NEW DELHI (AP) - On Monday, Tibetan protesters clashed with police outside the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi, commemorating the 66th anniversary of their uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet, which was crushed in 1959. This event has traditionally seen a mobilization of Tibetans living in exile who seek to voice their discontent with China's policies in Tibet.
As in previous years, police barred the demonstrators from entering the embassy, leading to brief detentions as officers struggled to subdue some of the activists. The protests were marked by emotional displays, including chanting anti-China slogans, waving Tibetan flags, and singing the national anthems of both Tibet and India. The gathering showcased a strong sentiment of solidarity among the exiled community, highlighting their continued fight for recognition and rights.
In the north Indian town of Dharamsala, the seat of the exiled Tibetan government and home to their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, hundreds participated in a march. Concurrently, a separate group of around a hundred Tibetan women gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, a well-known protest area near the Indian Parliament. Many protesters painted their faces in the colors of the Tibetan national flag and observed a moment of silence to honor those who lost their lives in the struggle against Chinese oppression.
Penpa Tsering, the president of the Central Tibetan Administration, emphasized the gravity of the situation faced by Tibetans under Chinese rule. He stated that the Chinese government has implemented "a deliberate and dangerous strategy to eliminate the very identity of the Tibetan people." Tsering marked the day as a significant and dark moment in Tibetan history, while expressing solidarity with those still suffering in Tibet under oppressive conditions.
The Tibetan government-in-exile argues that China systematically violates the fundamental human rights of Tibetans and seeks to erase their cultural identity. While China contends that Tibet has been part of its territory for centuries, Tibetans assert that they were effectively independent until China's invasion in 1950. The Dalai Lama himself has denied accusations of seeking separation from China, advocating instead for substantial autonomy and protections for Tibet's unique Buddhist culture.
This year's anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising highlights ongoing tensions and the resilience of the Tibetan community. The protests serve as a reminder of the long-standing conflict over Tibet and the enduring quest for freedom and recognition of rights among Tibetans in exile.
