In Shimla, a northern Indian hill town, Tibetan women-in-exile organized a candlelight march to observe the 65th anniversary of the Tibetan Women’s National Uprising Day. This event, as reported by ANI on March 12, 2024, served not only to honor the memory of those who died during the 1959 uprising but also to protest ongoing abuses by Chinese authorities in Tibet.
Participants, including Buddhist nuns, monks, students, and other members of the Tibetan community, came together under the banner of the Tibetan Women’s Association (TWA) Regional Chapter. The march aimed to draw international attention to Tibet‘s plight and the continuous violations occurring within its borders.
Dawa Cheodon, the event organizer and a Tibetan freedom activist, emphasized the historical significance of the day. “On this day in 1959, 15,000 Tibetan women gathered near Potala Palace to protest against Chinese illegal occupation,” Cheodon told ANI.
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She highlighted the group’s intention to shed light on Tibet‘s current situation, including restrictions on internet access and the proposed construction of a hydroelectric dam that poses threats to local communities and monasteries.
Tsering Dorjee, speaking on behalf of the Tibetan exile community, pointed out the broader implications of China‘s actions in Tibet, especially regarding human rights violations. Dorjee underscored the danger of dams being constructed on the Indo-China border, which threaten both local Tibetan culture and regional stability. “These dams would be a threat to India and to the entire Asia,” he stated, as per ANI‘s report.
The original protests in Lhasa on March 12, 1959, were a pivotal moment in Tibetan history, leading to the deaths of thousands and the subsequent exile of over 80,000 Tibetans, including the spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. Today, the Tibetan diaspora continues to seek global support for their cause, remembering those lost and calling for action against the injustices they face.
The candle march in Shimla is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Tibetan people and their continued struggle for freedom and recognition on the global stage.
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