Tibetans in New Delhi protest China's new ethnic unity law
Tibetan demonstrators in New Delhi rallied against a new Chinese law they say threatens their identity, some shaving their heads in protest. The gathering also honored an activist who died after self-immolating outside the UN in New York.
Members of the Tibetan community staged a protest in New Delhi against a recently enacted Chinese law governing ethnic relations. Some demonstrators shaved their heads as a symbolic gesture, while others chanted slogans against Chinese President Xi Jinping and called on the United Nations to intervene.
Protesters' concerns
The demonstrators argue the legislation threatens Tibetan identity, language, culture and religious traditions. They believe it could serve as a legal basis for what they describe as a policy of assimilation.
Beijing's position
China states that the law's purpose is to promote development, patriotism and unity among the country's 56 officially recognised ethnic groups. The law took effect on 1 July and bans actions considered likely to encourage division between ethnic groups. It also obliges schools, families, public institutions and other bodies to promote national unity, and allows for action against individuals or organisations outside China deemed to have harmed ethnic unity.
Remembering an activist
The protesters also held prayers in memory of Lobsang Palden, also known as Lobga Rangzen. Tibetan organisations report that he died on 2 July after setting himself on fire outside the United Nations headquarters in New York, where he had been protesting China's policies in Tibet.
