Suicide at Larung Gar

By Tenzin Samten / August 9, 2016;

Rinzin Dolma

Rinzin Dolma, a Tibetan nun from Larung Gar academy, has committed suicide. Radio Free Asia (RFA) has reported that news has just emerged from Tibet that she died on July 20, leaving a note expressing how she could not bear the pain of Chinese harassment of the residents of Larung Gar, which is under partial demolition. She was from the Dege region and lived in the academy as regular student.

Restrictions on communications are preventing news of events at Larung Gar reaching the outside world. They have been put in place in Serta County in Kardze Tibetan Autonomous region since the start of demolition of parts of the monastery, which is the largest Buddhist academy in the world.

The authorities are monitoring phone calls and social media messages and in addition there are reports that they are looking for people who have already sent images or videos of the demolition to outside contacts. In the past Tibetans have been arrested for talking to people in the exile Tibetan community through private messaging apps such as Wechat.

Destruction is shown at Larung Gar in Sichuan in an undated photo
Photo:RFA

RFA has reported that a resident of Larung Gar academy told them that demolition work commenced on July 20. People are not allowed near the site, or to take photos or videos, which makes reporting the situation difficult.

“My own house, which was built with money provided by my family, was torn down with no concern at all for the people living there,” said RFA’s source, who added that huge machines are being used for the destruction.

Armed security forces are deployed at the site and surrounding areas to suppress any attempts to protest or to halt the work. So far, over 600 dwellings have been torn down; 2,000 dwellings are scheduled for demolition this year with more to follow next year.

The BBC has reported that there has been no formal comment by Chinese authorities, although they they claim they have concerns about overcrowding. The BBC also reports that a Sertar county government official contacted by the Associated Press said the purpose of the work was to renovate rather than remove the buildings. It is understood the population of Larung Gur will be reduced by half to 5,000 residents.

Protests by human rights groups have not been successful in halting the project and the demolition work is progressing.