April 25, 2008 report
April 25, 2008:
Nepal –
Shabrim recital for 23rd April, 2008: No. of participants = 800
Dolma Gyepa 71,294
Dolma Dhuepa 3,43,035
Dolma Zung 2,73,478
Mani 23,19,808
Vajra Guru 6,38,869
Tamdin Zung 84,939
24 hour Relay Fasting in Solidarity:
The Nepal Tibetan Opera Association (Bayul Lhamo Tsogpa) team participated in the fasting. 51 participants entered the 12th day of relay fasting. So far no untoward incident has taken place.
Part- II of update from April 22nd and 23rd -
Arrests and injured:
On Tuesday April 22, a total of 72 Tibetans were arrested outside the Chinese old embassy (visa section) at Hattisar. Many were beaten, kicked and stomped. 8 of them were taken to Om Hospital for immediate medical attention. Three were bleeding from nose and mouth injuries. They were treated and released later. All 72 detained at Mahendra Hospital were discharged late night the same day. NTSF assigned special task forces took care of supplying food, medical care, release and transportation of the released Tibetans. One woman, Ngawang Lama however had been admitted to OM hospital after being released due to unbearable pain on the shoulder due to beatings received from a policeman at the protest. It was suspected that one of her vertebra bone could be fractured. She is hospital undergoing tests. In a separate incident, 9 Tibetans had slipped into UN House premises. They were released by UN without any charges. Some of them had been beaten by guards.
24 hour Relay Fasting in Solidarity - 22nd & 23rd April:
The Relay Fasting entered its 10th day with a new group of 51 taking over at 9am. As usual the previous group ended its prayer recital with the Tibetan National Anthem while the new group waited to take over. This time a group of 27 Tibetans residing in Pokhara had come to participate in the 24 hour relay fasting.
On Wednesday, April 23rd, a new group of 67 Tibetans joined in the 24 hours Relay Fasting. Some participants were sitting in for a second time. Due to the site of the fasting being located on the road that leads to the Swayambhu Stupa – a popular tourist site, the fasting has attracted a number of tourists that some of them have stopped to show their support and solidarity. A comment book is being maintained for tourists to jot down their comments. It is estimated that in a day about an average of 2000 of our printed materials of His Holiness statements (in English and Nepali), NTSF urgent appeal campaign letter (in English and Nepali) are distributed. About 2200 vehicles ply on this busy road daily out of which 200 are tourists.
Since the past three days even the “Kahsel rukag” has been helping in the dissemination of information and creating awareness among the general public by distributing NTSF printed materials at busy crossroads. About 7000 copies have been distributed this way.
Delhi –
For Immediate Release
April 24, 2008
Tibetans Demand the Release of 11th Panchen Lama and all other Political Prisoners imprisoned in Tibet
On the occasion of the 19th Birth Anniversary of the Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima (April 25, 2008), we urge the Chinese government to free the Panchen Lama immediately and unconditionally as well as release all political prisoners imprisoned in Tibet.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama recognized Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the 11th Panchen Lama on May 14, 1995. Within days of the announcement, the Chinese police took the six year old child and his family from their home and to this day their whereabouts and well-being are unknown. Despite repeated attempts, no international human rights organizations not even the United Nations have been allowed access to see the Panchen Lama or his family members.
Instead China has played reincarnation politics by nominating and selecting their own Panchen Lama in November 1995. Behind this and various other recent Chinese promulgated policies on reincarnation and religion lies their agenda to undermine and control the Tibetan people, their religion, and their nation.
The ongoing Chinese crackdown has resulted in 154 reported deaths, over 500 injured and many thousands arrested. We urge the Chinese government to release all the people arrested and cease further arbitrary arrests and detentions. In addition, we also demand the release of the 119 known Tibetan political prisoners who remain imprisoned prior to the crackdown.
To mark the day, Tibetan Solidarity Committee-Delhi chapter will organize a special event starting at 11 am in the morning. Among other activities, there will be a Tibetan children's painting competition. We will have a host of guest speakers to address the public. Well-known Indian band Parikrama will perform a few acoustic numbers in solidarity with the Tibetan struggle in the evening of the same day.
Indian supporters of the Tibetan cause will launch a signature campaign to pressure the Indian government to take a stronger stand on the Tibetan issue and yet another international student's group will be taking out a free the Panchen Lama petition campaign.
Issued by: The Tibetan Solidarity Committee- Delhi Chapter
Dharamsala -
24th April 2008:
1. Around hundred people gathered at Lhabsoeri for sangsol.
2. Relay hunger strike continued. Thirty monks from Tsechokling monastery participated in the hunger strike.
3. In the evening around 1500 people participated in the candle light peace procession.
4. Continued to offer thousand butter lamps for all those who died in the recent killings in Tibet.