Tibetan community launches five-day march against China’s ‘Ethnic Unity and Progress Law’

Tibetan community representatives have launched a five-day march from McLeodganj to Kurukshetra to oppose China’s so-called ‘Ethnic Unity and Progress Law’, which they claim threatens Tibet’s cultural, religious and linguistic identity. The march, involving around 35 participants, was jointly organized by five NGOs to raise awareness and seek support from the Indian government, the public, and the international community.

Tibetan Women’s Association president Tsering Dolma said the law was an attempt to undermine Tibetan culture, religion and identity. She alleged that sending Tibetan children to boarding schools was affecting their cultural roots. She said the Tibetan community rejected the legislation outright.

During the march, participants will visit markets, institutions and government offices to inform people about the issue and seek their support.

Meanwhile, Sikyong (President) of the Central Tibetan Administration, Penpa Tsering, welcomed the initiative and said the Chinese law could have serious implications for the identities of Tibetans, Uyghurs and Mongolians. He said the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile had already condemned the legislation and demanded its repeal.

Penpa Tsering said the march aimed to highlight the law’s potential impact and mobilize support from Indian citizens and leaders. He added that the Tibetan administration would raise the issue with international organizations, governments, parliaments, think tanks, and media outlets to build broader support against China’s policies.