Exile Tibetans mourn the earthquake victims in Yushu
Dharamshala: 14th April 2010 - Tibetans gathered at the main Buddhist Temple here in Dharamshala to pray and show solidarity to the victims of the earthquake that hit Kyegudo (Chinese: Yushu) in Tibet’s Kham Province.
“Not only are we grieving the death of hundreds of Tibetans who felt victim to this natural disaster, we are also concerned about the wellbeing of the thousands injured by the earthquake in Kyegudo early this morning.” said Tsewang Rigzin, President of Tibetan Youth Congress. “We demand an immediate rescue work and medical aid for all those injured.”
The latest Chinese official death toll is 400, whereas Tibetans on the ground have been reporting more than 3000 deaths and 10,000 injured on telephonic conversations with families and friends in exile.
Tibetans in Yushu fear that the nearby dam situated in Pathang in Kyegudo could burst any time which might result to a huge loss of lives. Independent researchers have found out about existence of 14 dams – constructed or under construction – in the area.
“The Chinese government has aggressively exploited Tibet’s natural resources not even sparing areas such as Kyegudo which is considered to be an active seismic region.” said Ngawang Woebar, a former political prisoner and President of Gu-Chu-Sum, who is also a native of Kyegudo. “We demand the Chinese government to put halt to all these projects that threatens human lives in the region.”
Our heartfelt condolence to the family and friends of those who died in this earthquake.
Yushu is situated 800 kms south-west of Siling, Amdo (Chin: Xining, Qinghai) and is a home to around 250,000 people, mostly Tibetan. The region is also exploited for its huge deposits of mineral resources such as gold, coal, copper, lead and tin mines.
Organised by:
Tibetan Youth Congress
Tibetan Women's Association
Guchusum Movement for Tibet
National Democratic Party for Tibet
Students for a Free Tibet, India
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