Tibet Burns & World Sleeps

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA           NOVEMBER 08 , 2012           11.40 P.M.

I wrote about Tibet and the struggle of Tibetan people during Losar and then on August 15 , 2012 . I never thought that Tibet will keep on burning like this and Tibetan people will be left at the mercy of Government of China , leaders of the People’s Republic of China and the ruthless Red Army . Tibet went from one self – immolation to another without a word of sympathy from the world community . Our own political leaders , pseudo – secular intellectuals and leftist – liberal opinion – makers are feigning ignorance or following an ostrich policy .

A simple map of the three traditional provinces of Tibet overlaid on a map of modern provincial boundaries of the People’s Republic of China. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Areas in which concentrations of ethnic Tibetans live within China. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

SVG map of China with the Tibet autonomous region highlighted Legend: Image:China map legend.png (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I am posting a letter , which I got today via e-mail . It tells the tragic tales of Tibet and unabated self – immolation .

8 November 2012

Dear Friends,

I am sorry to write again so soon but it is impossible not to share with you the deeply distressing news that in the last 24 hours at least five, probably six, Tibetans have self-immolated in Tibet. Confirmed reports say that on 7 November a 23-year old nomad mother Tamdin Tso (right) set light to herself and died in Rebkong, Amdo, whilst in Ngaba three teenage monks did the same; 15-year old Dorjee died and the fate of two 16-year olds, Samdup and Dorjee Kyabone remains uncertain. There are further reports that a Tibetan man staged a self-immolation protest in Driru, Central Tibet, yesterday but no details are available. And just this morning there was another such protest and death, again in Rebkong, by a young man named Kalsang Jinpa.

It’s clear that this overwhelming surge in self-immolation protests is directly linked to the opening of China’s Communist Party Congress today, at the end of which Xi Jinping and his fellow Politburo Standing Committee members will be named. Hard on the heels of the US Presidential election, this is a very different political process. As Willy Lam, noted academic and China commentator wrote in Foreign Policy, “Sorry, folks: The votes are in, and the ballots have already been counted.”

Xi Jinping 习近平 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Let’s make no mistake, the only people to blame for this self-immolation crisis are China’s leaders, who have been responsible for imposing decades of failed policies in Tibet, and creating a situation where ever-increasing numbers of Tibetans feel they have no other recourse than to take such drastic action in protest. China’s leadership could stop this crisis if it was to genuinely address Tibetan grievances; and our governments could be doing much, much more to focus the attention of China’s government on the severity of the situation in Tibet.

I was sitting in the office of my Acting Institute , when I got the mail . I was saddened . I was numb . I felt helpless . I feel that I am impotent and can do nothing in this regard .

But yes , I can condemn this apathy of the world . I can denounce the silence of the world community . I am appalled at the behaviour of the eminent world leaders .

I , along with the students and staff of Vidur’s Kreating Charakters , unequivocally condemn the People’s Republic of China and her brutal leaders .

VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

www.vidur.co.in

www.kreatingcharakters.net

www.vidurfilms.com

www.twitter.com/VidurChaturvedi

www.jaibhojpuri.com/profile/VidurChaturvedi

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50 Years of Chinese Invasion of India

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA           OCTOBER 31 , 2012           08.00 P.M.

As I have stated in my blog about Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 , the year 1962 in general and month of October in particular is permanently etched in my memory . Chinese invasion in October 1962 was not just an attack on India , it was not just an invasion , it was humiliation of a gigantic proportion .

Jawaharlal Nehru (Photo credit: Phillie Casablanca)

According to me the root cause for this humiliation was Jawahar Lal Nehru . The 1st Prime Minister of India and his utopian and non – pragmatic policies brought shame to our nation . Fabian Socialism propagated by the 1st Prime Minister of India , Jawahar Lal Nehru was highly romantic dogma in the world of cunning politics . It is difficult to understand Nehru’s fascination and admiration for China and Chinese culture . He propounded a utopian idea of PANCHASHEEL . He coined an emotive slogan of  ” Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai ” . But it all was in vain . China never reciprocated his utopian feelings of friendship and brotherhood .

His party , Indian National Congress and its leaders were forced to subjugation by Nehru . He , along with his friend Krishna Menon , who was Minister of Defence in the Government of India , lulled everyone to sleep and forced the nation to believe that everything is fine and China and Chinese people are our great friend .

Chinese incursions and hostile activities in the Aksai Chin area of Ladakh were brought to Nehru’s notice but he suppressed the information , sat on the dossiers and lied to even his peers and colleagues . He even kept his cabinet ministers in dark and everyone was forced to accept his lies .

Shown in green is Kashmiri region under Pakistani control. The orange-brown region represents Indian Jammu and Kashmir while the Aksai Chin is under Chinese occupation. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A Locator map of North East Frontier Agency in 1961. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

China and India shared a long border, sectioned into three stretches by Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan, which follows the Himalayas between Burma and what was then West Pakistan. A number of disputed regions lie along this border. At its western end is the Aksai Chin region, an area the size of Switzerland, that sits between the Chinese autonomous region of Xinjiang and Tibet (which China declared as an autonomous region in 1965). The eastern border, between Burma and Bhutan, comprises the present Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh (formerly the North East Frontier Agency). Both of these regions were overrun by China in the 1962 conflict.

Chinese launched simultaneous offensives in Ladakh and across the McMahon Line on 20 October 1962, coinciding with the Cuban Missile Crisis. Chinese troops advanced over Indian forces in both theatres, capturing Rezang la in Chushul in the western theatre, as well as Tawang in the eastern theatre. The war ended when the Chinese declared a ceasefire on 20 November 1962, and simultaneously announced its withdrawal from the disputed area.

Brazenly attacking India , capturing Indian territory and then declaring unilateral ceasefire was a calculated step by China to humiliate India . Nehru’s romanticism , his doctrine of PANCHASHEEL , his ” Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai ” slogan and his dream of becoming a world leader was shattered beyond repair . His humiliation was complete and total . But even after bringing shame to the nation , he was shamelessly glued to his chair .

I vividly remember those days of night curfew and blackouts . Whole nation was frightened . Nations morale was in shambles . Indian Army was battered . Prestige of India was defaced and defiled . But our ruling party Indian National Congress was unapologetic and Nehru clan shamelessly refused to take responsibility and continued to lead us to some other inglorious future .

This October we are again remembering this shameful chapter of our not so distant past . Sitting in the office of my Acting Institute Vidur’s Kreating Charakters , I am remembering those embarrassing days and would like to forget the agony , the shame and utter humiliation , which we faced because of  the 1st Prime Minister of India Jawahar Lal Nehru and his party Indian National Congress .

Let us take a resolve that never again we should blindly believe the lies of the Congress and its leaders . Let us make efforts to bring nationalist forces to power and make our country strong and powerful .

[ Some facts and figures have been taken from Wikipedia . I express my gratitude . ]

VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

www.vidur.co.in

www.kreatingcharakters.net

www.vidurfilms.com

www.twitter.com/VidurChaturvedi

www.jaibhojpuri.com/profile/VidurChaturvedi

Related articles

• Rewinding to 1962 (thehindu.com)
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25 Years of Statehood of Arunachal Pradesh

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA           SEPTEMBER 29 , 2012           10.45 P.M.

During my childhood , I had known a part my country , which was called NEFA . It came to national prominence during the India – China War of 1962 . Nathu La Pass and NEFA [ North East Frontier Agency ] became household names and our concern for this far off and neglected part of India was so great that we felt that we all are resident of NEFA . This erstwhile NEFA is now known as Arunachal Pradesh .

A Locator map of North East Frontier Agency in 1961. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Before India – China war , I used to know only one province of North East India and it was Assam . Assam was a huge state of India in 1950 . Barring Manipur and Tripura , all the other provinces of present day North East India including NEFA were part of Assam . Map posted below bears testimony to this .

Map of Assam in 1950

During British era this whole region was rules as a part of Bengal Presidency . Province of Assam came into being in 1874 . NEFA came into being in 1955 , though it was part of Assam .  It ceases to exist now . NEFA is now re-christened as Arunachal Pradesh and came into being on February 20 , 1987 as a state of India . Itanagar is the state capital .

Location of Arunachal Pradesh in the Map of India

Itanagar – Capital of Arunachal Pradesh

So in a nutshell from 1954 to 1972 NEFA was part of Assam . On January 20 , 1972 it was separated from Assam and became Union Territory . On February 20 , 1987  it became a state of India . So it completed 33 years as Union Territory and it now completes 25 years as a state .

Present day Arunachal Pradesh is divided into 17 districts for administrative purposes .

Tawang Town with The Monastery

Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh is the Buddhist religious place and is the birth place of HH 6th Dalai Lama .

The Birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama

Simla Agreement between British and Tibet in 1913 – 1914 established the boundary line between present day Arunachal Pradesh of India and Tibet . Sir Henry MacMohan drew up 890 km long MacMohan Line as the border between British India and Outer Tibet . Chinese representative had no problem at that time but now China refuses to accept MacMohan Line and claims all of Arunachal Pradesh as her own province .

 

Map of the British Indian Empire from Imperial Gazetteer of India (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

The Survey of India had published a map in 1937 showing MacMohan Line as the official boundary . Even if you try to forget all the mythological links of present day Arunachal Pradesh with Mahabharat and it being the abode of MahaRishi Parashuram and it being the mythical kingdom of Kundinpur , which belonged to Rukmini’s father and it being the place , where Krishna Bhagwan came and married Rukmini , still the fact remains that from 1937 to 2012 , Arunachal Pradesh has 75 years of existence with India . If you consider the signing of Simla Accord between British India and Tibet in 1913 – 1914 , then this existence extends to 99 years .

In February 2012 , Arunachal Pradesh completed 25 years as a province of India . Irrespective of what China says , Arunachal has its links with India since Mahabharat days . And God willing next year Arunachal Pradesh will complete 100 years of its existence with India .

VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

www.vidur.co.in

www.kreatingcharakters.net

www.vidurfilms.com

www.twitter.com/VidurChaturvedi

www.jaibhojpuri.com/profile/VidurChaturvedi

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An Appeal for Independent Tibet On Our Independence Day

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA           AUGUST 15, 2012           10.30 P.M.

[ This is not my blog . I got this mail today from Mr. Alison Reynolds , the Executive Director , International Tibet Network Secretariat . It is a moving appeal for the cause of Tibet and I am posting it on my blog space so that my friends and followers of the blog can know the true picture of today's Tibet and can take a decision to support INDEPENDENT TIBET . ]

A simple map of the three traditional provinces of Tibet overlaid on a map of modern provincial boundaries of the People’s Republic of China. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Areas in which concentrations of ethnic Tibetans live within China. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Tibet Flag (Photo credit: DickStock)

Tibetan people in traditional clothes with a Tibetan flag parade proudly for World Peace, near Verizon Center where Kalachakra is being given by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Washington D.C., USA (Photo credit: Wonderlane)

The expression “Free Tibet” in four different Tibetan script styles traditionally and commonly used by Tibetans. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This is a crucial moment. Please help us to double support for Stand Up for Tibet.

One year ago 29-year old monk Tsewang Norbu set light to himself and died in Tawu, eastern Tibet. Although not the first self-immolation in Tibet – Tapey, in February 2009 was followed two years later by Phuntsok in March 2011 – this was our first realization that those fiery protests were not isolated incidents, and that what we were witnessing unfold in Tibet was a tragedy of enormous proportions.

Unbelievably, there have now been almost 50 confirmed self-immolations in Tibet; a staggering 36 since 1 January 2012 and five in the past 10 days alone. At least 39 of all these protestors have died from their burns.

Something different is happening in Tibet. Over 60 years of occupation, periods of Tibetan resistance have been crushed by China’s military forces. But trying to stop individuals who are determined to set light to themselves must be akin to trying to stop grains of sand running through their fingers. And more than that, China is also now discovering that its military might is unable to prevent mass gatherings of Tibetans, whether they are praying for those self-immolating or engaging in more challenging acts of protest.

On Monday several Tibetans were brutally beaten, one possibly fatally, after a protest erupted in the immediate aftermath of the twin self-immolations by Tashi and Lungtok in Ngaba, Amdo. And as I write this message, a mass demonstration is taking place in Rebkong, Amdo, with several hundred Tibetans gathered outside the police station to protest against the unprovoked beating of four Tibetans by drunken police.

I’m writing to ask that you continue to stand with Tibet. Although we feel heartbroken by the news of each passing self-immolation, the Tibetan people need our support now more than ever. We mustn’t lose focus. Now is the time to double our efforts, in raising awareness and pressing for political action, because we’re making an impact. 

Tibetans in Tibet are not alone. They have your support and your pledge to Stand Up for Tibet. And the Tibet movement has made important progress towards our main objectives.

* Tibet Groups around the world have delivered your pledge and worked hard to press governments to publicly express concern. Many of the world’s most influential governments have spoken out, including at sessions of the United Nations Human Rights Council. In early September, as the United Nations General Assembly and Human Rights Council prepare to meet, we’ll be calling for an International Advocacy Day and will send you more details soon.

* Our demand for governments to act together for Tibet is gradually gaining traction. We were delighted to see that US Congressmen Frank Wolf and James McGovern wrote to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton this week, calling for “stronger, more coordinated, visible international diplomatic steps with regard to the People’s Republic of China’s policies and practices towards Tibetans.” Read the full letter here.

* A number of key governments have strongly pressed China allow access to the region, including the European Union and Australia. China has agreed that the UN Human Rights Commissioner can visit Tibet as part of a wider visit to China, but no dates have been agreed. Online advocacy group Avaaz joined this campaign and nearly 700,000 people signed an appeal for governments to demand urgent access to Tibet.

* Tibet Groups have generated significant media coverage of the self-immolations, and made a huge effort to raise public awareness, staging coordinated actions and protests around the globe on a regular basis over the last 12 months.

On this anniversary of Tsewang Norbu’s self-immolation, I am writing to ask each and every one of you to undertake to get one more person to sign the Stand Up for Tibet pledge, and help us to double the support for Tibetans in Tibet to more than 100,000 people. Let’s respond to this rapid increase in self-immolations in Tibet with a huge increase in those pledging to take action, to help Tibetans realise their dreams for freedom and for the return of His Holiness to Tibet.

Many, many thanks for your support,

Alison Reynolds
Executive Director, International Tibet Network Secretariat

[ My friends , look at the face of this Tibetan girl . She needs her country back from the tyrannical rule of China . Please let her not grow under oppression and slavery .]

Tibet Girl (Photo credit: Kenno_mcdonnell)

[ I am posting this appeal on the 66th Independence day of our country . Tibet also needs her independence like us . Think and spare some time for this cause . ]

 

China and Tibetans (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

Vidur

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

www.vidur.co.in

www.vidurfilms.com

www.twitter.com/VidurChaturvedi

www.jaibhojpuri.com/profile/VidurChaturvedi

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Don’t Have Heart to Say Happy Losar My Tibetan Friends !

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA           FEBRUARY 22 , 2012           02.45 A.M.

Today , it is the Tibetan New Year ; known as Losar . This , the most important festival of Tibet , is celebrated in Tibetan diaspora with great fervour and festivity .

Gompa Dance on the Occasion of Losar

Basically a pre – Buddhist tradition of Bon era , Losar later on became the most important Buddhist festival during the reign of the 9th king of Tibet . Celebrated in Tibet for 15 days , Losar is also celebrated in various parts of India and Nepal , where Buddhist population is concentrated .

It is natural to wish our Tibetan friends on this auspicious occasion . But till date 26 Tibetans have died for the cause of independent Tibet . Some of these martyrs are even teenagers . When almost everyday news is tickling out of OCCUPIED TIBET that young boys and girls are self – immolating themselves and world is watching with stoic silence , how can you celebrate New Year ? Even if you would like to wish Tibetan brothers and sisters on the occasion of Losar , how on earth you would wish them , when a teenager self – immolated himself just 2/3 days ago ? How there could be a happy Losar when Potala Palace is without HH Dalai Lama  and Tibet has become a virtual prison ?

Potala Palace of Dalai Lama in Lhasa

At least I don’t have heart to say Happy Losar my Tibetan friends . I am ashamed that I live in a world where no one cares for young , teenager Tibetan monk‘s lives . I am anguished that my country and most of my countrymen are either silent or ignorant of the happenings in Tibet .

I think it my duty to educate my countrymen about the Tibetan cause . In spite of being a non – entity , I would strive to ignite a flame among the ignorant youngsters of India for the independence of Tibet . I wish to state through this blog that , though I would love to visit Kailash and Mansarovar Lake for pilgrimage but I don’t wish to visit these two holy places as long as Tibet ia under illegal occupation of Peoples Republic of China . I wish to visit Kailash and Mansarovar Lake on Tibetan visa . It seems implausible at present but 25 years back no one even thought that USSR [ Union of Soviet Socialist Republic ] would be dissolved and instead of one monolithic state there will be 15 independent , sovereign countries .

Mount Kailash

Lake Manasarovar

If USSR could dissolve , if Eastern Europe could be free from the communism , so could be Peoples Republic of China . My friends , Independent , sovereign Tibet will be reality very soon .

Map of Cultural & Historical Tibet with Amdo & Kham

My friends , I have no heart to wish you on this New Year . I have only prayers for Independent , Sovereign and Unified Greater Tibet .

VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

www.vidur.co.in

www.vidurfilms.com

www.twitter.com/VidurChaturvedi

www.jaibhojpuri.com/profile/VidurChaturvedi

 

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Maldives : A Coup ; Not Power Transfer

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA           FEBRUARY 13 , 2012           12.15 P.M.

Last few days were really fluid in the neighbourhood of India . Tibet is burning and self – immolations continue unabated . World community is watching silently . I posted a blog about Tibet and was watching and reading about Tibet and was trying to get more information about the land of HH Dalai Lama . Suddenly Maldives was in the news and that too for all the wrong reasons . Democratically elected president was removed in bloodless coup and world is again watching with stoic silence .

Map Indicating Location of India & Maldives

First news flash informed us that a group of policemen have revolted and have taken control of some government installations and TV station . Then came news of the resignation of The President of Maldives , Mohamed Nasheed . The then Vice President Dr. Mohamed Waheed took charge immediately and thus became the new President of Maldives . Later on it became apparent that it was a well orchestrated PR exercise of the coup leaders that  some policemen revolted and to quell the unrest and to avoid the bloodshed President of Maldives has resigned .

Mohamed Nasheed ; President of Maldives

Mohamed Waheed ; Vice President of Maldives

Everything , in the beginning , looked innocuous and democratic . But news started filtering after few days . Things were not as simple as they looked or made out to look . It was a pre – meditated and pre – planned coup . President Mohamed Nasheed was trying to root out corruption and obviously some of the beneficiaries were aggrieved  and agitated . Moreover President Nasheed was considered a liberal and was close to India . So the hard-liners and some loony-fringes of the island  country were not too happy with him . And so they conspired , staged a coup and deposed the president . It was not a police revolt as it was made out in the beginning for the world community . It is the work of fundamentalists and some jehadi hard-liners . It is also alleged that former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom  is the architect of the coup , a charge ,  he vehemently denies .

Maumoon Abdul Gayoom - President 1978 - 2008

It would be pertinent to re-visit some of the incidents preceding the coup . On January 12 , 2012 President Nasheed removed and got arrested Abdulla Mohamed , the Chief Justice of the Maldives Criminal Court on the charges that he was protecting the corrupt officers of President Gayoom’s regime . It was also alleged that the Chief Justice was blocking human rights cases of the Gayoom supporters . After arrest of the Chief Justice Abdulla Mohamed , opposition started agitation for President Nasheed’s resignation . Soon President Nasheed’s supporters were also on the streets and situation became grim and volatile . President Nasheed ordered police and military to control and quell the anti – government protests . Instead of following his order , some section of the police and military disobeyed orders of the President and joined the opposition instead . According to me it is dereliction of duty on part of rebellious policemen and army soldiers . You are not supposed and permitted to disobey the orders of the head of the government of the day .

Rebellious soldiers took control of National TV station and called for President’s resignation . Soldiers took President Mohamed Nasheed under custody and gave him the choice of stepping down or to face consequences . President of the day Mohamed Nasheed rsigned and went home . Vice President Mohamed Waheed was immediately sworn in and thus became the new and 5th President of Maldives . And thus the first elected President of Maldives was forcefully removed and the world remains a mute spectator as they are in the case of Tibet . It is also alleged that he was removed at the gun point and was beaten blue and black .

Enchantingly beautiful , Maldives consists of approximately 1190 coral islands , which are grouped in a double chain of 26 atolls . Maldives is the lowest country in the world and the smallest in Asia in both population and land area . Maldives was a British protectorate from 1887 to 1965 . On July 26 , 1965 Maldives became independent and remained a Sultanate under King Mohamed Fareed Didi [ 1965 - 1968 ] , who became 1st president . In 1968 monarchy was replaced by a republic and Ibrahim Nasir Rannabandeyri Kilegefan [ 1968 - 1978 ] became the 2nd  president . This period is known as Second Republic of Maldives .

Mohamed Fareed Didi President 1965 - 1968

Ibrahim Nasir President 1968 - 1978

After Ibrahim Nasir , Maumoon Abdul Gayoom of Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party became the 3rd president of 2nd republic in 1978 and remained President till 2008 . During his 30 year tenure , there were several attempts to topple him . In 1988 , Indian soldiers were airlifted into Male , the capital of Maldives , to save President Gayoom and restore order and normalcy . The operation was named ” Operation Cactus  ” .

In 2008 a new constitution was approved and first direct presidential election occurred . Mohamed Nasheed of Maldivian Democratic Party won the election and became president . Mohamed Waheed of  Gaumee Ittihaad Party  became Vice President . Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s departure was greeted with much fanfare . Following board is the ample proof of the widespread jubilation .

Welcome to a Maumoon Free Maldives

Apart from being the 1st democratically elected president of Maldives and being the 4th president of the 2nd republic , Mohamed Nasheed has several other distinctions to his credit . He is a fighter for democracy . He was imprisoned for writing an article in a political magazine . That is why he was made an Amnesty International Prisoner of Conscience in 1991 . He was arrested repeatedly in 1990 , 92 , 93 , 94 and 95 . In 2000 , he was elected as a member of parliament . In 2001 , he was tried and sentenced for 2 and half years for theft  of government property . In 2003 he formed Maldivian Democratic Party in exile in Sri Lanka and Britain . He was recognized a political refugee by Britain in 2004 . In 2005 Mohamed Nasheed returned to Maldives from self – imposed exile and  was again arrested for terrorist activities .

In 2008 he ran for presidential election and won . He is the 4th president of the 2nd republic and the 1st elected president of Maldives . As a president he held one of his cabinet meeting underwater . It was first in the world .

Under Water cabinet Meeting of President Nasheed

It is sad that he was deposed in a coup. He sought India’s help but our government was not very responsive . Indian government launched ” Operation Cactus ” to save a despot and totalitarian like Maumoon Abdul Gayoom but failed to lauch similar operation to save a democratically elected president . I am sad . Maldives will not be same again without Mohamed Nasheed . There are reports of rampaging mob entering the museum and destroying Buddha statues . Ominous signs are there for everyone to see .

Supporters of Mohamed Nasheed are protesting . They are being attacked by police and army personnel . Biggest town of Maldives , Addu , which is also a stronghold of Mohamed Nasheed , is under virtual seize . House to house searches are going on and people are being arrested and tortured .

Supporters of President Nasheed

World leaders should put pressure on the government for the inquiry , as demanded by Mohamed Nasheed . According to me he should be immediately reinstated . If it is not feasible then election should be immediately declared . Arrest and persecution of Nasheed supporters should be stopped immediately . And I would like to add that I am not casting aspersions of any kind on Mohamed Waheed  , the then Vice President .

According to my personal view , Maldives come under the natural area of influence of India . And if the elected president of a friendly country seeks help , it is our duty to rush . Few days back similar coup was averted in Bangladesh . And now news comes of the coup in Maldives .

Our neighbourhood is becoming restive and volatile by each passing day . Inimical forces are at work but we are complacent as usual . I feel ominous days are ahead for India .

I am nobody but I denounce the coup in Maldives in strongest terms . I pray for the safety and well – being of Mohamed Nasheed and his supporters .

VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

www.vidur.co.in

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Bleeding Tibet , Silent India & Indifferent World

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA           FEBRUARY 08 , 2012           02.15 A.M.

Tibet is in turmoil again . In the month of February 3 more monks immolated themselves . It brings total number of self – immolated monks to 19 . I am greatly pained by the news of self – immolation of monks . My grief propelled me more to write this blog , when I went through the following post :

The Tibet Post International

[ Dharamshala: A Tibetan woman died on Monday after setting herself on fire in Ngaba county of eastern Tibet.

Ven. Kanyak Tsering, of Kirti monastery's ‘mirror' institution in Dharamsala, India, told the Tibet Post, "Tenzin Wangmo, a 20-year-old Buddhist nun from Dechen Choekor Ling Nunnery in Jakorma, Ngaba county, staged a self-immolation protest at the Sumdo bridge below the nunnery, about 3 km from the county town.

" She shouted ‘Let His Holiness the Dalai Lama return to Tibet!', and ‘We Want Religious freedom in Tibet!,' then set herself on fire and marched for about eight minutes."
Wangmo is the first Tibetan woman from the region to self-immolate in protest against Chinese atrocities against the Tibetan people.

Witnesses say other nuns from Dechen Choekor Ling refused to hand over Wangmo's body to the Chinese authorities.

"Since no armed military forces and police personnel were present at the protest site," said Ven. Tsering, "her body was taken back by nuns."

"Local Chinese authorities demanded that the nun's body either be handed over or buried the same day," he continued, "but we have not been able to learn what happened after that.

" Shortly afterwards, soldiers and police deployed, and sealed off the nunnery and surrounding villages."

Dechen Choekor Ling nunnery, also known as Mama nunnery, is situated around 4km northwest of Ngaba county town. It belongs to the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism and is the largest nunnery in Ngaba, with a community of 350 nuns.

Prior to Wangmo's death, the last self-immolation attempt took place on Saturday when a 19-year-old man set himself alight in the central market in Ngaba town.

According to sources inside Tibet, another Tibetan man who committed a self-immolation protest on October 15 has been removed from Ngaba county, but details of his present whereabouts and state of health are unknown.

Tibetan shops and restaurants in the county remained closed on October 16 in solidarity with the protest.

In a separate incident on Sunday, two Tibetans, Gonga and Druklo, were shot and wounded by security forces during a peaceful protest outside a police station at Tseshul in Serthar, Karze, eastern Tibet.

During the protest, five other Tibetans were arrested: Rindhoe (age 26), Choega (23) Bori (19) Rigzoe (18) and Tsewang Kyi (19).

The Chinese government has now deployed heavy-armed forces in Tseshul.

A total of nine Tibetans have self-immolated within Tibet in protest against Chinese rule and continued repression in the Himalayan region.

Several events, including mass prayers, rallies and candlelight vigils, organised by Tibetans and supporters around the world, have highlighted the situation. ]

Protesting Tibetans

Last couple of months were really traumatic for Tibet . China’s brutal reign in occupied Tibet continues unabated and her tyranny goes on un – challenged . World community remain mute spectator . Liberals of the world make noises about even obscure countries of the world but when it comes to Tibet and Chinese brutal regime there , they look elsewhere or feign ignorance .

Flag of Tibet

Most of the people in India and the world , who though sympathise with Tibet , do not know that current map of Tibet is incomplete . Amdo and Kham are not shown in the current map of so – called Tibetan Autonomous Region . Tibet is not complete and can never be complete without Amdo and Kham regions , which were annexed by China and are now merged with the other provinces of China . When I talk about Tibet , it is not only about the current Tibet , which is known to Tibetan people as U – Tsang . When I talk about Tibet , it includes U – Tsang , Amdo and Kham , all the three provinces of Tibet .

Map of Present Day Tibet Without Amdo & Kham

Truncated Tibet in The Map of China - Without Amdo & Kham

If you read the history , you will come to know that U-Tsang , Amdo and Kham are the three regions , which constitute cultural and historical Tibet. These days only U-Tsang is known as Tibet or the so – called Tibetan Autonomous Region [ TAR ] of China . Amdo , the North – Eastern part of cultural Tibet , is ethnically and culturally a Tibetan area . In 1928 Amdo was incorporated into the Chinese rule and thus became part of Qinghai province of the Republic of China of the Nationalists . In 1952 Amdo became part of the Peoples Republic of China of Communists . And the tyranny of Communists started and still continues unabated .

Map of Tibet with Amdo & Kham

Map of Cultural & Historical Tibet with Amdo & Kham

Kham , also a part of cultural Tibet , officially became a Chinese province in 1939 . It is now divided between present – day Tibetan Autonomous Region [ TAR ] , Sichuan , Yunnan and Qinghai provinces of China .

Tibet , the highest region on earth , first emerged as an empire in the 7th century .Though as per the myth , humans inhabited Tibetan plateau 21,000 years ago . In 7th century Songtsan Gampo , the first historical king of Tibet , unified all the provinces of Tibet and founded Tibetan Empire . His first wife was Princess of Nepal and the second one was Princess of China , niece of powerful Tang emperor . If Tibet was always a part of China , as claimed by the Communist rulers of China , how come the Tibetan king married a Chinese princess ? How come powerful Tang King of China agreed to this union ?

In fact Tibetan empire was so vast that it included several Chinese provinces also . In 821 / 822 CE China signed a peace treaty with Tibet and thus acknowledged the sovereignty of Tibet . This treaty clearly defines the border of two nations . From Tang Dynasty to Yuan Dynasty , Tibet remained a sovereign and independent nation .

During the time of Phagmodrupa Dynasty in 1578 , Sonam Gyatso was named as Dalai Lama . Dalai is the Mongolian translation of Gyatso , meaning ocean .

Trouble started during Qing Dynasty . They annexed Amdo and Kham regions of Tibet and merged them into Chinese Empire and sent their Resident Commissioner to Lhasa . But supremacy of H.H. Dalai Lama continued even during Qing rule over Tibet . Tibet was not a province of China even during Qing Dynasty .

Qing Dynasty tried to annex Tibet completely only in 1910 during the reign of 13th Dalai Lama . He took shelter in British India . When Qing Dynasty was overthrown and Chinese troops were driven out of Tibet , 13th Dalai Lama proclaimed himself Ruler of Tibet and refused to accept any Chinese suzerainty . 13 th Dalai Lama ruled Tibet for 36 years .

After defeating Kuomintang government and after taking control of China , Communist rulers started flexing their muscles again . In 1950 Peoples Republic of China incorporated Tibet and negotiated 17 Point Agreement with the 14th Dalai Lama [ Present HH Dalai Lama ] .

In 1959 HH Dalai Lama took refuge in India and stablished Tibetan Government – In – Exile .

Since then , Chinese oppression continues in Tibet . Almost 20,0000 Tibetans got killed during Great Leap Forward and about 6,000 monasteries were destroyed during Cultural Revolution .

Communist China tried hard to convince the world community of its noble intentions in Tibet . But spate of self – immolation show the true situation of Tibet and her tyrannical rule in Tibet . Following map shows the annexed countries and world community should try to liberate these countries from the illegal rule of China .

The Map of Red China with Annexed Tibet , East Turkestan & Inner Mongolia

Tibet’s liberation and freedom of other annexed countries would be beneficial for the world and the true Han China , as shown in the following map , will be very conducive for the world peace .

Original Han China

I pray for liberation of Tibet and wish to see independent Tibet in my life time .

Map of Free Tibet

These are very basic information , which are known to every Tibetan . I wrote this for the Indian people , who though , support the cause of independent Tibet , don’t know the facts and history of Tibet .

[ For this blog I have taken some information from WIKIPEDIA and other internet postings . Some News Paper reporting were also of much help .  I have re - produced a posting of  " The Tibet Post International " . I express my gratitude . ]

VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

www.vidur.co.in

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118 Blood – Drenched Years of Chairman Mao

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA           DECEMBER 29 , 2011           02.55 A.M.

Mao's Photo at Tiananmen Gate

On December 27, 2011 , Communist China celebrated 118th birth anniversary of Chairman Mao Ze Dong . There were celebrations throughout China . Mao Ze Dong , who was Mao Tse Tung in my childhood days , is the creator of modern Communist China . So the festivity was expected . China is eager to preserve the legacy of Chairman Mao . May I ask what is the legacy ? Is there anything in his legacy to crow about ? The map given below is the current map of China . East Turkestan , Tibet , Inner Mongolia and Manchuria are annexed and disputed territories . If there areas become independent , what is left ?

Map of China

True , he was founding father of the People’s Republic of China , stablished in 1949 . He was in control of China and The Communist Party of China till his death in 1976 .

Mao rose to power after Long March . This Long March catapulted Mao Tse Tung , as he was called then , to the forefront . He travelled 12,500 kilometers in 370 days . The Long march started from Jianxi in October 16 , 1934 and culminated in Shaanxi in October 19 , 1935 . In 1949 Mao Ze Dong announced the establishment of Communist China and became the Chairman .

Mao Proclaiming establishment of Communist China

Chairman Mao is revered bu his countrymen . But history is harsh and history is the ultimate judge of the people and his legacy . When I look back objectively , I am forced to say that the legacy of Mao Ze Dong is blood – drenched . Just like the Red Flag of his party his persona is full of blood stains .

Flag of Communist China

Communist China

Let us visit pages of his life one by one . His life and so – called legacy is a book of deceit and deception .

Kuomintang and Chiang Kai Shek : Before becoming a national figure , Mao formed Second United Front with Kuomintang of Generalissimo Chiang Kai – shek during Second Sino – Japanese War . But later he deceived Generalissimo and fought a Civil War and defeated Kuomintang of Generalissimo Chiang Kai – shek . Chinag Kai – shek went and stablished his regime in Taiwan . Is deceiving an ally be called a legacy ?

Generalissimo Chiang Kai - shek

Map of Taiwan

Mao never accepted the aspirations of Taiwanese people and wanted to annex it by force . International media calls rest of the China as Mainland China . Mao simply drove Kuomintang from the Mainland and usurped the power . So the true and legitimate ruler left China and took shelter in Taiwan . In my opinion Taiwan is the real China and there is no Main Land China . If a person throws me out of my house and I am forced to live in some other place , my house wont belong to the usurper . It will remain my house . So China belongs to the Taiwanese Nationalist people , who are currently staying in Taiwan .

Tibet and HH Dalai Lama : After failing in Taiwan and after gaining control of major portions of China , Mao sent his Red Army in Tibet and annexed the sovereign nation of Tibet in 1950 . HH Dalai Lama took shelter in India and Tibetan people are forced to live in subjugation of Communist China . I am giving the original map of Tibet , which Mao refused to accept . Amdo and Kham have been truncated from Tibet . He first promised autonomy to the truncated Tibet and said that he only wanted Tibet to accept sovereignty of China and she can remain autonomous in every aspect . But later on reneged and took full control of Tibet . Tibetan culture is under threat and millions have died . Subjugation of Tibet continues unabated . During The Great Leap Forward between 2 Lakh and 10 Lakh Tibetans died . Around the time of Cultural Revolution 6,000 monasteries were destroyed .

Original Cultural & Historical Map of Tibet

Truncated Tibet in The Map of China

East Turkestan : China and Russia have disputes over East Turkestan , which is named Xingjiang by China . Land of Uyghur was annexed by China . On October 1 , 1955 , Mao Ze Dong designated Xingjiang as Uyghur Autonomous region and encouraged settlers from other parts of China to change its demographic entity .

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Map of East Turkestan [ Xingjiang

Inner Mangolia :Mongolia is a sovereign nation . Mongols are different from Han Chinese . So where is the question of Inner Mongolia being part of China . Mongolia Autonomous Region was stablished in 1949 and it is the third largest sub – division of China . It is now a Han majority region and Mongols are in minority . The empire of mighty Genghis Khan is now divided into two parts . There were revolts in Inner Mongolia but it was suppressed by Mao and Inner Mongolia was divided into many provinces . In 1969 much of Inner Mongolia was distributed among surrounding provinces and thus the region lost its ethnic Mongol culture .Mongols are now only 20% of the population . Their percentage tells the true story of mao’s legacy .

Inner Mongolia in The Map of China

Manchria : Another disturbed region of China tells some other story . In 1969 Mao fought with USSR , China’s only supporting country , over the question of Manchuria . He finally got Manchuria and made it another Autonomous region .

Map of Manchuria in China

If all these annexed regions are freed from the Chinese yoke , what would remain is interesting to see . I am giving a map . And remember this map still includes Amdo and Kham regions of Cultural Tibet and Manchuria . If you separate East Turkestan , Tibet [ along with Amdo and Kham ] , Inner Mongolia and Machuria from China , the much smaller China will be a treat to see .Just go through the map .

The Map of China with Restive Parts

Apart from this brutal story of annexation , let us examine what happened during various movements of Mao . Under direct orders from Mao in 1948 Peoples Liberation Army starved the Kuomintang forces . Apart from the army , at least 1,60,000 civilians were also got killed . His two most famous movements , the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution were catastrophic failures . As per one estimate 40 to 70 million people died during his rule . Lakhs committed suicide because of political persecution and Anti – Rightist Movements . Officers were purged and they simply vanished without trace . Agricultural lands were confiscated and the landlords were tortured and were killed . Public execution of opponents became order of the day . 8,00,000 were killed in counter-revolutionary campaigns . 4 to 6 million people were sent to reform through labour camps . Majority of them died . During three – anti / five – anti campaigns , some more million lives were lost . Majority of them committed suicide . Because of this reign of terror workers denounced their bosses , wives their husbands and children their parents . Imagine a life where you are spied by your own subordinate , your spouse and even your kids . This is Mao’s true legacy .

During Hundred Flower Campaign Mao allowed people to voice dissent and they were encouraged to have different opinion . But later on campaign was stopped and all the dissenters , 5,00,000 in total , were ruthlessly executed .

During Great Chinese Famine , between 1959 to 1962 , almost 30 million Chinese peasants died .

After Stalin’s death , Mao denounced USSR and branded them as revisionists . His was not faithful even to USSR [ Union of Soviet Socialist Republic ] , which supported him blindly and was the only country to help him to consolidate power during his formative years .

This is very brief history of bloodshed and cruelty . Chinese people and the government may revere him , and they do . That’s why his portrait adorns Tiananmen Square .

Portrait of Mao at Tianmen Gate

But as for his legacy is concerned , it is gory and blood – drenched . This brutal dictator lies in peace in his grand mausoleum . His personal doctor wrote that he never brushed his teeth , never took bath and used to come out of bed very rarely . His doctor wrote that he used to wear formal clothes only when he was supposed to go out .

In his grand Mausoleum , now he is enjoying those awful luxuries . And he will keep on enjoying those luxuries till eternity . Amen !!

Beijing :: Mausoleum of Mao Zedong

VIDUR

MUMBAI – MAHARASHTRA – INDIA

www.vidur.co.in

www.vidurfilms.com

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H.H. DALAI LAMA is 75

I have no class today. I am working with only two of my private students , who are coming to me for the preparation of their forthcoming films. One is the daughter of a matinée idol and the other is the son of a very successful director and soon he is going to be launched by Mr. Karan Johar. After finishing their class , as I was sitting in my office on this soggy and dull evening, I suddenly remembered that this month on July 07, 2010, His Holiness Dalai Lama turned 75. I wanted to write about the event on the same day but I missed the opportunity because of my hectic and busy schedule. Barkha Dutt of NDTV 24×7 went to Dharamsala that day and interviewed His Holiness. I missed the telecast also because of my schedule. On this particular day, I suddenly remembered the event and decided to express my views immediately.

Ever since I started reading books, I was very fascinated by history. History of India and her neighbouring countries always fascinated me. While still in High School, I started studying Ancient Indian History. I was mesmerized by our culture and its all-powerful, all-encompassing  and enduring sway on the various parts of the world. Mystic Tibet and the influence of Buddhism on her culture and history,fascinated me the most. During my childhood I had gone to Mussoorie, a hill station of Uttar Pradesh (now Uttarakhand ) with my family. My father told me that H.H. Dalai Lama lives near by and we should go and meet him. I asked my father about H.H. and then he told me about the Chinese occupation of Tibet and the struggle going on there for the independent Tibet.We couldn’t go to meet H.H. but I started reading about the history of Tibet and her relationship with India.

The present Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the 14th Dalai Lama. Tibet is an ancient nation and enjoyed sovereignty till the communist government , headed by Mao Zedong, established its regime in China. After defeating and easing out Kuomintang government of Chiang Kai Shek , out of mainland China and after firmly establishing himself, Mao Zedong, started spreading his tentacles to Tibet and slowly started claiming that historically Tibet is part of Greater China and that she was never a sovereign nation. In 1950 China attacked Tibet. Peoples Liberation Army invaded Tibetan area of Chamdo. Forced by this brutal attack, Tibet signed 17 point agreement with China and accepted Chinese sovereignty over Tibet in 1951.

After this infamous 17 point agreement, China separated Tibetan region of eastern Kham and put it under direct control in Sichuan province. Western Kham was also separated and put under Chamdo Military Committee. Though , in 1956 there was unrest in Eastern and Western Kham but it was brutally suppressed by Chinese army. Freedom struggle by Tibetan continued unabated and finally in 1959 Peoples Liberation Army started its infamous crackdown in Kham. This finally fuelled Lhasa Uprising and full-scale war was started in Tibet. Chinese forces struck with all its might and war was crushed. Fearing Dalai Lama’s arrest, Tibetan government decided that he should take shelter in India. Protected by few loyal followers, H. H. Dalai Lama left Lhasa and after arduous and risky journey ,took refuge in India. Along with H.H., India accepted more than 1 Lakh refugees and Tibetan government-in-exile was stablished in Dharamsala.

Potala Palace of Dalai Lama in Lhasa

Potala Palace of Dalai Lama in Lhasa

After Dalai Lama’s escape , China stablished her iron-like grip over Tibet and gradually started destroying Tibetan culture. Between 1959 and 1961 more than 6000 monasteries of Tibet were destroyed. Tibetan culture and traditions was systematically undermined and Hans from China were encouraged to settle in Tibet in large numbers. In 1965 the area under Dalai Lama’s control was renamed Tibet Autonomous Region. By proclamation , Tibet became an autonomous region, but the actual power was always held by the First Secretory of Tibetan Autonomous Region committee of Chinese Communist Party, who has never been a Tibetan. A Han of Chinese origin always held the position.

This is brief and very basic history of Tibet and Tibet’s subjugation and oppression by China. There is mute support by  world community for the independence of Tibet but it is half-hearted. Though Dalai Lama got Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 and then there were widespread protests against Chinese rule in 2008, but because of the lack of political will of world leaders and world community, Tibet’s voice is crushed and she remains under Chinese occupation and shackles.

H. H. Dalai Lama is now 75 and this is occasion for celebration. This is also true that he is the only hope of Tibet and  130,000 Tibetan exiles in India. Crushed and tortured Tibetans, living in Tibet also look to him for guidance and inspiration. China is cunningly waiting  and eyeing for the post !4th Dalai Lama era. Time is running out . World community has to act soon and fast. India has special interest in Tibet because our holy places like Mount Kailash and holy Manasarovar Lake, are  situated in Tibet.

Lake Manasarovar

Mount Kailash

Tibet’s liberation is need of the hour and on this happy occasion of Dalai Lama’s 75th birth day, we should take this pledge that we will always aspire and pray for the liberation of Tibet.

Long live Independent Tibet !!

vidur

Mumbai

http://www.vidur.co.in

51st Anniversary Of Tibetan Uprising

Today ( March 10 ) is the 51st anniversary of Tibetan uprising. On the same day 51 years ago, Chinese forces occupied Tibet forcibly and started their brutal and unholy rule and HH Dalai Lama had to leave his country with his followers and took shelter in India. Potala Palace remains vacant ever since, silently waiting for HH 14th Dalai Lama’s return.

Though I was only a toddler at the time of Tibetan uprising, but the event stayed in my psyche forever. It happened in 1959. Then I was just a 7-year-old boy. But I always heard my father talking about it. So the brutal suppression of Tibetan people became a part of me and my personality. And an independent Tibet became my goal and aspiration.

Let me dwell a bit on the history of Tibet for the present generation. Tibet was always an independent nation. She had close and warm relationship with India. Before her unholy subjugation, India used to manage Post & Telegraph department in Tibet. We had centuries old cultural relationship and ties. Kailash and Mansarovar, two very holy places of Hindu religion, are there in Tibet. After red star rose in China and after Mao took over reigns of China and became unquestioned leader of the country, Communists started claiming that Tibet is a part of China. Slowly but very steadily they started moving ahead in that direction. After making provocative noises and statements in every international forums, Chinese Peoples Liberation Army moved into Tibet and took control. Suppression and subjugation of Tibetan people started and Chinese government started controlling every aspect and spheres of Tibetan population. Strangely the international community kept quiet. HH Dalai Lama left Tibet along with his chosen followers and came to India. Ever since he is here in Dharamshala and runs Tibetan government in exile. It is brief and layman’s information about Tibet.

51 years have passed since then. Han Chinese are being brought in hordes and are being settled in Tibet. Ethnic Tibetan culture is forbidden and their tradition is ridiculed and curbed. Communist China is hoping that one day ethnic Tibetans will be in minority and they could subjugate Tibet forever and perpetuate their hegemony. The introduction of railway is a sinister step in that direction.

World is still silent and watching hopelessly. Younger generation is almost oblivious of the trials and travails of Tibetan nation. Are we not going to see independent Tibet in our life ? I firmly believe, I will. I am 57-year-old, but I believe and firmly believe that before my death I will see an independent Tibet. Tibet’s cause is not lost. Millions of Indians believe like me.

Long live HH Dalai Lama !!

Long live independent Tibet !!

Vidur

http://www.vidur.co.in