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

Tibetan 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...

Tibetan 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.