By Choekyi Lhamo
DHARAMSHALA, Nov. 2: A Tibetan activist Tenzin Dhondup commenced his ‘March for Freedom’ from Dharamshala to the Nathula pass in Sikkim’s border with Tibet on Monday. The goal of the journey that covers over 2,000 km is to bring attention to the deteriorating environmental situation in Tibet; to recognize Tibet as an occupied country; and the need to make China accountable for its recent attack on the Indo-Tibet border by boycotting Chinese products.
The 29-year-old said that he was inspired by the ‘Peace March’ initiated by Tibetans from Manali recently, “I heard about three Tibetan marchers from Manali who were all older than me. They had a successful journey and I thought I can also make it if they could. I asked around for help from various organizations and then decided to take up this journey on my own. Initially, my destination was Bylakuppe [in South India] but with so many things going on, I thought Nathula pass is a more significant place as it borders Tibet.” He also said that he aspires to encourage young Tibetans to undertake such initiatives to gather support from the world.
Dhondup pledged to create awareness about Tibet, “China continues to repress and oppress the innocent Tibetans with baseless allegations and imprisons anyone who speaks out any dissent of democratic expression… Tibet stands as a testament to China’s flawed and unethical leadership.” The marcher further emphasized the need to boycott Chinese products in the Indian market as the economic growth of China further leads to infrastructures such as dams that are detrimental to interests of people in the Indian subcontinent.
He said that the need for environmental protection is not only a pressing issue for Tibetans but for the rest of the world as well, especially South Asian nations. The press statement remarked, “While China’s government is quick to claim that its presence in Tibet has increased prosperity and development, it is clear that China takes much more from Tibet than it gives, and that as it transports Tibetan resources off to Chinese manufacturers, it leaves behind environmental and social destruction.”
The activist is originally a resident of Manali. He completed his high school graduation from TCV Gopalpur and has been living in McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala. The marcher said he hoped to complete his solo in two months.
One Response
Bravo, you are a hero!
Best of luck.