|
Speaking at a panel discussion with deputies of the National People's Congress (NPC) from the Tibet Autonomous Region, just before the 50th anniversary of the foiling of an armed rebellion led by the Dalai Lama's supporters, Chinese President Hu Jintao called for the building of a Great Wall of stability in Tibet.
He stressed the necessity for promoting development and stability in the Himalayan territory. "We must reinforce the solid Great Wall for combating separatism and safeguarding national unity, so that Tibet, now basically stable, will enjoy lasting peace and stability," said Hu Jintao. His remarks came ahead of several sensitive dates in Tibet.
Tibet marked the 50th anniversary of the abolishment of slavery and the theocratic regime of the Dalai Lama on March 28. On March 10, 1959, in an attempt to preserve the old serfdom, the nobles and slave owners staged an armed rebellion, which was foiled by the central government of China. The riot changed everything in Tibet. The Communists soon decided that democratic reform should be carried out immediately to demolish the entire old system led by the Dalai Lama. The Preparatory Committee of Tibet Autonomous Region replaced the Gaxag government and set out to lead the reform. From 1959 to 1966, 1 million slaves were granted land, houses and their freedom. The Dalai Lama, who fled to India, has maintained a government-in-exile since 1959, and China has charged that this group was behind the riot in Lhasa on March 14 last year and other Tibetan areas of China. Earlier, Legqog, chairman of the Standing Committee of the Tibet Autonomous Region People's Congress, said the Dalai clique has increased its secessionist and sabotage activities in Tibet this year. "They made attempts to make trouble through collusion with those inside or even sending in their people," he said. "Although Tibet is currently very stable, our troops are ready to handle any infiltration and sabotage activities by the Dalai Lama clique and other hostile forces," Kang Jinzhong, political commissar of armed police corps in Tibet said. Tibetan people are "very simple and kind" and their heart stood with the Party, according to Kang, who has been working in Tibet for more than three year. "If there were really disturbance, it must be caused by a few people instigated under the disguise of religious cause," he said, adding that up to now armed police in Tibet had not found any "abnormal situation." Some overseas media have reported that conflict might arise at any time in Tibet, but Kang said that was "purely talking nonsense." The riot, occurring in Lhasa during last year's parliamentary session, caused 18 deaths and huge economic losses. In the riot last year, innocent civilians suffered the most. Tibetan businessman Losang still keeps photos of the damage to his souvenir store near Lhasa's Jokhang Temple. "They broke the glass and took away some of my most valuable items." Losang feels easier seeing police and soldiers of the People's Liberation Army patrolling Lhasa's streets. "Tightened security is a good thing for business people and all residents." "Who cares what other people think of the tightened security in Lhasa?" said a Tibetan woman who was taking her preschool daughter for a walk in a park near the Potala Palace. "It's always easy to point a finger at others, but we are the ones who actually went through the tragic experience last year," she said. "If not for the police and PLA, I wouldn't have dared to take my daughter out to the streets now." 
|
Show/hide comments
Show/hide comment form
