Expressing his full support to Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan cause for a free Tibet, a former minister of Himachal Pradesh said that the people of the world must speak for the just cause of the Tibetan people.
Major Vijay Singh Mankotia, vice-chairman of the Tourism Development Board of Himachal Pradesh, was speaking on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the founding of the National Democratic Party of Tibet.
“I took part in the 1962 war against China. I was a commissioned officer in the Indian army,” he said. “I have seen the atrocities committed on the Tibetans by the Chinese. I have not forgiven the Chinese for it.”
Major Mankotia said there is a huge list of Tibetan martyrs who have laid down their lives in Tibet for the Tibetan cause, and that even today Tibetans are fighting against the illegal regime of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
“If we [Indians] are the inheritors of the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi who had the moral courage and force to take on the might of the British Empire, then why don’t we speak up?” he wondered.
He felt that people of the world who do not uphold the cause of Tibet are betraying the cause of humanity at large.
“Those who are supporting His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the people of Tibet for their cause of a free Tibet — I salute them because they have the courage and the guts to stand up for what is right.”
Offering his views on democracy and political parties, the veteran politician said, “Democracy and its leadership must have credibility. Credibility comes from honesty and integrity of its leadership. Unless you have that, people will not have faith in you.”
He explained that the essential ingredients of a political party are credibility, accountability and transparency, and that to counter the very negative campaigns by China, the National Democratic Party of Tibet should have the right programmes, policy, propaganda, and publicity.
Former Kalon Tripa (Prime Minister of the Central Tibetan Administration) Samdhong Rinpohe and former Kalon (Minister) Kirti Rinpoche were the chief guests on the occasion.
The National Democratic Party of Tibet was founded in 1994 after the Dalai Lama suggested having political parties in Tibetan society. The party has 35 branches around the world with over 5,000 members.
Expressing his full support to Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan cause for a free Tibet, a former minister of Himachal Pradesh said that the people of the world must speak for the just cause of the Tibetan people.
Major Vijay Singh Mankotia, vice-chairman of the Tourism Development Board of Himachal Pradesh, was speaking on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the founding of the National Democratic Party of Tibet.
“I took part in the 1962 war against China. I was a commissioned officer in the Indian army,” he said. “I have seen the atrocities committed on the Tibetans by the Chinese. I have not forgiven the Chinese for it.”
Major Mankotia said there is a huge list of Tibetan martyrs who have laid down their lives in Tibet for the Tibetan cause, and that even today Tibetans are fighting against the illegal regime of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
“If we [Indians] are the inheritors of the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi who had the moral courage and force to take on the might of the British Empire, then why don’t we speak up?” he wondered.
He felt that people of the world who do not uphold the cause of Tibet are betraying the cause of humanity at large.
“Those who are supporting His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the people of Tibet for their cause of a free Tibet — I salute them because they have the courage and the guts to stand up for what is right.”
Offering his views on democracy and political parties, the veteran politician said, “Democracy and its leadership must have credibility. Credibility comes from honesty and integrity of its leadership. Unless you have that, people will not have faith in you.”
He explained that the essential ingredients of a political party are credibility, accountability and transparency, and that to counter the very negative campaigns by China, the National Democratic Party of Tibet should have the right programmes, policy, propaganda, and publicity.
Former Kalon Tripa (Prime Minister of the Central Tibetan Administration) Samdhong Rinpohe and former Kalon (Minister) Kirti Rinpoche were the chief guests on the occasion.
The National Democratic Party of Tibet was founded in 1994 after the Dalai Lama suggested having political parties in Tibetan society. The party has 35 branches around the world with over 5,000 members.
By Lobsang Wangyal
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