March 10 – a historic day
Make yourself familiar with Tibetan history since 1949 and find out why March 10 is so important for Tibetans in Tibet and all over the world!
Picture Gallery
1 October 1949
On 1 October 1949, Mao Zedong proclaims the People's Republic of China. China's newly established communist government sends troops to invade Tibet in 1949-50. An agreement was imposed on the Tibetan government in May of 1951, acknowledging sovereignty over Tibet but recognizing the Tibetan government's autonomy with respect to Tibet's internal affairs. As the Chinese consolidated their control, they repeatedly violated the treaty and open resistance to their rule grew, leading to the National Uprising in 1959 and the flight into India of the Dalai Lama.
17 November 1950
At the age of fifteen, one month after the Chinese army's invasion of Tibet, Tenzin Gyatso is formally enthroned as Dalai Lama.
10 March 1959
Thousands of Tibetans gather outside the Dalai Lama's summer palace, Norbulingka, as rumors that the Chinese were planning to abduct him spread throughout Lhasa. During the week that follows, demonstrations in support of the Dalai Lama and against Chinese rule escalate into a mass protest throughout the city. On March 17, the Peoples’ Liberation Army starts sporadic shelling of the city, and that evening the Dalai Lama escapes and begins his flight into exile. After two days of fighting, the Chinese flag is hoisted above the Potala Palace. By March 28, 1959, the Tibetan government is dissolved. Thousands of Tibetans are killed, and thousands more follow the Dalai Lama into exile.
2 September 1960
The Tibetan parliament in exile is established and named the Commission of the Tibetan People's Deputies. Its name is later changed to the Assembly of Tibetan People's Deputies.
10 March 1963
The Dalai Lama promulgates a democratic constitution for a future Tibet.
1966-1976
Brutal destruction of Tibet's culture and oppression of its people in the course of the cultural revolution. 1.2 million Tibetans, one-fifth of the country's population, died as a result of China's policies, according to an estimate by the Tibetan government in exile; many more languished in prisons and labour camps; and more than 6000 monasteries, temples and other cultural and historic buildings were destroyed and their contents pillaged. In 1981, Alexander Solzhenytsin described the Chinese regime in Tibet as "more brutal and inhumane than any other communist regime in the world." Relaxation of China's policies in Tibet came very slowly after 1979 and remains severely limited.
1987 to 1989
Towards the end of the decade, tensions in Tibet become worse with protests in 1987 and particularly in 1989, leading to the imposition of martial law in Tibet through the then TAR party secretary Hu Jintao. March 1989 saw a wave of protests, especially in Lhasa.
10 December 1989
The Dalai Lama wins the Nobel Peace Prize.
14 May 1995
The Chinese authorities kidnap Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and enthrone an alternative child, Gyaltsen Norbu, as the 11th Panchen Lama.
28 December 1999
The 17th Karmarpa, 14-year-old Orgyen Trinley Dorje, flees from Chinese rule in Tibet and arrives by foot in India.
2002-2008
Beijing and representatives of the Dalai Lama restart dialogue, after years of diplomatic silence between Tibetans and Chinese. By 2008, envoys of the Dalai Lama have met eight times with representatives of the Chinese government and the Communist party. In November 2008, the envoys of the Dalai Lama, upon Beijing’s request, submit a "Memorandum on Genuine Autonomy for the Tibetan People", outlining their vision for an autonomous Tibet within the framework of the PRC. The Chinese government rejects the proposal categorically.
17 October 2007
In a formal ceremony held on 17 October in Washington D. C., President George W. Bush presents the US Congressional Gold Medal to the Dalai Lama. Celebrations inside Tibet are banned and monks arrested.
10 March 2008
Tensions mount again in 2008, when monks from Lhasa openly protest on March 10 in the city. The protests quickly spread across the plateau, with more than 130, mostly peaceful demonstrations recorded. An estimated more than 100 Tibetans killed and more than 1000 Tibetans disappeared or detained. While riots in Lhasa on March 14 lead to Chinese victims, the protests have been overwhelmingly peaceful.
November 2008: Eighth Round Talks
Chinese official Zhu Weiqun dismisses the "Memorandum" on Tibetan autonomy presented by the Dalai Lama's envoys.
December 2008: The Dalai Lama addresses the European Parliament
The Dalai Lama addresses the European Parliament, urging members to continue to support Tibet in its struggle for autonomy. The Dalai Lama reaffirms his position on the importance of human rights and highlights the grave human rights violations within Tibet.
February 2009: No Tibetan New Year celebration
Tibetans mark the beginning of the Tibetan New Year in a state of ‘mourning’. The act of defiance comes after the March 2008 demonstrations.
February 2009: Monk sets himself on fire
A monk sets himself on fire following the cancellation of daily prayer time. According to reports the man was shot by Chinese security after he set himself on fire. He was later taken to hospital; he is now reported as missing.
10th March 2009
Marks the 50th anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan uprising against oppressive Chinese rule. The Chinese government increases security exponentially and ban foreigners from entering Tibet around the anniversary of 10th March. Events and demonstrations take place around the world to commemorate the events of 1959 and to continue to campaign for political and religious freedom for the Tibetan people. The Chinese authorities mark the 50th Anniversary of the Tibetan uprising with a special holiday. ‘Serf Emancipation Day’ becomes a major provocation to Tibetans.
October 2009: Executions in Tibet
China confirmed that two Tibetans, Lobsang Gyaltsen and Loyak, were executed for their alleged participation in the incidents in Lhasa on March 14, 2008. The EU and the UK condemn the executions.
