Three ex political prisoners Ngawang Sangdrol, Choeying Kunsang, and Pema led the rally behind a huge banner reading “50 years of Enslavement in Tibet by China”. They were followed by a group of civilian dressed but capped with a tall white hat to depict how the Chinese Authorities had arrested and caused embarrassment to the Tibetans. Following them were a large group of Tibetans dressed in prisoner’s clothes.  Several fake Chinese Military dressed protesters were constantly harassing those arrested Tibetans by beating them so inhumanly, just like the Chinese Armed forces do in Tibet. Even a mere imitation of such inhuman act is enough to cause tears in the eyes of many passerby. This act performed through the World’s busiest street (42nd St and Time Square) was very successful in creating awareness to the ongoing Chinese persecution in Tibet.

An official function was performed on reaching the Chinese Consulate. The RTYC President made the introduction speech. He said “This new holiday is nothing more than a transparent attempt by the Chinese government to re-brand 50 years of brutal occupation as ‘liberation’ but no amount of Chinese government propaganda can hide the terrible truth of their suffering.”

The key speaker was ex political prisoner Kasur Shewo Lobsang Dhargyal who shared his own life experience during the Chinese invasion and its aftermath. He also made it clear to the crowd that at no time in the history of Tibet had Tibetans legally agreed to the Chinese rule.

The other speakers included Tenzin Dorjee, the deputy Director of the SFT and Wangchuk Shakabpa, the grandson of former Finance Minister of Tibet, Tsepon Shakabpa Wangchuk Dedhen.

Chinese Communist Regime may try one propaganda after the other, one lie after another. Tibetans and supporters will expose the lie, whatever it takes. Tibetans will never give up the fight for freedom, the fight for truth.

Tsering Palden

President, RTYC, NY & NJ