Mumbai: Tibetan Community Protests in Mumbai Against China’s New Ethnic Unity Law
Mumbai, 4th August 2026: Members of the Tibetan community staged a protest at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on Monday, opposing China’s newly implemented Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law. Protesters described the legislation as “draconian” and alleged that it is part of Beijing’s broader strategy to suppress Tibet’s cultural and linguistic identity.
The law, adopted by China’s Parliament on March 12, came into effect on July 1. It has drawn criticism from Tibetan groups, who claim it promotes forced assimilation under the guise of ethnic unity.
According to Tenzin Tsundue, coordinator of the Friends of Tibet, refugees from Tibetan settlements in Mundgod, Karnataka, and Bhandara, Maharashtra, participated in the demonstration. Protesters expressed concern that the law could further weaken the use of native languages and erode the distinct cultural heritage of Tibetans and other ethnic minorities in China.
Carrying placards and raising slogans, demonstrators urged the international community to take note of what they described as increasing restrictions on the rights of Tibetans. They also appealed for global support to protect Tibetan language, culture, and identity.
The protest remained peaceful and concluded without any reported untoward incidents. The demonstration was organised to raise awareness about the impact of the new legislation and to voice solidarity with Tibetans affected by the policy.
