Dharamsala, June 29 — The International Tibet Independence Movement (ITIM) will lead a 150 mile “March for Tibet’s Independence” beginning July 4 with a demonstration at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, a press release from the ITIM said.
The walk will pass through Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland, and conclude at Chinese Embassy in Washington DC on July 13 with another demonstration.
Larry Gerstein of the ITIM said that they have chosen July 4th because of its significance as the Anniversary of the United States’ succession or independence from England. “The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall are striking symbols of this country’s independence. In fact, Independence Hall is considered the birthplace of the United States. This year’s walk begins at this historic Hall because Tibetans want independence for their country as well,” added Larry Gerstein. Several Tibetans and supporters from around the United States are expected to take part in this walk.
This is the 15th major ‘March’ or ‘Bicycle Ride’ for Tibet’s independence organized by ITIM since 1995. ITIM walkers and bike riders have compiled greater than 3,600 miles in more than 350 days.
According to Ngawang Norbu (ITIM Board Member), “It has been 51 years since China brutally and illegally occupied our country. This is a long time for an individual, but not long for a nation. We must be patient and work hard, if necessary, for another 51 years to achieve independence for our country, Tibet. If there is a sunset, there is also a sunrise. Right now is a dark period for Tibet, but the sun will definitely rise again and Tibet will be free.”
The ITIM, founded in 1995 by late Taktser Rinpoche, the Dalai Lama’s oldest brother demands independence for Tibet, a position that is different from that of the meaningful autonomy for Tibet proposed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and later adopted as a policy by the exile Tibetan government. ITIM boasts of over 5,000 supporters worldwide.
The Indiana Tibetan Association, Tibetan Association of Philadelphia, Capitol Area Tibetan Association, Capitol Area Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, and Regional Tibetan Youth Congress-Minnesota are assisting with this walk.
