By Tenzin Dickyi
New Delhi
As Indians laid down their red carpet to welcome Chinese President Hu Jintao at the International Airport, New Delhi today, on the other hand the Tibetans left no stone unturned to greet him with protest. The protesters of about more than 2000 in number gathered here at Jantar Mantar and started shouting slogans against Hu’s visit. And Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) sat for their third day of Hunger Strike which will continue till 23rd.
All the six NGOs who organized this Tibet’s Freedom Movement condemned the visit of Chinese President to India. They believe that Tibet’s fight for just and truth is mandatory. They further unanimously expressed their determination to continue their protest until Hu Jintao leaves India and promises to undertake such protests and demonstrations in future also.
Nuns, Monks, children and youths joined this day to show their solidarity and raised their voice for the voiceless people in Tibet who are denied of all the fundamental rights. The Youth Liberation Front of Tibet and about more than 200 Arunachali people joined hands with the Tibetans to give their share of support. Also present at the gathering were many foreigners and Indian supporters.
Hosts of media personnels were present to witness the day and many other eminent guests also marked their presence. Among the guests were Lhadon Tethong, Executive Director of Students for a Free Tibet (SFT), Imran Ismayil, General Secretary for Minority Morcha, Prof. Tirkha, President of All India Core Group, Dr.Kuldip Chand Agnihotri, National President of Bharat-Tibet Sayog Manch and Baldev Pandey, Spokesperson for Chandigarh Friends of Tibet (FOT).
Addressing on India’s weak support for Tibet over the years, Arunachal Pradesh Member of Parliament, Shri Khiren Rijiju said that its India’s duty to support Tibet’s cause. ‘Since India is considered the largest democratic counrty in the world, government of India must come forward and take up the matter of Tibet with their Chinese counterparts more seriously’, he told press. He further added that claim over Arunachal Pradesh as their territory by the Chinese government is an serious issue and he will not tolerate any kind of aggression and dominance.
A cultural presentation was organized later in the evening where Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) and various other solo singers sang patroitic songs in rememberance of the Martyrs who forfeited their life for the cause of Tibet. A typical Yak Dance performance by Friends of Tibet (FOT) also was displayed. A special attention was given to three nuns who had lived as political prisoners for 6 years in Tibet under Chinese regime. Surprisingly more than 20 people among the crowd had suffered Chinese imprisonment. They were given homage as they all stood up in the crowd and people could not stop applauding them. Poems were also read out which carried messages of Freedom and Justice.
Tenzin Tsundue, a Tibetan freedom activist who has been officially barred from leaving his exile home town during the visit of Chinese President Hu Jintao to India, however, a red bandana was tied on everybody’s forehead to symbolize Tsundue’s presence during the protest today. SFT’s Executive Director Miss Lhadon Tethong recited a poem written by Tenzin Tsundue and also read out his letter where he wholeheartedly regrets his absence.
The demonstration was later in the evening followed by candle light vigil signaling the united call for integrity. The protest demonstration finally concluded with prayers.
