24-Hour Hunger Strike In Shimla As Tibetans Oppose China’s New Ethnic Unity Law

Members of the Tibetan community in Shimla observed a 24-hour hunger strike on Wednesday, demanding the withdrawal of a new Chinese law that they fear could accelerate the erosion of Tibetan language, culture and identity.

The protest, organised under the banner of the Tibetan Women’s Association, targeted China’s Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, which came into force on July 1, 2026. The legislation promotes a shared national identity and has drawn criticism from rights groups over concerns that it could be used to strengthen cultural assimilation policies in regions such as Tibet and Xinjiang.

Protesters said similar demonstrations had been held at other locations and appealed to the international community to speak out against the legislation. They said the campaign was aimed at creating greater awareness among Tibetans and highlighting concerns over the future of their language, culture and distinct identity.

The protesters also announced plans for a candlelight march on August 20, when their ongoing campaign will complete 49 days.

Extending support to the protesters, Himachal Pradesh BJP spokesperson Karan Nanda said the issue went beyond geopolitics and directly concerned Tibetan cultural identity. He pointed to concerns over the growing use of Chinese in official documents and what he described as efforts to limit the use of the Tibetan language.

Nanda also referred to the self-immolation of a Tibetan youth outside the United Nations headquarters on July 2, saying the incident highlighted the seriousness of the community’s concerns.

He said Himachal Pradesh and Tibet shared centuries-old cultural ties and urged India to support the Tibetan community’s demands on both national and international platforms.

The protest comes amid continuing concerns among Tibetans over policies they believe could weaken their cultural and linguistic distinctiveness.