Tibetan Uprising

For Indian citizens, please fax the letter below to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

For citizens of other countries, you can find the contact information for the Indian ambassador in your country here and a sample letter below. Remember, faxing and phoning have more impact than email.

–

Dr. Manmohan Singh
Prime Minister of India
South Block, Raisina Hill,
New Delhi,
India-110 011
Fax: +91-11-23019545 / +91-11-23016857.

DATE

Your Excellency,

I am very concerned to learn that the Indian government has ordered the Tibetans’ non-violent March to Tibet stopped. I came to know through international media reports that Indian police arrested and forcibly removed the 101 Tibetan marchers from the road near Dehra bridge, 63 kilometers from Dharamshala. I understand that the marchers have now been sentenced to 14 days detention.

More than any other country, ours has witnessed the enormous suffering of the Tibetan people - both inside and outside Tibet. For Tibetans worldwide, our country holds deep spiritual significance and for many, it is a second homeland. The Tibetan people are very grateful for the kindness and hospitality we have shown them over the last 5 decades. I believe deeply that the Tibetans’ longing to reclaim their country is only natural and, as a nation that waged our own independence movement, we should show our support for this initiative.

The March to Tibet is a peaceful march inspired by the great non-violent approach of Mahatma Gandhi and our brothers and sisters here in India. Ours is the largest democracy in the world and as such, I believe should respect the Tibetans right to March to Tibet. The Indian authorities issued a restraining order against the marchers on March 10th, alleging that their actions could lead to a breach of public peace. This is simply not the case. The Tibetan people have demonstrated their commitment to nonviolence time and time again and the Tibet movement is recognized worldwide as one of the greatest peaceful struggles of all time. These marchers have undergone strict nonviolence training and have stated their dedication to this approach.

The March to Tibet has gained enormous international support. I hope that our people and our government will also support the Tibetan people in their just cause and facilitate their journey home. I call upon the Indian government to immediately release all of the marchers and permit this march to continue. This movement is a tribute to the spirit of the great Gandhi, whose teachings are being practiced by the Tibetan people in their struggle for freedom.

Jai Bharat, Jai Tibbat

Yours Sincerely,

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SAMPLE LETTER

His/Her Excellency AMBASSADOR’s NAME
Indian Ambassador to YOUR COUNTRY
ADDRESS

DATE

Your Excellency,

I am very concerned to learn that the Indian government has ordered the Tibetans’ non-violent March to Tibet stopped. I came to know through international media reports that Indian police arrested and forcibly removed the 101 Tibetan marchers from the road near Dehra bridge, 63 kilometers from Dharamsala. I understand that the marchers have now been sentenced to 14 days detention.

More than any other country, India has witnessed the enormous suffering of the Tibetan people - both inside and outside Tibet. For Tibetans worldwide, India holds deep spiritual significance and for many, it is a second homeland. I am very grateful to the people and government of India for the kindness and hospitality you have shown to the Tibetan people. I trust that you will now see the Tibetans’ longing to reclaim their country is only natural and, as a nation that waged its own independence movement, I hope that India will show support for this initiative.

The March to Tibet is a peaceful march inspired by the great non-violent approach of Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian people. India is the largest democracy in the world and as such, I believe should respect the Tibetans right to March to Tibet. The Indian authorities issued a restraining order against the marchers on March 10th, alledging that their actions could lead to a breach of public peace. This is simply not the case. The Tibetan people have demonstrated their commitment to nonviolence time and time again and the Tibet movement is recognized worldwide as one of the greatest peaceful struggles of all time. These marchers have undergone strict nonviolence training and have stated their dedication to this approach.

The March to Tibet has gained enormous international support. I hope India will also support the Tibetan people in their just cause and facilitate their journey home. I call upon the Indian government to immediately release all of the marchers and permit this march to continue. This movement is a tribute to the spirit of the great Gandhi, whose teachings are being practiced by the Tibetan people in their struggle for freedom.

Jai Bharat, Jai Tibbat

Yours Sincerely,