TYC burns Chinese flag calling for freedom in Tibet/ENG

2012. február 21./Phayul.com/TibetPress

DHARAMSHALA, February 21: Tibetans and supporters in the exile headquarters of Dharamshala and around the world carried out a flag burning protest coinciding with the 29th day of the last month of the Tibetan lunar calendar.

The day is traditionally symbolic for performing the age-old ritual of driving out all negative forces of the old year and invoking a safe passage into the New Year.

Members of the Tibetan Youth Congress, the largest pro-independence group in exile led the protests, beginning with a candle light vigil in solidarity with the Tibetans inside Tibet.

Speaking at the Dharamshala protests, Dhondup Lhadar, vice-president of TYC reaffirmed the “genuine aspirations” of the Tibetan people inside and outside Tibet for complete independence from Chinese occupation.

"Under this five stared Chinese flag, more than two million Tibetans have lost their lives, and we are burning this flag in protest against the Chinese government," Lhadar said.

"Some people say that the burning of the flag might hurt the sentiments of the Chinese people, but encouraging even one Tibetan to respect the red flag is far worse than discouraging 100 Chinese," Lhadar said while reasserting that TYC can never respect the Chinese flag.

"Burning the Chinese flag is not a mere expression of feelings but the protection of the truth and honour of our history," Lhadar added.

"We have been burning the Chinese flag since 1959 in protest against the Chinese occupation of Tibet and we will continue to do so till freedom in Tibet is restored."

While addressing the hundreds of Tibetans and supporters gathered at the protest, TYC renewed its call for a boycott of celebrations during the Tibetan new year which begins tomorrow.

Urging Tibetans to participate in the hunger strike being led by Tibetan parliamentarians tomorrow, TYC vice president said that the TYC will collect donations from Tibetans on the second day of the Tibetan new year 'Losar'.

"We are collecting donations not for TYC activities but for building our nation after we have restored complete independence in Tibet," TYC said.

"TYC has the conviction to collect donations to set up a trust for rebuilding our nation once we reclaim our soil and the general Tibetan masses should have the pride to support and participate in the process of building a prosperous and free Tibet."
By Tendar Tsering