‘People from far away are reacting… I’m sure India is also concerned’

“Rights of Tibetans are being taken away and they are being discriminated against. And in desperation, even if non-violence is the way of our life, people do things that are impersonal,” said Tsering, in an interview with The Indian Express.

While refusing to comment on whether the Government in exile was happy with India’s reaction to the protests, the spokesperson said with “people from far away countries like the US, Europe and Australia” expressing their concern and asking China to restrain, he is certain that India is also concerned about the plight of the Tibetan people.

Expressing concern about the situation, the Tibetan leader said Beijing’s crackdown on protesters in the past 18 months had been “unprecedented”, resulting in gross violations of human rights.

He added that reliable reports from Lhasa confirmed that at least five people have been killed during the protests, including four who were shot dead in the Chinese crackdown.

“China feels that repression and merciless brute force will bring a permanent solution. They are sadly mistaken as this will never be. This will create more anger and resentment among the people,” the spokesperson said, adding that peaceful negotiations were the only way out of the situation.

Tsering said the protests had once again brought into focus that despite the Chinese claim of bringing prosperity and happiness to Tibet, the people remained dissatisfied and unhappy with Beijing.

“They are always saying that they have brought so much prosperity and happiness to Tibet. Now, they have the truths and facts that show how unhappy and dissatisfied people are,” the spokesperson said.

The Tibetan leader said the manner in which China reacts to the protests will damage its reputation in the international community ahead of the Beijing Olympic Games.