Dharamsala, Feb 3 (IANS) Tibetan’s living in exile were Friday urged to shun the Losar (Tibetan New Year) celebrations to express solidarity with those who had sacrificed their lives in Tibet.

“We are expressing solidarity with the sufferings of the people inside Tibet after the recent clampdown by Chinese security forces in Ngaba, Tawu, Chamdo, Karze, Golog Darlag and other Tibetan areas,” a statement from the Tibetan parliament-in-exile said.

It said a Tibetan parliamentary delegation had visited many foreign embassies in New Delhi to brief the ambassadors about the critical situation inside Tibet and urge their respective parliaments to make urgent representations to the Chinese government.

The Tibetan parliament has also called on Tibetans to shun the Losar celebrations Feb 22.

“Members of the Tibetan parliament from will observe a fast in Dharamsala on the first day of Losar to express solidarity,” said the statement.

The Central Tibetan Administration said 16 people have set themselves on fire in Tibet protesting against the Chinese government since March 16 last year. Twelve have died, while the whereabouts of the remaining four are still unknown.

India is home to around 100,000 Tibetans and the Tibetan government-in-exile, which never won recognition from any country.