Nov 24, 2004

Tibetans and supporters walk from Indianapolis to Chicago


The International Tibet Independence Movement (ITIM) is once again coordinating a "March for Tibets Independence"
Untitled Document

The International Tibet Independence Movement (ITIM) is once again coordinating a "March for Tibet’s Independence." This is the eighth major Walk or Bike Ride ITIM has coordinated. The 200+ mile walk begins on November 30 at 10am with a demonstration at Monument Circle in Indianapolis and ends on December 10th with a demonstration starting at 2pm at China's Consulate in Chicago (for the route & schedule visit www.rangzen.org). December 10th is the Anniversary of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights and His Holiness The Dalai Lama receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. Jigme Norbu (son of Taktser Rinpoche and nephew of His Holiness The Dalai Lama) will once again lead this walk. Rinpoche is the oldest brother of The Dalai Lama and a retired Professor of Indiana University-Bloomington. According to Jigme, he is walking "to further strengthen the effort to secure Tibet’s independence and to fulfill His father’s wish to stop the genocide in Tibet by the Chinese government and to reestablish Tibetans as the rightful leaders of a peaceful nation."

Why walk so soon after our Florida Tibet walk this past September? Because we have not achieved our objective of returning Tibet to the Tibetans! Given the outcome of the recent Tibetan delegation that visited China in September, it is essential we continue to actively mobilize worldwide support to gain Tibet's independence. As the leader of the Tibetan delegation, Lodi Gyari, reported, "It was apparent from the discussions that there are major differences on a number of issues, including some fundamental ones." It is also important we devote more energy and resources to secure the release of Tibetan political prisoners, especially Tenzin Delek Rinpoche who may be executed between December 2 and January 26 and secure the release of The Panchen Lama, 15 year old, Gendhun Choekyi Nyima.

During this walk, we will educate people about the situation in Tibet through presentations at various Churches and Universities along the way. We will also dialogue with Chinese individuals about the history and current situation in Tibet. Further, we will promote a Boycott of China's Goods and encourage people to buy U.S. products. Moreover, we will advocate stopping the environmental destruction in Tibet and the marginalization of the Tibetan population. We will advocate for democracy in China as well. Additionally, we will protest the railroad and pipeline being built in Tibet by China. Lastly, we will call for Tibet, Eastern Turkestan, Southern Mongolia, and Taiwan’s independence.

We anticipate 100s of Tibetans and Tibet Supporters from all around the Midwest standing with us at China’s Consulate in Chicago on December 10th to protest China’s illegal occupation of Tibet!

ITIM was founded by Taktser Rinpoche and Professor Larry Gerstein of Ball State University on March 18, 1995 to obtain Tibet's Independence through nonviolent methods. ITIM is a 501c3 not for profit organization.

 

Source: Phayul