MYSURU: Hundreds of Tibetans took out a peaceful rally through the main streets of the city, demanding justice for Panchen Lama on Wednesday.
Tibetan Women’s Association and Tibetan Youth Congress organizations from Bylakuppe, Hunsur and Kollegal, assembled near the Mysuru Palace north gate. Tenzin Dolma, president of the Regional Tibetan Women’s Association, said this rally marks the 22nd anniversary of the abduction and disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedun Choekyi Nyima. On this day in 1995, he was abducted by the Chinese government when he was only six years old, she said.
“He was recognized as a reincarnation of the predecessor of the Dalai Lama, within three days of the announcement of his abduction. As per the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, there are currently 2,000 Tibetan political prisoners.
The Chinese government must reply to the queries of Panchen Lama’s whereabouts, his health and spiritual education and also, release him and all other political prisoners immediately, she added.
She also mentioned that Panchen Lama and other political prisoners show the true face of the political and human rights violation by the Chinese government. The tragic act of self-immolations by 149 Tibetans reflects the violations of all the principles of United Nations Human Rights Charter, she claimed.
The organizations urged the UN and the Chinese government to respect the rights and freedom of the Tibetan people.
Later, they submitted a memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister of India through the deputy commissioner of Mysuru.