Support Quake Victims’ Right to See the Dalai Lama

Posted by kate on Apr 20, 2010 in Activism & Tibet, General, Take Action, Tibet, Tibet in the News | 1 comment

TAKE ACTION: Please honor the wishes of Tibetans in Kyegundo by urging your elected representatives to support a visit by the Dalai Lama to the earthquake zone. (Note: a sample letter is below).

If you are in the U.S., read the resolution passed on May 20th by the U.S Congress.

On Saturday, the Dalai Lama held a press conference in which he expressed his desire to visit Kyegundo to offer prayers and much needed support to the affected community. Watch the video. His statement comes a day after a heartfelt letter was sent from Tibetans in the quake zone to China’s leaders requesting the Dalai Lama be allowed to visit. Please read & share the translated letter.

The Tibetans in Kyegundo have the right to be with their beloved leader at this distressing time. Please join us in sending a clear message to the Chinese government that the global community honors this request.

Sample letter:

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Dear [NAME],

I am writing to express my concern for the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Kyegundo in eastern Tibet (China: Jiegu or Yushu, Qinghai Province) on Wednesday, April 14th. According to media sources, over 2,000 people have been killed, more than 12,000 injured and 100,000 people are now homeless.In recent days, Tibetans from the earthquake zone sent a letter to Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao requesting them to allow the Dalai Lama to visit Kyegundo – where the population is more than 97% Tibetan. The Dalai Lama himself has expressed his desire to go there to offer prayers and provide support to those suffering.

As I am sure you are aware, Tibetans revere the Dalai Lama as their spiritual and political leader. In fact, the Dalai Lama himself was born in this part of eastern Tibet now called Qinghai province of China.

As the rightful leader of the Tibetan people, and one of the most respected global leaders of our time, the Dalai Lama has every right to be with his people in their hour of need. I ask that you raise this issue with your counterparts in the [INSERT YOUR COUNTRY NAME HERE] government, and do everything in your power to support the Dalai Lama’s desire to visit the earthquake zone.

Furthermore, please call on [your President, Prime Minister, Decision maker] to issue a statement of condolence to the Dalai Lama as the rightful leader of the Tibetan people affected by this terrible earthquake.

Sincerely,
[NAME]
[ADDRESS]

MORE INFO & ANALYSIS ON THE EARTHQUAKE:

It’s almost been a week since a massive earthquake struck Kyegundo in Kham, eastern Tibet (Ch: Jiegu or Yushu). The official death toll has now reached 2,000 – though Tibetans from the area say the true number is much higher – with at least 195 people still missing and more than 12,000 injured. An estimated 100,000 people are now homeless. Click here to support to the earthquake relief effort.

Media coverage from the quake zone clearly shows Tibetans expressing their devotion to the Dalai Lama and praying to him for support in their time of need. Click here to watch CNN footage of Tibetans picking through the rubble of their homes and respectfully touching photos of the Dalai Lama to their foreheads.

Click here to watch moving footage of a Tibetan woman singing a traditional prayer mantra and praying to the Dalai Lama to guide the souls of the dead as she watches the mass cremation of earthquake victims on Saturday.

You can also take action by sending a message of condolence to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government-in-Exile – the rightful representatives of the Tibetan people – through SFT’s website.

Voice of Tibet radio service has also set-up a hotline for people to send message of support into Tibet. Click here to learn more.

Given the long-standing suffering of the Tibetan people at the hands of the Chinese government, Tibetans are understandably distrustful of the Chinese state-controlled relief efforts. Read this in-depth article from the New York Times discussing the tensions in Kyegundo as Chinese leaders use the rescue efforts as an opportunity to forward their Tibet propaganda efforts.

Thank you for supporting the people of Kyegundo, and indeed all Tibetans, at this distressing time.

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