By Tendar Tsering
DHARAMSHALA, October 1: A ‘Martyr Pillar’ made by three former political prisoners, dedicated to the Tibetan struggle for freedom and justice, was unveiled today at the Tibet Museum in the exile seat of Dharamshala.
The over ten feet pillar reads, “You and Tibet – Remember our Struggle”, and on its four sides depicts photos and short biographies of four of Tibet’s martyrs.
The three former political prisoners, Lhamo Kyab, Tenpa Dhargyal and Jigme Gyaltso, who are currently studying at the Sherab Gatsel-ling Transit Scool in Dharamshala said that the four martyrs were symbolic of all the Tibetans who have “sacrificed their lives and continue to peacefully fight for the cause of Tibet.”
The four martyrs – Thupten Ngodup, Tsewang Norbu, Tapey, and Lobsang Phuntsok – all sacrificed their lives in desperate acts of self-immolation demanding freedom for Tibet and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet.
Tsewang Rigzin, the president of Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) while unveiling the ‘Martyr Pillar’ affirmed that “Tibetans shall never let the sacrifices of our martyrs go in vain”.
“Their sacrifice symbolise their determination, courage, and commitment for the cause of Tibet and they shall forever inspire oppressed people all around the world who are fighting for justice,” said Rigzin, head of the largest pro-independence group in exile.
