Submitted by Kalsang Dolker

Milan, Italy: The Tibetan Community in Italy organised a Candle Light vigil and Prayer service at Milan on Saturday, 15th October for the Tibetans who sacrificed their lives for the cause of Tibet. Tibetans and supporters of Tibet joined this event in large numbers.

Kalsang Dolker, President of the Tibetan Community in Italy said, “the current situation in Tibet, particularly in Ngaba, as reflected by the fiery sacrifices of a series of young Tibetans is saddening. The repressive policy by the Chinese Government is the root cause for these self sacrifices and we share the pain our brothers and sisters are enduring in Tibet.”

Candles were lit forming the letter SALVIAMO IL TIBET, meaning Save Tibet in Italian at the front gate of the Municipality of Milan, the financial capital of Italy. The mayor of Milan, personally expressed his solidarity for Tibet in a private conversation at the prayer site with the President of the Tibetan Community.

Tibetans and friends of Tibet with candles, posters, banners took rounds of the famous Piazza della Scala while reciting prayers. Pamphlets describing the recent sacrifices made by Tibetans in Tibet, the historical facts about Tibet and the present condition of Tibetans in Kirti, Ngaba and Tibet in general were distributed to the hundreds of supporters and tourists at the spot.

“It is the need of the hour for Tibetans living in the free world and Tibet supporters to act and mobilise the general public over the critical situation of Tibet,” said Tashi Samdup, secretary of the Tibetan Community in Italy.

On October 22, Tibetans in Milan along with the president of the Munich based World Uyghur Congress Rebiya Kadeer will be taking part in an international march for Tibet and other oppressed nations of the world.