IMAGERIGHT Chicago, April 26 – Yesterday marked the ending of the longest global political protest in history. A small group of protestors opposite the Chinese Consul in Chicago held a brief ceremony at which Jigme Norbu, nephew of the Dalai Lama of Tibet, spoke and presented Katas, long white honor scarves, to participants and supporters.
The 365 day world-wide demonstration marked the 50th anniversary of the Tibetan uprising against Chinese oppression, beginning and ending on April 25. April 25 is also the birthday of the Panchen Lama, Tibet’s second highest lama and, having been arrested at 6 years old, the world’s youngest political prisoner.
Norbu’s spirited words repeated the mantra for non-violence, education and negotiations for a free Tibet. But, listeners also heard a request for co-operation with the Chinese authorities’ relief efforts in the recent disastrous Tibetan earthquake where thousands perished. In a strange turn the 50th anniversary protests began as symbolic mourning for the loss of human rights in Tibet, yet ended in literal mourning for loss of lives in the earthquake.
IMAGERIGHT Jigme Norbu also used this opportunity to announce a walking protest through Midwestern Tibetan communities, starting May 8th , in Indianapolis, going through Chicago and Madison, and ending in Minneapolis.
