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American Support to Tibet Movement: A Blessing or a Curse?

By Tanveer Jafri

Once again, the Tibet movement has become a public talk for the world. On March 10, the Tibet supporters demonstrated in the Tibet capital Lhasa and in many other countries, whereas the natives of Tibet were celebrating the 49th anniversary of the revolt that took place against the Chinese control over Tibet. In the demonstration in the capital Lhasa, things became violent. As a result, the Chinese soldiers that were present there followed the offensive policy and fired at the unarmed demonstrators. It has not been verified by now that in this firing by the Chinese soldiers, on the Tibetan demonstrators, the number of persons killed was in tens or in hundreds. As the Chinese Government is well known for its strong policies to deal with the demonstrators, so the real picture of this killing of the Tibetan demonstrators in Lhasa by the Chinese soldiers could not come to light for many days. It is being said that the Chinese soldiers did not let the media house complete the detail of this action of the army. After so many days of this incident during the international pressure, the Chinese Government let the international journalist go to the place of incident in Lhasa

India is a supporter of the Tibet liberation movement of the Tibetans. Not only this, the Tibetans religious leader Dalai Lama and the ousted Government of Tibet have been taking asylum at a place known, Macleodganj near Dharamshala in the state, Himachal Pradesh in India. Despite this, the Tibetans have been provided with privileges so that they can easily earn their livelihood. Whereas, Chinese does not like this cooperation and help being given to Tibet. But in spite of it, India following its policy of universal brotherhood is continuing its support to the Tibet movement and at the same time is improving its relations with China. India has always given its silent and moral support to Tibet and it will continue doing it. But India had never added fuel to fire because of this movement. As India has got freedom by following the Gandhian principles of truth and non violent, in the same way India expects Dalai Lama, the leader of the Tibet movement to follow it. Not only this, Dalai Lama himself favors the peace, non violence, love and fraternity that he is known among the few peace messengers of the world.

Dalai Lama condemned the violent scuffle that occurred on March, 10 in Lhasa, between the Chinese army and the Tibetan demonstrators and did not say a single word to encourage the violent demonstrators. Despite such a big incident Dalai Lama advised the Tibetan demonstrators to oppose peacefully and in a non violent way. Whereas, China is holding Dalai Lama responsible for inciting these demonstrators. The Tibetans demonstrate every year against the Chinese Government to liberate themselves from the Chinese rule. But the violent incidents at Lhasa this year and the action of the Chinese soldiers drew attention of the world. America also gave its views on it, without losing a movement.

It seems that America grieved a lot by the firing of the Chinese soldiers. The visit of the President of house of representative of America, Nancy Pelosi was preplanned and the Lhasa incident can not be associated with it. But by chance, the incident happened during the time of her visit and that gave a chance to America to vomit out poison against China, on the Indian soil. American leader Nancy Pelosi went to Dharamshala to visit the Tibetan religious leader Dalai Lama and expressed American sympathy for their movement. Not only this, she called upon all the freedom lovers of the world to raise there voice in favour of the Tibet liberation movement and against China. Pelosi said that if people of the world do not say any thing against China, they will lose their moral rights of saying something for humanity. She clearly said that if the freedom lovers and the world don't say anything about the oppressions of China in Tibet, then they have no right to talk about human rights anywhere. Pelosi said that America is with the people of Tibet in this hour of sorrow. She was feeling pain that the incidents of Tibet are not coming before the world in a true way. Before this, the American foreign minister Condoleezza Rice urged the Chinese leaders to start talks with the Tibetan religious leader Dalai Lama. And in the last American President George W. Bush advised Chinese President Hu Jintao to start talks with the Tibetan religious leader Dalai Lama. Seeing the situation, China has accepted to start talks with Dalai Lama on this issue.

Recently, China has praised India for its attitude & hoped that India will act wisely on this issue. But China has expressed its severe reaction on the statements of the American leaders. China has said that 'Tibet is the internal affair of China & it will not tolerate the interference of any country, person or organization in the internal affairs of China. China doesn't allow anybody to interfere in the internal affairs of China. No country, organization or person should do anything irresponsible or use irresponsible words about the situation of Tibet. All the efforts to raise problems in China will fail'. This reaction was given within 24 hours of the reaction of the American leaders especially of Nancy Pelosi's meeting with Dalai Lama.

Now several problems have arisen about the Tibet issue before the international analysts. As what is the aim of America to support the Tibet movement? Is it to show sympathy for the Tibetans or to put both Tibet & China in trouble? When Dalai Lama is recognized as a messenger of peace & non-violence in the world, How America & the American leaders want to support Tibet? Even the violent incidents have been condemned by Dalai Lama. As the American leaders are attracting attention of the supporters of freedom in the world, how India can hope of a policy regarding Kashmir issue from America? How can the support given by America to the Tibet movement bring change in the thoughts of the Chinese leaders? America, that is thousands miles away is feeling grieved over the Tibet issue, is it reality or a mere show? Does America, which is ignoring the human rights in Iraq & Afghanistan, has right to raise voice for human rights, against China? The example of the military oppression done by the American army is also rare.

The liberation of Tibet between China & Tibet & complete sovereignty whatever the issue is, really it is a serious & sensitive issue. Tibet has the support of the government of India & it will continue. But the support must be peaceful, helpful & not harmful. But America talks of supporting the Tibet movement then it must study that support minutely. It is quite essential to think over that. This American support for Tibet will be a blessing for Tibet or curse? Not only this, the world should think over that the American support in the controversial situations have lead to receiving countries, to what destination?

Author Tanveer Jafri is a columnist based in India. He is related with hundreds of most popular daily news papers/portals in India and abroad. Jafri writes in the field of communal harmony, world peace, anti communalism, anti terrorism, national integration, national & international politics etched is a devoted social activist for world peace, unity, integrity & global brotherhood. Tanveer Jafri is also a member of Haryana Sahitya Academy & Haryana Urdu Academy (state govt. bodies in India). Thousands articles of the author have been published in different newspapers, websites & news portals throughout the world. He is also a recipient of so many awards in the field of Communal Harmony & other social activities.
(Email : tanveerjafriamb@gmail.com )