New Delhi (AsiaNews) - In India, the Dharamsala-based Tibetan parliament-in-exile and its governing council (Kashag) today launched the Tibetan People's Solidarity Campaign. For four days, supporters of the Tibetan cause will be able to take part in events and meetings designed to raise awareness and draw attention of the international community to China's repressive policies in Tibet.
"Our country is a test for the international community," Tibetan Prime Minister-in-exile Lobsang Sangay told AsiaNews. "Foreign nations must act now and condemn what is happening in this land. Revolutions in countries like Syria have greater support, despite their violent nature."
Since 2009, at least 100 Tibetans have set themselves on fire to protest against Chinese rule and to demand the return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet.
As this form of protest spread, Beijing has tightened its controls on the civilian population. "We continue to appeal to (protesters) not to resort to such drastic means," yet self-immolations continue, reflecting "the desperation and determination of Tibetan people".
The prime minister hopes the campaign will elicit greater support from India. "I think Indian representatives often do," but "they ought to speak out as frankly as possible on the issue of Tibet," he added.
More recently, China has turned its attention towards India, hoping to bring New Delhi over to its side. India hosts the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile.
China's state-owned Xinhua News Agency has reported that a Chinese court failed to reach a verdict on a case that would have helped Chinese authorities establish an 'Indian connection' in 80 or more self-immolations committed by Tibetan monks and civilians.
Had a link been established, China could have put pressure on India to hunt the alleged instigators of suicides based in India.