Tibetan Headlines
Jun 24: Protestors Assaulted
Tibetans protesting against the order to demolish shops, guest houses and homes near Qinghai Lake were assaulted by Chinese police leaving eight seriously injured. Over 700 local business owners took part in the march, carrying a banner reading: “We Need to Eat, We Need to Survive”. Authorities claim that that the buildings marked for destruction are illegal, something Tibetans strongly dispute.
Jun 23: UN Crititicises China
China has once again faced severe criticism from the west for failing to meet international human rights standards. “We are deeply concerned ...about excessive government controls on religious practices, especially those affecting Tibetan Buddhists, Uighur Muslims, and Christians," said Mr Keith Harpar, Ambassador and the United States Permanent Representative on the Human Rights Council. Germany, Switzerland, France, the Czech Republic and Canada were among the countries berating China.
Jun 22: Electoral Reforms Committee
The Tibetan Parliament-in-exile (TPIE) has started reforming the electoral process. The decision to do so was made during the first session of the 16th TPIE and was mandated in line with strong opinions and suggestions from the general public regarding the recent election. A five member committee has been set up to initiate the work on the Tibetan electoral reform.
Jun 21: Culture Crisis
His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who is currently in the United States, met more than 400 Tibetans from California. Speaking about the struggle for Tibet’s culture and identity, he said “We’re passing through the most difficult period in the last 2,000 years of our recorded history.” His Holiness maintained that giving a proper education to younger generations of Tibetans is the only way of preserving Tibet’s identity and culture.
Jun 20: China Warns US
“The US should not interfere in China’s internal affairs when it comes to Tibet,” China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi told United States Secretary of State John Kerry over the phone. The call followed last week’s meeting between US President Obama and HH the Dalai Lama. According to the Chinese Foreign Minister’s website, Kerry has reaffirmed the US stand that Tibet is a part of China.
Jun 18: Detained Again
Choesang Gyatso, a monk from Lutsang monastery in Mangra county in Tsolho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, was detained for a second time by Chinese police on May 29 . The reason for this second arrest and his whereabouts are not known, reports Radio Free Asia. Gyatso heads an association that promotes education among Tibetan children in nomadic regions and was also an editor of the journal, The Sound of Hoofbeats.
Jun 17: Tibetans Thank Obama
The Tibetan Parliament-in-exile (TPIE), on behalf of Tibetans in and outside Tibet, expressed gratitude to United States President Barack Obama for welcoming HH the Dalai Lama to the White House despite strong objections from the Chinese government. Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Speaker of TPIE, thanked the US for their continued support of Tibetans and for encouraging meaningful dialogue between His Holiness’s representatives and the Chinese authorities.
Jun 16: White House Welcome
HH the Dalai Lama met United States President Barack Obama at The White House despite the Chinese government’s warnings. Obama said he appreciates the Dalai Lama’s teachings which help preserve Tibet’s religion, culture and language and encouraged His Holiness to have direct dialogue with China to resolve their issues. The White House press secretary made it clear that the US does not support Tibetan Independence.
Jun 15: Festival of Tibet
Tibet House based in Paris has successfully concluded a two-day festival celebrating Tibet and the Himalayan people. Over three thousand visitors and supporters attended the festivities. This year’s theme was Tibetan medicine to mark 100 years since the establishment of the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute, Mentsee Khang. The festival aims to promote Tibetan and Himalayan traditions, culture and arts.
Jun 14: Released from Detention
Tsering Tso, 35, was released on June 9 following two weeks detention in the Meruma township of Ngaba County, reports Radio Free Asia. Tsering was detained on May 25 under suspicion of sending information to the Tibetan exile community. RFA reports she was welcomed home with traditional white scarves. She lives with her parents Sonam Tsering and Bhalo. Details of her detention and release are as yet unknown.
Jun 13: Women’s Football Team
The women’s football tournament at Upper Tibetan Children’s Village School concluded with the Tibetan team losing the trophy to Khad football team from Una. The Executive Secretary of the Tibetan National Sports Association, Mr Kalsang Dhondup, said they are planning to increase the number of Tibetan women’s teams for the next tournament. He also announced that the Kollegal Tibetan settlement will host next year's Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial football tournament.
Jun 11: His Holiness Leaves for US
His Holiness the Dalai Lama has left Dharamshala for the United States on a 19-day visit. According to his website, dalailama.com, his schedules include public talks and teachings as well as addresses to the Tibetan communities. His first public talk will be on June 13 in Washington DC and his last is scheduled for June 25 in Indianapolis. His Holiness will return to India on June 28.
Jun 10: The Middle Way
Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, the Prime Minister of the Tibetan Government-in-exile, spoke to the newly elected members of the 16th Tibetan Parliament. His talk, Why the Middle Way Approach, explained the viability of the policy in resolving Tibet’s struggle. “It is highly possible for a renewed dialogue, given that our efforts are met with the right opportunity and circumstances,” said Sikyong.
Jun 9: New Settlement Officer
Dawa Rinchen has been announced as the new Tibetan Settlement Officer for Dharamshala; he gained a decisive number of votes in the final election on June 6. He will be in post for three years, his jurisdiction stretching from TCV Upper Dharamshala to Gopalpur school. The role of the Tibetan Settlement Officer is to look after the welfare of the Tibetans living in his area of responsibility.
Jun 9: Illegal Mining Condemned
Lobsang Sangay, the Prime Minister of Tibetan Government-in-exile, has condemned the illegal mining of Lithium in the Amchok and Kham Minyak regions of the Sichuan Province. He said the mining, which is carried out by Chinese companies, causes environmental destruction and the violent suppression of the Tibetans who are peacefully protesting against it constitutes human rights abuse by the authorities.