As a herd of Tibetans poured onto the streets of Civic Center and made their way towards city hall on the morning of November 2nd, a sense of solidarity filled the crowd. Hundreds dressed in black carried signs and flags to show their respect for the young monks and nuns who sacrificed their lives in Tibet. More than a dozen young Tibetans have self-immolated in an act of pure desperation and frustration regarding the violent crackdown of the Chinese government in Tibet.
These acts of self-immolation took place mainly in Ngaba where Kirti Monastery, the largest monastic institution is located. After more than 50 years of extreme oppression, severe infringements on human rights, inhumane treatment, and a current attempt at cultural genocide, the youth of Tibet has had enough. By setting themselves on fire, these young monks and nuns are pleading to the rest of the world to intervene as well as take action against the Chinese government, specifically China’s leader, Hu Jintao.
Tenzing Tsedup, the president of the Tibetan Association of Northern California explained, “We need President Obama to stand up for Tibet. We need Hilary Clinton to stand up for Tibet. We need G20 to stand up for Tibet”.
Pasang Wangmo, president of Team Tibet Club at Albany High said, “We will gain more support through people hearing our voices because this is a way of expressing ourselves. Although we weren’t physically able to prevent the immolations or comfort the Tibetans in Tibet, we will never give up until Tibet is free”.
At the demonstration, Hundreds of Tibetans marched from city hall to the Chinese embassy chanting slogans and passing out flyers as a way to spread the message to the public. After countless hours of protesting and walking, the Tibetan Association of Northern California halted in front of the embassy. An organized chant began and hundreds of voices echoed the streets. The passion and determination of the people were apparent and there was no sign of giving up.
