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Dear John,
I am writing, unfortunately, to tell you that China’s government has just crossed a painful line in Tibet.
China’s latest violation of Tibetans’ religious freedom is nothing short of appalling: in certain parts of Tibet, the government has ordered that Tibetan prayer flags, a peaceful symbol of compassion in Tibetan culture, must be taken down.
In villages and on hilltops, prayer flags are coming down. China’s officials have ordered the destruction of the poles that held flags high over the valleys below. Under the guise of “environmental cleanup” and “behavioral reform,” China’s government wants to erase a beautiful symbol of Tibetan religion.
Tibetans cannot fly their prayer flags right now. But we can—and we will. Please join me in flying your flags on social media by sharing a picture of your prayer flags with the hashtag #RaiseFlagsRaiseTibet, so we can show our solidarity with the people of Tibet and raise awareness of this heinous act.
Do you need Tibetan prayer flags? We will send you your own set as a token of appreciation when you donate $15 or more today in support of ICT’s work to bring peace and justice to Tibet and the Tibetan people.
The order to remove prayer flags came just before Universal Prayer Day—July 5th—a Buddhist festival when Tibetans hang prayer flags from treetops and hillsides, burn incense and enjoy family picnics. It’s celebratory traditions and peaceful expressions of thousand-year-old beliefs like these that China is hoping to wipe away.
In Pelkha Village, prayer flags, rock prayer carvings and stupas have been banned. Under threat of inspection from the Chinese government, local Tibetans are removing these religious symbols themselves—combing 100km of road—fearing punishment.
Think about that: traveling your homeland, now seized and falsely claimed by a hostile power, and being forced to hide or destroy sacred symbols, things that have carried meaning for generations. It’s heartbreaking, John.
We have to take action. I hope you’ll fly your flags online for all those who cannot, and spread the word with #RaiseFlagsRaiseTibet.
Together, we’ll keep prayer flags flying—and show the people of Tibet we stand with them.
Sincerely,
Matteo Mecacci
President
P.S. If you don’t have Tibetan prayer flags, or you’d like flags to share with a friend, we will send you your own set as a token of appreciation for supporting ICT when you make a donation of $15 or more. Your gift will contribute to our work advocating for the people of Tibet and their human rights.
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