ITFS Statement on Zhu Rongji's Visit To India
(January 2002)
The Chinese Premier is in India on his four day visit. It is our tradition to respect each and every sentinent being, and we would like to welcome him on the land of Mahatma Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi. But at the same time we would like to draw his attention towards the problem of lakhs of Tibetan who are living in -exile since 1959. In spite of having their homeland, Tibetans are roaming around the world due to loss of freedom. Their plight and pain cannot be written in words. Their request for granting autonomy was not considered. Why is this casualness towards them? Is it because they are not violent? If Non-violence, so steadfastly exemplified against severest odds and apathy, is not recognised, do you not realise that it only gives invitation to terrorism. At a time when terrorism has shaken us all, it is our duty to nutralize its power by recognising non-violence of which Tibetan struggle is a glaring example. Today when violence is dominating the world the path of Truth and Non-Violence of Dalai Lama becomes much more appropriate. Do you think that is it justified to keep Panchen Lama Shri Gadun C Nyima in Chinese custody? Do you think that continuous occupation of Indian territory since 1962 is justified?
The People of India and Tibet regard Kailash-Mansarovar a holy Place. But they are deprived from the pilgrimage. There should be unobstructed pilgrimage to Kaolash-Mansarovar.
We are followers of a culture which was introduced by Buddha and Gandhi to the world. With this sentiment we expect from the Chinese people and their leadership to be a true Asian with preservation of their own culture and identity. Is it our morality to accept "rejected vision, ideas and Political ideology" of world and weakened our original and precious way of Life? It will be only possible for China to represent its Asian identity when it respects the other sentinents beings of Asia. This approach will help to maintain Peace, Co-operation and brotherhood in the sub-continent.
Prof Anand Kumar - Rajeev Vora - Tashi Targis - Prof. Balraj Kumar - Dr. Hirapal Negi - Lama Chosphel Zotpa - Smt Renu Gambhi - Col V.S.Verma - Col. A.R. Khan - Dr. Manoj Kumar
Friends of Tibet (INDIA),
PO Box 16674, Bombay 400050
www.friendsoftibet.org