Tibet’s tragedy

The protests that commenced on the anniversary of a failed 1959 Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule exploded into violence on March 14, 2008 in the capital, Lhasa. The demonstrations were put down ruthlessly, leading to about 140 deaths. The Dalai Lama has condemned the use of "brute force” by China and commented that the protest is a manifestation of the "deep-rooted resentment of the Tibetan people under the present governance.” He has also termed the situation in his homeland as "cultural genocide.”

The unrest in and condemnation from various parts of the world have become a serious embarrassment to China, especially with the Olympic Games slated to be held in Beijing in August 2008. Innocent blood has been spilt on the streets of Lhasa and yet China will have the Olympic torch carried through Tibet!

World leaders have been urging China to initiate a dialog with the Dalai Lama who has shown willingness to do so. Beijing’s position is that the Dalai Lama is fomenting the unrest to sabotage the Olympics and that talks are not possible until he gives up his demands for independence and "fanning and masterminding” the Tibetan unrest.

Various interfaith organizations such as the Interreligious and International Federation for World Peace, World Conference of Religion for Peace, International Association for Religious Freedom, Parliament of the World’s Religions, the Temple of Understanding, Community of St Egidio and Foundation for the Unity of Religions and Enlightened Citizenship have been ceaselessly working in the fields of peace, dialog and human rights in different parts of the world. I have been associated with all these organizations at various periods of time during the last two decades. I appeal to all these interfaith bodies to speak out on the Tibet issue where human rights of the Tibetans have been trampled upon. Since some of the organizations have consultative status with the United Nations (UN), they should move the UN to send in observers to Tibet to investigate the truth.

Over the years, the interfaith movement has drawn inspiration and strength from the Dalai Lama who has participated in many of our gatherings, providing guidance, inspiration and strength to our projects. On March 27, when he was in New Delhi for a meditation workshop, he appealed to friends across the world to express concern over Tibet. We who are his friends through the interfaith movement should support him and the Tibetan cause and not let him down by being tepid to this great human tragedy.

Dr HOMI DHALLA

President, World Zarathushti Cultural Foundation

wzcf@bom8.vsnl.net.in