Sikyong Penpa Tsering on Democracy Day
Photo: VOT
Tibetans communities across the world celebrated the 61st anniversary of Tibetan Democracy Day on September 2. At Dharamshala, the seat of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA),the day was observed with an official function in Sikyong hall. A video was screened showing His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking on the importance of strengthening Tibetan democratic institutions. Sikyong reiterated the evolution of Tibetan democracy under the visionary leadership of His Holiness over the years until His Holiness completely devolved his political role in 2011.
Speaking about the current Tibetan parliamentary impasse he said, “We would like to stress that it is high time that the concerned people should seriously weigh the advantages and disadvantages if the situation lingers on, and make no mistake in their consideration by taking responsibility in the highest interest of our cause.If the impasse drags on due to their intransigence, it will only lead to the collapse of Tibetan administration. Neither will any Tibetan like to see such a result, nor will it benefit any Tibetan,” said Sikyong in the Kashag’s statement.
Video of His Holiness speaking on the importance of democracy
Despite the parliamentary crisis, Sikyong said that his office has been carrying out the administrative works without any negligence. “The inability of the parliament to convene its session has been preventing it from carrying out its legislative functions. The parliament is also not able to make use of the opportunities to plan activities and campaigns in accordance with the changing situation in China and the international community,” he added.
CTA’s President also pointed out that his office was informed of “incidents of Chinese government exploiting this issue to spread false information inside Tibet to create division in the exile Tibetan community and misuse it at the international platforms”.
Tibetans in London
Photo: Tibet.net
“It has created great concern and apprehension among the governments, parliaments and Tibet supporters who genuinely support us. Tibetans inside Tibet said they would stop their activities for the Tibetan cause if the problem is not resolved immediately,” said Tsering.
Tibetans in London marked the Democracy Day by hosting a flag raising ceremony outside the Assembly Hall in the presence of the Mayor, Councilor Elizabeth Baptise, other Councilors and Tibetans and supporters.
Tibetans in France
Photo: Tibet.net
In France, the Tibetan Community organised an event at French Republic Square in Paris to mark the day.
Tibetans in Nepal also observed Tibetan Democracy Day under close watch by local police. In recent years, Nepali police are not letting the Tibetan community make public gatherings in fear of offending their neighbor, China. Sangpo Lama—program coordinator for the Human Rights Organisation of Nepal (HURON) told Radio Free Asia “one could also see many police officers both in uniform and in plain clothes stationed around the Boudhanath Stupa and other Tibetan settlements. Around 20 officers were also deployed, and a police truck stationed, outside the Jawalakhel Tibetan settlement”.
Nepal police at Boudha on September 2, 2021
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