Statement by Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay on the recent killings of Tibetans by the P. R. China's government/ENG

2012. január 29./ITN/TibetPress

As 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 China's
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 going
to temple, burning incense 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. Let's 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.