Diversion tactics

REAL OR NOT: As the CTA are increasingly embarrassed by the illegal ban, they will seek to use any means to divert the public’s attention from the ban

Two days following the conflicting news reports that their state Dharma protector is the “spirit” Dorje Shugden and then, Pelden Hlamo, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) started another propaganda to divert the attention of media and protesters on the inhumane ostracization of Dorje Shugden practitioners. The CTA is now claiming that Dorje Shugden practitioners have caused security concerns to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and warned governments that the security of the Tibetan spiritual leader is under threat. They are trying to make Dorje Shugden practitioners look like a group of terrorists. This is total diversion from the point of the protests which is for religious rights and also trying to bring Shugden practitioners in a negative light at least with the various governments. Good tactic, but it will not work. No Shugden follower has any intentions to harm the Dalai Lama in any way as it defeats the purpose.

In fact, it should be the Dorje Shugden practitioners who should be worried for their own security. Two months ago, long-time assistant of His Holiness Trijang Rinpoche Gen Chonze was attacked by five men in Trijang Ladrang.

On what basis does the CTA claim that “Shugden practitioners have caused security concerns” to the Dalai Lama? All four demonstrations in San Francisco, Berkeley, Santa Clara and Los Angeles were peaceful protests. They were widely covered by media and clearly, there was not even a single aggression nor any signs of it. What the sincere and peaceful protestors wanted on those four demonstrations was religious freedom. It was very peaceful as clearly depicted in the videos. There were no sign that they threatened to harm the Dalai Lama.

Clearly, this is another tactic of the CTA diverting the Dorje Shugden ban by accusing Dorje Shugden practitioners that they are dangerous and wish to harm the Dalai Lama. Harming The Dalai Lama does not remove the ban nor fulfil their objective of lifting the ban for religious freedom. On the contrary, they wish for the Dalai Lama to be well, have a long life and fulfil their requests. This has always been their stance.

Gen Chonze sustained scratches, bumps, bruises and a swollen eye from the attack on December 27, 2013. In fact, it is Dorje Shugden practitioners should be fearful of attacks from pro-ban supporters who are potentially incited by the CTA

It would not be surprising that the CTA may stage an attempt to harm the Dalai Lama and immediately blame it on Dorje Shugden practitioners to divert the attention away from the inhumane suppression of religious freedom.

The CTA should focus on the main issue which is the ostracization of Dorje Shugden practitioners if they want international support for their political agenda. The ban is an infringement of religious freedom no matter how they want to justify it. Basic human rights are denied such as medical and education for Dorje Shugden practitioners in India and Nepal, while others followers of Dorje Shugden are spat on around the world.

The Dalai Lama travels the world, propagating peace, compassion and freedom. The Dalai Lama may not want to practice Dorje Shugden but he and the CTA have no right to stop others from basic civil rights of Dorje Shugden practitioners and also no right to continuously incite the ostracization of Dorje Shugden practitioners. At most talks The Dalai Lama gives, he will bring up the issue Dorje Shugden is evil or a spirit. Why repeat this over and over unless you are trying to incite the crowd. On one hand you say you have the freedom to practice, on the other hand the Dalai Lama mentions it is spirit practice. Confusing to the least. There were many requests for a peaceful dialogue to address the concerns and unjust treatment that were slammed down on Dorje Shugden practitioners. But The Dalai Lama and the CTA have blatantly ignored these requests for the last 18 years since the ban was instituted in 1996. Dorje Shugden practitioners have no other options but to bring this breach of human rights to the world via media and peaceful demonstrations.

The CTA may chase away and move protestors far from the entry/exit points of the Dalai Lama’s talks or warn security agencies that they are dangerous. However, Dorje Shugden practitioners will continue to protest peacefully and write to international papers, journalists, leaders, activists, etc continuously till the goal is reached. Someone will listen eventually. As a matter of fact, there has been vast media coverage as a result of these deliberate attempts to distant protestors from entrances of the venues of the recent talks by the Dalai Lama in Southern California. In fact more and more journalists are crowding around the protestors and asking what this ban is about. Many millions more will understand what the ban is about. More media are asking why the protestors are ‘parked’ far away. What is the CTA afraid of? You will not silence the Dorje Shugden practitioners and their right to civil liberties due to their religious faith. Remove the ban.

The CTA, please listen to our appeal and please do what is right. Nullify the ban now!

Kay Beswick