Shimla, Feb 20 (PTI) Perturbed over a series of self- immolations by Tibetans in China, Tibetan prime minister-in- exile Lobsang Sangay today asked his community not to celebrate 'Losar (Tibetan New Year)', which falls on February 22. However, he asked his people to take part in rituals and other spiritual activities for expressing solidarity with Tibetans suffering under alleged Chinese repression. "Please do not celebrate Losar this year but do observe traditional and spiritual rituals by going to the monastery, making offerings, and lighting butter lamps for all those Tibetans inside Tibet who have sacrificed and suffered under the repressive policies of the Chinese government," Sangay said in a statement. The Tibetan parliament-in-exile based here has also urged their community across the world to shun Losar celebrations. "Members of the Tibetan parliament, Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and others will observe a daylong fast here on February 22 to express solidarity with people in Tibet," Parliament Speaker Penpa Tsering said. Over 20 people have immolated themselves since March 2011 in protest against China's policies, calling for Tibet's freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama to his homeland. PTI PCL AVT
