Dharamsala: Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama will participate in prayers here to express solidarity with the people of Tibet and for peace there, an official said Monday.
“His Holiness the Dalai Lama and a large number of monks and nuns will gather here Wednesday to participate in a morning prayer session for all those who have self-immolated in Tibet,” Thubten Samphel, said a spokesperson for the government-in-exile.
He said all the functionaries of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), including prime minister Lobsang Sangay, would participate in the day-long prayers to held at the Tsuglagkhang, the main temple.
The 17th Karmapa, Ugyen Trinley Dorjee, will also attend.
As a mark of respect, the CTA has declared a public holiday on that day.
Since March 16, eight people in Tibet have set themselves afire to protest the continued occupation and repression of Tibet by the Chinese, said the CTA.
The government-in-exile has appealed to the United Nations to press the Chinese government to restore freedom and resolve the issue of Tibet through dialogue.
The Dalai Lama along with many of his supporters fled Tibet and took refuge in India when Chinese troops moved in and took control of Lhasa in 1959.
He then headed a Tibetan government-in-exile which never won recognition from any country.
India is home to around 100,000 Tibetans.
IANS
