Madikeri: The Tibetans living in Bylakuppe Tibetan Camp held a protest march opposing the newly imposed ‘Law on Ethnic Unity and Progress’ in China. The protest was organised by Middle Way Tibetan Youth Congress and Women’s organisations at the camp.Hundreds of Tibetan citizens marched through the streets of Madikeri shouting slogans against China govt for imposing the new law. The legislation forces dominant use of Mandarin Chinese in public life and education in Tibet, replacing native Tibetan languages, they stated.The Tibetan protesters demanded the immediate withdrawal of this law, implemented in China on July 1.Speaking during the protest, leader of the organisation, Neema Galfo, expressed concern that there is a possibility of further restrictions on the use of Tibetan tradition and language. He opined that the law imposes cultural assimilation on Tibetan culture and language. Several other leaders spoke on the need to oppose the law to protect Tibetan culture. Former president of the Youth Congress Tshering, Women’s organisation leader Gendun and others were present.
