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Tibetan PM calls for regional autonomy in Tibet

May 23rd, 2008

New Delhi / Satovari,(Himachal Pradesh) May 23 (ANI) : Tibets Prime Minister in-exile Samdhong Rinpoche has called for implementation of constitutional provisions to facilitate the introduction of regional autonomy in Tibet.

Photo by Tenzin Dasel/Phayul.com

Addressing a Tibetan gathering in New Delhi today, Rinpoche said that Tibet’s stand on China is clear and it does not seek a separate state but a middle path approach that would provide meaningful autonomy to their homeland.
“Our expectations are very clear. They should implement Constitutional provisions of national regional autonomy for all minorities, including the Tibetans,” he said.
Former Defence Minister George Fernandes has also supported the cause of Tibetans.
Meanwhile, exiled Tibetans from various parts of world participated in various sporting events during the second day of the Tibetan Olympics held at Satovari near Dharamsala.
Male participants took part in a twelve kilometre long race while female athletes covered a distance of eight kilometres. Twenty three athletes including 10 women and 13 men participated in these events.
They said that Tibetans should come ahead and take part in the Tibetan Olympics to show their solidarity against Chinese oppression.
“I want to say this to all young Tibetans, especially girls. I think they should participate in this Olympics and any other activities for the struggle of free Tibet and for the human rights of the Tibetans. It is not a sham and we should be proud to participate for the sake of the Tibetans living in Tibet ,” said Dhartsokyi, a participant.
The Tibetan Olympics started on Thursday in Satovari ,close to the seat of the Tibetan government in-exile and ahead of the Beijing Olympics in August this year .
Exiled Tibetans are holding parallel games to garner world support for their ‘freedom struggle’.
The games happen to be another form of protest against China ’s crackdown in Lhasa in March this year .
About 150,000 Tibetans live in India , which has hosted Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama since he fled Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against China .
Dharamsala has been the epicentre of the Tibetan movement for the liberation of their homeland.
The Dalai Lama supports the Beijing Olympic Games and has no plans of attending this alternative sporting event .(ANI)