Tibetans stage march on 51st anniversary of Tibetan uprising

DHARAMSHALA - Hundreds of Tibetans-in-exile along with foreign tourists marched in Dharamshala to mark the 51st anniversary of the uprising against the Chinese rule on Wednesday (March 10).

Buddhist monks and nuns including foreigners participated in the protest organized by non-governmental organizations fighting for Tibetan cause.

“We met the president of the National Democratic Party yesterday. And he was telling us all about the troubles and issues that they had trying to gain support and awareness for the cause. So, we thought to come along to show our support and share that - sort of - Tibetan aren’t alone in their fight for freedom,” a U.K. tourist.

The march commenced from the Tsuglagkhang temple with Tibetans raising slogans against China and calling for their freedom.

“I think all people should live in peace and I think that all world should help Tibetans… they should live in peace and stop killing Tibet,” said Natasha, an Israeli tourist.

Tibetans also observed the second anniversary of the peaceful protests that erupted across Tibet in March 2008.

Protests led by Buddhist monks against Chinese rule in March 2008 gave way to violence as rioters torching shops and turned on local residents, including Han Chinese and Hui Muslims. Tibetans see Hans as intruders threatening their culture.

At least 19 people died in the 2008 unrest, which sparked waves of protest across Tibetan areas ahead of the Beijing Olympics. Pro-Tibet groups abroad say more than 200 Tibetans died in a subsequent crackdown across the region. Beijing has denied that and said it used minimal force.

Several rounds of talks in recent years between the Chinese Communist Party and the Dalai Lama’s envoys have yielded little. (ANI)