The Tibetan Parliament-Non-Faith Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenfel condemned the deteriorating situation in Tibet under the Chinese rule, with special attention to the strict restrictions imposed on Tibetan students on Tibetan National Rebellion Day on March 10, 2025.
According to information provided by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), he/she made these comments during his/her initial speech in the ninth session (budget session) of the 17th Tibetan Parliament, which was scheduled from 17 to 31 March, which began on Monday.
Khenpo Sonam Tenfel also highlighted the release of Dalai Lama, the latest book, Voice for the Vyasles, which was widely covered by global media. In the book, the Dalai Lama made a statement that his/her rebirth would be outside China, a comment that inspired a sharp criticism from the Chinese government.
The speaker insisted that the rebirth process is a deep religious matter, not a political equipment to manipulate the Chinese regime. According to the CTA, the speaker cited a poignant route from the Dalai Lama’s book: “My partner for Tibetans: Never expect, although the dark sky can become. Always remember that a bright sun waits behind the clouds.”
Khenpo Sonam Tenfel encouraged all Tibetans not to lose hope despite the ongoing repression under the Chinese Authority. The session had an officially tribute to former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and former US President Jimmy Carter, accepting his/her contribution to global peace and democracy.
The Tibetans discovered more autonomy or freedom, citing cultural, religious and human rights concerns under the Chinese rule. China claims Tibet as part of its territory, claiming sovereignty since the 1950s. The Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama advocates peaceful dialogue and protection of Tibetan culture, but the struggle is unresolved.
