50 Years of the National Uprising – Tibetan Solidarity March through the Streets of London

Posted by From London to Lhasa: Students for a Free Tibet UK on Mar 7, 2009 in Global Contributors, SFT Global | 0 comments

LONDON – Several hundred Tibetans and their supporters turned out to mark Tuesday’s 50th anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising as concern about the huge military build-up of Chinese forces in Tibet deepens. The march began at the Chinese embassy with a packed rally at Trafalgar Square hosted by the Coalition of UK Tibet Support Groups (1).

Linking half a century ago with the present day former political prisoner Palden Gyatso addressed the crowd to speak of the 33 years he spent imprisoned by the Chinese authorities for peaceful protests in 1959. Various UK Coalition representatives spoke of the plight of the Tibetan people living in an ever-increasing climate of fear. During a passionate speech Tenzin Jigdal of Students for a Free Tibet UK said of the Tibetans inside Tibet and those in exile ‘We may not be able to sing the National Anthem together today, but one day we will!’ Shao Jiang, a dissident who was a witness to the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989 said ‘The determination and persistence of the Tibetan people over so many years has moved and inspired many Chinese to fight for our own freedom.’ Shao added ‘Yes, Tibet will be free. China will be free.’

In an emotional moment as a gong was struck 50 Tibetans fell down as if dead in memory of those killed by the Chinese government since 1959. This was followed by a forceful ‘Uprising Song’ to which the prostrated Tibetans rose to their feet, each holding aloft the Tibetan flag.

The show of solidarity comes at a time when Tibetans in Tibet continue their struggle against Chinese government oppression. The recent ‘No Losar’ movement has seen a swift harsh crackdown amidst a vastly increased military build-up on the Tibetan plateau. Despite the risks posed to any Tibetan speaking out against Chinese rule thousands continue to do so. One recent example is the boycott of government-imposed New Year celebrations in Kardze, with Tibetans instead putting up posters calling for their independence.

The Coalition of UK Tibet Support Groups are running a number of events to mark the 50th Anniversary, including the London premiere of Fire Under the Snow Sunday night (8th March) at the Prince Charles Cinema in London’s Leicester Square. The film is an adaptation of Palden Gyatso’s moving life story and the suffering and torture he endured at the hands of the Chinese government. On Tuesday 10th March Tibetans and supporters will participate in a mass lobby of the UK Parliament to directly engage their elected representatives.

Notes to Editor:
(1) The Coalition of UK Tibet Support Groups consists of Tibet Society, Students for a Free Tibet UK, Tibetan Community in Britain, Free Tibet and Tibetan Youth UK

Palden Gyatso (second right) lead the march through the streets of London