Tibetan Uprising

When China’s Torch Comes to India on April 17th - Speak out for Tibet.

We, the undersigned Tibetan individuals and organizations, appeal to all Indian citizens and, in particular, those people chosen to be Olympic torch-bearers, to speak out for the Tibetan people when China’s Torch comes to India on April 17th. At this critical moment, when countless Tibetans are suffering under a violent military crackdown by the Chinese government, we need to show that global citizens support the Tibetan people’s right to be free and to live their lives as they see fit.

The courageous actions taken by Tibetans inside Tibet over the past few weeks demonstrate that Tibetans have suffered unimaginably under a half century of Chinese rule. They are now risking everything and crying out for freedom. By speaking out when the Chinese government brings the Olympic Torch to India you will send a strong message to Tibetans, to the Chinese government, and to the world, that Indians support the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people’s nonviolent struggle for freedom and justice.

There are so many ways for everyone to take action.

Torch-bearers can:
- withdraw from the relay;
- wear a Free Tibet shirt or hold the Tibetan flag as they run with the torch;
- issue a statement in support of the Tibetan people before the Relay.

Indian citizens can:
- join or organize a protest as the Torch passes through Delhi;
- wear a Free Tibet shirt or hold a Tibetan flag as the Torch passes by;
- plan a solidarity action in your town or city on April 17th.

As the Chinese government runs the Olympic torch around the world and attempts to whitewash its human rights violations and legitimize its illegal occupation of Tibet, tens of thousands of Tibetans and supporters will be speaking out to expose China’s lies. Please join this global chorus of voices calling for justice for Tibet!

Issued in New Delhi on March 31, 2008

B. Tsering, President, Tibetan Women’s Association
Ngawang Woeber, President, GuChuSum Ex-Political Prisoners Movement of Tibet
Chime Youndung, President, National Democratic Party of Tibet
Tenzin Choeying, President, Students for a Free Tibet India