Students United Movement of All Arunachal (SUMAA) have been protesting against the Government of Arunachal Pradesh’s adoption of the Tibetan Rehabilitation policy (TRP). They say Tibetans are infringing on the rights of the indigenous population.
The opinion piece below was sent to dorjeshugden.com for publication. We accept submissions from the public, please send in your articles to [email protected].
By: Solaray Kusco
In 2014, the Indian government initiated a policy called the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy (TRP). Supporters say that the TRP was the Indian government’s attempt to boost the Tibetans’ standard of living; cynics say that the TRP was agreed to by many state governments, in order to woo Tibetan voters into voting favorably for them.
One such state that is now speaking up strongly is Arunachal Pradesh, in North India. In October 2017, hundreds of Indians in the state began passionate protests against their government, calling upon them to rollback their agreement to implement the TRP. In their protests, they willingly labelled themselves anti-Tibetan. The protests became so heated that Tibetan-owned businesses in Arunachal Pradesh state drew their shutters and required police protection from potential attacks.
The anti-Tibetan sentiment in Arunachal Pradesh joins an increasing number of vocal comments and remarks being made by Indians finally realizing how Tibetan so-called refugees have been taking advantage of the Indian nation’s kindness. Meanwhile the Tibetan leadership stays silent about the situation in Arunachal Pradesh while their people remain at risk of losing their entire livelihoods. It is clear that:
- The current situation is not the fault of the Tibetan people but of their leadership known as the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in Dharamsala, North India. The CTA do not implement good policies to expose their people to better education, world politics, current affairs, better job opportunities as well as life opportunities and instead they keep the Tibetan people downtrodden and poor for their own purposes. In doing so, the CTA hopes that the world remains sympathetic to them labelled as ‘refugees’ although it has been 60 years since leaving Tibet, and hence gives them more money and donations. In reality, Tibetans actually have many opportunities in India to better their own lives if they would go beyond their scopes. The CTA does not encourage this within their communities although to sponsors and foreign donors they show a different face.
- Even their refugee status is being thrown into doubt and the citizens of their host country India is questioning why they are still refugees after 60 years of living freely. The tribal communities of Arunachal Pradesh State in North India who are engaged in anti-Tibetan protests say that Tibetans are not genuine refugees according to the 1951 Geneva Convention which is the main international instrument of refugee law. There are many more genuine refugees in the world that fit the description much better. There are approximately 7,000 Tibetans in the North Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh alone. For example, real refugees do not live in nice houses, own farms, keep livestock, go on holidays abroad, send their children overseas for education, open up businesses, have big golden temples and get to enjoy all of the country’s facilities, while the indigenous population in India continues to suffer and does not receive adequate government aid. This indigenous population are speaking up now against this unfair practice of double standards. The double standards are those of the Tibetans claiming to be refugees and all the ‘perks’ that it accompanies this label, along with having passports of other countries such as Nepal, USA, England, Canada and so on. The head of the CTA or the so-called Prime Minister Mr. Lobsang Sangay has an American passport. If anything should happen in India, he can hop on a plane and fly to safety, quite contrary to the situation that his own countrymen face.
- So for the Tibetan government to keep using the “refugee” card is a clear indication that they are cheating the local Indian and indigenous population. That is to say, the CTA has the ability to create an environment for their people to do well and thrive, without needing affirmative policies from the Indian government who should be allowed to focus their efforts on the Indian population. Yet, the CTA continue to rely on the Indian government for such policies because it is free and easy money, and this is why Indians in Arunachal Pradesh are so upset. The fact that anger is now being directed at all Tibetans is a very clear indicator that the CTA have not been good leaders in securing their people’s future and current status that now even their refugee status can be attacked. It clearly shows that the CTA and Tibetans have not made themselves welcomed in India even after 60 years. No country will ask an immigrant or refugee to leave if they have lived there for 60 years. So something is seriously upsetting the Indians against Tibetans. Why are they still refugees after 60 years of living in free India?
A banner posted by Students’ United Movement of all Arunachal (SUMAA) in Itanagar, India, on 6 October 2017 stating: “Anti Tibetan Refugee Movement” driving start from 10th October 2017 onwards. We strongly stand firm against the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy-2014. We seek every indigenous people to join in this rescue mission for the safeguards of indigenous community. Go back Tibetan…! Go back refugee…! Kaling Moyong, Vice Present (Pro) cum Issue Chairman; Tagri Tame, President; Akom Suraj Licu, General Secretary; Taki Longte Ta…, Education Sec’y cum Issue Vice Chairman.
- The current anti-Tibetan sentiment shows that the CTA has not done much to give back to the people of India for being such a kind host and allowing them to live so freely, with all the additional perks even the locals do not get to enjoy. This shows how ungrateful the CTA is, and that they are all about taking and milking whoever they can manipulate into believing their ‘poor me’ stories. If the CTA had encouraged the Tibetan people to get involved with Indian society and assimilate, open charities, help the Indians and indigenous people, establish clinics, offer medical assistance and so on as the late Mother Teresa had done in India, Tibetans today would be viewed as Indians, and not as a separate community from the Indians. Being a separate community makes it easier for them to be identified as the opposition and enemy.
- The level of anger we are currently witnessing in Arunachal Pradesh is not a spur-of-the-moment thing. It is not just because of the TRP that Indians are suddenly protesting against Tibetans. In fact, anti-Tibetan sentiments have been brewing for decades, and the TRP just happened to be the straw that broke the camel’s back. Why are the Tibetans still asking to remain as refugees and not assimilate, and furthermore asking for special refugee privileges? Tibetans who migrate abroad to Canada, USA, Japan, Australia, Europe and so forth have to immediately assimilate, apply for permanent residency status or green cards, as well as passports and work. There are no special privileges. So why do they demand or expect this of their most kindest host, namely India? It has been 60 years already. “Assimilate or return to Tibet,” is what the Indians are logically demanding. Pay taxes, join the Indian armed services to protect the land, obey the rules of democracy and so on, and stop crying for help as you pretend to be a refugee.
- SUMAA (Students United Movement of All Arunachal) are students, so they are not just random uneducated village people. They are educated and they can observe and think, and having analyzed the situation, they have grown to become very angry and are now protesting in the hundreds because Tibetans still want preferential treatment and ask for aid from the foreign countries. What the CTA need to realize is that SUMAA have vowed that this is just the beginning and will not stop until their state government of Arunachal Pradesh rolls back the TRP and rescinds the state’s support of this affirmative action. This type of anti-Tibetan sentiment is growing. It has been brewing in various parts of India for decades.
- What the CTA also needs to understand is that once one group starts to get vocal and complain about the Tibetans, everyone else will join in too because finally, a group has taken the leap of being identified as anti-Tibetan and it is now no longer taboo to be considered as such. When that time comes, what can the CTA do to protect their people? After 60 years, Tibetans are still more likely to become sweater sellers than scientists, doctors, engineers and so forth. This is thanks to the CTA’s leadership and method of keeping their people uneducated, unexposed and unaware of the world at large for their own exploitative purposes. It is simple: the leadership keeps the population in poverty while they use this to receive aid and line their own coffers. It is well-known that the members of the Tibetan leadership in Dharamsala are wealthy, own houses abroad, send their kids to western countries for higher education, own cars, have foreign passports and can afford overseas holidays. While this method may have been initially intended to protect and preserve the Tibetan way of life, it has spectacularly backfired due to extreme corruption as Congressman Dana Rohrabacher stated. Now, the Tibetans cannot even earn a living safely and uninterruptedly, let alone think of preserving their culture in an atmosphere that is increasing hostile towards the so-called refugee Tibetans.
- Why does the CTA not say something to placate the situation and make peace with the Indians in Arunachal Pradesh? It is most likely because they know they can do nothing to placate the protestors, as their anger has grown so great. Before it reached this stage, the CTA would have tried to say or do something to quell the anger and so now, it is too late. So how will the CTA help the Tibetans now? Can they speak up for Tibetan refugee rights without angering the local Indian population? What would stop Indians from saying that Tibetans should just leave, which they have every right to call for?
- The CTA’s treatment of Dorje Shugden practitioners is coming back full circle. What’s happening now to all Tibetans and how they need police protection from the backlash from the Indians, is similar to how Dorje Shugden practitioners had to be protected by Indian police in the past when the CTA directed violence against them. Now the Tibetan community has to suffer because the CTA spent 60 years focused on making personal financial gains from their political positions. Thanks to the CTA’s actions against their own Tibetan people, the entire Tibetan community now has to suffer. Now the majority of Tibetans will know how it feels to live among self created hostility.
Locals have been seen protesting against the Tibetans in the hundreds.
What the CTA should be REALLY concerned about is that this is what is happening to Tibetans while Dalai Lama is still alive. While the Dalai Lama, who commands such massive respect in India, is still alive, there are already people in India calling for the Tibetans to leave. The request seems almost illogical; with nearly 90,000 Tibetans living in exile in India, it is impossible for all of them to leave. Where would they even go? It is becoming all the more obvious now that the CTA has to make friends with China so they have somewhere to go back to at that time, or to become Indian citizens now and be proud and serve the country. The Dalai Lama does not have a foreign passport but an Indian protectorate document for travel. But most of his government members do carry foreign passports but it is kept hush-hush. Ordinary Tibetans will find it prohibitively expensive to do the same.
This situation should be something of concern to all Tibetans, that once His Holiness the Dalai Lama passes away, there will be nothing to stem the wave of anti-Tibetan sentiment that is coming. They will not be able to rely on the CTA to handle it and certainly, Sikyong Lobsang Sangay has demonstrated he is incapable of doing so and will literally ‘fly the coop’ with his American passport. The funds for the whole of the CTA comes solely because of sympathies towards the charismatic Dalai Lama. Without him holding it together and being a magnet for monetary aid, all would collapse overnight. If Sikyong Lobsang Sangay had the ability to control the situation, the present situation in Arunachal Pradesh would not have boiled over into anti-Tibetan protests on the street. The fact there are protests now show that Lobsang Sangay was ineffective in dealing with this. The Tibetans did not make good impression on the Indians for the last 60 years.
After 60 years of living in India, Tibetans are still hoisting their flags throughout the communities in India. What an insult to India. They should be hoisting the flag of India which is the country that gives them safe refuge, education, opportunities, citizenship, free platform to campaign for a free Tibet, headquarters for the safety of the Dalai Lama, jobs and homes. But this shows how ungrateful Tibetans are. In every other country they migrate to, they must salute the flag of the respective countries. India is really kind and generous in all respects and now further is offering Tibetans citizenship which their CTA is refusing. To the public, they ‘encourage’ Tibetans for Indian citizenship but privately, they tell their people to not be a traitor and remain a refugee because the Tibetan cause will be lost, when in truth it is all about losing refugee aid money.
It is the CTA and their underhanded tricks all over again. By taking citizenship, Tibetans can no longer enjoy the free perks of foreign aid and have to fend for themselves. Indians are tired of being insulted and used as a stepping stone for Tibetans to get to another country. When they cannot get to another country, they want to remain as refugees forever, citing not losing the cause for Tibet, then only do they remain in India. Why is India the second choice? Why is India good enough to live as a refugee for 60 years but not good enough to become of citizen of? Tibetans are arrogant and are obviously using India. If getting an Indian citizenship is being a traitor to the Tibetan cause of freedom, then what about the thousands of Tibetans in Europe, Japan, Australia, North America who have already been naturalized as citizens of those respective countries? Are they all traitors also? Tibetans in India remain refugees because is easier to get aid than become a full citizen of a democratic country like India where they would have to fend for themselves like any other citizen.
As time passes, life gets better for most other refugee communities around the world. They are either repatriated as conflict in their homeland dies down, or they assimilate into their host nations and thrive there. Yet with the Tibetans, we are seeing the opposite, as more people become less enamored by the idea of a Shangri-la Tibet, and wake up to the reality that everyone knows is true – after 60 years, the CTA have given nothing back to India and will continue to give nothing back. Even as the Indians themselves speak up against them, with the Tibetan leadership it is truly a case of old habits die hard and at the end of the day, it will be left up to the Tibetan people to suffer. The precarious situation for Tibetans in India happening now is only the beginning of the end.
Indians (SUMAA) Protest Against Tibetans
Part 1
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Part 2
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Part 3
Part Translation: “This is not a simple foot march, it is a protest rally and I want to say to the state government and the central government, whoever is behind this policy, to immediately roll it back. If not…this is just the beginning. I will say it one more time, this is just the beginning. And of our people who have come here today came along the road, if tomorrow the chief minister’s office asks, if necessary to save our prestige, we will, the SUMAA will go to any extent. Our demands are that the policy is rolled back.”
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Part 4
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SUMAA Leaders Speak
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Articles
Click to enlarge. (Source: http://arunachalobserver.org/2017/10/11/sumaa-holds-protest-march-demands-trp-2014-rollback/)
Click to enlarge. (Source: http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=39650)
Click to enlarge. (Source: https://www.tibetsun.com/news/2017/10/05/tibetans-in-arunachal-pradesh-face-wrath-of-locals)
English
Indonesia
Tibetan
Tenzin Peljor
October 12, 2017
Tibetans use India. They don’t respect India and actually very racist. Indians are tired of this now and want them out. Now big protests in the hundreds are happening in Arunachel Pradesh state of India demanding Tibetans go back to Tibet. The people there are tired of the Tibetans and do not welcome them anymore. After 60 years, why are the Tibetans still refugees? If they can go western country, they will go because India is NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR THEM BECAUSE THEY ARE USERS. They put India down. They only stay in India if they cannot go to another country. They never get Indian citizenship because they want foreign citizenship. Shame. In India, they never pay taxes. They never join army to defend India. They never build hospitals, half way houses, orphanages or get money from foreign aid to help India. They never build anything for Indians and we have so many poor Indians in India. Look at the foreigner Mother Teresa how much she did for India and she did so much for Indians in Calcutta but Tibetans do nothing. Not a charitable race. Their Dalai Lama never set up orphanages, schools, soup kitchens for the poor or set up scholarship for Indians. He lived in India for 60 years and give nothing back but take and use Indian land. The Tibetans lived in India for 60 years but they contribute nothing to India. Only complain and Indians are now going to speak up. The SUMAA students said the protests against Tibetans are only beginning and there will be more.
After 60 years how can they still be refugees. They are not genuine refugees. They call themselves refugees and not get Indian passport so their Tibetan ‘government’ in Dharamsala can continue to market them to western countries and Japan to give them money. To get free money. Tibetan leaders love free money. Tibetans have big houses, nice cars and can travel to other countries. The Dalai Lama temples in Dharamsala have gold idols and gold paintings and live in very high luxury. Tibetan leaders already get money in the US billions in aid and yet they never improve. The Tibetans always say they have no opportunities in India. Why they say that? Because they are saying they are too good for India.
They say they want autonomy with China but they fly the Tibetan flag on Indian soil. If they want autonomy, they should fly the Chinese flag and show China government they are serious to sit and talk. They are always lying. They protest against China on Indian soil making problems between India and China. India is not responsible for Tibetans. Tibetans should not make China India’s enemy. Don’t be selfish. China is not India’s problem. Tibetans should solve the problems themselves.
Tibetan leaders only want money, money and more free things. They always make segregation among their people due to regional differences and religion. Look how they supress the Dorje Shugden religion and their own Dorje Shugden Tibetans cannot join in their schools or Dalai Lama’s talks and ceremonies. They treat the Dorje Shugden people like the low castes in India. Their Tibetan people cannot stand up on their own become something because their leaders want everything for free. When they go to western countries, they lose their culture, religion and language and pay a heavy price. Their children become more like the adopted country’s culture and people. Their ‘government’ in Dharamsala block them from getting Indian citizenship so they can continue using their fake refugee status to get money from the west. When India is so generous to give them citizenship, their own Tibetan minister in Dharamsala block this.
Now Indians had enough and want Tibetans to get out and go home!
SUMAA students heavily protest Part 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTyAvVQpn7g
SUMAA students heavily protest Part 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_RmtPpfvNA
Indians and Indian tribal people want Tibetans to go back to Tibet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaCQ7qvjEYQ
Hundreds of Indians want Tibetans out of India. Protests are vowed to continue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=0oUTdHWxpkg
Indian SUMAA leaders demanding state government to revoke refugee privileges for Tibetans
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnJozme8PCw
And alternative videos:
SUMAA students heavily protest
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRqCkcc4hfg
Indians and Indian tribal people want Tibetans to go back to Tibet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdjuR-Y10NM
Hundreds want Tibetans out of India. Protests are vowed to continue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTRbetGn4To
Heavy protest in the hundreds by Indians for Tibetans to get out of India
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdjuR-Y10NM&t=34s
samayakeeper
October 12, 2017
Lobsang Sangay and his cohorts in the CTA are ungrateful to the government and people of India. They not only take from India but from other countries. Tibetans should vote out those corrupted, greedy and useless office holders in CTA instead of continuing to support a government that has not brought them benefit. Say NO to CTA!
Bylakuppe C
October 12, 2017
You can see in the comment part of this youtube video how ungrateful, greedy and nasty Tibetans are. The Indians are angry and have a right to be angry after hosting the Tibetans for 60 years. Yet instead of being grateful, they lash back. Even calling the Indian students “COMMUNIST CHINA PAID DOGS” and other vulgarities. Very racist. Anything Tibetans don’t like, they call you a China spy or China money eating agent. Even the Indian nationals now are berated as China dogs.
No wonder Indians are protesting for Tibetans to go back! This is happening while the Dalai Lama is alive for after he passes, it will completely degenerate and the Indians will take action and expel the ungrateful refugees.
Tashi Delhi
October 12, 2017
We all know that Dalai Lama does not want independence for Tibet but autonomy. It is clear that Rangzen-fighting Tibetans are going against the Dalai Lama. They are hardcore separatists and most likely taking Chinese money to create schism. The attached Times of India article is very clear what the Dalai Lama wants. Rangzen Tibetans and activists are 100% against Dalai Lama and Tibetan nation.
Swiss Tibetan Rangzen
October 12, 2017
Tibetan govt in exile is corrupt, useless and keeps their people as refugees so they can milk more aid money to put in their pockets
Dharamsala Son
October 12, 2017
These guys had an all expense luxury trip to Paris to attend a Rangzen (Tibetan Independence) meeting. This rangzen movement is directly against the Dalai Lama’s mdidle way autonomy. These guys are against our Dalai Lama.
Dharamsala Son
October 12, 2017
These guys had an all expense luxury trip to Paris to attend a Rangzen (Tibetan Independence) meeting. This rangzen movement is directly against the Dalai Lama’s mdidle way autonomy. These guys are against our Dalai Lama.
They are 100% against the Dalai Lama. We cannot support their views at all
Dharamsala Son
October 12, 2017
Lobsang Sangay and Sharling Dhardon was seen in Delhi together at a five star restaurant having a cozy dinner. These two are very close. Lobsang Sangay and Sharling Dhardon are very wealthy while their fellow Tibetans are selling sweaters on the dusty Indian streets.
Eli Buchen
October 12, 2017
One of the first things, that came to my mind, is Karma. It is the wheel of sharp weapons for CTA and Tibetan who harassed and chased Dorje Shugden people and monks.
Still it shows that Tibetans in exile has not assimilated or lived harmoniously with the locals at all and CTA does not help also. CTA’s policies have turned the Tibetans settling in India, as something unwelcomed.
Tibetans, please wake up now CTA, has led you all to a dead end, hope you all can salvage the situation before India becomes even no longer friendly Tibetans to be present. Tick tock. times wait for no one, hope all the tibetans who have created such huge negative karma can do their purification spiritual practices and turn things around.
King Bhishmaka
October 12, 2017
Enough is enough OK!
Sandy
October 12, 2017
All CTA officials hold foreign passports and Tibetans living in India remain as refugees? This is so unfair and CTA is clearly not doing their job. How can you let your people remain as stateless refugee for 60 years? How ironic is that Losang Sangay holds an American passports and then goes around the world asking for refugee aid? He is not even a refugee. It is quite clear that CTA wants the money for their own pockets, they are using their own people to make themselves rich, that is so disgusting.
Camillia
October 12, 2017
Seriously I am very impressed with the CTA, they are very profit oriented, and their commercial model is the best in the world! It is a zero cost commercial model.
The entire Tibetans in exile community including the prestige Dalai Lama, erudite lamas and monks, are housed by the Indian government. They are given land and many opportunities to develop, grow and expound their religion freely. Many people from all over the world had flown into these lands given to Tibetan in exile by the Indian government to meet up with spiritual masters, receive teachings and contribute towards the building and maintenance of these premises as well as the economy of the fringe industries. So, the CTA has NO COST to maintain the survival of her people.
Then, the CTA leaders flew around the world, parading the prestige Dalai Lama to talk about fake world peace since CTA and the people in Dharamsala practice segregation and discrimination, and the highly convoluted Tibetan Cause since half of CTA and Dharamsala is forming a separate camp that opposes what Dalai Lama has been championing. But since the westerners, in general, had been known for their generosity when they hear causes about China suppressing human rights or what-not, it has been rather profitable for the CTA this past 60 years.
So, all profit, no cost.
And you wonder why young people in Arunachal Pradesh protest and demand the rollback of TRP. Given the high lifestyle of certain Tibetans who claim that they are refugees to enjoy the perks in the expense of the indigenous, it is no wonder the youth of Arunachal Pradesh became angry.
The sad truth is, not all Tibetans in exile are living the high life. Majority of them are poor, not exposed, barely educated, and they have been kept this way by the CTA deliberately so that this sad image can be used to milk the westerners.
The real Tibetans in exile are the Ota Benga of this century, and like it or not, CTA is Samuel Phillips Verner!
Krishna
October 12, 2017
Dalai Lama’s people of Tibetans is time to go back to Tibet. You don’t want to be a citizen of India after 60 years. Why not? You don’t respect India? 😖☹️😓
Mila Rangzen
October 12, 2017
Let us not forget the Gaddi in Dharamsala whom the Tibetans have not shown any reciprocity in terms of treatment. Have the Tibetans overstayed? When will they assimilate? When will the CTA allow Tibetans to become India nationals?
The CTA is the root of all Tibetans problem in India. Better change or it will get worse, trust me.
http://www.tibettelegraph.com/2014/06/is-dharamshala-safe-for-tibetans.html
DS survivor
October 12, 2017
Corruption, ignorance and self-indulgence of CTA provoked anger to India and Tibetan refugees. It’s useless for the refugees to seek authorization from them. Surrender your nationality to India.
Giving Back
October 12, 2017
When will the Tibetans give back to India? When will Lobsang Sangay and Dhardon Sharling see the disparities between them and the average Indian citizen? When will they see the disparities between them and the average Tibetan in India?
In the picture below you can see how disattached Lobsang Sangay is to the plight and reality of the average Tibetan in India and also Indians, adorning a really expensive looking timepiece.
L Lhundup
October 12, 2017
Dear Giving Back,
You are correct.
Lobsang Sangay is totally disgusting behavior.
Look Tibetan suffering but he is jolly good American passsport, house, travel, very nice hotel and girlfriend, many holiday overseas, many, many more.
What did he do for Tibetan? Nothing.
http://tibetexpress.net/local-traders-dismantle-tibetan-sweater-market-in-haryana/
L Lhundup
October 12, 2017
Dhardon Sharling also have same expensive watch like Lobsang Sangay. Who give her?
Doreen Park
October 12, 2017
A firm call to roll back their government’s agreement to implement the policy of the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy is being made by hundreds of Indian protestors in Arunachal Pradesh. Protests have become so heated that Tibetan business premises have called for police protection for fear of possible attacks.
These protests reflect increasing awareness by Indians regarding the fact that given 60 years to go about doing it, the Tibetans have still not become Indian citizens and , remaining as refugees, are still demanding special privileges. In actual fact, they have been taking advantage of India’s hospitality and kindness, at the expense of local indigenous Indians who continue to suffer owing to lack of adequate aid. Why have they, the Tibetans, not assimilated into the Indian cultural and social scene? Why the disdain for becoming Indian citizens, and yet enjoying the privileges accorded ?
The ball is at the court of the CTA. They are the ones who have discouraged Tibetans from opting for Indian citizenship, fuelling their unreasonable disdain and reluctance. If they care for the Tibetans in India, they should be helping them to get Indian citizenship in the shortest possible period. Otherwise, when India decides to withdraw its hospitality, where will the poor Tibetans(who unlike CTA and friends who have got American and other passports and can just fly there at will) go, who will be left floundering and stateless.?
Meanwhile, CTA, do something to placate the situation and make peace with the Indians in Arunachal Pradesh.There is no time to lose.
sunita
October 12, 2017
The politics from all directions that are ongoing is going to cause lots of sufferings to the regular Tibetan people who are just trying their best to lead a normal life. Very sad indeed !
The Indian politicians in trying to buy Tibetan votes created this “special” treatment package TRP for the Tibetans and this angered the locals who felt left out and threatened.
Then there is the Rangzen anti Dalai Lama Tibetans who are trying to fan anger and create war amongst the Tibetans, Indians and the Chinese.
On top of that the Tibetan in exile government CTA is too engrossed in their self cherishing policies and in-fighting that they have neglected the long term welfare of the Tibetans. This is why many Tibetans have fled overseas in search of their own security and destiny because they cannot trust the CTA can help them. After 60 years, it is very obvious that there is little development or positive results in whatever have been planned by the CTA for its people. The policies and methods used are not effective. The future is bleak, especially so because His Holiness is already very old and HE is the only person that’s currently able to hold things together. However, even then, the cracks in the system are getting bigger as the Rangzen group rallies against the Dalai Lama.
Every party has their own selfish agendas!! Which of them is truly there for the Tibetan people ??????
There are some wise and caring individuals like Mr Lukar Jam who is trying to voice out to make a difference, only to be shot down and silenced by the CTA! Sigh!
I agree with the writer that this sort of protests will escalate all over India, if the correct measures are not quickly put in place to calm things down. The livelihood and security of the Tibetans must be taken seriously by the authorities, both the CTA and the Arunachal Pradesh authorities.
celia
October 12, 2017
As much as it is saddening and worrying to read about such incidents, I can’t say it is something not foreseeable given the brewing dissatisfaction in India which CTA conveniently ignores.After all, no one likes to be taken advantage of.
From the Indian people’s perspective,
• the Tibetans have had it extremely good as freeloaders for decades now.
• In fact, not only were land and financial aids given by Indian government but there were so many generous donations pouring in all these years (some heavily publicised).
• There were so many doors opened to the Tibetans yet there has been no significant progress at all to date which does give credence to the allegations of Tibetans purposely taking advantage of other people’s generosity and refusing to lift a finger to better themselves.
• Further, there are Tibetans who are quick to condemn India when things do not get their way. From openly complaining and rudely speaking badly to even online vulgar bashing of the Indian government and its people. In essence, this lack of tact can seemingly be seen as a lack of gratitude.
• As if that is not bad enough, the Indian people are aware of the luxuries and the good life led by those in CTA.
All the above serve to fan negative sentiments and even resentment of the Indian people who are struggling with poverty and hardship themselves. In addition, “biting the hand that feeds you” is never appreciated.
However, what the Indians fail to see or failed to distinguish is that the general Tibetans are not intentionally opting to be freeloaders or set out to be an ungrateful bunch with serious entitlement attitude or hang ups. Unfortunately, the Tibetans in exile were and still are being mightily screwed up by CTA. In particular;
• The millions of financial aids meant for Tibetans never properly channelled to them and are obviously mismanaged and consumed by CTA.
• CTA has failed to delivered the majority, if not all, of their promises to Tibetans and have vested interests to keep Tibetans in such sordid state and as refugees. After all, those are the premises in which CTA can continue to milk the sympathy and generosity for more donations and financial aids.
• When some Tibetans finally took the initiative to improve their situation and manage to successfully find a way to a better secured life, their efforts are frustrated by CTA who abuse their power. Case on point, the Indian citizen application episode. Success achieved by some Tibetans in Indian court to have a right to be Indian citizens are being obstructed by CTA. Despite CTA officially responding that the choice is up to Tibetans, CTA blatantly refuses to issue the necessary letters under the unwarranted guise of protecting the Tibetans’ rights, effectively frustrating and blocking the citizenship applications. Then again, it is a pattern with CTA to say one things and do another thing to capitalise on the pain and suffering of Tibetans. Like how CTA maintains there is no Dorje Shugden ban yet abuses CTA’s executive power to criminalise Dorje Shugden practitioners and further expands so much resources to perpetuate discrimination and hatred which divides the Tibetans at a time when unity is crucial.
As usual, the Tibetan in exile are the ones who have to pay for CTA’s faults and indiscretions. And as much as it is harsh to say, to a certain extent, by not standing up and holding CTA accountable for CTA’s failures and questionable actions, the Tibetans have allowed themselves to reach this sordid state. Tibetans have allowed their fear of the negative repercussions of speaking up against the CTA to blind them to the fact that actually CTA’s powers lie in their hands.
Whilst it appears now more and more Tibetans growing braver, and gaining the courage to express their thoughts and feelings and thus are speaking up against CTA, the question is whether Tibetans still have enough time to take things slow? Already sentiments in India is reaching boiling point and the last thing we want is another repeat of Rohingya type situation which was triggered first by violent expulsion by vigilantes before perpetuated by those in power due to similar resentment and dissatisfaction within.
The good thing is that it is still not too late as the reverence of Dalai Lama is still relevant. Things can still be turned around provided CTA changes or is made to actually do what they are elected to do, serve and improve the welfare of Tibetans in exile. And such efforts are carried out pronto.
Tenzin K
October 12, 2017
What happening now in Arunachal Pradesh is just the beginning and it’s enough to show that CTA had failed to carry out their duty to protect and take care of their people. After 60 years taken advantage by the greedy corrupted Tibetan leadership, no one can stand it anymore. If CTA has been doing their part and being grateful we will not see such incident. CTA will remain quiet and hope the Indian government to protect them but how long that can be? Will Indian government sacrifce 1.3 billions Indian population for Tibetan refugees in India?
How CTA discriminate their own Tibetan that practices Dorje Shugden with violent, now they are facing back the karma. Not that I’m happy to see but this is the fact of the wrong doing. Instead of uniting their people to be harmony with their own people as well as with the Indian, CTA play the greedy card to divide and being ungrateful to their kind host. Now CTA not only need to strategies to negotiate with China if they still want to fulfil their promise to theTibetan but at the other hand to also negotiate with the Indian now if they don’t want to be kick out. 👎
Tashi
October 12, 2017
This is the result of CTA being greedy, selfish and corrupted. The Tibetan must wake up already as they have been used for so long and after 60 years this is what happened to them. What has CTA done to help Tibetan welfare? Why the Tibetan leaders can be other country citizens but never do anything for Tibetan to take care of their welfare? Why CTA being quite and allow Tibetan self sacrifice? Why CTA not doing anything with their host country India to have a better relationship so this incident can be prevented? What is CTA role here for the Tibetan refugees?
Rakesh
October 12, 2017
The Tibetans have been asking for too much as a refugee. Where in the world do refugees get so much? The government is showing kindness but the real Indians come first. No Tibetan refugees welcome to take advantage of what the government should provide for Indians first. Go back to Tibet if you don’t like it here! Tibetans are now being targeted in Arunachal Pradesh and they are not welcome to enjoy our benefits. You have taken us for granted for too long.
christine victor
October 12, 2017
It is sad to see the Tibetan refugees being chase out from India. Further this is going to spur big if CTA do nothing.
The Tibetan refugees, if to chase out, where or which country will host them. Looking at how they brought so much chaos in India, when India have host them for 60 years. To add on, no country will not go against China especially now China have shake hand with USA
The CTA have been selfish not to unite they are refugees, now, the society is separated and in chaos. I am not worry on the politician, they have enough financial to cover and even a house in other countries. The worst is the refugees. They already live in poor stage. If the India chase the out, not sure how they end up.
The new or young Tibetan have no patriotic feeling towards the Tibet China, they are born in India. Now, even if the young Tibetan would like to be Indian nationality, the Indian Government might not allowed.
CTA are feeling what they have done.
SabrinaS
October 12, 2017
Wow! What a spectacular proof of Karma does exist! After years of mistreating the Dorje Shugden Lamas & practitioners, now the karma is reciprocating. After millions and billions of USD sponsorships, CTA should have lifted the “refugees” out of poverty into a thriving community to served themselves and their kind host, India. Instead CTA members “lifted” their own living standards while spending frivolously on propaganda against China and then Dorje Shugden practice and practitioners. So much wasted funds that their people missed out on which could have given them the skills to thrive in any country they chose to settle in. Its understandable that the Tibetans in Exile wish to return to Tibet and as such remained as refugees but from CTA’s antics of antagonising China, that put paid to their dreams. After 60 years isn’t it about time that the Tibetans wake up the reality that CTA failed them? The answer is obvious when CTA defied the Dalai Lama’s wish for autonomy by promoting Rangzen, as witnessed by the meeting in France recently.
Worse is when CTA placed the ban on Dorje Shugden practice to distract their people from CTA’s failures of promises made. They discriminate, segregate and persecution Shugden practitioners with impunity, just as they did back in feudal Tibet of anyone who was a threat to their positions. CTA suppress their people so much that they had became obedient supplicants that no longer think for themselves. It really shows CTA’s true colours with the level of ungratefulness to their host country, India and continue to feed of the goodwill of India and many others. Professional Beggar is the apt name I would say!
The Dalai Lama is already 82 years old and yet CTA thinks they have plenty of time left. Or don’t, when CTA in actions showed incessant animosity against China, certainly not a sign of wanting negotiations with China. If their people were smart, then they should also stand up to all the unsavoury going ons in CTA. How will the collective karma play out I wonder? Will CTA finally change their policies to fulfil their Oath of Office, to serve their people and to put their interests first? Highly unlikely but then miracles do happen right? 😎😰😰🙄
Brian Little
October 12, 2017
CTA and Tibetans should not be referred as refugees anymore. Many do not really live like refugees meaning they live way better than a normal refugees. CTA should stop acting as a parasite and live off India’s kindness. It is strange to know Lobsang Sangay actually holds an American passport and do you think he is the right man for the job still?? He will just flee when there is any political changes in CTA.
Ryan Tashi
October 12, 2017
Maybe they have realised that Tibetans are now better off than their own people. CTA also caused a lot of problems in the past failing to control it’s people esp during the Dorje Shugden issue. It’s unfair for India still keeping them as refugees.
Anonymous
October 12, 2017
Hopeless CTA that ruining lives of Tibetans! It’s so sick to have such “gornverment” , care nothing but to keep his pockets consistently full..👎👎👎
It’s time for Tibetans to stand up, put down CTA and claim for what they deserve.. Real freedom✊✊✊
Jing Jing
October 12, 2017
When I read the article I feel sad and worried about Tibetan of their safety. I’ve seen violent can really break out due to anger of people do not agreed with their government policy. I sincerely wished this would not happen between Indian and Tibetans.
But when I read the comments of a few Tibetans on Tibet Sun. I see no appreciation from Tibetans to the kindness of Indian who hosted them for over 60 years. I think CTA should do something to re build the bond between Indian and Tibetan instead of focusing on Dorje Shugden issues that already given the Indian government lots of troubles. As a guess to India, pls be nice and polite. Stop being selfish and only take without contributing to your host.
J. Ushri
October 13, 2017
If I had house guests who stayed with me for 60 years and give nothing back, I would have kicked them out long ago. The Tibetans are actually very fortunate that the Indian government hosted them graciously for 60 years without seeking any rewards or compensation. But sadly, instead of returning the kindness, CTA has not done anything to reciprocate India’s hospitality.
CTA’s tactic of playing the victim card is now stale and isn’t going anywhere. In fact, more and more are seeing beyond the “poor me oppressed by China” facade. After 60 years and the Tibetans are not any closer to returning to their country. This just proves CTA’s incompetencies.
Ken
October 13, 2017
Idiot you write too long but dont know Arunachal Pradesh is not in North India and SUMAA is not a mass mandate organisation
sierra
October 13, 2017
That’s call cheating. Getting the local government who are out to gain votes by giving the so-called refugees preferential treatment and side-lining the Indian citizens. Why would the locals want the “refugees” around to take away their share of the pie?
Richard LakTam
October 14, 2017
Clearly this is CTA’s fault. 60 years have past, and they, the “government” did not do something, and anything at all to settle the refugees issue. They didn’t go back to China, they didn’t get independent, and recently when Indian government is kind enough to offer them Indian citizenship, CTA didn’t even approve the Tibetan application at initial stage. CTA wants their people to remain as refugees, so that Lobsang Sangay can continue taking money from the west and go in to his own pocket.
Of course Lobsang Sangay won’t hold Indian citizenship and won’t stay in India. People like him, will only want to stay in western country. So that when anything happen in India or the Tibetan in India, he will fly to US. People like him doesn’t deserve to be the Sikyong. He should come down, and CTA should cease operation. Tibetan should go back to their home coutnry, China! Stop dreaming Tibetan in exile! There’s no independent!
Justice stands firm
October 14, 2017
In the first place, India government is stupid enough to host Tibetan. Just because they want to stand against China? Now become a big joke! LOL. Why I see it as a joke? At first, you Indian government host Tibetan in exile, just because you wanted to stand against China. Now, because of Tibetan in exile are not grateful, you people are tired of them staying freely in your country land, and chase them back to China? Where is ur stand against China? 😂😜😂
Lovett
October 14, 2017
Within the Tibetan communities in India, there is no free speech and how Tibetans insult each other and would even insult foreigners by calling them Chinese agents just because you speak up and this is suppose to silence you. All of this began with the Tibetan CTA. Nonetheless, there are a handful of Tibetans who had enough and they dare to speak the truth and in this case, Tenpa Yarphel speaks against Nechung and veiled statements about the Shugden ban – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuKOjcpLH8A
And then there are people who would oppose his view by shaving his head. Very silly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA
Ravi
October 14, 2017
Go back you Tibetans! Stop using us and taking advantage of India. Go back to your Tibet and China!! 😠
Ngawang
October 15, 2017
Tibetan leaders wear expensive watches, carry branded bags, big houses and fly everywhere, enjoy good food, most importantly enjoy the good fame as country independence fighters. What a joke.
And now all these so called leaders keep silence when Tibetan lay people are being hated and at the edge of chased away local Indians. I think Tibetan leaders are very few of the world leaders that can enjoy privilege as a leader but do not have to carry any responsible to a protect and voice up for the people under their rules. I think that’s THE BEST JOB in the world!
Chodron D.
October 15, 2017
L Lhundup, ya you are right.
Why Lobsang Sangay himself got American passport and discourage Tibetans in India to get an India passport?!
As leader Lobsang Sangay not able to protect their people, not able to provide them with decent jobs, good food, good house; but try their best to stop others to provide and to better fellow Tibetans’ life. This is selfish, with their own agenda to get more money from American and Western countries; to enjoy their good life.
We do not need this kind of selfish and corrupted leaders. Down the Lobsang Sangay, down the CTA!
TASHI, BYLAKUPPE
October 15, 2017
Such a long time since, but no friendship with India and only attacking China… It seems that we Tibetans have to make a decision. Becoming Indians or going back to Tibet. It makes me feel so sad and angry that we ended up like this. We got so much support from India and all around the world…
Michaela Smith
October 16, 2017
Real refugees vs. Tibetan ‘refugees’. Should developed countries continue to help Tibetans, the most prosperous ‘refugees’ on earth?
untomable
October 17, 2017
Because of the kindness of India, Tibetan already 60!!! year safe to stay in India, am really agree WHY already 60 years passed, the Tibetan in India now still labelled as ‘refugees’ ……😓 and why the already 60 years CTA never change the Tibetan ppl to more better way ?
CTA LIES
October 17, 2017
There is NO REAL FREEDOM of SPEECH for us Tibetans living under the ruling of the CTA and Dalai Lama. The Tibetan communities in India all sufer this fate and we live in lies and deception of a FAKE DEMOCRACY.
Just watch how Tibetans insult and backstab each other and would even dare insult people they do not know, calling them Chinese dogs/Chinese spies is the only thing they can say and the label they give you the moment you dare to speak up. This is done to shut you up and to indicate to other Tibetans to attack you because they make you sound like you are a traitor and this is how they get all to turn against you. This is how the Tibetan CTA deals with people they feel threatened. All because of power and position.
However, there are a few brave Tibetans who basically had enough of their deception and begin to speak up, to tell the truth. A good example is Tenpa Yarphel who bravely stood up and talked about Nechung and the inconsistency and FAILED prophesies… also the ridiculous heavy reliance on him for everything. Where on earth do you ever see any government relying on “mystical Gods” to help them make state decisions? Even if they did, they would not dare tell anyone because this is 2017 not the medieval times. Just watch – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuKOjcpLH8A
Then you have the small-minded, sheep like followers, shaving their hair – like WOW big deal, to protest against Tenpa Yarphel. Lololol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA
Lhakpa
October 17, 2017
Chokyong Nechung is wrong! Nechung in this video said that Dalai Lama is going back to China and that was five years ago? What happened? Why are we even listening to him ever again. He always make mistakes. 😱
🌎 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8
Jamyang
October 17, 2017
Question to Tibetan exile government, Central Tibetan Administration – CTA: Hey this Geshe Dorje interprets Nechung’s prophecy saying the Dalai Lama will go back to Tibet five years ago, but look, Dalai Lama still cannot go back. Watch… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8
Not only that, there is still NO sign of even creating a good relationship for a chance to go back! So we are all stuck and still nowhere near going back to Tibet. So why on earth are we still listening to this spirit Nechung who always makes mistakes and give wrong prophecies? Nechung even killed the 13th Dalai Lama by giving him the wrong medicine. So WHY are we still listening to him for? Why are we Buddhist following what a spirit says? If we can follow Nechung spirit so why condemn Dogyal? This is weird and wrong!
Dondrup Shugden
October 18, 2017
60 years and still a refugee? Something that is crazy. But being refugee evokes sympathy from wealthy western people who believes in humanity. Result: Money
Think again the CTA is using this refugee thingy to solicit money to benefit themselves.
I must say Lobsang Sangay does not look like a refugee with his nice clothes and all.
CTA, do not abuse the Indian government the way you are abusing Dorje Shugden devotees. Do something and do not further tarnish the reputation of the Dalai Lama.😠
Pema Schneider
October 19, 2017
Lobsang Sangay at Golden Jubilee Celebration of Tibetan Settlement Office, Dharamsala: https://youtu.be/eInTi-E9na8
Losang Sangay said recently (October, 2017) in Dharamsala that Tibetans have two enemies: the outer and inner enemy. The outer enemy is the Chinese government and Dorje Shugden people. The inner enemy is the people who speak against about our Tibetan affairs like regional differences and religious differences. (He didn’t say this directly but he means people like Tenpa Yarphel who spoke up in the Parliament) He said out of the two enemies, the worse one is inner enemies.
Now the Tibetans have started a new Facebook page specifically against Tenpa Yarphel. Tibetans are protesting against him: http://bit.ly/2ysowTH
And there is a video of Tibetans with Tenpa Yarphel’s name on the paper against him and asking him to resign: http://bit.ly/2zAH2af
Matteo
October 19, 2017
His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a a dedicated advocate for the principles of democracy. In September this year, Tibetans in India celebrates 57 years since the establishment of the democratic path in the running of the Tibetan people’s political system. Sadly, it’s all lip service if you know the truth.
Look at the recent incident of MP Tenpa Yarphel speaking up. Tenpa Yarphel has the right to speak and express his opinion, especially because he is a representative of the people, a Member of Parliament. Instead, he was criticized for issuing irresponsible statements, watch this video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuKOjcpLH8A
What is absurd is that there are even people protesting against his opinion, and shaving their hair in protest: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M30NL4hG8oA
It’s funny that he was accused of being sectarian, but the truth of the matter is, because of Nechung, Dorje Shugden practitioners were segregated, discriminated and ostracized from the Tibetan community in general all around the world. I guess this MP is sick of seeing the separation and had to speak up for the unity of the Tibetan people in exile. What do you think?
Lukar Jam supporter
October 19, 2017
Nechung oracle is not reliable.
In the past, he didn’t help when british in tibet in 1904. he gave wrong medicine to 13th dalai lama which caused His holiness’s death. he said in the past Tibetans going back to Tibet. In 2009, this Geshe Dorje read out what Nechung oracle said. How many years passed, negotiation talk never resume after Lobsang Sangay become Sikyong.
Why we still believe Nechung?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIDZLzXIgW8
Tashi, Delhi
October 20, 2017
What is the CTA for a club? Going around pretending to be a democracy and only because of HH Dalai Lama they can make some foreign people believe it but it seems that karma is coming back.
The CTA is suppressing their own people, having a good life with the money originally meant for the Tibetan people. On top, their elections are a farce!
Listen here to Tenpa Yarphel who questions about the reliance of the Tibetan Government to Nechung, an oracle, which is understandable already but on top Nechung’s predictions seem to create more problems than anything else. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuKOjcpLH8A
What happens to Tenpa Yarphel now that he speaks up? Tibetans have started a Facebook page against Tenpa Yarphel and protest against him: http://bit.ly/2ysowTH. They even ask Tenpa Yarphel to resign: http://bit.ly/2zAH2af
So much for the “Democracy” in the Tibetan Government!!
