On 27 September 1987, Tibetans in Tibet again staged a peaceful mass demonstration against the brutal Chinese regime. This demonstration was initiated by 21 monks and nuns who were joined by hundreds of Tibetan people. Some 200 foreign tourist witnessed this demonstration against Chinese rule in Tibet and news of this demonstration was widely spread around the world. This gave huge impetus to the Tibetan freedom movement. Thereafter a series of demonstration wrecked Lhasa until the imposition of martial law on 5 March 1989. This demonstration resulted in many deaths and more arrests.
Today, the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (RTYC) of Dharamshala commemorates the 16th anniversary of the demonstration staged by Tibetans in 1987 and we remember and pay homage to all our freedom fighters-both dead and alive.
The root cause of all these demonstrations and continued unrest is Chinas continued colonial occupation of Tibet and their brutal oppression of the Tibetan people. Today, the members of the RTYC strongly condemn the talks that is going to begin between India and China in October 2003 about the border. There is no border between India and China. The border is between India and Tibet. India should begin talks with China to find measures to solve the issue of Tibet and to secure Indias long-term security. It is clear that the completion of the railway line in Tibet will be a great threat to India-not only to its security but also its economy and political stability. We must not forget how China betrayed India in 1962!
Remembering the 1987 demonstration, today we strongly demand the immediate and unconditional release of the XIth Panchen Lama, Tulku Tenzin Delek and other Tibetan political prisoners. Without international support and pressure, our demand will not be fulfilled. Therefore, we call upon the international community to continue to support Tibet. Please help free Tibet and the Tibetan people. Tibetans do not want Tibet to be a part of China.
Ngawang Paljor (Mr.)
President
27.09.2003
