The TYC urged the United Nations to formally respond to Lobga Rangzen’s death and pressed the international community to address what it termed the human rights situation in Tibet
Chennai: Tibetans from across South India gathered at Besant Nagar Beach on Sunday and staged a silent protest alleging China’s repression of Tibetans and to express solidarity with Martyr Lobga Rangzen, who reportedly died after self-immolating outside the United Nations headquarters.
The demonstration, organised by the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), drew participants from Chennai as well as Tibetan settlements in Bylakuppe and Hunsur in Karnataka. Organisers said the peaceful march was held with prior permission from the authorities. Protesters carried Tibetan flags and placards while observing silence and offering prayers in memory of Lobga Rangzen.
The TYC announced the launch of a worldwide chain protest campaign beginning in Dharamshala and extending through its regional chapters across the globe. The organisation said the campaign seeks to honour Lobga Rangzen’s sacrifice and draw international attention to what it described as the continuing human rights situation in Tibet.
The organisation also criticised China’s recently released “Ethnic Unity Law”, alleging that it is aimed at accelerating the assimilation of Tibetans and other ethnic communities through measures affecting language, religion, culture and education. It claimed that the legislation threatens Tibet’s distinct identity and called for its repeal.
The TYC urged the United Nations to formally respond to Lobga Rangzen’s death and pressed the international community to address what it termed the human rights situation in Tibet. Among its other demands were accountability for policies it alleged have driven Tibetans to self-immolation, the release of Tibetan political prisoners, including the 11th Panchen Lama, and greater international attention to environmental issues linked to resource extraction and infrastructure projects on the Tibetan plateau.
The organisation also objected to recent remarks by a United Nations spokesperson describing Tibetans as a minority, arguing that such terminology undermines Tibet’s historical and political identity. Reaffirming its long-standing position, the TYC called for international support for the Tibetan people’s aspirations and said its global campaign would continue through hunger strikes, candlelight vigils, public rallies, awareness programmes and diplomatic outreach.
The protest concluded with prayers for those who have lost their lives in the Tibetan cause and a pledge by participants to continue peaceful advocacy for Tibet on international platforms.
