Click to play videoNew Delhi: Thousands of young out on the streets, shouting anti-China slogans, burning the Chinese flag and seeking complete independence are the new face of Tibetan nationalism.
There appears to be a divide amongst the older followers of Dalai Lama and the youth.
Clearly fed up with the lack of response after three decades of Middle Path, the youth say they want to take things in their own hands. This is perhaps an indicator of times to come.
“There is increasing frustration in the Tibetan community in the younger generation. His Holiness' stand has been in existence for the past 20 years but nothing has come out of this,” says the President of Tibetan Uprising Movement, Psewang Rigzin.
Even those who attempted the march to Tibet from McLeodganj were all youths. They are determined not to stop agitations till Tibet gains complete independence.
This shows a radical change in stance from the Dalai Lama's followers who say they are willing to operate under Chinese sovereignty.
“If China meets the core demands of the Tibetan people – that they be given a certain degree of political space – then we are willing to operate under the rule of People's Republic of China,” declared Tibetan International Affairs Minister, Thubtin Samphel.
The winds of change are now blowing. The Tibetan administration is at a crossroads and is divided and there are factions within.
In a subtle shift, the Prime Minister of the Tibetan government in exile, Samdhong Rinpoche says the Middle Way can be reviewed.
“Pragmatically, we have to find out how to achieve it. Therefore, we are asking for the Middle Path approach. Unless the majority of the Tibetan people aspire for a different way, this policy will continue,” said Rinpoche.
Tibetans across the world, however, are now rallying behind the youth and many believe China will never respect peaceful protests.
With inputs from Jyoti Kamal in McLeodganj
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