World Tibet Network News Wednesday, April 29, 1998

DHARAMSALA, Wed, 29 Apr 1998 (DIIR) -- We the members of the Kashag are saddened by the passing away of Thubten Ngodup who succumbed to injuries and burns when he immolated himself in the morning of 27 April in a courageous and desperate attempt to draw the attention of the international community to the worsening situation in Tibet.

This act is symbolic of the growing desperation among Tibetans as they see their country increasingly ravaged by China and the human rights of the Tibetan people alarmingly and viciously trampled upon by the authorities.

We take this opportunity to call upon the international community, including the governments around the world, to persuade the Chinese government to start negotiations with His Holiness the Dalai Lama so that the issue of Tibet is settled peacefully and to the mutual satisfaction of both the Tibetan people and the Chinese authorities.

Till now the Tibetan people have listened to the counsel of His Holiness the Dalai Lama who has always advised them not to resort to violence either against others or against themselves. Unfortunately it is becoming increasingly clear to us that the Tibetan people are growing desperate. As indicated to us by this recent unfortunate though brave act that the Tibetans are willing to resort to desperate measures to redress the great injustice inflicted upon Tibet by a powerful China. The Tibetans are growing desperate as they see the years roll by without any solution to their plight in sight.

While praying for the soul of Thubten Ngodup, we once again urge the government around the world to make a concerted and coordinated effort to urge China to come to the negotiating table to solve the issue of Tibet in the interests of both China and Tibet.

The Kashag

29 April, 1998