Reduce military in Tibet, say exiles

Dharamsala - The Tibetan government-in-exile based in this north Indian hill station Friday asked China to reduce its huge military presence in Tibet, release political prisoners and resume dialogue with the Tibetans.

In a missive to Chinese President Hu Jintao, the parliament-in-exile has expressed concern over the prevailing situation inside Tibet.

"The harsh and brutal repressive measures adopted by your government on the peaceful demonstrators (in Tibet) leave us in no doubt that your government has no value for fundamental human rights," it said.

"His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) have for several decades taken a very pragmatic, mutually beneficial, long-lasting solution to the issue of Tibet by not asking for separation. But your leadership has always turned a blind eye," said the statement.

The Tibetan exiles said that for long-term interest of China and Tibet, it was necessary to withdraw the large reinforcement of military and take measures to give due consideration to the aspirations of the Tibetan people.

The letter called for allowing independent fact-finding delegations in Tibet, providing religious freedom to the locals, releasing all political prisoners and finally resuming dialogue to seek a lasting solution to the issue of Tibet.

Tibetan Prime Minister-in-exile Lobsang Sangay Thursday said the only way to resolve the Tibet issue is through dialogue.

"Because of (recent) gruesome acts and the systematic repression of Tibetans, the resentment and anger among Tibetans against the Chinese government has only grown since the massive uprising of 2008," he said in a statement.

The Chinese were celebrating the first couple of days of the Year of Dragon Jan 23-24, when the police fired indiscriminately on hundreds of Tibetans gathered peacefully to claim their basic rights in Drakgo, Serthar, Ngaba, Gyarong and other neighbouring Tibetan areas, he said.

"Six Tibetans were reportedly killed and around 60 injured," said Sangay.

India is home to around 100,000 Tibetans and the Tibetan government-in-exile, which never won recognition from any country.