Tibetan Independence Activist Lobga Rangzen Honoured in Arunachal Pradesh, the Indian State Claimed by China

By Tenzin Chokyi

DHARAMSALA, 15 July: Members of the Students for a Free Tibet (SFT)-Itanagar chapter in Arunachal Pradesh, an Indian border state claimed by China as part of “South Tibet” held a candlelight vigil on Monday to honour Tibetan independence activist Pawo Lobga Rangzen, whose self-immolation outside the United Nations headquarters in New York coincided with the implementation of China’s “Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress”. 

The vigil, held at Thupten Gatsal-ling Monastery in Itanagar, the state capital, commemorated Lobga Rangzen’s sacrifice and reaffirmed continued support for the Tibetan freedom movement in a strategically significant border state that Beijing also claims under its territorial assertions.

According to an Instagram post by SFT-Itanagar, Lobga Rangzen self-immolated on 2 July,  a day after China’s “Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress” came into force. The organisation said the legislation enables the Chinese Communist Party to dismantle the distinct identities of Tibetans and other “minority communities” through policies of forced assimilation.

“Humanity must always stand above geopolitical priorities,” the group wrote, urging world leaders to intervene and help ensure “a peaceful, just and harmonious” future for the Tibetan people.

The gathering was attended by SFT members and supporters, who lit candles and offered prayers in memory of Lobga Rangzen while reflecting on the sacrifices of Tibetan martyrs in the struggle for freedom. According to the organisation, the vigil was inspired by his final appeal for Tibetans to unite and continue the movement for an independent Tibet.

According to The Arunachal Times, SFT members also reaffirmed their commitment to advocating for the Tibetan cause and called for continued solidarity with the Tibetan people. The programme concluded with prayers and a message of peace, with participants expressing hope that Lobga Rangzen’s sacrifice would inspire greater international awareness of the Tibetan people’s aspirations for freedom.

Before carrying out his protest earlier this month, Lobga Rangzen urged Tibetans in a video message to remain united beyond regional and sectarian divisions and work towards the restoration of Tibet’s independence.