Dharamsala, November 8 - Buddhists in the Himalayan region have always supported the Tibetans and their cause. Aged Ladakhis often walked some thousand kilometers to show solidarity to the Tibetans during peace marches. Call it cultural affinity or religious affiliation, these people who have a country to call theirs had always stood by their unfortunate religious and cultural clans.

The people from Mon Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, India (believed by the Tibetans to be the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama Tsayang Gyatso) took part in a massive rally to express sympathy to the Tibetans and to demand Trulku Tenzin Delek's release. Some 5000 Monpas marched with banners, placards and posters which read “Free Trulku Tenzin Delek”, “Don't execute Trulku”, “Long Live Trulku Tenzin Delek” to support the initiative of Gyalwa Tseyang Gyatso Foundation for Human Rights, which organised the event.

The Foundation strives to work towards preservation of the Himalayan Buddhist religion and culture, and for protection and human rights. Mr. Tsewang Dhondup, a member of the state's legislative assembly, attended the modest function held to mark the event. Mr. Tsewang remained present throughout the day and expressed his solidarity with Trulku Tenzin Delek.'

In his address to the gathering, Mr. Tsewang said the arbitrary death sentence passed on Trulku Tenzin Delek is an issue of human rights violation.

Rev. Thupten Phunstok, general secretary of the foundation told Tibetnet that the foundation condemns the death sentence and that it is a blatant disregard of the human rights. Around 18000 signatures were collected on a petition addressed to UN General Secretary Kofi Annan. The foundation plans to carry out more such signature campaigns addressed to the Chinese President, Indian President and the Prime Minister. “We have deep reverence for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and as citizens of India we will continue to support the Tibetan cause in future”, Phuntsok added