TWA Celebrates the Past by Looking to the Future

By Theadora Walsh / September 22, 2016;

Photo: TWA

Commencing with a moment of silence for martyrs who sacrificed their lives in Tibet’s struggle for independence, the Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA) anniversary celebration went on to directly confront abuses and repressive activity affecting Tibet today. TWA implored the International community to leverage diplomatic pressure and encourage China to re-enter dialogue with the CTA as outlined in His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Middle Way approach.

The TWA was celebrating the 32nd anniversary of their re-establishment in exile and their celebration not only paid tribute and homage to the past, but introduced a list of demands and appeals addressing the future of Tibet. They called for the unconditional release of all Tibetan political prisoners being detained by the Chinese government and also for the United Nations Committee on Enforced Disappearances to demand the release of His Holiness the 11th Panchen Lama who has been in Chinese captivity for over 21 years.

Also on key focus was China’s oppressive campaign to level Tibetan buildings and forcefully close cultural institutions. TWA called upon the international community to take immediate action to stop China from demolishing Larung Gar, Tibet’s largest Buddhist Institute in Serthar County, Eastern Tibet.

TWA President Dolma Yangchen said, “While we are celebrating the 32nd year of re-establishment and our success during these years, we look back to the great sacrifices made by those brave women who stood and fought against the ruthless Chinese armed forces during the first ever great uprising of Tibetan women on March 12, 1959.”

“Years have rolled by but the memory of the sacrifices made by those brave and selfless women cannot be erased from our mind. As the true representatives of the Tibetan women inside and outside of Tibet, we, the Tibetan Women’s Association, will never give up our fight for the cause of Tibet and Tibetan people.”

Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in-exile Acharaya Yeshi Phuntsok attended as the event’s Chief Guest. Rinchen Khado, the former Kalon of the Central Tibetan Administration and Ajay Singh Mankotia, President of the Indo-Tibetan Friendship Association, attended as special guests.