DHARAMSHALA, Aug. 17: The ongoing ‘Peace Walk for Free Tibet’ in the United States from St. Paul, Minnesota to Chicago reached Milton, Wisconsin on Friday where members of the local community there including Kunga Norbu, nephew of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, and Jigme Jungney, former Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Bureau in New Delhi took part in the initiative, to show solidarity.
The Peace Walk is organized by a group of Minnesota-based Tibetan activists led by Mayong Nyima and Rabga, who initiated the long-distance march to raise awareness about the situation inside Tibet and encourage Tibetans and supporters across the United States to speak up for Tibet.
The initiative is among many campaigns and protests in the west as well as in the Indian subcontinent that exile Tibetans have organized following the fatal self self immolation of Tibetan activists Lobga Rangzen on July 2, 2026 in front of the UN Headquarters in New York. Organizers say his death is a painful reminder of the continuing desperation surrounding the situation in Tibet and of the responsibility of Tibetans living in free societies to ensure that the voices of Tibetans inside Tibet are not forgotten.
“Now it’s time for Tibetans to stand up and voice their opinion,” Kunga Norbu said as he joined the walkers, emphasizing the importance of Tibetans living in freedom using their voices for those inside Tibet who cannot freely express themselves. A press release issued by the Wisconsin local Tibetans stated, “The participation of Kunga Norbu and Jigme Jungney in Wisconsin adds further significance to this grassroots initiative and reinforces its central message: Tibetans in the free world have both an opportunity and a responsibility to continue speaking publicly for Tibet at a time when Tibetans inside their homeland face severe restrictions on political expression”.
The Peace Walk began at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul on August 5. The marchers have since traveled through western and southern Wisconsin, reaching the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison on August 12. The activists had already covered approximately 320 miles (514 km) since leaving St. Paul, based on the distances outlined in the route plan.
The Peace Walk is scheduled to conclude in Chicago on August 19, to coincide with the 49th day following Lobga Rangzen’s death. In Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the 49th day carries profound spiritual significance and marks the completion of the traditional period of prayers and rites following a person’s death. The organizers intend the final day of the walk to serve not only as the culmination of their journey, but also as a solemn remembrance of Lobga Rangzen and his sacrifice for Tibet.
