KALIMPONG, November 2. — “Human Rights must be restored”, reads a banner, while slogans such as “ release the innocent”, were the outcry of the Tibetan society today.
A mass protest, led by the Tibetan Women’s Association, demanded the release of the captured Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinponche. The rally comprising students, youth and senior Tibetans began at the Hart Bazaar and ended at the Tshuang Gompa (10th mile).
The Tibetans alleged that they have been suppressed by the Chinese government over the years and demanded restoration of freedom and justice in their land of Tibet. “Our Rinponche has been victimised, and if factors such as human rights exist, our movement should be answered,” Mrs Chuki Lhamu Lachumpa, president of the TWA said.
Born in Lithang (Tibet) in 1950, Tulku Tenzin Delek came to Dharamsala, India, in 1982 to receive blessings of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. After having studied Buddhism extensively he returned to his homeland in 1987.
However, in 2002 the Chinese Government arrested, Tenzin Delek on suspicion of his involvement in the bomb blast incident at the Chengdu’s main square in 2002. A court hearing in 2002 awarded death sentence to Tulku Tenzin Delek with suspension of two years.
“The Chinese regime levelled false allegations against the peaceful Tibetan freedom fighter ,” said Mrs Lachumpa adding: “His arrest shocked the Tibetan society worldwide.”
The Tibetans Women’s Society called for this rally exactly a month before the execution of Tulku Tenzin Delek. The death sentence execution is slated for 2 December.
