Sikyong statement in 57º Anniversary of the Tibetan National Survey Day
Today the fifteenth seventh anniversary of the peaceful lifting of the Tibetan people of 1959 Against the invasion and occupation of Tibet by the People's Republic of China. On this occasion, My Kashag colleagues and I would like to pay tribute and pray for all brave men and women who gave their lives for the just cause of Tibet. We express our solidarity with those who continue to suffer repression under the Chinese government.
Although decades of the Tibet have passed controlled by China, The Tibetan people have been able to maintain their identity and spirit despite living in the difficult situation. The new generations, inspired by the sacrifices made by their elders, They have taken the responsibility of striving for the cause of Tibet. The courage and the conviction of our compatriots within the Tibet, They deserve our deep admiration.
The Chinese government routinely states that there is happiness and prosperity with the development of the new Tibet. But the truth is what. All areas inhabited by the Tibetan people are devoid of basic freedoms and continue under strict control and surveillance. This fact is clearly evident by the system of prior control imposed on the travel and movements of Tibetans. Human Rights Watch Reports Extension of Intensive Village Surveillance Program Across Tibet. The recent self-immolation of two young people from inside and outside Tibet, that add to the 142 self-immolations of the past, It is the greatest evidence of the lack of freedom in Tibet. The Kashag will fail to satisfy their aspirations and will only blame the repressive policies in Tibet as the cause of the self-immolation.
I am here to inform you that the situation inside Tibet is serious.. Anyone who speaks about religious freedom and environmental rights is often accused for political reasons and given harsh punishments.. Mere possession of image of His Holiness the Dalai Lama leads to arrest and imprisonment. Buddhist culture repositories are closely monitored, monks and nuns face expulsion for not denouncing their spiritual leader. The Freedom House report 2016 has put Tibet on a list as the second least free place in the world, behind Syria. In the same way, the European Parliament in its report on EU-China Relations, December 2015, has clearly expressed concern about the lack of religious freedom and restrictions on travel to Tibet. So, The Tibetan people live in fear and insecurity.
The Chinese authorities' continued treatment of national minorities, including the Tibetan people, has caused distancing and enmity. The action of the Chinese owner and operator of a hotel in Rebkong (ch.: Tongren), in the province of Qinghai, caused strong opposition and protest when it prohibited employees from speaking the Tibetan language. He 22 December 2015, a senior leader of the communist party, of Tibetan origin, expressed concern about the prevalence of discrimination in a meeting during which he referred to recurring instances in which people of ethnic origin were discriminated against or denied access to certain services. He said that this issue has generated unwanted social impact and caused strong public reactions from ethnic regions.. Likewise, Chinese government policy in general and comments from some leaders in particular have dubbed an entire ethnic group “separatist.”” Such comments have provoked sharp reactions within China from many academics and intellectuals who have written forceful responses..
Environmentalists and scientists worldwide have become aware of the importance of the Tibetan Plateau as it contains the third largest reserve of ice and is the source of the ten largest rivers that flow downstream to several neighboring countries.. However, It must be reiterated that the incessant mining of natural resources, deforestation, excessive damming of rivers, the retreat of glaciers, etc., have undoubtedly caused irreparable damage to the environment of Tibet, which in turn is affecting the environment of the Asian continent. Feeling the need to protect the environment of Tibet, time and again we systematically raise the issue at various international conferences on climate change. Last year, The Central Tibetan Administration presented facts and figures along with a Ten Point Action document, to the participants of the COP21 held in Paris, arguing why the Tibetan Plateau matters to the world and clearly urging the United Nations, the Chinese government and the international community to take urgent measures to protect it.
Us, the Kashag of the Central Tibetan Administration, We firmly believe that the long-standing issue of Tibet can be resolved through dialogue between the envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and representatives of the Chinese government.. We remain fully committed to the Middle Way Approach, which clearly seeks genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people within China. Beijing leaders expected to see reason within the Middle Way Approach, instead of distorting it, and move forward to establish a dialogue with the envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
In this matter, the president of the United States, Barack Obama, at a joint press conference with President Xi Jinping in the Rose Garden, he 25 of September 2015, said: “We continue to encourage the Chinese authorities to preserve the cultural and religious identity of the Tibetan people, and to engage in discussions with the Dalai Lama or his representatives.” The concern and support of the United States government for the Tibetan people is demonstrated by visits to Dharamsala in 2014 and 2016 de Sarah Sewall, the Special Coordinator for Tibetan Affairs and Undersecretary for Civil Security, Democracy and Human Rights of the Department of State. The Kashag is deeply grateful to the United States government for its support and solidarity as it provides hope and encouragement to the Tibetan people..
China claims right to identify reincarnation of Tibetan spiritual leader. This is an obvious lie since the claim is based on a doctored story.. The power and authority to decide on the reincarnation of the Buddha of Compassion, the protector and savior of Tibet, that manifests itself in human form, It is the sole responsibility of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.. Nobody else has the right to do it. Regarding the recognition of reincarnation, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has given clear advice and direction in his declaration of the 24 of September 2011, the one read below: “When you are close to 90, I will consult the high Lamas of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, to the Tibetan public, and other concerned people who follow Tibetan Buddhism, and I will reassess whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue or not. On that basis we will make the decision. If it were decided that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama must continue and it is necessary that the Fifteenth Dalai Lama be recognized, The responsibility for doing so will rest primarily with the relevant officials of the Dalai Lama's Gaden Phodrang.. They must consult the various heads of Buddhist traditions and trusted oath-bound Dharma Protectors., who are inseparably linked to the lineage of the Dalai Lamas. They must seek advice and guidance from relevant beings and carry out search and recognition procedures according to past tradition.. I will leave clear instructions on this. Keeping that in mind, apart from reincarnation recognized through such legitimate methods, no recognition or acceptance should be given to a candidate chosen for political purposes by anyone, including those in the PRC.”
It made us very happy to witness the deep respect, reverence and enthusiasm with which the Tibetan people inside and outside Tibet, and friends and supporters around the world celebrated the 80thº anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The most recent and major event in Delhi was attended by the former Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh, former deputy prime minister Shri L.K. Advani, former ministers Dr.Karan Singh, Dr.P.Chidambaram and other celebrities representing the people of India. At that moment, el Dr. Manmohan Singh referred to His Holiness the Dalai Lama with reverence, as a gift from God to the world.
The different actions and commitments of His Holiness the Great XIV Dalai Lama are not defined here, since they are known by people all over the world. However, at a time when Buddhism is going through a difficult period, Loyal Buddhist followers and practitioners should feel grateful for the precious opportunity to receive the teachings of the 18 Great Stages of the Camino (Lamrim) taught successfully by His Holiness the Dalai Lama over the past years. Such an unprecedented milestone in the history of Tibet, must be written in gold letters. We are happy to share the good news that His Holiness will return to Dharamsala in the coming days after successfully completing medical treatment in the United States..
After the return of political and administrative authority to the popularly elected leadership, the 14thº Kashag led by me is close to completing our exercise. A sincere effort has been made to raise international awareness and support for Tibet., bring improvement in the education of Tibetan children and sustainability in Tibetan settlements, inter alia. Granting Tibetan nuns the title of Geshema is a historic decision. An overwhelming response was witnessed to our call for help to those affected by the Nepal earthquake, what deserves appreciation and recognition. The Kashag would like to express deep gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for continually showering us with his invaluable words of wisdom and kind advice.. We must thank with all our hearts the Tibetan people inside and outside Tibet for supporting us in many ways.
The Tibetan people in exile are following the great path of democracy and have thus taken great interest and active participation in the election processes.. The final round for the election of the Sikyong and members of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile will take place very soon. That's why, The Tibetan electorate is encouraged to participate on election day to exercise their democratic rights as specified in the Charter for Tibetans in Exile.
Al Kashag would like to take this opportunity to remember the kindness of the leaders of various nations who love justice, to the parliamentarians, intellectuals, academics, human rights organizations and Tibet Support Groups, who have been firm in their support for the Tibetan people. In particular, We will always remember the kindness and constant support of the people and government of India and the state governments for generously helping us preserve and promote our religion and culture and ensure the well-being of the Tibetan people in exile.. We offer our sincere gratitude to all of them.
Finally, We sincerely pray for a healthy and long life for our most esteemed leader., His Holiness the Great XIV Dalai Lama. May all your wishes be fulfilled. There may be an immediate resolution to the Tibet issue. Above all, May the day of unity of Tibetans inside and outside Tibet emerge soon.-
sikyong
Central Tibetan Administration
10 March 2016
