Tibetan groups to hold rallies coinciding with Olympics

Express News Service

Posted online: Wednesday, August 06, 2008 at 03:21:05
Updated: Wednesday, August 06, 2008 at 03:21:05

Kolkata, August 05 The city will witness a string of silent protest marches and candlelight vigil against the “Chinese occupation of Tibet” from August 7, on the eve of the opening ceremony of Beijing Olympics.

These protest marches will be organised by various social groups working for the cause of free Tibet like International Tibet Support Network (ITSN), Association for Protection of Democratic Rights (APDR), Students for Free Tibet and others.

“All of us who have been demanding the sovereignty of Tibet in a non-violent manner have decided to launch a peaceful agitation across the globe,” said Shibayan Raha, a member of the Student for Free Tibet.

“Since this year’s Olympics are being held in Beijing, everyone’s eyes will be on China and it is here that we will stand up and take part in a global protest against the forceful Chinese occupation of Tibet,” said Shyamal Chakraborty of Gana Samannay, a city-based NGO.

The protest will coincide with the opening ceremony.

On August 8, these organisations will hold a rally that will begin from Subodh Mallick Square and culminate at Metro Channel in the evening.

These groups plan to hold peaceful demonstration outside the Chinese Consulate in Kolkata on August 14.

“Our battle to free Tibet has been going on for almost five decades. Tibet is being illegally occupied by the Chinese government and cultural genocide is being carried out there,” said Pamba Bhutia, a member of the Students for Free Tibet.