New Delhi, December 10 – The Tibetan community here held a demonstration at Jantar Mantar to observe the International Human Rights Day, declared by the United Nations Organisation. The peaceful march that was to begin from Ramlila ground and end at Jantar Mantar, was wrapped up into a peaceful gathering at Jantar Mantar due to traffic constraints.
The Tibetans expressed the denial of human rights by covering their mouths with black band to mark the day.
Mr. George Fernandes, former Defence Minister of India, reiterated his long time commitment to the Tibetan cause. He said, “I firmly believe that if a person has not committed the crime he is accused of, then he is innocent. All I can say is that I will not break the promise I made. But now I will take up my stand more strongly and work with a renewed confidence and faith.”
Meanwhile Ram Jethmalani, former law minister and MP (Rajya Sabha) expressed his solidarity with the Tibetan people in ensuring Trulku’s release. “I, therefore, join in your efforts to drum up support for the commutation of sentence and release of the unfortunate convict. I am convinced that he does not deserve to die,” Jethmalani said in a letter sent to Ms. Gyari Dolma, Vice chairperson (Tibetan Parliament in Exile).
Dr N.K Trikha, National Convener (Indian Core Group for Tibetan Cause) called Trulku Tenzin Delek a ‘saint’ and questioned the possibility of a saint, who was too concerned about the welfare of his people, causing terror. He also said the accused Trulku Tenzin Delek‘s only crime was that he followed the teachings of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
Mr. Bhupendra Kansal ,General Secretary (Himalaya Parivaar) highlighted the situation of political prisoners in Tibet and demanded Trulku Tenzin Delek’s immediate release.
Mr. Amrit Sharma, President(Bharat –Tibet Sahyog Manch) told the gathering that the Tibetans were not alone in their non violent fight for their country, and that every Indian supported them in their struggle. He also said that where religion was concerned, India and Tibet had always shared a teacher-student relationship and that he would be glad when Tibet would regain its lost glory for which, he would always support them.
Mr. Kharabela Swain, Member of the Lok Sabha, also raised the issue of the unfair trial of Trulku Tenzin Delek and reassured the Tibetans. He stated, “We, Indians were there for you, are there for you and will always be there for you .”
Ms. Vandhana Pathak (Head of the Women’s wing, Himalaya Parivaar), Mr P.T.Gyamtso from Sikkim (MP, Rajya Sabha) and Mr. Thubstan Chhewang from Ladakh (MP, Lok Sabha) condemned the trial of Trulku Tenzin Delek. Mr. P.T. Gyamtso also disclosed the fact that he along with other members of parliament will call on the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister of India and bring up the issues concerning Tibet .
Ms. Gyari Dolma and Dr Trikha expressed strong concerns about Trulku’s fate and appealed for international support in commuting the death sentence.
Ms. Gyari Dolma and Dr Trikha , in a letter addressed to Chinese President Hu Jin Tao, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and UN Commissioner for Human Rights, wrote, “We are very much encouraged by the process of dialogue between Peoples Republic of China and the representatives of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to find an amicable and mutually beneficial settlement of the Tibet issue. At the same time, we are saddened by the fact that the people of Tibet are denied freedom of expression and other basic Human Rights.”
