Protesters carried Tibetan flags and placards before police detained them
New Delhi:
More than 40 activists took part in the demonstration, carrying Tibetan flags, banners and placards as they raised slogans including “Free Tibet” and “China out of Tibet”. The protesters sought to draw attention to what the TYC described as the continuing political and cultural concerns of Tibetans.
The demonstration was organised on October 1, a day that holds sharply different meanings for China and Tibetan activists. While China marks the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949 with nationwide celebrations, Tibetan groups have used the occasion to protest against Beijing’s policies and raise demands concerning Tibet.
The TYC said its protest focused on what it described as the erosion of Tibetan identity, culture and language. Protesters also raised concerns about restrictions on religious practices and policies that they believe are affecting the preservation of Tibetan traditions.
Tsering Choephel, president of the Tibetan Youth Congress, said the organisation rejected China’s claims of political control over Tibet. “On the 77th founding anniversary of the so-called People’s Republic of China, the Tibetan Youth Congress unequivocally condemns the continued assertion of Chinese sovereignty and political control over Tibet,” Choephel said.
He said the organisation believed that Chinese laws and policies could not erase what it described as Tibetans’ distinct national identity and aspirations. The remarks reflected the TYC’s long standing demand for Tibetan independence.
Lobsang Tenzin, general secretary of the Tibetan Youth Congress, also reiterated the organisation’s position on Tibet’s political future. “Tibet was never a part of China,” Tenzin said, adding that the organisation would continue to advocate Tibetan independence and preserve the spirit of “Rangzen”, a Tibetan term commonly used to refer to independence.
The protesters criticised policies that they said were affecting Tibetan religious and cultural practices. They argued that economic development could not be separated from questions concerning language, religion and the preservation of Tibetan identity.
The demonstration also focused on China’s policies relating to ethnic unity. Tibetan activists have criticised such measures, arguing that they could weaken the distinct cultural identity of Tibetans. Chinese authorities, however, maintain that their policies promote ethnic unity, development and social stability.
China considers Tibet an integral part of its territory and rejects calls for Tibetan independence. Beijing has defended its policies in Tibet by pointing to economic development, improved infrastructure and better access to education and healthcare.
The contrasting positions were evident in Delhi as China celebrated its National Day while Tibetan activists used the same occasion to publicly challenge Beijing’s policies. The protest later intensified when demonstrators attempted to move towards the Chinese Embassy. Police intervened and more than 40 protesters were detained and taken to the Mandir Marg police station. The detentions, however, came after the activists had already delivered their central message through slogans, speeches and banners.
For the protesters, October 1 was an opportunity to ensure that the Tibetan question remained visible. They said their campaign was not limited to one day and that they would continue to raise concerns about Tibet’s political status and the preservation of Tibetan culture.
The demonstration once again brought the long-running Tibet issue into public view in New Delhi. As China celebrated its national anniversary, Tibetan activists used the occasion to highlight their political demands and call attention to what they described as continuing challenges to their cultural and national identity.
