“Tibet’s Independence is Not Possible”: Dalai Lama

Amid growing unrest in Tibet, its exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, called for a peaceful settlement to the crisis, saying, “If things get out of control, then my only option is to resign.” While the Chinese government vowed a harsh crackdown, all transportation to the region was tightly controlled, deepening Tibet’s isolation.

The Dalai Lama announced on Tuesday that he would step down as the leader of Tibet`s government-in-exile if violence by protesters in the region persisted. He added Tibet’s independence was not possible and that the people of Tibet should live in harmony with the Chinese.

"There is ample fact, and we also have plenty of evidence to prove, that this incident was organized, premeditated, masterminded and incited by supporters of the Dalai Lama,” Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said in a televised news conference.

The premier added that if rioters forfeited their demands for independence, then the Chinese government would be willing to hold talks with them. Tibet’s separatist demonstrations occurred in Beijing on Mar. 17.

Around 50 Tibetans held a candlelight protest at the Central University of Nationalities, protesting the Chinese government’s violent suppression. The Guardian reported that hundreds of people in a rural community of Ganan, Gansu Province set fire to stores and government offices. Tibetans in Katmandu, Nepal went on a hunger strike beginning Mar. 18. Around 100 people protested against China by burning its flag.

On Mar. 17, 15 TV and newspaper reporters from Hong Kong were expelled to nearby Sichuan and Chengdu, as the Chinese government tightened control over media. U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged Tibetans and the Chinese government to avoid conflict and violence, AFP reported.

▽ Streets cleaned and public offices reopened

Government and public offices such as government agencies, schools, and banks have reopened. Stores have also restarted their operations.

Cho Yeong-sook (a pseudonym), a Korean who runs a shop in Tibet`s capital of Lhasa, said in a telephone interview with the Dong-A Ilbo, “Since yesterday, people have begun to venture outside.”

“It’s possible to buy food as markets in the region have reopened, but it will take a long time for stores hit hard by the unrest to re-conduct business,” Cho added.

“As people began to clean up in the afternoon of Mar. 16, streets are now cleared. However, the police are still checking I.D. cards sporadically. So we are not completely free to go anywhere we want.”

A Zhuang woman working at a restaurant complained, “I have remained here for five days since Mar. 14 because I don’t have my I.D. card.”

A Korean residing in the region, said, “Soldiers from the People’s Liberation Army are checking everyone’s I.D. cards. They have surrounded Lama Buddhist temples such as the Johkang Temple. The atmosphere here is still grave.”

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