Tibetan Headlines
Jul 27: Former Monk Jailed
Argya Gya, a former monk at Kirti Monastery in Sichaun’s Ngaba County, has been imprisoned for his involvement in a WeChat group which celebrated last year’s 80th birthday of HH the Dalai Lama. He is the second Tibetan to be arrested because of this group: a monk named Lodroe has also been imprisoned. Gya has previously served a three year sentence in connection with self-immolation in 2011.
Jul 27: Pilgrimage for Harmony
His Holiness the Dalai Lama walked through the main street of Leh, blessing several people en route, including a tourist from Nice, France. His Holiness expressed deep condolences for the recent tragedy which struck Nice, and said we should all make efforts to build a peaceful world. His Holiness proceeded to the Jokhang Temple, where he led prayers in praise of the Buddha.
Jul 26: Fundraiser
The Lhaksam Group, a Tibetan charity, held a two-day show in Ladakh to raise funds for 15 elderly Tibetans to attend the Kalachakra initiation by HH the Dalai Lama in Bodh Gaya, Bihar in January. Performers included Prashant Tamang of Indian idol fame; Miss Tibets 2016 and 2015; the popular Tibetan transgender artist Tenzin Mariko and singer Tashi Topden from Delhi.
Jul 26: Not Forgotten
Lodroe, a Tibetan monk from Kirti Monastery in Ngaba (pictured) and missing since November last year, has been located by his family at a prison in Lunggu in Ngaba, Sichuan. He was taken into custody on November 18, on charges which have never been divulged although it is believed he may have been detained for celebrating HH the Dalai Lama’s birthday.
Jul 25: Monk Released
Lobsang Tenzin, a monk from Thangkor Soktsang monastery in Dzoege County, Ngaba has been released after serving two and half years in prison, reports Radio Free Asia. Lobsang was arrested in 2013 with two other monks in connection with Kunchok Sonam’s self immolation. The other two monks are still serving their sentences. An 18 year old monk, Kunchok Sonam self immolated on July 20, 2013.
Jul 24: Display of Loyalty
Despite Chinese bans and threats of punishments, Tibetans in Powa village in Kardze prefecture Bathang County celebrated their annual summer festival with an open display of loyalty to their exile leader by parading a life size portrait of HH the Dalai Lama, as well as ceremonial scarves and prayer offerings. Mobile and internet connections were reported as restricted ahead of the festival, but no police restrictions on the day.
Jul 23: Former Miss Tibet Dies
Tsering Chungtak, 31, who was Miss Tibet 2006, died in Majnu ka Tilla in New Delhi due to cardiac arrest. She had suffered heart problems since childhood. She one of 90 contestants competing in the Miss Earth Pageant 2006 but withdrew when China pressured the organisers to brand her as "Miss Tibet-China".
Jul 23: HRW Report
Human Rights Watch, the American-based human rights group, has released a report, Detention and Prosecution of Tibetans under China’s Stability Maintenance Campaign. It reports an increase in "state control over daily life", "increasing criminalisation of nonviolent forms of protest", and "disproportionate responses to local protests", saying there is evidence of diminished tolerance towards any forms of expression and assembly under the stability maintenance policy.
Jul 22: Solo Protest
The woman detained earlier this month for staging a solo protest in Ngaba has been identified as Kunchok Dolma, a mother of two. Dolma walked down the street known locally as Heroes Road carrying a portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and was immediately arrested by the police. The news of her arrest was delayed due to restrictions on communication channels in Ngaba.
Jul 21: Olympic Tibetans
Two Tibetans will compete in the Rio 2016 Olympics in Brazil next month, representing China. Choeyang Kyi, a 20km race walker from Tsochang in Amdo won a silver medal in the London 2012 Games and Topgyal is a marathon runner from Lhasa. Chinese state run China Tibet News said his participation demonstrates that Tibet has "gained great achievements in social and economic development.”
Jul 20: Secret Trial
Lobsang, 23, a Tibetan monk in southwestern China’s Sichuan province, has been sentenced to three years in prison after a trial held in secret and without his family being informed. He staged a solitary protest last September in Ngaba county opposing Beijing’s rule in Tibetan areas, and has been tortured and beaten during ten months of detention. His family is very concerned about his health.
Jul 20: Anniversary Celebration
A celebration of the anniversary of the birth of Guru Padmasambhava was held at Nechung Monastery in Dharamshala, graced by His Eminence the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje and attended by Tibetan Prime Minister in Exile, Lobsang Sangay and other Tibetan leaders. The ceremony emulated the ones that used to take place in Nechung Monastery in Tibet with the oracles present, and a statue of Guru Padmasambhava.
Jul 19: Congratulations to Pema Khandu
On behalf of all Tibetans, Sikyong (Prime Minister) Dr Lobsang Sangay congratulated the newly elected Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Mr Pema Khandu. “I extend my prayers and best wishes to you in fulfilling the expectations and aspirations of your people as you are readying to assume the responsibility of the State leadership”, said Sikyong. Pema Khandu, 37, has become the youngest Chief Minister in India.
Jul 19: Avalanche
Nine people have been buried in an eight metre deep avalanche in Ngari in north western Tibet. The avalanche happened near the seat of Rutog county in Ngari prefecture, which is around 4,500 metres or 14,800 feet above sea level. The local authorities say they have dispatched rescuers and equipment to the scene to look for the missing people.
Jul 18: Prayers and Condolences
His Holiness the Dalai Lama has expressed sadness and shock over the tragic deaths of 84 people in Nice, France during the Bastille Day celebrations. His Holiness has written to the French President Francois Hollande to convey his condolences to the people of France and particularly to the families of the victims who were shot and run down by the truck driven by a Tunisian man.