSHALA, February 24: The 55 marchers of the TYC initiated Tibetan Uprising march have reached Chandigarh on Saturday after covering over 300 kilometres on foot. The march set off from exile Tibetan headquarters of Dharamshala on Feb. 8. Each marcher, TYC says, symbolizes “a dark and painful year under Chinese rule”.

At a press conference in the city, the TYC president Tenzin Jigme said his organization, through this march, aims to highlight the current crisis inside Tibet, support the demands and aspirations of the Tibetan self-immolators, and show solidarity with Tibetans inside Tibet.

The marchers took part in a candle light vigil organized by Chandigarh regional chapter of Tibetan Youth Congress in the afternoon. The vigil was also attended by veteran Indian journalist and a long time Tibet supporter Vijay Kranti and Tibetan students of Punjab University. “We look at India, its struggle for Independence and understand that we must never give up our cause for freedom and independence for Tibet,” said Tenzing Jigme, President of TYC while addressing the vigil.

Speaking to Phayul, Tenzing Jigme said that the marchers have not encountered any major problems until now except for sore and blisters on feet. “Sometimes when there are no temples or Gurdwaras or halls on the road, and we have to pitch a tent and camp. That gets a bit hectic, especially on cold nights, sleeping outside is not very comfortable. But all our marchers understand and recognize that this is a small sacrifice that each one is willing to make for our country and our people.”

Tashi, a marcher said, “Sometimes the march becomes tiring and difficult but these are not important. Tibetans inside Tibet continue to suffer and those of us living in free countries can’t sit idle because we have a responsibility. The march comes as a great opportunity for me to show my solidarity for Tibetans inside Tibet.”

“The situation inside Tibet is critical therefore I took part in this march despite having high blood pressure and Diabetes,” said 70 year old Pema Dorjee, the eldest among the marchers.

The march is expected to end in the Indian capital on March 10, 2014, the 55th National Uprising Day in New Delhi. The youth group will present a memorandum outlining five demands to the Chinese Embassy and submit appeals to the United Nations and embassies of other nations in he Indian capital.

The Five demands include the release of all Tibetans political prisoners, allowing international media in Tibet and addressing the aspirations of Tibetan self-immolators positively.

On March 10, 1959, Tibetans in the capital city of Lhasa rose up against the Chinese occupying forces, leading to the death of thousands of Tibetans and the eventual escape of the Dalai Lama into exile. Each year, Tibetans observe the day as the National Uprising Day all over the world.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *