Tibetan Uprising

STATEMENT FROM THE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
TIBETAN PEOPLE’S UPRISING MOVEMENT & MARCH TO TIBET

Last night, the 99 Core Marchers and 2 organizers of the March to Tibet were sentenced to 14 days in judicial custody after appearing before the Senior Divisional Magistrate in Dehra. As the heads of the Organizing Committee of the Tibetan People’s Uprising Movement and March to Tibet, we condemn this decision by the Indian authorities to treat these peaceful Tibetan marchers as criminals.

The March to Tibet illustrates the aspirations of Tibetans all over the world for human rights and freedom. This past March 10th, the 49th anniversary of the 1959 national uprising, we saw the largest and most widespread protests in and outside of Tibet. Most importantly, in the past 4 days, protests have been spreading like wildfire inside Tibet, the likes of which have not been seen since 1987. The actions taken by the courageous Tibetans inside Tibet, in the face of terrible consequences, are an inspiration to us all. At this critical time, when our brothers and sisters inside Tibet are fighting for freedom, we too must persevere with our efforts, no matter what the consequences.

The March to Tibet is a purely non-violent initiative of Tibetans living in exile who long to return to our homeland. While the Tibetan people are infinitely grateful for the hospitality of the Indian people and government, the time has come to take our exile struggle home to the land of our ancestors.

In light of the critical situation inside Tibet, and considering that the March to Tibet is a nonviolent campaign modeled after the actions of India’s own Mahatma Gandhi, we call on the Indian government to immediately and unconditionally release all of the marchers being held at Yatri Niwas and allow the March to Tibet to continue un-abetted. We call on the freedom-loving people of India to request the central government to remove all obstacles to the continued journey of these 99 determined and peaceful Tibetans. And finally, we call on the international community to support the brave Tibetans inside Tibet by bringing scrutiny and pressure on the Chinese government and, at the same time, help the Tibetan marchers being held in detention by contacting the Indian government and calling for the marchers to be released and allowed to continue on their courageous journey home.

Tsewang Rigzin, President, Tibetan Youth Congress
B. Tsering, President, Tibetan Women’s Association
Ngawang Woeber, President, Gu Chu Sum Ex-political Prisoner’s Movement of Tibet
Chime Youngdrung, President, National Democratic Party of Tibet

March 14, 2008

Dharamsala, India