New York, May 24 – To observe the Black Day in Tibetan History, RTYC NY & NJ organized a discussion on “Tibet Today, Status of Freedom Struggle”. Mr. Tenzin Sangpo, a former political prisoner from Tibet, explained the 17 Point Agreement briefly.
RTYC President stressed the invalidity of this document. This agreement was later burned in public to show that it is not accepted by Tibetans.
“Tibet Today, Status of Freedom Struggle” debate was a big success. More than 500 local Tibetans in New York City attended the event moderated by Zurkhang Karma Gyatso and organized by RTYC, NY & NJ
Kasur Lobsang Nyendak la opened the stage with the explanation of the Tibetan Govt. in Exile’s dealing with the Communist Regime in a chronological order. He strongly supported the Tibetan Government’s stand. He said he has a great hope for the forthcoming seventh round of talk between Beijing and Dharamsala.
This was followed by Jamyang Norbu who stood firmly for Independence. He opened his piece with the brief narration of how fiercely the Tibetan Army in the eastern Tibet had defended Tibet in Oct, 1950, thereby clarifying the misconception that Tibetans had not fought enough against the Chinese Invasion.
He doubts if the Tibetan Govt. has done any serious study or research on the Chinese’s Negotiation practice. He cited many instances where western Businessmen couldn’t get anything out of negotiation with China. Unlike others , Chinese Government’s diplomacy of conducting the Negotiation is to win all and give none. He mentioned a case of coming across a newspaper from Hong Kong that Deng Xiaoping has actually said if Tibetans are asking for an Independent Tibet, then there is nothing to talk about. So he wonders if this was misinterpreted by the Tibetans and started to think of the middle way approach.
Dr. Lobsang Sangay took the academic position and explained how Non Violent Movement can be effective. He said Unity, Strategy and Discipline are the core of any successful non violent movement. He quoted some information from a few seminars and workshops that he attended. He stressed upon the fact that time and environment plays an important role in the shaping of the politics. He cited several examples about Gandhi’s struggle in India, Nelson Mandela’s in South Africa. There were several non-violent movements carried out in the world – such as the banging of utensils in Chile, switching off/on the lights of one’s homes in Saturday evening in Mexico. These acts brought the downfall of each government in the respective country. According to him the dress code also makes a big impact and it is important that Tibetans should dress up properly while going for the protest. He cited many instances with photos where rallies and protest took importance of the proper dress code.
The debate ended with an interesting Q&A session.
Report by RTYC, NY & NJ.
