Editor,
On February 3, 2014, I had the privilege of being present when His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave a speech on the occasion of the 6th Convocation of Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU).
There were two issues that I found remarkable in his speech:-
Firstly, His Holiness tacitly accepted that Tibet is an integral part of China. He said that the Chinese could learn from the diversity of India. This stand is contrary to all reality from the point of view of the Chinese Policy on Tibet from 1948 till date. China’s Tibet Policy is consistent with the ultimate subjugation of the people of Tibet through total military, administrative and economic control over Tibet. The world community including India looked the other way and allowed China to have its way since 1948. Demographically, the people of Tibet are on the edge of a precipice and resettlement of Han Chinese in Tibet would ultimately purge all traces of Tibetan culture, religion and language. Human rights are being crushed under the jackboots of the Peoples Liberation Army and the world community can only send weak protestations.
The relevant question is: How can a non- violent movement without the support of other nations be successful in reversing the slide of the Tibetan people into oblivion? The prospects are bleak. I am curious to know the views of the Tibetan Government in Exile on this capitulation to Chinese interests based on unproven aspirations and without international safeguards.
Secondly, the Dalai Lama spoke of Chinese assistance for economic development and at the same time he cautioned that the ecology of Tibet should be preserved. Surely, this is another naïve hope. China is an economic dragon that is literally breathing fire. In its hunger for energy, mega dams would ultimately be built over the Brahmaputra. The strategic resources of Tibet would be exploited to the hilt. And the ecology of Tibet would be one of the last priorities of the dragon.
Dr. Glenn C. Kharkongor, Pro Chancellor of MCLU, spoke of the “decline of capitalism” when in fact it is only a setback. Greed does not die easily! Communist China ironically has become the vanguard of the capitalist world. Nations are falling over each other to increase trade with China. And “minor” issues like human rights and environmental considerations are being swept under the carpet. Tibet has become an inconvenient historical truth for all nations of the world.
The Dalai Lama spoke of a non-violent struggle of decades or even centuries before truth would ultimately triumph. But the world would then have become a poorer place with the demise of a beautiful land and its people.
Yours etc.,
G. M. Bruce Sawkmie
(Rangbah Shnong, Laitumkhrah)
Shillong -3