Friday, November 17, 2006
INDIAN GOVERNMENT GAGS TIBETAN ACTIVIST IN LEAD UP TO HU VISITTENZIN TSUNDUE THREATENED WITH DEPORTATION IF HE PROTESTS
Dharamsala – In anticipation of the first-ever visit of Chinese President Hu Jintao to India, the Indian Government today served Tibetan activist and writer, Tenzin Tsundue, with an order forbidding him to leave the “territorial jurisdiction of Dharamshala Town” until November 25. The letter, issued by the Office of the Superintendent of Police, threatens Tsundue with prosecution under the Foreigners Act of 1946 if he fails to obey the order. When asked what prosecution would mean, the Additional Superintendent of Police, Santosh Patial, replied: “Deportation to Tibet.” The pressure on Tsundue is the result of his high profile protests during the visits of Chinese Prime Ministers Zhu Rongji and Wen Jiabao in 2002 and 2005. Hu Jintao will visit India from November 20-23.
“This is an attack on the freedom of all Tibetans and people living in democratic India. It is a shame on the Government of India and disrespect to the memory of Mahatma Gandhi and all those who struggled for independence in this country. Clearly this is pressure from the Chinese government,” said Tenzin Tsundue, General Secretary of Friend of Tibet India. “I was born in India and I am working only nonviolently for the human rights and freedom of my people. This issue is not about me but it is about the six million Tibetans who are suffering every day under Chinese rule and who are deprived of their voice to speak out against the occupation.” As of now, eleven policemen are following Tsundue around the clock and police have also taken up residence in the room next to his.
In a letter sent today to Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India, through the Dharamsala Superintendent of Police, Tsundue requested a meeting with Hu Jintao while he is in India. In it Tsundue stated: “It is because of the lack of this access that I have been demonstrating on your streets, drawing world attention to the atrocities that Tibet is subjected to. If such an opportunity to speak to Hu Jinato face-to-face does not arise this time too, we will again be compelled to come out on the streets in large numbers to voice our anger and frustration.” Tsundue also cited the recent shootings of defenseless Tibetan refugees by Chinese forces at Nangpala Pass as fresh evidence of China’s brutality in Tibet.
“The visit of Chinese President Hu Jintao to India is a rare and important opportunity for Tibetans to raise our voice for the restoration of Tibetan independence,” said Tenzin Choeying. National Director of Students for a Free Tibet India. “It’s our duty to use the freedom we find in India to bring attention to the Tibetan issue and push for an end to China’s ongoing occupation of our country. Rather than focusing on the actions of Tibetan youth born and raised in India, the Indian government should be concerned about what the Chinese are doing on their borders that threatens the national security of India.”
Hu Jintao will visit New Delhi, Agra and Mumbai (Bombay) from November 20-23 before leaving for Pakistan. While in New Delhi, he is expected to attend official functions at Vigyan Bhawan and the Hyderabad House. In the lead up to Hu’s India visit, government officials from both countries have been meeting to discuss trade and border issues.
The text of the order from the superintendent of police is below.
OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE,DISTRICT KANGRA AT DHARAMSHALA (HIMACHAL PRADESH)
ORDER
You Mr. Tenzin Tsundue, a Tibetan national holder R/C No. 167/90/Tib/D’shala at present General Secretary, Friends of Tibet India (FOTI) were found indulging in agitational activities during the visit of Chinese delegations in the past and there is a credible information that you are likely to indulge in similar activities during the visit of the Chinese President w.e.f. 20/11/2006 to 23/11/2006.
Therefore, I, Ajay Kumar Yadav, IPS, Superintendent of Police-cum-Foreigners Registration Officer, District Kangra at Dharamsala (HP) in exercise of power vested in me under section 3 (2) (e) (ii) of the Foreigners Act-1946 hereby order that you will not leave the territorial jurisdiction of Dharamsala Town till 25/11/2006 from the date of issuance of this order, falling which you shall be liable for prosecution under the relevant provisions of law.
(Ajay Kumar Yadav) IPS,
Superintendent of Police-cum-Foreigners Registration Officer, Kangra at Dharamsala (HP).
Endst. No. 31945-90 /CB
Dated 12-11-06
Copy to: -
1. The Chief Secretary to the Govt of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla for information please.
2. The Principal Secretary (Home) to the Govt of H.P., Shimla for information please.
3. The Director General of Police, Himachal Pradesh, Shimla for information please.
4. The Commissioner of Police, Delhi for information please.
5. The Commissioner of Police, Mumbai for information please.
6. The Addl. Director General of Police, State CID H.P., , Shimla for information please.
7. The Dy. Inspr. General of Police, Northern Range, Dharamshala for information please.
8. The Sr. Superintendent of Police, Agra (UP) for information please.
9. All Superintendents of Police in Himachal Pradesh for information and necessary action
10. All SHO’S/o and I/C’s PP in Kangra District for information and necessary action.
11. Mr. Tenzin Tsundue, a Tibetan national, General Secretary, Friends of Tibet India (FOTI) for necessary action
(signature of Ajay Kumar)
Superintendent of Police-Cum-Foreigners Registration Officer, Kangra at Dharamshala (HP)
