By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, Oct. 14: Activist groups Tibetan Youth Congress and Students for a Free Tibet have geared up to stage protests against the visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping who will partake in the 8th BRICS Summit due to begin tomorrow in the Indian coastal city of Goa.
The Tibetan activists known for their innovative and dramatic forms of protests have already placed teams in Goa to stage non-violent protests. TYC and SFT have earlier indicated that Xi will be met with protests in the beach-destination city. The largest pro-independence group announced that they will take Xi’s presence in India to raise questions on the ongoing demolition of Larung Gar, a prominent Buddhist University in Tibet.
Coinciding with the Chinese President’s visit, over a hundred Tibetan youths protested in front of the Chinese consulate in New Delhi this morning. The protesters were however detained by Delhi police and are currently held at the Mandir Marg police station in the capital.
TYC President Tenzing Jigme stated that the ongoing Larung Gar debacle stems from a larger purview to cleanse Tibet’s culture and identity. In readiness to stage protests in Goa, Jigme mentioned that TYC will “ensure that everywhere Xi Jinping travels, we will be there to expose the lies of the communist Chinese government”. He further added, “As long as the occupation continues, as long as the communist government continues with their hard-line stance and policies; ignoring the cries of the Tibetan people – the struggle and resistance of Tibetans will continue”.
SFT who have on numerous occasions protested against visiting Chinese dignitaries in India and abroad have also set up camp in Goa with activists defacing posters and welcome banners intended for Xi Jinping, late last night. The official face book page of SFT India mentioned, “Since Xi Jinping took power, more than 140 Tibetan have self immolated demanding return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and freedom for Tibet. When Xi Jinping lands tomorrow for BRICS summit in Goa, we will make sure that he feels special”.
Both the activist groups strive for an independent Tibet, a position not shared the exile Tibetan government which seeks to resume talks with China for a mutually agreeable solution to the Tibet issue.
Xi, along with leaders from Brazil, Russia, and South Africa along with hosts India will meet for a two day (Oct 15 and 16) event for the 8th edition of the BRICS summit in Goa. The Chinese embassy in New Delhi has urged security measures in anticipation of activists staging protests at the meeting venues to the Goa police who are already on high alert following the Uri attacks. Goa has been reinforced with commandos of India’s elite forces including NSG, SPG and the Navy in addition to Goa anti-terrorist units.
