By Phuntsok Yangchen
DHARAMSHALA, February 16: PEN International had expressed its condolences to the family and friends of a member of PEN Tibetan writers abroad following his death due to stabbing near the Tibetan settlement in Majnu Ka Tilla last Thursday.
A statement released by the PEN International on the death of Chokta, who was the Vice-President of PEN Tibetan writers abroad , said, “The PEN community is devastated today by the news of the death of our friend and colleague, Lobsang Chokta in Delhi, India.”
PEN International described Chokta as a “tireless champion of literature, freedom of expression and linguistic rights” and that “it can in no way make up for their loss.”
“Many of us knew Lobsang Chokta well. He was always an eloquent and courageous voice for Tibetan culture and rights. This is a terrible tragedy and while we wait to learn more about what happened, I know that we will all want to think about the loss of our good friend Lobsang,” said John Ralston Saul, President of PEN International.
PEN International also remembered him as a committed member of the PEN family and an unwavering advocate for imprisoned Tibetan writers, language and heritage.
“We are full of sorrow. Lobsang was the most peaceful and cheerful person, as well as the most dedicated to the cultural rights of the Tibetan people. We still hear his clear voice in our assembly of delegates denouncing the injustices committed by the Chinese authorities against his people. His friendship with writers from all over the world made him a staunch advocate of Tibetan literature,” said Carles Torner, Executive Director of PEN International.
“I remember well, at the end of the Girona meeting last May, when I told him: ‘Let’s think big, my friend: why don’t we host an international Translation & Linguistic Rights Committee meeting in Dharamsala?’ He answered, ‘I always dream big: we will have the PEN International Congress in Lhasa one day.’ On that day, we will honor him again.”
Expressing sadness over Chokta’s demise, Beijing based Tibetan writer Tsering Woeser wrote on her Facebook in Chinese and translated by Bing, “Grief and saddened beyond words. Still clearly remember his voice.”
Lobsang Chokta died on his way to hospital after Police found him with multiple stab wounds near an under construction flyover bridge near Majnu-ka-Tilla, recently renamed Arunanagar colony.
Karten Tsering, camp leader (Gyakpon) of Majnu ka Tilla Tibetan settlement, said that there are no new developments on the matter. “Police are investigating the case and had recorded statements from eye-witnesses.”
He also said that the deceased body will be handed over to the concerned persons following the post mortem, which is expected to be done by today.
