Lhasa Womens' Uprising - Special demonstration - 12 March 2001 On Monday 12 March we held a special vigil to commemorate the 42nd anniversary of the Womens' uprising in Lhasa. We purposely arranged a short vigil, so that people could go on to the Tibetan Womens' Association (TWA) for an evening event. People arrived very promptly, there were some new faces who had been given our leaflets whilst on the demonstration on 10th, and there were also old friends.    Altogether 36 people attended, a very commendable turnout, much appreciated! We were deeply honoured by having Ani Panchen, the warrior nun, join us. She lent a calm, strengthening influence to the proceedings. It was very empowering to have such a dignified presence, someone who has lived through the atrocities that we all go to the Vigil to complain about. It was a direct message to the Chinese government - You can NOT quench the spirit of Tibet!  The number of people present meant that we were in good voice for shouting slogans. We were started off by Tenzinchok Tangsang - very appropriate to have a Tibetan woman beginning for us! After such powerful shouting we had five minutes silence (which felt very strong) before a last burst. The overall mood of the Vigil was one of defiance and determination. We commemorated what happened on 12 March 1959 by letting the Embassy know we hadn't forgotten, would never forget and would never go away. Thanks to everyone who joined in! Most people then went on to the TWA commemoration - we heard speeches by Riga, the TWA leader; HE Migyur Dorjee, the representative of His Holiness The Dalai Lama; and Ani Panchen. The thrust of her speech seemed to be asking the younger generation to keep the good work going and not let their determination for a free Tibet slip. Also, that all those involved in this cause should try and work together, after all aren't we al fighting for the same thing? Ani Panchen is a remarkable woman, and I would like to give our thanks to her for attending our vigil, and our assurances that we will do what we can to free her country. FREE TIBET! Report by Alicia Tomsett