Contact is taking a holiday!

Photo :VOA

The Chinese authorities have added another imposition on Tibetans as they increase their tactics to prevent communications between Tibetans inside Tibet and those in exiles and across the world. This latest move is to warn Tibetans in Tibet against the printing of photos or production of videos of Tibetan lamas (spiritual leaders) living in exile, reports Voice of America (VOA) Tibetan service on February 4.

According to the VOA report, Chinese officials visited all print and video editing shops in Ngaba prefecture in Amdo [Ch: Qinghai] in person by the end of 2021, warning shop proprietors against printing images or making videos of Tibetan lamas living outside Tibet, declaring that such acts are illegal and deemed to be punishable. VOA’s source, speaking on condition of anonymity for their own security, confirmed that it was made very clear to people that this was order that they must follow.

Photos and records of the teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Dalai Lama have been banned in Tibet for decades.

This new order is targeted towards Tibetan spiritual leaders living in exile. The source continued, saying that in addition to Ngaba and neighbouring regions, they understand that it will be implemented in other region, adding to the existing restriction on communication, and indeed, any relationship between Tibetans inside Tibet and those living outside. This new order is particularly targeted towards the prohibition of financial and other offerings made from within Tibet to Tibetan monasteries in exile, such as Sera, Drepung and Gaden monasteries, and the other important Lamas and monasteries in exile which have become the focus for preserving the Tibetan language and religion. The source added that in the recent times, the activities of Tibetans on the internet is closely monitored, especially for those who are in touch with Tibetans living in exile and there have been many cases where people have been summoned for their contacts outside Tibet. Tibetans are regularly warned and reminded to be mindful of their activities on the internet or face consequences.

VOA’s source went on to say that in China, there is an app, the Baidu app, that is similar to Google. This app monitors for searches such as Tibetan independence, Tibetan freedom, and other related terms; the user will get a warning message asking them to pay attention as their search is illegal. The report said that the Chinese government is restricting all forms of communication, with constant surveillance of internet activity which makes it difficult for people to maintain contact with people outside Tibet.