Tibetans mark 4th anniversary of Umbrella Revolution
DHARAMSALA, Sept 26: Students for a Free Tibet (SFT)- India held an event in solidarity with the Hongkongers to mark the fourth anniversary of the Hong Kong’s 2014 pro-democracy ‘Umbrella Movement’.
The SFT has organised a photo action campaign at the main square in Mcleod Ganj, Dharamsala in solidarity with the people of Hong Kong and to raise awareness on the need to address the oppressive policies of the Chinese Communist Party on Hong Kong as well as Tibetan, Uyghur, Taiwan, Southern Mongolian and Chinese people.
“We have organised the photo action campaign as a symbol of support and to stand in solidarity with the Hongkongers movement for democracy and rights in Hong Kong,” SFT India’s Grassroots Director Rinzin Choedon said.
SFT further stated that though Hong Kong government has rights to administer all areas of government separately from the Chinese regime its prominent leaders like Nathan Law, Alex Chow and Jousha Wong have been fighting for democracy and universal suffrage because the political rights of Hong Kong people are under threat by the imposition of Chinese rule.
“The entire pro-democracy Umbrella Movement in Hong Kong was led by students and youths of Hong Kong. Tibetan youths and students can draw inspiration and learn a lot from it,” SFT India’s Campaign director Gyaltsen said.
Tens of thousands of Hong Kongers took to the streets on Sept. 28, 2014, to protest against Beijing’s decision over how the city’s leader would be elected in 2017.
The pro-democracy movement was initially known as” Occupy Central,” and it disrupted Hong Kong’s busiest districts for 79 days and changed the city’s political landscape forever.
The umbrella, which was initially used by protesters to defend themselves against tear gas and pepper spray from the police, became a symbol of defiance and latter the protests also became known as the Umbrella Movement.
