English Statement by Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay on the recent killings of Tibetans

Statement by Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay on the recent killings of Tibetans by the P. R. Chinas governmentAs Chinese everywhere were celebrating the first couple of days of the Year of Dragon on January 23rd and 24th, 2...

Statement by Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay on the recent killings
of Tibetans by the P. R. Chinas governmentAs Chinese everywhere were
celebrating the first couple of days of the Year of Dragon on
January 23rd and 24th, 2012. Chinese police fired indiscriminately
on hundreds of Tibetans who had gathered peacefully to claim their
basic rights in Drakgo, Serthar, Ngaba, Gyarong, and other
neighboring Tibetan areas. Six Tibetans were reportedly killed and
around sixty injured, some critically.Because of gruesome acts such
as these and the systematic repression of Tibetans, the resentment
and anger amongst Tibetans against Chinese government has only grown
since the massive uprising of 2008.Ever since the invasion of Tibet,
the Chinese government has claimed that it seeks to create a
socialist paradise. However, basic human rights are being denied to
Tibetans, the fragile environment is being destroyed, Tibetan
language and culture is being assimilated, portraits of His Holiness
the Dalai Lama are banned, and Tibetans are being economically
marginalized. Tibet is in virtual lockdown. Foreigners have been
barred from travelling to Tibet now and the entire region is
essentially under undeclared martial law.I urge the Chinese
leadership to heed the cries of the Tibetan protestors and those who
have committed self-immolation. You will never address the genuine
grievances of Tibetans and restore stability in Tibet through
violence and killing. The only way to resolve the Tibet issue and
bring about lasting peace is by respecting the rights of the Tibetan
people and through dialogue. As someone deeply committed to peaceful
dialogue, the use of violence against Tibetans is unacceptable and
must be strongly condemned by all people in China and around the
world.I call on the international community to show solidarity and
to raise your voices in support of the fundamental rights of the
Tibetan people at this critical time. I request that the
international community and the United Nations send a fact-finding
delegation to Tibet and that the world media be given access to the
region as well. The leaders in Beijing must know that killing its
own family members is in clear violation of international and
Chinese laws, and such actions will cast further doubts on Chinas
moral legitimacy and their standing in world affairs.I want to tell
my dear brothers and sisters inside Tibet that we hear your cries
loud and clear. We urge you not to despair and refrain from extreme
measures. We feel your pain and will not allow the sacrifices you
have made go in vain. You all are in our heart and prayers each and
every day.To my fellow Tibetans, I request you not to celebrate
Losar (Tibetan New Year), which falls on February 22 this year.
However, please observe the basic customary religious rituals such
as burning incense, going to temple and making traditional
offerings.To demonstrate our solidarity with Tibetans in Tibet, I
urge Tibetans and our friends around the world, to participate in a
worldwide vigil on Wednesday, February 8, 2012. Lets send a loud and
clear message to the Chinese government that violence and killing of
innocent Tibetans is unacceptable! I request everyone to conduct
these vigils peacefully, in accordance with the laws of your
country, and with dignity.Tibetan version of Kolon Tripa watch here
http//youtu.be/-YZe0_W4Aps