International Rangzen Conference underway in New York

By Lobsang Tenchoe

DHARAMSALA, July 2: Tibetan independence advocates around the world converged for ‘International Rangzen Conference’ in New York in sync with the American Independence Day.

The three-day conference over July 1 – 3 is being held to commemorate the 50th death anniversary of former Tibetan Prime Minister, Lukhangwa Tsewang Rabten (1889-1966) and to honour the spirit of the brave martyrs who have sacrificed their life for Tibet’s Independence, the conference was under way from July 1 – 3 in New York city.

According to the organizer Tenzin Wangdue, Tibetan writer-activist Lhasang Tsering was invited as the Chief Guest of the conference to honour his lifelong contributions for the Rangzen movement along with Scholar-activist Jamyang Norbu, US-Tibet relations Director Sonam wangdue and Dawa Gyalpo from Tibetan Youth Congress.

However, Lhasang Tsering couldn’t make it to the conference as his Identity Certificate (yellow book) had expired and its under the process of being reissued.

“I am there with you in spirit and I thank you for honoring and respecting the 6 million Tibetans’ aspiration for a Free Tibet,” LhasangTsering said in a video message.

The conference, attended by prominent Rangzen advocates such as Gu Chu Sum Director, Lukar Jam Atsok, Scholar-activist, Jamyang Norbu as well as Tibetan parliamentarian, Tenpa Yarphel and other Rangzen advocates from United States, Europe and Canada, aims to enhance and strengthen the Tibetan independence  movement.

Initiated by few Rangzen advocates, the first Rangzen conference was held in the Indian capital, New Delhi from May 23-24 last year.