October 05, 2012
Rising tensions, including an ongoing Chinese crackdown on dissent, will not stop Tibet’s government-in-exile from seeking talks with Beijing.
Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay told reporters Friday in New Delhi that the next step is up to China.
“We are ready to engage in dialogue with the Chinese government anytime, anywhere, this is where we stand. But ’till the leadership transition, we will not see the clear sign or indication as to how they want to approach Tibet,” he said.
Sangay said he fears recent protests and self-immolations are only causing China to take an even harder line [tougher approach] on Tibet.
Tibet Self-Immolation Map, October 4, 2012 update
”Now they are patrolling the streets of towns and cities, including villages, that way. But unfortunately the pressure seems to be at least in their mind, instead of reforming and introducing more liberal-oriented attitude, they are cracking down more,” he said.
The comments come just one day after word that yet another Tibetan set himself on fire to protest Chinese rule.
Poet and blogger Gudru, 43, set himself on fire Thursday in Dreru, Tibet – part of the area China has designated the Tibet Autonomous Region. One of Gudrup’s last blog posts called on fellow Tibetans to “win the battle through truth, by shooting arrows upon our lives.”
There now have been at least 51 self-immolations since March of 2009. Sangay told reporters it is the duty of the government-in-exile to show solidarity with the protesters, but that it will not advocate for more “drastic actions.”
“We do not encourage any protest inside Tibet because of harsh reality, the ones who participate in protest, you get arrested and then you go to prison, you get tortured, you get dying, so why would I encourage any form of protest when you know the consequences,” said Sangay.
