Beijing must ensure Tibetan students’ safety: CTA/ENG

2011. december 20./Phayul.com/TibetPress

DHARAMSHALA, December 20: The exiled Tibetan leadership said that it was “deeply disturbed and concerned” over recent reports of violence against Tibetan students at a Chinese school in Chengdu.

“The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) is deeply disturbed and concerned by news of confrontations, on December 14th 2011, between Tibetan and Chinese students at the Railway Engineering School in Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan,” Information & International Relations Kalon Dicki Chhoyang told reporters at a press conference today.


“With Tibetan students reported to be studying in 12 cities in mainland China, the Chinese government must ensure their personal safety,” added the minister.

Over 3000 Chinese students had gone on a rampage December 14, beating Tibetan students and breaking into their dormitories and classrooms at the Railway Engineering School in Chengdu. Many Tibetan students were hospitalised as police had to be called in to control the situation.

According to the Beijing based Tibetan writer Woeser, the unruly mob of Chinese students were shouting, “Beat a Tibetan, Get an extra credit” as they broke into rooms of the Tibetan students and started trashing them and breaking the furniture.

Taking a leaf out of President Hu Jintao’s book, Kalon Chhoyang reminded China that good relations between Chinese and Tibetan people were essential to build a harmonious society.

“In keeping with its claim to build a harmonious society, we hope the PRC government will take the necessary measures to promote good relations between Chinese and Tibetan people,” the minister said.

In light of the recent events, the exiled Tibetan leadership encouraged the Tibetan students to “focus on their studies and maintain cordial relations” with other fellow students.

“Our pride in our Tibetan identity and heritage does not rest on a show of physical force, but through academic excellence,” Kalon Chhoyang said.