Tibetan refugees demand freedom from China on World Human Rights Day

Thousands of Tibetan refugees participated in rally here today, demanding freedom for Tibet and other regions occupied by China.

New Delhi, Dec.10 : Thousands of Tibetan refugees participated in rally here today, demanding freedom for Tibet and other regions 'occupied' by China.

The protest marked the conclusion of the campaign titled 'Intensive Year of Support to Tibetan Cause', which coincided with World Human Rights Day.

"Today, on Human Rights Day, it is ironical that the basic rights of Tibetans are being violated and our religion is also under threat. We have been protesting for our rights under the leadership of the Dalai Lama and shall continue to do so. We are staging these demonstrations and taking out these rallies not only in India but world across on this day," said Acharya Yashiv, a protesting Indian Tibetan.

Reasoning out that a free and independent Tibet would ensure peace and security on India's northern borders, the protesters said they wanted the Indian Government to adopt a 'reasonable and self respecting' position on Tibet and influence the Chinese Government to find a peaceful solution to the Tibetan problem.

The Tibetans have accused Beijing of corrupting and altering traditional Tibetan society by closing monasteries and restricting religious activity since 1950, when they occupied the area through an act of aggression.

China, however, claims that the Tibetans are free to practice their religion.

It is a known fact that public servants are regularly banned from observing traditional festivals, including the Dalai Lama's birthday, whom China regards as a separatist.

About 130,000 Tibetan refugees are now settled in different parts of India with the Dalai Lama establishing his headquarters in Dharamsala.

Exiled Tibetan politicians and activists say the younger generation is frustrated. Some have called for securing their independence from Chinese rule through violence.

ANI