GANGTOK, Aug 8: Members of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (RTYC), Gangtok, organised a peaceful rally in Sikkim’s capital as part of global protests led by the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), raising concerns over Tibet and opposing China’s so-called ‘Ethnic Unity Law’.
The demonstration also paid tribute to Martyr Lobga Rangzen, who, according to the organisers, self-immolated in front of the United Nations Headquarters to draw international attention to the situation in Tibet. RTYC members and local supporters gathered to honour his sacrifice and reiterate their calls for freedom and justice.
During the rally, participants criticised the legislation, alleging that it could accelerate the assimilation of communities under Chinese rule and threaten their distinct national identities, languages, religions and cultural heritage.
The protesters urged the United Nations to address what they described as a human rights crisis in Tibet and called for accountability for political repression. They also demanded the release of political prisoners and reiterated their call for the rights and freedom of Tibetans.
The peaceful demonstration in Gangtok formed part of wider protests organised by Tibetan groups, with participants asserting that the global movement for justice and freedom remained united.
