For the British people the thought of silence greeting Big Ben’s midnight chimes on New Year’s Eve is unthinkable, whilst the absence of fireworks over the Thames to welcome the beginning of another year would be unimaginable. To call off celebrations that are deeply ingrained in tradition and custom would be absolutely unprecedented. So it is that people in the UK and the world over can relate to the strength of feeling, the depth of suffering and the level of oppression that has led to the formation of the No Losar movement in Tibet, and the boycott of Tibetan New Year celebrations.
The Tibetan community in London joined the worldwide No Losar movement last night as Tibetan New Year began with a sombre yet defiant atmosphere opposite the Chinese embassy. The recital of prayers and the lighting of candles acted as gestures of remembrance for the Tibetans killed by Chinese forces over the past year. The vigil was called by UK based Tibetans in solidarity with those Tibetans inside Tibet whose determination to make their feelings known has resulted in this historic act of silent protest.
A Chinese embassy spokesperson reportedly stated that Tibetans would be celebrating Losar as usual, and that any reports to the contrary were media inventions.
“As per usual the Chinese government propaganda is the opposite of the truth,” said Terry Bettger, Campaigns Coordinator of Students for a Free Tibet UK.
Terry said: “The No Losar stance was formed by Tibetans inside Tibet who are making a clear and peaceful statement of defiance against the huge level of oppression imposed upon them by Chinese forces. Even silent protest like this carries serious risks, but it demonstrates the spirit of resistance Tibetans have, even in the face of a Strike Hard campaign by the Chinese authorities which is designed to brutally stamp out any sign of dissent.”
