60 years of Tyranny; Exile NGOs call for democracy in the repressive Chinese Communist regime
photos by Yeshi Choesang (TPI) and Nakahara
1st October 2009 : Dharamsala
The exile Tibetan NGOs (Tibetan Women's Association, Gu-Chu-Sum Movement of Tibet, National Democratic Party of Tibet and Students for a Free Tibet, India), in deepest solidarity with the people of China, Tibet and East Turkestan stood united in opposition to the tyrannical rule of the Chinese Government. Despite much change and economic progress in China in the last 60 years, the people of China live under the abject deprivation of the basic human rights that, we in the free world are bestowed with.
Ven Ngawang Woeber representing the four NGOs said that 'it is on this day, 60 years ago that the seed of Chinese communist party was sowed and since then the 56 ethnic minorities under the Chinese rule have lived under darkness. The dark cloud ruled over Tibet and consequently, Tibet today is a threatened country and the Tibetans live in a dire and a critical condition'. He further stressed that 'today is not a day of celebration but a day of mourning because the seed of poison was sowed on this day, 60 years ago'.
Dharamsala wore black today to participate in the mass protest that was followed by a public discourse and an hour-long silent sit-in protest. The chairman of Tibetan Parliament in Exile, Mr. Penpa Tsering was the guest speaker while TWA president Mrs. Kirti Dolkar Lhamo gave the key address in Tibetan followed by the key address in English by the president of TYC, Mr. Tsewang Ringzin. The day's protest is a symbolic gesture to call for the end of autocracy and give way for democracy. We empathize with all the repressed regimes, which for 60 years remained under the shadow of the communist regime. While we stand unreserved in our vehement condemnation of the atrocities of the Chinese government, we deem it peremptory for the Chinese people to come to terms with the immutable truth and the existing reality. In a genuine bid to achieve this, we will also initiate and embark on a 'Chinese outreach program' where we requested the Tibetans and our supporters to communicate with the mainstream Chinese people via the internet portal, the facts about the illegal occupation of Tibet and the Tibetan people's 50 years of peaceful resistance.
During the 60 years of communist rule, the Chinese government has perpetuated inexplicable crimes against humanity and consequently tens of millions of people have died from its political persecution. The Chinese government lacks the credence to represent China as a member of the United Nations. China's increasing global presence, its economic clout and its despotic political overtones could engender as a menacing threat to the freedom, welfare and well-being of mankind. Therefore, today we call on the Chinese government to end its one party autocracy and abide by the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights and thereby become a responsible and respected member of the international community.
China's idea of a harmonious society can be achieved only when the Chinese Government begins to respect human rights and value freedom. Let us work to bring justice and democracy and make peace and stability reign in China and Tibet.
It's time to act now and together we can make a difference.
Organized by:
Tibetan Women's Association
GuChuSum Movement for Tibet
National Democratic Party of Tibet
Students for a Free Tibet - India