A group of Tibetan Buddhist monks praying
By Tan Ong
New Delhi, India (CHAKRA)— Hundreds of Buddhist monks gathered to protest against the lock down of the Kirti Monastery in Tibet by the Chinese government. The protest too place in Delhi where hundreds of Buddhist monks along with Tibetan activists took part in a peace rally.
The message of universal brotherhood, peace and harmony was the highlight at the cathedral in New Delhi, where the monks and activists prayed for peace.
The monks are demanding immediate withdrawal of troops from the monastery so that an end can come to the continuous abuse of their human rights–something they are deeply concerned about.
Ishi Dolma, a Tibetan activist reported that 300 monks have gone missing and the situation at the monastery is very tense. He further explained that the Chinese officials are capturing any monks they come across, the food supply is short, and any movement across the Kirti Monastery is cutoff leaving the area completely restricted from the public. The forces have surrounded the monastery from every side so no one can get in or get out.
Dolma is also urging governments across the world to step in and help their cause as well as their people who have done nothing but practiced peace in a non-disturbing way.
Dolma also sent out a specif message to the world, but especially the Indian government and its people to help solve the long-standing conflict affecting the Tibetan people.
At a protest, after Chinese troops took hold of the Kirti Monastery, it was reported that Phuntsok, a 20-year-old monk committed self-immolation.
About 17 monks from the Kirti Monastery and about 20 other local Tibetans have been arrested.
Tibet has been under Chinese control ever since the Chinese army invaded Tibet in 1950.