The on-going self-immolations in Tibet are very disturbing. Only
some come out in the media. Many self-righteous organisation shouting from roof
tops from anything trivial to everything of import, seem to be in a silence
mode on this issue. But a major issue of virtual slaughter of a nation,
community is going unchallenged. This could be compared to Hitler’ extermination
of Jews in the most brutal and inhumane manner during late thirties and early
forties and the world kept its eyes and mouth shut because of narrow agendas.
The Tibetans being Buddhist are followers of nonviolence and
a highly contended community. They are being denied the basic right of
religious freedom which is the basic right of every human being. Being a
communist state the Chinese do not believe in God and therefore do not
encourage religion.
The greatest fear the Chinese have today is not military or
economic threat but existential threat of implosion. With Uighurs, another Muslim
minority, being suppressed with force and Buddhists being subjected to
tremendous harassment. The Chinese society is going through its most turbulent
phase. The Muslims are taking to arms whereas the Buddhist are following the peaceful
protests. But the fact is both are challenging the power of Central Government
which is forcing Han domination through use of force cum financial incentives
and demographic change. This policy has not met much of success in integrating
the majority Hans and minorities, in fact its causing the divide to become
bigger.
The Chinese vulnerability at this point of times becomes all
the more because of extremely turbulent change of Central leadership, once in
ten year process which is currently going on, certainly not smoothly.
In addition there is major social unrest due to riches being
cornered by few and large populace from the interior areas has been
marginalised and pushed towards poverty. The rich and corrupt officials have
made their millions at the cost of common man. Frustration and disenchantment today
is at its peak.
China has also foolishly managed to show its aggressiveness
in South China Sea; thereby not only bringing back US Naval might but all the
littoral states are joining hands because of Chinese fear. This does not augur
well at all for China, on the contrary, it may bring Taiwan to the front again
and all its investments may be pushed back in time by a decade or two.
In spite of the fact that China is in its most vulnerable state,
the world appears to be unwilling or unable to do anything in spite of glaring
human right violations.
Of course US presidential elections, economy and the world
economy going through a bad phase and US involvement in Af-Pak and impending in
Iran is leaving little appetite or resources to take on China. India too is
busy with its own domestic problems in spite of Chinese moving into occupied
Kashmir; creating trouble in Nepal; claiming Arunachal and number of pin pricks
seems helpless to even raise the issue forcefully. In fact our government
wishes to be on good books of the Chinese rather than exploit their vulnerability
to suit our values, interests and emerging long term security threats.
What can be
done?
Support the struggle
for religious autonomy of Tibetans as propounded by HH Dalai lama. If Chia
has accepted Hong Kong why not Tibet? It’s just a question of building adequate
pressure.
Chinese economy threat
is over blown. It has huge dollar reserve, massive manufacturing base and
all that but the fact is that its markets are abroad. Its mutual dependence and
not one way street. The problem comes up when the nations fall over each other
to secure the markets and overlooking the larger humanitarian issues.
Exploit the present vulnerability and being scared of China will
make it bold, need to take it on frontally through groupings of similar interest’s
nation states.
Awareness of Tibetan demands by offering HH Dalai Lama electronic
plate form to air his views – psychological pressure on China. This will cease
with his demise, so let’s not lose the opportunity which will not come back.
Mobilise Buddhist nations to counter the Buddhist populace by Chinese. Get the
Muslim states on board to counter the Chinese. Exploit our soft power amongst Buddhist and Muslim states
Facilitate dialogue and become a stake holder in Tibet and undo our historic blunder of accepting it
as part of China without extracting any benefits.
Empower the refugees in exploiting soft power. This can be
done by facilitating placement of individuals in World bodies, US and other economically
powerful countries and Buddhist dominated states of Asia. These ambassadors will
continue to propel the issue and force an acceptable outcome of religious autonomy.
Buddhist/Tibetan chairs of excellence in universities may be
another great idea.
We the people need to contribute our bit and make a difference.
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