Nyima Lhamo
Photo: Contact/Lha
Nyima Lhamo, 26, the niece of the late Tibetan Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, has escaped from Tibet and arrived in Dharamshala on July 24. Her uncle was a revered monk and political prisoner who died in a Chinese prison last year under unexplained circumstances. His imprisonment had generated worldwide interest and calls for his release. Nyima Lhamo and her mother Dolkar were detained shortly after Rinpoche died on suspicion of sharing details about his death, they were released without charge after 18 days.
Nyima has told her story at a press conference in Dharamshala, saying that during her interrogation in Tibet she and her mother accused the authorities of having poisoned Rinpoche.Their release was on condition of not sharing information about Rinpoche or making accusations that he was poisoned. They refused to sign these conditions despite warnings that they risked imprisonment for their family if they did not comply and their release was only secured when their village leader signed to agree to their conditions of release on their behalf.
Nyima said that following Rinpoche’s death, the authorities in Tibet have banned prayer services and the building of a stupa in his honour. Photos of Rinpoche and pamphlets about him are also banned and she says that the authorities are planning to take control of his reincarnation.
Nyima decided to escape from Tibet so she could tell the world what is going on, despite risking the lives of her family at home by doing so. She hopes to raise awareness which will precipitate a full investigation into Rinpoche’s death.
Print
Email