By Tenzin Choephel
Phayul Correspondent
Kathmandu, 2 September – Tibetans in Nepal observed the 47th Tibetan Democracy Day at Samtenling Monastery in Boudha, Kathmandu today with an official function attended by Tibetan officials, Parliamentarians, school teachers, students of four Tibetan schools and general public.
Tibetans offered scarf in front of a giant poster of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and burned incense as usual and school students led the Tibetan National Anthem; they also sang the Tibetan Democracy Day song.
Mr. Jigme La, secretary of Tibetan Office read out the message of the Tibetan Kashag (Cabinet) for the Day that stated that all the social, political and religious activities of Tibetan non governmental organizations are not related to the Tibetan Government in Exile whatsoever; the concerned organizations should take whole responsibility of their activities and should not involved any Government institution.
Mr. Gaylnor Tsewang La, a member of the Tibetan Parliament in exile read out the message of Tibetan Parliament in Exile that addressed different issues including recent protest in Lithang, eastern Tibet. The function came to end with ‘Lhagya’ offering led by a group of Nepal Tibetan Opera Association and retreating of the portrait of His Holiness from the monastery courtyard to the monastery prayer hall with ceremonial procession.
The Regional Tibetan Women’s Association has organized a signature collection campaign to send a petition to Carolyn Hannan, director of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women to secure freedom for Odho and Apha Bhomo who are reportedly under Chinese detention for demanding release of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, however, according to a press release by the TCHRD the two ladies have been released.
