Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Oct. 30: Five Tibetan non-governmental organisations on Friday launched a peaceful march from McLeod Ganj Main Square in Dharamshala to Kurukshetra, Haryana, calling for the repeal of China’s recently implemented so-called Ethnic Unity and Progress Law. The march has been jointly organised by U-Tsang Cholkha, Dotoe Cholkha, Domey Cholkha, the Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA), and GTPM for the Middle Way Approach. Around 25 participants, including two Indian supporters, took part in the launch of the march.
Speaking to media representatives, Dawa Tsering, President of U-Tsang Cholkha and a member of the 18th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, said the participating organisations were firmly committed to the Middle Way Approach, which they regard as the most viable path towards resolving the Sino-Tibetan conflict and restoring Tibetans’ rights. He said the campaign was primarily intended to denounce the Chinese government’s newly implemented ethnic unity legislation and press for its withdrawal.
The five organisations have outlined five key demands, calling for the resumption of substantive dialogue between Beijing and representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama based on the Middle Way Approach; the protection of Tibet’s linguistic, religious and cultural identity, national heritage and fundamental human rights; and respect for religious freedom, particularly the exclusive authority of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Gaden Phodrang Trust in matters concerning his reincarnation.
The demands further urge international leaders and governments to work collectively towards safeguarding Tibetan rights and cultural heritage, while seeking justice and recognition for the 170 Tibetans who have self-immolated since 1998 in protest against Chinese repression and the erosion of Tibetan identity.
A ceremonial flag-off for the march was also held outside the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), the exile Tibetan government, where President Penpa Tsering paid his respects to the participants and expressed support for the initiative.
Addressing the media, the CTA President said the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile had adopted a resolution in March this year condemning the legislation and calling for its repeal. He also pointed to growing international concern, citing statements from the United Nations human rights leadership and parliamentary resolutions, including one adopted by the Czech Republic shortly after the law’s passage in China.
He said several other parliaments were also considering statements or resolutions opposing the legislation, warning that its implications extended beyond Tibetans to Uyghurs and Mongolians, whose distinct identities and cultural traditions could be further undermined. “While the whole world is talking about the rule of law, China thinks that it can legitimise its illegitimate actions by framing a law,” the Tibetan political leader said, arguing that Beijing has repeatedly used legislation to give a legal veneer to policies that undermine fundamental rights.
He drew parallels with China’s anti-separatism legislation concerning Taiwan and the national security law imposed on Hong Kong, under which, he said, human rights advocates had been subjected to persecution. He described the latest legislation as another attempt to institutionalise Beijing’s control over Tibetans, Uyghurs and Mongolians.
Expressing appreciation for the organisations’ initiative, he said the CTA would also engage with foreign governments, parliamentarians, think tanks and international media to garner support and counter what he described as the Chinese government’s “sinister design”.
