Tibetans in Delhi plan protest against worsening India-China relations

DHARAMSHALA: Tibetans living in exile in India are going to hold a protest rally under the banner ‘Tibet’s independence, India’s security’ in Delhi over worsening relations between India and China due to the Doklam issue. Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), one of the largest groups formed of young Tibetans in 1970, has given a call to this rally. It will take place on August 11, 2017. Tibetans will gather at Ramlila Maidan and will hold procession till Jantar Mantar in the national capital.

The organization has 35,000 members worldwide. “We are the largest NGO in exile and are going to hold this rally to highlight that Tibet’s independence is the safest guarantee for India’s security and peace along the Himalayas. We believe that Tibetans must be a part of discussions concerning the borders” said Tenzin Jigme, President of TYC.

Headquarters of the TYC are situated in Mcleodganj near here. It has 88 chapters in various countries, out of which 65 are in India who would be participating in this protest along with some Indian groups also, said officials of the organization. “Confirmations about the Indian leaders and groups will come in a day or two” they said.

It was formed in October 1970 after the Tibetan spiritual leader - Dalai Lama has come into exile in India. “The current standoff between India and China over the Doklam region which has historically part of Tibet reinforces the fact that India’s security lies in an Independent Tibet” said Jigme.

He said that it would be in interest of India that Delhi officially recognizes Tibet as an illegally occupied nation and leads a regional coalition to pressure China on its dismal human rights record.

Tibetans are living in India as refugees since 1959 when Dalai Lama had fled Tibet after uprising there. Since then he is living in India in his exile home at Mcleodganj. Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) located here is global headquarters for about 1, 50, 000 Tibetans living in 40 countries of the world. The call for the protest is being made through online platforms of Tibetan activists and well-wishers. It is expected that Tibetan supporters from foreign countries will also participate in this rally.