LEH: Former Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson has expressed grief over the reported death of Tibetan activist Lobga Rangzen (Lobsang Palden) following a self-immolation incident outside the United Nations Headquarters in New York City on July 2, while urging Tibetans, particularly the youth, to reject self-harm and pursue their aspirations through peaceful and democratic means.
In a statement, Gyalson said the incident had deeply saddened him and extended his condolences to the activist’s family, friends and the global Tibetan community, including members of the Tibetan diaspora in India and Ladakh.
He said that while many people may feel deeply committed to the Tibetan cause, preserving life remained paramount, adding that sustained advocacy for identity, rights and justice required the continued participation, resilience and collective efforts of the community. He appealed to young Tibetans to channel their concerns through peaceful democratic engagement rather than resorting to acts of self-harm.
Gyalson also expressed concern over what he described as the prevailing situation inside Tibet, alleging that ongoing restrictions and developments there had contributed to growing distress among sections of the Tibetan community. He said the circumstances merited greater attention from the international community.
Referring to the broader Himalayan region, the former CEC said peace and the preservation of Tibet’s cultural heritage were closely linked to regional stability. He asserted that developments concerning Tibet carried wider implications for communities across the Himalayan belt. Calling for international engagement, Gyalson urged global leaders and United Nations human rights institutions to take note of the situation concerning Tibet and respond through appropriate diplomatic and human rights mechanisms. He also called for efforts to address the underlying concerns through peaceful dialogue and international engagement.
