September 15, New Delhi: - Tibetan and Indian members of Students for a Free Tibet-India did a photo action this afternoon in front of India Gate, displaying a banner reading 'Tibet's Independence, India's Security'.
The 7 activists also displayed the Indian tricolour and the Tibetan national flag. This photo-action was carried out in protest of Chinese President Xi Jinping's maiden visit to India later this week.
SFT-India submitted a petition to Prime Minister Modi's office in South Block this morning. The petition was launched on Change.org and received over 4000 signatures urging PM Modi to talk about the crisis in Tibet with Xi Jinping, and simultaneously secure India's interests by holding a strong ground in front of China.
"I firmly believe that the ultimate lasting solution to India's national security lies only in protecting freedom in Tibet", said Jyotsna George, Campaigns Director, Students for a Free Tibet-India. "I care deeply about the values on which our nation was created: freedom, democracy and justice, and I strongly urge PM Modi to take a concrete stand on Tibet when he meets Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday", Jyotsna added.
"Since Xi Jinping came to power the situation inside Tibet has turned from bad to worse. Only last month Chinese military opened fire on innocent Tibetans in Dema, Eastern Tibet, killing 5 peaceful protesters, and injuring many", said Dorjee Tseten, Asia Director, Students for a Free Tibet. "Tibet is under one of the most oppressive military occupations of our times. Through our protests we want to dismantle China's lies and propaganda, and directly communicate with Xi Jinping that Tibet is his number one challenge. The sooner he ends the occupation of Tibet, the better it will be for the future of China.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to arrive in New Delhi on Wednesday, and will face serious protests from Tibet groups during his two-day state visit.
More than 130 Tibetans have set themselves on fire in protest of China's oppressive rule in the last five years.
SFT urges Tibet supporters across the world to sign an online petition urging XI Jiping to stop "killing in Tibet," "border incursions," and "bullying."
