The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), the Tibetan government-in-exile, and the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile jointly organised a prayer meeting and peace march in Dharamsala on 21 August to mark the 49th day since Tibetan activist Lobsang Palden — also known as Lobga Rangzen — self-immolated in protest against Chinese policies. The event drew large numbers of Tibetan community members, exile administration representatives, and Tibet supporters, beginning at Tsuglagkhang Temple in McLeod Ganj and concluding at the Dharamsala Police Ground.

What the March Represented

CTA President (Sikyong) Penpa Tsering described the gathering as both a tribute to Palden and a peaceful protest against Chinese policies that, he alleged, seek to dismantle Tibetans' distinct cultural, religious, and linguistic identity. Tsering said Palden had self-immolated in opposition to what he characterised as continued Chinese repression and a recently enacted law promoting 'ethnic unity and progress'.

The 49th day carries deep significance in Tibetan Buddhist tradition, marking the end of the intermediate period — known as the 'bardo' — following death. The programme opened with a two-hour prayer session at Tsuglagkhang Temple, where tributes were paid to Tibetans who had died in the struggle and solidarity was expressed with their families.

CTA's Charge Against China's 'Sinicisation' Drive

According to Tsering, the stated objective of the new Chinese law — promoting ethnic unity — masks what the CTA considers a systematic effort to 'Sinicise' Tibetans, Uyghurs, Mongols, and other officially recognised ethnic minorities. He alleged that Beijing is actively working to assimilate diverse communities by weakening their languages, cultures, religious traditions, and distinct identities.

Tsering stressed that the CTA does not endorse self-immolation as a form of protest, calling every Tibetan life lost an 'irreparable loss' to the movement. The administration, he said, remains committed to pursuing its goals through peaceful and democratic means.

Broader Solidarity and International Concern

Tibetan communities in several countries reportedly launched peaceful campaigns from early July onwards. Tsering claimed that Uyghur, Mongolian, and pro-democracy Chinese groups had also participated in related actions, reflecting shared concerns over China's assimilation policies.

He further stated that several governments — including those of the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Switzerland — had expressed concern over the new Chinese legislation. The European Parliament has also criticised the law, according to the CTA.

The Path Ahead

Tsering reiterated that the Tibetan movement would remain anchored in non-violence, pledging to protect Tibet's culture, language, religious freedom, and identity through peaceful means. This comes amid growing international scrutiny of China's minority policies, with the Dharamsala march signalling that the exile community intends to sustain pressure on the global stage.