DHARAMSHALA, April 2: The Tibetan Youth Congress, a leading Tibetan NGO that seeks independence from China, has suspended the president of its New York and New Jersey Chapter following the incident now known popularly among Tibetans as ‘March 10 New York incident’ and its repercussions within the Tibetan community.
In a letter dated March 30 addressed to the executive members of NY NJ regional chapter, the Tibetan Youth Congress has announced its decision to suspend Ngawang Palden, the president of RTYC NY NJ, from his post with effect from March 30, 2015 until the 46th General Body Meeting.
The TYC Centrex, in the letter written in Tibetan, said the decision has been reached after discussion and analysis by the executive members.
Ngawang Palden has been directed to handover his responsibilities to the vice president with effect from March 30.
The letter says Ngawang has failed as the president of the RTYC NY NJ to uphold the very objective of the TYC – unity among Tibetans – while performing his organizational duties as the president.
The letter said the president of RTYC NY NJ has breached the rules and regulations of the TYC by not consulting the Centrex regarding important political matters.
Sources say that Ngawang Palden has repeatedly declared himself as an advocate of the Middle Way Approach, but strangely continued to remain president of Regional TYC over the last year, despite disapproval from an overwhelming number of TYC members in New York and New Jersey. “This has led to a crippling divide within the regional chapter, making it virtually inactive over the last year. I agree with former Kalon Tripa and leading voice on MWA Prof Samdhong Rinpoche who said it is an act of hypocrisy to support Middle Way Approach and be in an organization supporting Rangzen,” said a former RTYC NY NJ member who asked not to be named.
The letter also appealed all the executive members of the regional chapters to adhere to the rules and regulation of the Tibetan Youth Congress and uphold the oath taken while becoming an executive member.
The largest Tibetan NGO which stands for independence as an objective has had its share of controversies in the past, with eight RTYC chapters breaking away from the parent organization due to clash in organizational and individual positions regarding Tibet’s future.
The response and public turnout at TYC organized events have dwindled over the years and many, including former members, fear that the organization that once was even feared by China will collapse if things get worse internally.
The members of the Tibetan Parliament, during the recently concluded ninth session, discussed the New York incident, condemning it as a matter that “pleases the enemy and disappoints the friend” (Daga Nyenduk).
Members expressed their disappointment over the “sad incident” in New York and appealed the public to maintain unity and uphold the principles of democracy.
The New York event, perhaps for the first time, brought the disagreement in ideologies and implementation among various Tibetan associations and NGOs in public and in the parliament.
At the time of this report going online, there are videos of arguments and justifications being shared on social networking sites both by people supporting the suspension order and those against it. The videos have been taken during a meeting of former RTYC NY and NJ members in New York on March 30.
