Dharamsala, November 5 – Four Tibetan Non Governmental Organisations have appealed US President Barack Obama to use his first state visit to India as “an opportunity to press for fundamental change on the ground in Tibet.”
In an open letter signed by the heads of Tibetan Women’s Association, Students for a Free Tibet India, Gu Chu Sum Movement and National Democratic Party of Tibet, the four NGOs urged Obama to “oppose the sinicization of Tibetan schools and to do everything in your power to help protect Tibetans’ distinct religious, cultural, linguistic, and national identity.”
In recent weeks, thousands of Tibetan students, some as young as 13, have taken to the streets in the eastern Tibetan province of Amdo (currently annexed into China’s Qinghai Province) to protest the Chinese government’s decision to replace Tibetan with Chinese as the medium of instruction in Tibetan schools.
“Tibetan language is the foundation of our rich culture and by denying young Tibetans the opportunity to learn their own language, the Chinese government is systematically attempting to eradicate Tibetan culture and identity,” the letter read.
The NGOs urged Obama to publicly recognize the government of India for supporting the Tibetan people and to seek new approaches with you Indian government in bringing about a just and lasting resolution for the Tibetan people.
“It is clear that an end to China’s occupation of Tibet will also achieve greater regional security and indeed global security. As the most influential world leader of our time, you are uniquely positioned to help bring this about,” the letter further said.
India is the first stop Saturday of a 10-day, four-nation Asia tour by President Obama.
