Three days after Tibetan spiritual leader was caught in cash controversy, Tibetan exiles on Sunday rallied support for 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje.
On call given by Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, exiles from different walks of life staged a candle light vigil to exhibit their support for 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje at Gyoto Tantric Monastery. Tibetans majority of them from monk community offered prayers chanting traditional Tibetan mantras.
"We are deeply hurt that our Lama who we revere and keep in high esteem has been alleged for having ‘Chinese links'" by the media. We protest such reports” said Tenzing Tsundue, poet and Tibetan activist. Protestors took round of the temple and later gathered at courtyard of the monastery.
The speakers expressed their support with the 17th Karmapa at the monastery. Officials of the central Tibetan administration did not participate in the vigil.
"Allegations of Chinese links are unfounded. Karmapa is innocent in this matter" said Sonam Dorje, president of regional chapter of Tibetan Youth Congress addressing the Tibetans during the vigil. "We thank the Indian government for all the support the Tibetans had got from the Indian government all these years," said Sonam, while he proclaimed that 17th Karmapa was innocent and nothing to do with stacks of money found at Gyuto Tantric monastery.
Dorje who is also the general secretary of Indo-Tibetan friendship society said that Tibetans would rally more support for Tibetans if the need be. Tibetans from the settlements of Birh, Battu, Tashijong, Gopalpur and had participated in the candle light vigil even as 17th Karmapa remained closeted in his small room at the monastery.
{{/usCountry}}Dorje who is also the general secretary of Indo-Tibetan friendship society said that Tibetans would rally more support for Tibetans if the need be. Tibetans from the settlements of Birh, Battu, Tashijong, Gopalpur and had participated in the candle light vigil even as 17th Karmapa remained closeted in his small room at the monastery.
{{/usCountry}}Meanwhile the Tibetan government- in exile guardedly backed the Karmapa by posting the statement at their officials website which declared Karmapa innocent.