Tensions have been rising among Buddhists in the Syracuse community regarding new reports of oppression by the Chinese occupying forces in Tibet. And so as usual Buddhists here in Syracuse find time often to pray for the well being of the people of Tibet.
Now new concerns about the future of the free Tibet movement have arisen here in Syracuse upon learning that Indian police have broken up a demonstration by pro-Tibet activists. The Tibet Sun has reported "Indian police break up 'Free Tibet' demo", http://bit.ly/i3bVo3. The Buddhist community here in Syracuse is alarmed by such trouble for the 'Free Tibet' movement now in India too.
On Wednesday on the eve of the anniversary of the Tibetan uprising in 1959 Indian police broke up a demonstration by about 100 Tibetan exiles which took place outside the Chinese embassy in New Delhi. The police forced pro-Tibet protesters wearing yellow “Free Tibet” t-shirts into buses in the diplomatic quarter of New Delhi.
And in Nepal, police have also warned Tibetan exiles not to organize demonstrations which would coincide with the anniversary of the failed uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet. Kathmandu police chief Pushkar Karki has said “We can not tolerate any activities against our northern neighbour. Nepal police will stand by the state policy not to allow anti-China activities on its soil." This warning by the government of Nepal against pro-Tibet demonstrations has also heightened tensions among Syracuse Buddhists who are now also often praying for the well being of Tibetans in Nepal.
The 75-year-old Dalai Lama is planning to deliver a speech on Thursday at the Tsuglakhang Temple in Dharamshala, which is the Indian hill town that is his base and the seat of the Tibetan government in exile. The Dalai Lama is expected to address concerns by many Tibetans about the increasing domination of China’s majority Han population in Tibet and accusations the government of China is trying to dilute their culture.
Meanwhile Chinese authorities have closed the troubled Tibetan region to foreign tourists ahead of the third anniversary of the anti-government riots. Syracuse Buddhists will be joining Buddhists around the world in painful remembrance of the third anniversary of the anti-Chinese government riots.
Mandel News Service: http://www.mandelnews.com
