Tuesday marks the 50th anniversary of the 1959 revolt in Tibet against China and the Dalai Lama’s flight from the country. Despite decades of repression, the Tibetans living under Chinese control still dare to voice their demands for more autonomy — and the return of their exiled spiritual leader
It was 6.30 a.m., and the sun had not yet risen when they left wearing their red robes to march along the narrow paths between the fields. Then they turned left at the Petro China gas station onto Democracy Street and continued in the direction of the Guinan local government offices.
It was Feb. 25, the first day of the Tibetan New Year. The monks from the Lutsang monastery had heeded the Dalai Lama’s advice to his compatriots in China that, this year, they should forgo loud and joyful celebrations. The religious leader had made it known from his place of exile in India that — in the light of the “immense difficulties and misery” faced by Tibetans — the time had come for reflection.
More photos are here.
