By Tenzin Choephel
Phayul Correspondent
Kathmandu, September 3 – Regional Tibetan Women’s Association (RTWA) of Kathmandu organized a candle light vigil around Boudanath Stupa to pray and appeal for the release of the Panchen Lama, Trulku Tenzin Delek, Rongye Adak and other Tibetan political prisoners.
Several hundreds of Tibetans gathered at the Boudanath circuit in the evening and participated in the vigil to show their support and solidarity with the campaign. The supporters walked around the Stupa three times chanting mantras and prayers. The crowd later gathered in front of the Majartsima Temple and recited prayers for His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
As part of the candle light vigil campaign, RTWA lighted 1000 butter lamps symbolising well being offering.
RTWA President Mrs Ngawang Sangmo addressed the gathering and requested all to pray and continue to campaign for the quick release of all Tibetan political prisoners. Mrs Ngawang said that the regional body has collected signatures for the petition that would be sent to the UN Human Rights Division and International Olympic Committee seeking immediate release of Tibetan political prisoners languishing in Chinese prisons in Tibet.
The regional group is also praying and appealing for the safety and well being of the Dalai Lama recognised 11th Panchen Lama, Gendhun Choekyi Nyima, who was abducted by Communist authorities in 1995 at the age, making him the youngest political prisoner in the world. Although China says he (now 18) is safe in Tibet following repeated international pressure and worldwide condemnations, his whereabouts are still unknown.
An estimated 130,000 Tibetans live outside Tibet, of which over 20,000 live in Nepal since the first group of Tibetans fled Tibet in 1959 after failed mass uprising against continuing Communist Chinese presence in Tibet. Large numbers of Tibetans continue to escape Tibet for India, via Nepal, due to many reasons, including severe religious and political persecution in Tibet by Communist authorities.
