2.5 Million-Year-Old Canyon Found Beneath Tibetan River
December 02, 2014 4:41 PM
Scientists from the California Institute of Technology and the China Earthquake Administration say they have discovered a deep, ancient canyon buried under the Yarlung River in the south of China’s Tibetan Autonomous Region.
The study found that about 2.5 million years ago, the Yarlung River had created a deep canyon at least 500 meters (more than 1,640 feet) below its current riverbed.
“The data tells us that the river had [cut] deeply into the margin of the Tibetan Plateau, and then at a later stage the tectonic uplift created the gorge and made this river so steep,” said Dirk Scherler, a geologist and one of two lead authors of the study.
The study, published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, shows that as the collision of the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate lifted the Tibetan Plateau, sediment from the tectonic activities filled the ancient canyon. Through drilling, the scientists determined that the ancient canyon was, in some areas, up to 1,000 meters deep.
“I was extremely surprised when my colleagues, Jing Liu-Zeng and Dirk Scherler, showed me the evidence,” said Jean-Philippe Avouac, the Earle C. Anthony Professor of Geology at Caltech. “That was a big discovery, in my opinion.”
According to Scherler, who now works at GFZ German Research Center for Geosciences, the buried canyon extends for about 300 kilometers (186 miles) upstream from the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, a well-known gorge that is about as deep as the U.S. Grand Canyon.
This report was produced in collaboration with the VOA Tibetan service.

Tibetan Groups Ask UN Envoy to Scrutinize Rights Charges Against Beijing
2014-11-25
New U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad al Hussein should look closely at charges of blatant rights abuses and environmental concerns in Tibet if allowed by Beijing to visit the region, a group of 20 Tibetan writers, educators, and former political prisoners says, cautioning him against falling into any “trap” set by Chinese officials to mislead him.
A letter sent electronically this month by the 20 from inside Tibet outlines a range of concerns to be addressed by Zeid, who has said he is in talks with Beijing over a planned visit to Tibet.
The Tibetan writers, educators, and ex-political prisoners sent their letter to the Dharamsala, India-based Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) for forwarding to Zeid’s office at the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.
“Our main reason for sending this appeal is to highlight our lack of freedom in Tibetan areas to protect our own environment and to express our own views and concerns,” the letter says, according to a copy made available to RFA’s Tibetan Service.
Concern over ‘staged tours’
“Protests are treated as violations of the law, and those who engage in them are detained and beaten, while many have been killed. In this way, Tibetan areas have been turned into zones of torture and repression,” it says.
No visit by the U.N. human rights chief to Tibet has yet been approved by China, though Zeid has voiced hope that a visit could be arranged per a recommendation accepted by China at a periodic review of its human rights record held in Geneva.
“We are discussing this issue with the Chinese authorities,” Zeid told reporters on Oct. 16.
Signing the letter with what appear to be pen-names, the Tibetan authors of the letter especially urge the U.N’s new human rights chief “not to fall into the trap” of taking part in tours “staged” by Chinese officials.
“We also ask that you visit the family members or other persons close to Tibetan self-immolators to understand the true circumstances that have led over 130 of them to end their lives in protests since 2009,” the letter says.
Beijing’s assertions of sovereignty over Tibet have made conditions there “difficult to understand from outside,” the letter says, adding, “Please describe clearly the conditions that you see, and tell our true story to the world. This will lighten our burden inside Tibet.”
Preliminary discussions
Zeid told reporters last month that Beijing had “agreed to the recommendation that there be a visit by the high commissioner to Tibet and so we are discussing this issue with the Chinese authorities,” Agence France-Presse reported.
“I’ve had a few very preliminary discussions about this. We agreed we would sit at some stage and elaborate a concept of how this is going to take place,” he said.
Allowing the U.N.’s top rights official to visit Tibet was among a raft of recommendations issued by the U.N. Human Rights Council when it assessed China’s record in October 2013, AFP reported.
China has not ruled out a visit by Zeid but said he must apply through “appropriate channels.”
“China hopes to develop cooperation with the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights and his office on a foundation of equality and mutual respect,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying was quoted by Reuters news agency as saying.
“At the same time we also hope that he fulfills his responsibilities fairly and impartially.”
Speaking to RFA, TCHRD executive director Tsering Tsomo acknowledged receipt of what she called the “very important and precious” letter sent from inside the tightly controlled Tibetan region.
“We will forward it on to the head and members of the U.N. Human Rights Council,” Tsomo said.
Sporadic demonstrations challenging Chinese rule have continued in Tibetan-populated areas of China since widespread protests swept the region in 2008, with 133 Tibetans to date setting themselves ablaze to oppose Beijing’s rule and call for the return of exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.
Reported by Kunsang Tenzin for RFA’s Tibetan Service. Translated by Karma Dorjee. Written in English by Richard Finney.

Tibetan Musician Who Produced Songs For Popular Singer is Jailed
2014-12-01
A Tibetan musician has been ordered jailed for more than two years for producing patriotic Tibetan songs that have been banned by the Chinese authorities, according to sources, amid a crackdown by Beijing on Tibetan cultural figures.
Producer Pema Rinzin, 44, was sentenced by the same court that ordered his popular singer, Kalsang Yarphel, 39, jailed for four years in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, last week, the sources said.
Rinzin, who turned producer after a successful singing career, was sentenced to two years and six months in jail and fined 50,000 yuan (U.S $8,130) by the Chengdu Chinese People’s Intermediate Court for producing “politically sensitive” DVDs, India’s Dharamsala-based monk Kanyak Tsering told RFA’s Tibetan Service.
Among songs he produced were “In Memory of Tibet” and “Tears,” which have been banned.
“Some of Rinzin’s supporters were allowed to witness the proceedings in court but he was not allowed to have an attorney for his defense,” Tsering said.
Rinzin, a former monk, stopped singing in 2008 and devoted most of his time to the production of films and songs in a studio in Chengdu.
The authorities “had threatened him about shutting down his studio” several times, according to Tsering, an exile monk from the restive Kirti monastery in Sichuan’s Ngaba (in Chinese, Aba) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.
Once a monk
Rinzin had once enrolled in the Namtso monastery in Ngaba but later became a layperson.
He was convicted by the Chengdu court on Nov. 27 when Yarphel, 39, was sentenced for organizing Tibetan concerts and singing songs carrying political themes such as ‘Tibetans’ and ‘Lama la,’ a Tibetan source with contacts in the region told RFA at the weekend.
“Other songs he sang were ‘We Should Learn Tibetan’ and ‘We Should Unite'”
China has jailed scores of Tibetan writers, artists, singers, and educators for asserting Tibetan national and cultural identity and language rights since widespread protests swept Tibetan areas in 2008.
Yarphel was taken into custody in Tibet’s regional capital Lhasa on July 14, 2013 after he helped organize Lhasa-area concerts called Khawai Metok, or Snow Flower, in which he sang a song titled “Fellow Tibetans,” former political prisoner Lhamo Kyab told RFA then.
The song, which calls on Tibetans to learn and speak Tibetan and to “build courage” to think about Tibet’s “future path,” was deemed subversive by Chinese authorities, who opened an investigation and questioned Yarphel several times before finally detaining him, he said.
Strong fan base
Popular since childhood for his beautiful singing voice, Yarphel had built up a strong fan base among Tibetans over the years and had distributed many recordings, said Kyab, adding that the singer had performed at concerts arranged both by the government and by private organizations.
The Dharamsala, India-based Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) had said that Chinese authorities had banned the sale of DVD recordings of the Khawai Metok concerts at which Yarphel performed.
But copies had already been widely distributed in Tibetan-populated areas of China’s Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan, and Yunnan provinces, TCHRD said.
Among other Tibetan singers in custody are Lolo, Pema Tinley, Chakdor, Shawo Tashi, Ugyen Tenzin, Achok Phulshung, Choksal, Trinley Tsekar and Gonpo Tenzin. All were detained since 2012, with some already tried and sentenced to jail terms as long as six years.
One song by jailed singer Lolo, “Raise the Tibetan flag, Children of the Snowland,” was seen as a direct challenge to Chinese rule.
Some 133 Tibetans have self-immolated since 2009 in protests opposing Beijing’s rule and calling for the return of exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.
Reported by RFA’s Tibetan Service. Translated by Karma Dorjee. Written in English by Parameswaran Ponnudurai.

Tibetan Monk Detained After Solo Freedom Protest in Kardze
2014-11-26
A young Tibetan monk was taken into custody on Wednesday in western China’s Sichuan province after launching a solitary protest challenging Beijing’s rule in Tibetan areas and calling for the return of exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, according to sources.
Sonam Yarphel, a 22-year-old monk belonging to the Mangge monastery in Sershul (in Chinese, Shiqu) county in the Kardze (Ganzi) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, staged his protest at the Sershul county center at about 3:50 p.m. local time, sources told RFA’s Tibetan Service on Wednesday.
It was the fourth Tibetan solo protest in the Kardze prefecture over the last four months. Tibetans in Kardze prefecture are known for their strong sense of Tibetan identity and nationalism and frequently stage protests alone or in groups opposing rule by Beijing.
“[Yarphel] shouted slogans calling for Tibetan freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama, and held up a banner in both hands as he walked in protest through the town,” one local source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
“After protesting for several minutes, he was overpowered by police and taken into custody,” he said.
Separately, other local sources confirmed Yarphel’s protest and detention.
“He was taken away by security officials and is now being held at the county detention center in Sershul,” one source said, also speaking on condition of anonymity.
Monks questioned, Internet blocked
Police later arrived in the Sershul county center in large numbers, another source said, adding, “It is now very difficult to get updated information since the Internet has been shut down in our area.”
“Right now, I am away from the county center,” he said.
Chinese officials and police officers are now present at Mangge and are questioning the monastery’s 150 to 160 monks, sources said.
Reached by RFA for comment, a duty officer at the Sershul county police office said, “I heard about this incident, but don’t know the details,” before referring the call to another department.
Sporadic demonstrations challenging Chinese rule have continued in Tibetan-populated areas of China since widespread protests swept the region in 2008, with 133 Tibetans to date setting themselves ablaze to oppose Beijing’s rule and call for the return of exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.
Reported by Lobsang Choephel, Kunsang Tenzin, and Pema Ngodup for RFA’s Tibetan Service. Translated by Karma Dorjee. Written in English by Richard Finney.

Poisoning Tibetan Rivers: Why is it not so natural?
November 14, 2014 10:30 am
By Tempa Gyaltsen Zamlha
“In the past, our rivers were crisp and clean, the mountains and valleys were known for their natural beauty. But now the rivers are polluted with poisonous waste from the mines,” is what a local resident said to Radio Free Asia hoping that letting the news out to the world would at least raise pressure on local authorities to act as the people’s government, rather than of the mining companies. Such grievances are numerous and wide spread among the Tibetan population in recent years due to the desecration of their mountains and poisoning of their rivers by destructive mining practices followed in Tibetan areas under Chinese occupation.
On September 23, 2014, more than 1000 local Tibetans of Dokar and Zibuk villages near Tibetan capital city Lhasa protested against poisoning of their rivers by Gyama Copper Poly-metallic Mine. The mine is located close to a stream that locals use for drinking, irrigation and animal feeding. But as always, the local officials conveniently declared that the water pollution in the rivers was caused by natural factors and not by the mine.
A similar official statement was issued back in 2013, when 83 mine workers of the same mine were killed in a mine induced landslide due to mismanagement of mine waste or over-piling of mine waste rocks on a steep V-shaped valley. The official statement was obediently published by Xinhua News without the slightest hint of journalistic objectivity despite the loss of so many lives. This systematic approach without any legal transparency and with no sense of compunction by the local Chinese government in Tibetan areas has become a dangerous trend and bizarre scenario.
The Gyama Mine is operated by Huatailong Mining Development, a subsidy of the China National Gold Group Corporation, and ironically is praised as eco-friendly and a model mine by China. If the standard and qualification for a model mine is of such, then the plight of the people and state of the environment is seriously in danger. The deliberate and systematic falsification of causes behind the Gyama mine landslide and river water poisoning by Chinese local government could only be explained by themselves.
But a 2010 article titled “Environmental impact of mining activity on the surface water quality in Tibet: Gyama valley,” by Xiang et al., firmly ascertains that “a localized severe heavy metal contamination is documented in the stream water of Gyamaxung-chu (chu means river) and wastewater treatment facilities in the Gyama valley.” It also states that “the environmental risk at the Gyamaxung-chu source area, where the measured contents correspond mainly to geochemical background was zero. However, there was a very high risk at the upper and middle parts of the stream and it appears to be both natural and accelerated by the extensive mining activities. The levels of metals (such as lead, copper, cadmium and zinc) represent the high risk for the environment, including local human populations and their livestock.”
The article further goes on to say that “ the great environmental concern are the many mining and processing deposits in the valley, containing large amount of heavy metals, such as lead, copper, zinc and manganese etc. These deposits are prone to leak its contaminants through seepage water and erosion of particulates, and pose therefore a future risk for the local environment and a potential threat to the downstream water quality.”
Gyamaxung-chu is a mountain spring fed by groundwater, rain and melting snow with continuous flow throughout the year providing life for the many villages situated on its path before draining into the Lhasa river and finally into the Yarlung Tsangpo or Brahmaputra.
A similar Assessment Report by Environment and Development Desk of Central Tibetan Administration back in 2013 after the Gyama mine landslide clearly produced strong evidence to link the landslide with the mismanagement of mine waste.
Considering the evidences, why do the relevant authorities refuse to see the truth and deny justice for its own people? Who granted mining companies so much power that they could get away with killing its own workers and poisoning community rivers? The only conclusion according to the local Tibetans is that there is an absolute cozy camaraderie between mining companies and local officials. The power of this nexus overrides everything else: ethnic cultural rights, local community interests, mineral resource extraction procedures and environmental laws. They could even manipulate official media and experts to validate outright crimes against its own people and the environment.
The recent protest against river water poisoning is a desperate attempt after almost five years of continuous pleas to the Chinese authorities in Lhasa. The so called people’s government threatens and intimidates its own people for raising such issues of public interest. The people are left with no choice but to seek help from the outside world by appealing to international media, hoping Beijing would take notice and the central government would come to their rescue. I am sure Beijing cares about the welfare of its people. According to a report in China Daily (23-01-2013) the central urban areas of Beijing city alone have 300 water quality monitoring stations. How many such stations are there in the Tibetan areas and why are the people of Gyama valley denied of such rights?
The poisoning of Tibetan rivers will have catastrophic consequences to both China and the world, as Tibet is home to the largest store of accessible fresh water and source of Asia’s six greatest rivers (Yangtze, Yellow, Mekong, Salween, Indus and Brahmaputra), feeding some of the world’s most populated nations like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and China.
Tibetans take great pride in the purity of their rivers and causing river water pollution is simply against their way of life. In the 11th century when Indian Buddhist scholar, Atisha Dipamkara visited Tibet, he was overjoyed by the freshness and purity of Tibetan rivers so much that he recommended the waters of Tibet be served as the greatest offering to Lord Buddha. Since then the unmistakable Tibetan culture of water offering is prominently visible in every home and monastery. But what will the people of Gyama valley would offer to the Gods, when the very basic necessity of drinking water for the community is poisoned?
Tempa Gyaltsen Zamlha is an Environment Research Fellow at the Tibet Policy Institute

Chinese Mining is Ordered Stopped in Tibetan Protest-Hit Dzatoe
2014-10-23
Chinese authorities have banned mining operations in an environmentally sensitive part of China’s northwestern Qinghai province where clashes last year between police and Tibetan protesters left dozens injured and eight detained, Tibetan sources said.
The move ending excavations in Dzatoe (in Chinese, Zaduo) county in the Yulshul (Yushu) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture followed widespread coverage in foreign news media of the protests and community leaders’ petitioning the central government in Beijing over the mining operations.
The area affected by the mining has been declared a protected zone, a local source told RFA’s Tibetan Service. “All mining activities have stopped in our area,” the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
“Here in Dzatoe, stone pillars have been set up in several places, marking these as National Protected Natural Areas,” the source said, adding that mining work has been halted not only in Dzatoe, but in areas close to the Drichu river, which flows through Yulshul, and the Machu river, which rises in neighboring Golog (Guoluo) prefecture.
The Drichu (Yangtse) and Dzachu (Mekong) rivers, which run through Yulshul, and the Machu (Yellow) river in Golog are protected at their headwaters in China’s regional Sanjiangyuan, or Three Rivers, Nature Reserve, though enforcement of environmental regulations has been uneven.
“Last year, some of our community members went all the way to Beijing to appeal to the Chinese central government to protect our environment, and took great risks to present our grievances to the authorities,” the source told RFA.
“Our protests and activities were also widely reported by news organizations, including your own,” he said. “So everything turned out well for us.”
Local corruption
A Tibetan source in exile confirmed that mining operations in the area have stopped.

“When [petitioners] put their case to the central government, pointing to corruption at the local level, authorities in Beijing finally issued an order through the provincial government to local authorities to stop the mining,” the source said Thursday, citing contacts in Dzatoe.
“The stone pillars were put up a few months ago, and everyone who was detained for protesting has now been released,” he said.
Calls seeking comment from Dzatoe county police rang unanswered on Thursday.
On Aug. 15-16, 2013, hundreds of Tibetan villagers blocked work at three mining sites—Atoe, Dzachen, and Chikdza—in Dzatoe county, sparking clashes with Chinese security forces in Atoe and Dzachen that left eight detained and dozens injured.
Documents with government seals appearing to give central government approval for the work were later found to be fakes, a Tibetan source said in an earlier report.
When current Chinese prime minister Li Keqiang was formerly vice prime minister, he had issued general orders calling for mineral surveys to be conducted, RFA’s source in Dzatoe said.
“And this was deliberately misinterpreted by local authorities [in Dzatoe] as a central government order allowing Chinese mining companies to excavate minerals in Tibetan areas,” he said.
“But this year, the problem of mining activities in Atoe, Dzachen, and Chikdza has finally been resolved.”
Tibetan areas of China have become an important source of minerals needed for China’s economic growth, and mining operations have led to frequent standoffs with Tibetans who accuse Chinese firms of disrupting sites of spiritual significance and polluting the environment as they extract local wealth.
Reported by Lobsang Choephel, Guru Choegyi, and Lhuboom for RFA’s Tibetan Service. Translated by Karma Dorjee. Written in English by Richard Finney.

Sikyong addressed the Catalonia Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee
October 21, 2014 12:39 pm
BARCELONA, 20 October: “It is an honour to welcome the delegation from the people of Tibet to the Catalonia Parliament,” said Mr. Jordi Sole I Ferranda, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee welcoming Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay.
The Chairman said that the Catalonia Parliament is concerned wherever human rights are not respected. Other members expressed their concern about the present situation in Tibet.
“Since 2009, there has been 132 Tibetans who have self-immolated in Tibet. Sadly 113 have died,” said Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay. “The Central Tibetan Administration is very concerned. We have consistently and categorically discouraged self-immolation. But, we support their aspiration calling for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and freedom in Tibet.”
He said, despite over 50 years of Chinese occupation and repression in Tibet, we seek genuine autonomy. The Middle Way Approach respects China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Unfortunately, since January 2010, there has been a stalemate on dialogue with China to resolve the Tibetan issue.
The Tibetan political leader then met Mrs. Anna Simo I Castello, the Vice-President of the Catalonia Parliament, followed by a lunch meeting with Mr. Jaume Ciurana, the Deputy Mayor of Barcelona City.
During the two days visit to the Catalonian capital Barcelona, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay had 10 interviews and one Press Conference at the Barcelona Press Club.
“Yesterday, I witnessed a manifestation in central Barcelona,” he said during the Press conference. “I saw large gathering of people. This is not possible or allowed in Tibet. Any form of protest means imprisonment and torture.”
In response to media question on the Catalonia people’s demand for independence from Spain, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay said, “We want what you already have, a genuine autonomy for Tibet” within the framework of the Chinese constitution.
On the last leg of four nations Europe visit, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay arrived in Barcelona on 18 October evening. Chitue Thubten Wangchen – member of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile from Europe, the President and Executive members of the Tibetan Community in Spain received Sikyong at the airport. The Tibetan Community members welcomed Sikyong at the hotel.
During Sikyong’s meeting with the Tibetan Community in Spain, he commended them for the two nursing scholarship that the Community provides annually.
“We are publicizing our various scholarships so that more students and parents are aware of these scholarships. Our scholarship and monetary incentives are transparent for you all to see,” said Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay. “Education standard in our Tibetan schools is generally improving.”
He spoke of Tenzin Chokyi who was the first recipient of the Sikyong Scholarship with cash prize of Rs. 100,000. She had scored 95.4 per cent in her final school exam.
Education is important because compared to China’s population of 1.3 billion, we are only 0.05 per cent. For every 1 Tibetan, there are 199 Chinese. Therefore, we must give education the highest priority and make investment in the education of our children.
He reminded his fellow Tibetans, that the key Tibetan institutions; schools, religious and cultural centres were set up by His Holiness the Dalai Lama soon after coming into exile for the preservation of Tibetan culture.
“It is the responsibility of the older generation to teach His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s biography to their children,” said Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay.
He said he considers it was extremely important for him to travel to the different places where Tibetans are living to see and listen to their difficulties and problems they face. “Even if I am not able to assist in solving all their problems, at the least, I can give them a sympathetic hearing,” he said.
“We all must be vigilant and remain united. Few followers of Dolgyal have been protesting during His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s visits making baseless allegations,” he said.
The last program of the Barcelona visit was a public talk at Case del Tibet – Tibet House last night.

Status and position of the Tibetan Youth Congress when it was initially established, and some issues pertaining to the just cause of Tibetan struggle – By Mr Lodi Gyari Gyaltsen

Last year in 2013, the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress of New York and New Jersey invited me to speak on the founding day of the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) which I could not attend. Later in 2014 on the 16th March they have invited me again to participate in a panel discussion; I could not attend this also due to prior engagement. Therefore, I have decided to present in writing the things that I wanted to share during these two meetings and add some background information.
In general, it is the prerogative of the TYC’s leadership and its members to decide what stand it will take at present and in the future. However, being one of the founding members of the TYC who was among those taking the main responsibility during its inception, I thought it will be beneficial if I explain how and why TYC was established and the adoption of its aims and objectives in light of the ground realities and situations prevailing then. I consider this my earnest duty to explain.
It is important to know one’s history whether it is of individual, organization or a nation. History may have elements of happiness and pride as well as regrets. Whatever it may be, one should not interpret history based on delusion and preconceived notions because such an act will not hold in the long run. Instead it should be based on factual occurrence. In the case of our society, I have a feeling that we do not know or care to know the history of recent decades let alone past centuries. Therefore, I appeal everyone to pay attention to our history. I especially appeal to the younger generation to know the ground realities of history.
TYC was not founded overnight. Rather it was the result of prolonged discussions, deliberations and brainstorming. I still clearly remember that from 1963 onwards Tenzin Namgyal Tethong and I met many times and had many discussions.
The four founding members of the TYC were, Kasur (and former Secretary to H.H. the Dalai Lama) Tenzin Geyche Tethong, Kalon Trisur late Sonam Topgyal Dzachutsang, Kalon Trisur Tenzin Namgyal Tethong and myself. However, during the actual establishment, many individuals were involved and everybody contributed their best and thus the movement began.
The underlying source of motivation and reason behind establishment of the TYC movement was that Tibetans throughout the Tibetan plateau have equally suffered under the Chinese Communist invasion and occupation irrespective of whether they are under the direct administration of Gaden Phodrang government or outside of its administration. As a result, tens of thousands of Tibetans were murdered, injured and imprisoned and several thousands were forced to flee into exile. Under such an upheaval, Tibetans have united under the leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to struggle against the Communist Chinese occupation. This is the main basis on which the TYC movement was started.
I. Oath of Allegiance (Na-gan Thuwoche) affirming the unity of all the Tibetans

On 3rd February 1960, high ranking personnel and spiritual masters from across the Tibetan areas, civil servants of the Tibetan government and leaders of Chushi Gangdruk who had fled into exile assembled at Bodh Gaya and took the Oath of Allegiance called “Na-gan Thuwoche” affirming the unity of all the Tibetans under the leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama which says: –
Recognizing that the inability to pool together the potential of the Tibetan people in the past several centuries has made the situation like this now. Learning from the past experience, all the Tibetans will eschew parochialism and sectarianism and personal differences, and vow to unite and stand together solid like an iron ball. Henceforth, we unanimously decide to make every effort under the leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to struggle for the just cause of the Tibetan people and enthusiastically reached on taking this Oath of Allegiance.
Following this taking of oath the Gaden Phodrang government which came into exile with His Holiness the Dalai Lama saw continuity while undergoing a major political transformation representing all three provinces of Tibet.
This is one of the most significant achievements in our recent past history, which has enabled a revival of a powerful political awareness, after several centuries, among all Tibetans who share common religion, culture, language and tradition. Promptly implementing the spirit of the Oath of Allegiance, His Holiness the Dalai Lama when establishing the Commission of Tibetan People’s Deputies in the same year, 1960, had three representations from each traditional region of Tibet, and a representative from the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism comprising of 13 members in total. This farsighted vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to establish democratic administration was aimed to represent all Tibetans from three regions of Tibet in the long run rather than to represent a handful of Tibetans in India.
In order to materialize the Oath of Allegiance to unite all the Tibetans, it is necessary to respect the unique characteristics of each of the three regions of Tibet on equal basis. Respecting and recognizing everyone equally is the most important condition that will sustain the unity of the Tibetans as one people. Whether it is co-existence between Tibetans and Chinese or to sustain the unity among the Tibetans, it would not be possible if there is inequality. This is same in the case of promoting unity amongst the different religious traditions and sects.
It is surprising to note that these days nobody even discusses the process of this historic achievement, let alone commemorate it. As a matter of fact, whether one speaks about the Middle Way Approach or independence or self-determination, it will be practically impossible to explain the ground reality if we ignore the process under which this great historical transformation took place.
The sense of unity among the Tibetan people that exists today is solely because of the farsighted guidance and leadership of His Holiness the great 14th Dalai Lama. This achievement alone makes His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama the most benevolent to the Tibetan people among the successive Dalai Lamas. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the one to whom the elder generation, including my father, who came into exile, took the Oath of Allegiance in 1960 and it is clear that the solidarity and unity among the Tibetan people from all three regions of Tibet is sustained mainly because of our devotion and unwavering faith in Him.
From my perspective, I personally believe that the Oath of Unity was offered to the His Holiness the Dalai Lama and not amongst us Tibetans. Therefore, some like-minded people including myself always felt it important to continue the relationship between the Gaden Phodrang institution and the Tibetan polity. As an aside perhaps, this concern could be because of lack of courage and short sightedness.
II. The reasons why Tibetan Youth Congress was founded

Although there was no one who spoke out against this major historic transformation, it wasn’t without some feeling of reservations. These reservations/suspicions were not just limited to regional or religious feelings alone. But some have concerns based on ground reality and historical reasons and it is natural to have reservations for some people. However, these reservations existed mainly during the time of our parent’s generation.
As mentioned earlier, as the Tibetans in exile remain engaged in extensive discussion to promote unity among all the Tibetans, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, almost in all his speeches during that period, has strongly emphasized all Tibetans to remain united, by leaving aside regionalism and religious differences, as that is the need of the hour.
Therefore, we the younger generation felt it necessary to launch the TYC movement to inculcate the unity among Tibetans so that the present and the coming generations do not carry the baggage of historical differences. The primary aim of the TYC was to promote and protect national unity and integrity by giving up all distinctions based on religion, regionalism or status. Upholding this basic objective, TYC has continuously and successfully served since its inception.
For example, let me explain the reasons why TYC’s logo and flag both have a map of Tibet. The map was deliberately chosen to symbolize and support the historical transformation and be a reminder of the oath of unwavering unity. It was also so that the very logo and flag of organization would be clear in projecting the objectives of the TYC.
Similarly, another important reason to launch TYC movement was to nurture the energy and resource of increasing number of youths studying in different universities and graduates from the Tibetan schools run by the exile administration. It is aimed to ensure that their energy is not wasted but used for the service of the community and the administration.
Also, the TYC has made meaningful contribution to strengthen the democratic process in the Tibetan exile community. Since its inception, the TYC has functioned as an organization upholding the democratic practices. As the TYC has been able to continue the democratic process, both in theory and practice, it has been of concrete help in establishing a democratic system in our community.
These days some people opine that to achieve genuine democratic system is our ultimate goal. I do not believe this point of view is valid. Hundreds of thousands of Tibetans have sacrificed their lives; hundreds of thousands had to come into exile; and millions are still suffering under the occupation. Especially since 2008 Chinese authorities tightened their grips on Tibetans with unprecedented repressions throughout Tibet. Therefore, Tibetans were forced to display their indomitable spirit, some resorting to self-immolation since 2009. It is clear that these sacrifices were not made to struggle for their democratic rights but rather for the preservation and protection of unique Tibetan identity and characteristics, which are at the verge of extinction. However, as mentioned before, in order to promote and sustain Tibetan unity we must ensure equal respect to all three Cholkas and different religious traditions of Tibet and the best way to achieve this is through the path of democracy.
III. TYC’s stand of complete independence or Rangzen
Some people believe that the movement of TYC was launched solely to advocate the stance of independence. This view does not confirm to reality. When TYC movement was started, there was no division between people supporting independence and autonomy. The Middle Way Approach of His Holiness the Dalai Lama was made public much later.
When nearly 100,000 Tibetans initially arrived in exile, the immediate challenge was meeting the people’s welfare needs, education for the younger generations, establishing settlements and schools for the preservation and promotion of unique Tibetan religion and culture and the re-establishment of the monasteries.
Similarly, China was also engulfed in the era of the “Great Leap Forward” and “Cultural Revolution” etc. All of China, including occupied Tibet, was in the midst of a power struggle and extreme activities for a long time. Everyone knew that there was no space in putting forth any kind of reasonable discussion. Since the opportunity and situation for formulating a definite policy to resolve the Tibetan issue had not arisen yet, the objective to restore independence naturally remained.
Therefore, it is under such circumstances that independence became included as one of TYC’s objectives. TYC was not established solely to advocate the stance of Tibetan independence and everyone must know this fact.
IV. Importance of the existence of the TYC
The TYC is an important organization in exile having long history and at present also it is indispensable for the just cause of the Tibetan struggle. Therefore, it is important that TYC should continue functioning as before for the larger interest of the Tibetan struggle.
To sustain the organization having long institutional records without disintegration, it is important to remain firm by not subscribing to hearsay or becoming the tools of others. Moreover, when enrolling the general members and electing the Central and Regional Executives, the basic requirement one must have is a strong belief in the aims and objectives of the TYC. I would like to bring up the established aims and objectives of the TYC to recall them;
1) To dedicate oneself to the task of serving one’s country and people under the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Spiritual and Temporal Ruler of Tibet.
2) To promote and protect national unity and integrity by giving up all distinctions based on religion, regionalism or status.
3) To work for the preservation and promotion of religion and Tibet’s unique culture and traditions.
4) To struggle for the total independence of Tibet even at the cost of one’s life.

These days there is great debate regarding the position of the TYC. Although basically, till now there is no change in TYC’s stand on independence on 17 September 1988, after His Holiness the Dalai Lama presented the Strasbourg proposal, TYC passed a resolution stating that, “fundamentally there is no change in the TYC’s stand on independence, but on the ultimate decision on the Tibetan issue [it] will follow the guidance and leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama”.
Hence, if TYC functions as per the resolution mentioned above and particularly bear in mind its established aims and objectives and serves the Tibetan people, our religion and polity, it will help avoid disagreement within the TYC and will also enable it to maintain the significance and continuation of the organization.
V. His Holiness’s vision of Middle Way Approach
Taking into consideration the changing geopolitical situation around the world in general and particularly in Tibet and China, His Holiness the Dalai Lama felt the need to frame a policy for the solution to Tibet’s problem. Around 1974, His Holiness the Dalai Lama had an internal discussion on the mutually beneficial Middle Way Approach with the then Kashag and Chairman and the Vice-Chairman of the Assembly of Tibetan People’s Deputies. Later on, this policy was discussed publicly following the democratic process and finally adopted as official stand of the Administration (Central Tibetan Administration). It also received wide circulation and strong support from the international community.
I am a supporter of the Middle Way Approach and this is not based on blind faith. I have done thorough research and learned from my own experience how the world thinks and particularly the long-term benefits for all the Tibetan people. Thus through a logical reasoning I have come to my conviction. Apart from ensuring the unity of the Tibetan people, the Middle Way Approach seeks to preserve and promote the unique identity of the Tibetan people. This being the most brilliant and creative approach in resolving the Tibetan issue, I am always impressed by the wisdom behind this approach and wholeheartedly respect it. Neither His Holiness the Dalai Lama nor we the supporters of the Middle Way Approach have ever asked to support this policy because His Holiness the Dalai Lama propounded it.
However, some who claim themselves to be advocates of independence say that now it has been cut, sold, compromised, etc., sometimes directly mentioning His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s name in this. When “compromised” is said to have been made, other than an empty talk about Tibetan independence it is clear that leave alone knowing the history of the nation and people for thousands of years, they do not know or do not care about the history of the past 100 years or so.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama took the responsibility of temporal and spiritual leadership from Sikyong Tagdrak Rinpoche at age of 16. In the official documents it was described a grand and pompous show as if a huge power has been transferred. As a matter of fact, the political situation in Tibet had already reached a very critical situation and was becoming unmanageable from all sides. Therefore, there was no option but to request His Holiness the Dalai Lama to take over the responsibility.
At that time, people in the streets started singing:
“The country, which is tattered from all side
Is handed over to His Holiness”.
This expression of the public is fairly true.
Whatever it is, frankly to those who have said, “It has been cut”, “It has been sold” I want to ask, “What has been cut?” “What has been sold?” The situation is that these have been cut and sold from way back.
As far as the Middle Way Approach is concerned, its essence is clear. The primary objective is to seek genuine autonomy in order to preserve and promote unique Tibetan identity while maintaining the unity of all Tibetans from three Cholkas as pledged in the Oath of Allegiance.
Before adopting any policy based on history and international law, first of all we must take into consideration whether the majority of the Tibetan people support it or not, would it gain international support? Would the initiative succeed? Finally whether we can rationally argue with Chinese government when meeting with them face to face?
Therefore, we all know how much support the Middle Way Approach enjoys at the international stage. I have been involved in shouldering responsibility on this. Internationally, many governments, parliaments and politically influential personalities around the world have not only supported but also personally involved themselves for the success of this policy recognizing the pragmatic aspect of this approach. For example, the United States has supported this policy for a long time and particularly in 2011, after the meeting between Holiness the Dalai Lama and President Barack Obama, the White House has publicly supported the Middle Way Approach by applauding and highlighting it in its official statement.
There are some who say that the Middle Way Approach is a failure since the Chinese government has so far not accepted our demand for autonomy. Nobody believes that the issue will be resolved within a few months or years through dialogue with the Chinese government and it will be politically naïve to think so. Sino-Tibetan problem is centuries old and historically a complex and deep problem.
Moreover, since the Chinese government could not logically challenge the Middle Way Approach, they are attempting to misrepresent the issue and make false accusations. Internationally, there is no one who feels the Chinese objection to the Middle Way Approach has any justification. At the same time, increasing number of Chinese people, particularly the intellectuals and younger generations who know the actual situation of Tibet, express their support and sympathy for the Tibetan cause.
I am not criticizing those who advocate independence. Most of them are dedicated and equally working for the common cause. They are also equally devoted to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and do not go against him. Hence, it will not only be improper and unrealistic but also immoral and undemocratic if I start criticizing all of them under the pretext of being supporter of the Middle Way Approach. Those who advocate independence would presumably be doing so in the interest of all Tibetans belonging to three Cholkas. And it also appears so while listening to them. Yet, so far I haven’t seen anyone explaining the scope of support at international stage, how and with whom did they discuss with and what argument has been used.
If there is anyone then I would like to apologize. These are very important matters.
If, for example, there are some people who believe that it will be reasonable, both legally and historically, if we strive for the area that was directly ruled by the then Gaden Phodrang government, which is equal to present day “Tibet Autonomous Region” (TAR). If they believe that there is space to strive for that, then they must be clear. There is nothing that says one cannot express such view. By merely expressing such opinion they can’t be considered as being opposed to the unity of Tibetan people and integrity of Tibetan areas.
Today, due to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s unwavering guidance and leadership there is a great sense of solidarity amongst Tibetans and we are united. It is not a question of benefit for one and the other side experiencing loss.
Some think that “TAR” enjoys more autonomy rights and therefore, Tibetan areas outside of “TAR” are trying to incorporate into it. This is not the case. Although most of the Tibetan areas outside the “TAR” also have namesake autonomy, however, due to geographical situation, capability of the Tibetan authorities in these areas and style of governance, the situation is much better in many of these areas than the “TAR”.
The geographical boundary of Tibet under the erstwhile Gaden Phodrang government was not as the same the one we have created in our imagination. Some even believe, including many of our supporters, that prior to the 1940s all the three regions of Tibet were under a united independent nation. However, this is not really the case.
As stated earlier, our biggest problem is that we do not pay attention to history and create a beautiful and a blissful image. If we continue based on this situation we will face difficulty in reality. Since, eventually we have to make effort at the international level and also engage with Chinese government, the important thing is that we must have something concrete to show to the Tibetan people. We cannot effort to entertain the general public under pretension.
For example, I have heard this explanation by advocates of independence. Why are we not seeking independence since the United Nations has passed three resolutions on Tibet in which there is reference to right to self-determination. It is true that there were three resolutions and especially the second resolution mentions about the right to self-determination. However, if they argue independence based on that resolution, then it naturally creates suspicion and doubts; one, whether they are aware of the historical boundary of Tibet; secondly by using such an explanation, could the objective of struggle be a different one. The reason is because the Tibet in the UN resolution is not same as the Tibet that is in our objectives; it is only those areas that was administered by the Gaden Phodrang government before the Chinese invasion. In area, it approximately corresponds to the areas of present day “TAR”. This is because the UN resolution was passed as a result of efforts made by the officials of the then Tibetan government and not adopted by the UN on its own. At that time, those who made appeal on behalf of Tibet were not referring to the Tibet that we aspire today. The memorandum submitted to the UN General Assembly on the 7th of November 1950, from Shakabpa House, Kalimpong clearly says, “Chinese troops crossed from many areas of the Drichu River. Drichu has for long been the boundary between China and Tibet.” The then Tibetan government was talking only about the Tibet under the political control of the Gaden Phodrang government and not about the Tibet which we have in our mind today. This was not done intentionally, but was the political reality prevailing then.
Some people further argue that the existing international recognition of Tibet as an independent country has been destroyed. International legal experts and strong Tibet supporters could not clearly establish the legality of an existence of an unquestionable independent sovereign state of Tibet according to international law in the past few centuries. Nevertheless, some recognize Tibet as a state of de-facto independence for 40 years from the time when the great 13th Dalai Lama reaffirmed Tibet’s independence in the year 1913 till the signing of the so-called 17-Point Agreement in 1951. This means that even though diplomatic relations could not be established with the United Nations and even with the neighbouring countries, yet Tibet existed independently by itself and was not under the subjugation of any foreign force. This therefore, recognized Tibet as de-facto independent country; yet again Tibet here refers to the one which is ruled by the then Gaden Phodrang government. Therefore if the argument for independence is based on such reasoning there is a suspicion that the Tibet being referred to be the one ruled by then Gaden Phodrang government only.
VI. Conclusion
A free and democratic society not only allows discussion but such discussions must also occur. For example, there are ongoing discussions between proponents of the Middle Way Approach and independence in our society. Both sides are putting forward their arguments in writing and exchange ideas. Since each Tibetan has to shoulder the responsibility of the Tibetan cause, thorough public discussion is inevitably necessary. Yet, I believe and expect that such discussions must be based on historical facts, with dignity and particularly upholding the pride of Tibetan people. Discussions without an iota of responsibility, claiming to be exercising democratic right and irresponsibly criticizing others are the misuse of democratic rights. Sometimes it is unfortunate to see the act of some people who can hardly utter a single word against the Communist China but has the capacity to criticize His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration in volumes. This is a shameful act. Instead of looking at what one could sincerely contribute without regret, always criticizing others is not just irresponsible but also clearly not having pride in one’s own people.
We must know the reasons why we Tibetans enjoy sympathy and unparalleled support and concern for the just cause of Tibet at international stage. In the world, we Tibetans are not the only one fighting for a just cause. There are many more and some are even more serious and urgent than ours. But unlike others we have a special feature in our case. That is we have an unparalleled leadership that nobody has and our struggle is based on morally just issue, non-violence and justice and therefore there is a greater appreciation and support. If we lose this basic moral character then we lose Tibetan identity itself and this loss is more grave than the argument between the Middle Way Approach and independence among us. Therefore, I firmly believe that the authorities both religious and lay personnel must, through personal conduct, stress more on morality to the society when they address them.
As mentioned above, because of various external conditions and especially the leadership and guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, after many decades, all the Tibetans of three regions are now enjoying unprecedented unity and solidarity which is the greatest achievement of the Tibetan people worthy to be written in golden letter in the annals of history. It is particularly evident that, even though the generation has changed and the conditions are grave, yet Tibetan in Tibet’s commitment to unity, solidarity and will power is growing ever stronger by years.
Achievement of the long-term dream of unity of Tibetan people geographically and emotionally primarily rests with the brothers and sisters back in Tibet. At present, unity and oneness of the Tibetans throughout the Tibetan plateau is becoming ever stronger and visible and which cannot easily be wished away. It is also evident from the wordings of the songs and poem they compose in Tibet. I will illustrate two examples of songs below:
“On this the Land of Snows!
Where Padmasambhava transmitted dharma
Where Sambodha composed the script
And the land where King Gesar was born
From the west of Ngari, Lhasa and to the east of Dartsedo
The Tibetans from the three provinces
Must have the same purpose of thought
Must go united hand in hand
And seek future aspirations together
Aro! Tibetans!
Aro! Let’s go together!”
And again…
“If we have love for unity
Brethren in and outside of Tibet
Should wait for the day of reunion
To own our fatherland; the three Cholkas”
I believe that the present generation has the historical responsibility to maintain this unity of Tibetans and pass it on to the coming generations. It is utmost important to strive to achieve this without failure.
In short, I sincerely believe that I have a moral responsibility to explain about the origin of TYC’s stand and its aims and objectives, and also the aims and objectives of the Middle Way Approach. Since I have had the golden opportunity to serve His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people for about 50 years and gained some experience, my sole aim is to help clarify some issues and beyond that I have no other motives. Whatever I have stated are my true feelings to explain the reality and does not mean to support or criticize any particular group. I sincerely apologize if one gets such an impression from my writings.
I finally conclude by reciting a song composed by one of our brothers in Tibet:
Have pride if you care for the forefathers’ achievements
Have pride, brothers and sisters
If you care for“Have pride (Tib: lagya), brothers and sisters
the future path of happiness
Have pride
Pride is the life essence of a people
And the gateway of thousands of the past
Have pride, brothers and sisters
Have pride if you care for the lineage of the past emperors
Have pride, brothers and sisters
If you care for the honour of both the sun and moon
The Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama
Have pride
Pride is the confidence of prevailing truth
And the adornment of learned people
Have pride, brothers and sisters
Have pride if you care for the bloody footprints
Have pride, brothers and sisters
If you care for the enemy’s humiliation
Have pride
Pride is the strength of a people
And the guide for future happiness”.
Note: I have purposely avoided the names of the writers of these songs and singers.

Desmond Tutu slams South Africa for denying Dalai Lama access to Nobel peace prize winners’ summit
http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2014-10-02/tutu-slams-south-africa-for-denying-dalai-lama-visa/5784580
South African Nobel peace laureate Desmond Tutu has lashed out at his government for “kowtowing” to China by barring the Dalai Lama from attending a global summit of fellow prize winners in Cape Town.
Breaking his silence as the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates appeared to be on the point of collapse, Mr Tutu said he was “ashamed to call this lickspittle bunch my government”.
South Africa denied Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader permission to attend the summit to avoid angering China, which regards the Buddhist monk as a campaigner for Tibetan independence.
The summit, to be held in mid-October, was meant to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the end of apartheid and the legacy of the late president and Nobel peace prize winner, Nelson Mandela.
Mr Tutu said the move sullies the memory of Mr Mandela, who would not bend to the will of powerful states in his time as president.
“When the Americans told [Mandela] he couldn’t continue his friendship with presidents Gaddafi and Castro, he told them to go and jump in the lake,” Mr Tutu said.
Mr Mandela’s heirs in the ruling African National Congress party under president Jacob Zuma had now “spat in [Mandela’s] face”, Mr Tutu said in a statement.
He spoke out after fellow laureate, American Jody Williams, claimed the summit had been cancelled because of the Dalai Lama row.
“The summit has been cancelled because enough Nobel laureates refused to go,” Williams said in the northern Indian town of Dharamsala, where the Dalai Lama is based.
But there was no immediate confirmation of the cancellation of the summit from the organisers in Rome.
The mayor of Cape Town said an announcement on the summit would be made today.
Mr Tutu’s daughter, Mpho, said her father had remained silent over the visa issue because after a previous unsuccessful run-in with the government over the same issue, he believed others might have more success.
“When His Holiness was prevented by our government from attending my 80th birthday [in 2011] I condemned that kowtowing to the Chinese roundly and reminded the ANC government that it did not represent me,” Mr Tutu said.
“I warned them then that just as we had prayed for the downfall of the apartheid government so we would pray for the demise of a government that could be so spineless.
“The Nobel Summit in Cape Town, the first to be held on our continent, was meant to celebrate Madiba. His own comrades have spat in his face, refusing to see him honoured by the holders of the blue ribbon of awards and honours.”

Nobel laureates summit cancelled after visa denial to Dalai Lama
Dharamsala, Oct 1 (IANS) The World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Cape Town, South Africa, this month has been cancelled owing to denial of a travel visa by the host country to Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, a visiting Nobel laureate said here Wednesday.
“The venue of the summit has been shifted out of South Africa,” Nobel Peace Laureate Jody Williams of the US told reporters here.
The new venue for the summit would be announced later, she said.
Williams is in this northern Indian hill town along with fellow laureate Shirin Ebadi of Iran to grace the Dalai Lama’s Nobel silver jubilee anniversary celebrations scheduled for Oct 2.
“We feel proud that the summit has been cancelled after we lodged protest over denial of visa to the Dalai Lama,” she said.
“Even other Nobel laureates have lodged their protest over the issue,” Williams added.
Lobsang Sangay, Prime Minister of Tibetan government in exile, said the new venue of the summit would be announced later.
Ebadi even questioned Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s silence on the issue. “I am surprised over the stoic silence of Desmond Tutu. I know he is not part of the government but he’s not making his views public,” Ebadi said.
“Let’s not forget whosoever decides to stay silent against the dictator government is contributing to the dictatorship,” she added.
Coming out in support of the Tibetan government-in-exile’s cause, Ebadi said: “I am here to learn from His Holiness, who has been leading a non-violent struggle for over 50 years. I hope, someday, I will be talking to you in free Tibet.”
Williams, Ebadi, Leymah Gbowee of Liberia and a representative of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) have announced they were pulling out of the summit which was to be held Oct 13-15.
“The Dalai Lama advocates a non-violent, negotiated solution to the Tibet problem — what he calls ‘the middle-way approach’ — and is calling for real autonomy for Tibet under Chinese sovereignty,” a Nobel Women’s Initiative statement said.
The Nobel Women’s Initiative is led by Nobel Peace laureates Williams, Ebadi, Rigoberta Menchu Tum, Gbowee, Tawakkol Karman and Mairead Maguire.
It said the decision to cancel the scheduled trip “follows South Africa’s refusal to issue a visa to the Dalai Lama for the Nobel peace laureates in Cape Town, and China’s public declaration of thanks for South Africa’s decision to block the spiritual leader from entering South Africa”.
Fourteen Nobel Peace laureates had also urged South African President Jacob Zuma to allow the Dalai Lama to visit South Africa. In a letter to Zuma, they said they were “deeply concerned about the damage that will be done to South Africa’s international image by a refusal or failure to grant him a visa yet again”.
Signatories on the letter reportedly included Poland’s Lech Walesa, Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh, Ebadi, Gbowee and Northern Irish peacemakers David Trimble and John Hume.
South Africa last month requested the Dalai Lama to defer his visit for this year only.
“We had a meeting with officials of the South African High Commission and foreign ministry here (in Delhi) and they requested his holiness to defer his visit to their country for this year only,” Tempa Tsering, the Dalai Lama’s representative in New Delhi, told IANS.
The Dalai Lama has lived in exile in India since he fled Tibet during a failed uprising in 1959. He favours “greater autonomy” for Tibetans rather than complete independence.
Chinese leaders have, however, called him a “splitist” who wants Tibet to secede from China.