March 24 the protest day for Tibetan cause

Express news service Posted: Mar 18, 2008 at 0217 hrs
Kolkata, March 17 The Kolkata chapter of the Students For A Free Tibet, an international organisation, will organise a protest march in the city on March 24 as part of a national protest, against the Chinese crackdown on Tibetan protesters.

The march, which will start from the Mayo Road around noon and end at the Metro Channel, will be followed by a candle light vigil in the evening.

In West Bengal, as per the organisation’s estimates, there are 10,000 Tibetans. Members of various organisations from Sikkim, Darjeeling, kalingpong, Karseong and Shillong will assemble in Siliguri on Tuesday to discuss their plan of action. “We are few in number and scattered in the city. Thus it is difficult to organise the meeting. But all of us are confident that our efforts will not be wasted,” said said Pemba Bhutia, leader of the Kolkata chapter, which was formed recently.

The youth of the Kolkata chapter are getting support from many Tibetan families living in Kolkata and other citizens as well. “Similar marches will be held in Bangalore, Delhi, Chennai and Mysore,” says, Tenzing luksang, a member. “So far, over 100 students have joined us. A number of students, from the Chinese community, are also showing interest,” said Bhutia.