Tibetan Headlines
Jun 9: Kalachakra Ceremony
Thousands of Tibetans gathered for a four-day advance Kalachakra ceremony being held in the Machu County in Kanlho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The teaching was initiated by a senior Tibetan religious leader, Jigme Palden Gyatso. Chinese devotees also attended the teaching. Sources said that several hundreds of security officers have been deployed at the gathering by the Chinese authorities.
Jun 8: Kirti Monk’s Solo Protest
Lobsang Tsering, a young monk in his 20’s from Kirti monastery in Ngaba county, Tibet staged a solo protest carrying a portrait of HH the Dalai Lama. He was seen marching along the main street of Ngaba calling for His Holiness’ long life and freedom for Tibet. He was immediately arrested by Chinese police and his current whereabouts is unknown. With group demonstrations prohibited, solo protests are becoming the only means of voicing concerns inside Tibet.
Jun 7: His Holiness Teaching
HH the Dalai Lama’s three-day teaching on Shantideva’s Bodhicharyavatara, requested by Indian Buddhists from Nalanda Shika, has begun in Tsugla-khang, the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala, with over 8,000 attending. His Holiness was given traditional welcome offerings. He said he appreciates the growing interest in Buddhism among Indians and reiterated that they should follow the path with logic and reason, not out of blind faith.
Jun 7: Prisoner’s Autobiography
A Tibetan Nationalist, the autobiography of Thinley Phuntsok, 82, was launched by former Security Minister Dongchung Ngodup in an event organised by the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy. TCHRD’s Director Tsering Tsomo said that the book is evidence of Beijing’s oppressive rule in Tibet. Thinley Phuntsok is a former political prisoner who was unable to attend the event due to poor health.
Jun 6: Miss Tibet 2016
Tenzin Sangnyi, 21, from Manali was crowned Miss Tibet 2016 in front of crowds of more than three thousand people at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts. Tenzin said that as a nurse she will welcome the opportunities presented by her status as Miss Tibet to spread awareness of the issue of HIV inside Tibet, which is deteriorating. There were four contestants this year, an increase from previous years.
Jun 6: Candidate Withdrawn
After deliberation, Sikyong Lobsang Sangay has withdrawn his nomination for the newly appointed and youngest Kalon, Sharling Dhardon. Dr Sangay said that the issue was a result of lack of research from his side but was not an attempt to deceive anyone. “She told me that she was born in 1981 which if taken only on the basis of the year of birth amounts to 35 years of age,” Sikyong stated.
Jun 4: Tianamen Square Remembered
Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) held an awareness event in Dharamashala marking the 27th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre and to remember the victims of the Chinese government’s crackdown on students that left thousands dead. “As a Tibetan activist, I am inspired by the students who took to the street to challenge the Chinese Communist Party in 1989,” said Tenzin Tselha, National Director of SFT (India).
Jun 3: Too Young?
The new Parliament-in-Exile is debating the appointment of Dhardon Sharling, the new Department of Information and International Relations Kalon (Minister), in response to a row over her eligibility to serve as kalon: she has not yet reached the minimum age of 35. Sonam Tenphel, the new Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament told Phayul he had no comment and that “this is an administration issue."
Jun 2: More Mining Protests
Around 300 Tibetans have gathered in Achok Yultso township, Sangchu county, in Amdo, to protest against Chinese gold mining at the holy Gong-ngon Lari Mountain. Armed Chinese paramilitary police have been summoned. The protestors say the mining is illegal and the site of the mine is sacred; they say people want to avoid the environmental destruction and social hardships caused by previous mining operations in the area.
Jun 2: Homes Demolished
Shops, restaurants, and homes on private land have been demolished by authorities in Tanakkma township in Chabcha county in Qinghai. Heavy machinery was used and a medical team brought in case of injury resulting from any resistance to the demolition. Radio Free Asia reports that it is common for wealthy businessmen in Chabcha to bribe the authorities to force the sale to them of Tibetan-owned land.
Jun 1: HH the Dalai Lama’s Teaching
His Holiness the Dalai Lam's three day teaching on Domthonpa's A Tree of Faith - A Self-Exhortation from Book of Kadam at the request of Tibetan youth at the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala starts today. Though the teaching is primarily for young Tibetans, the general public and visitors from other countries can also register for the teaching.
Jun 1: Miss Tibet 2016
Lobsang Wangyal, the founder of the Miss Tibet pageant announced that there are four participants competing for the title this year. The contest will be held from June 3 -5 and the winner will be crowned at Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts on the final day. The four contestants are Dechen Wangmo from Mussoorie, Tenzin Dickyi from Bylakuppe, Tenzin Dawa from New York, and Tenzin Sangnyi from Manali.
May 31: Former Political Prisoner Rearrested
Lodoe Gyatso, 55, from Kham Sogshoed has been rearrested by Chinese authorities. His family has no knowledge of his whereabouts or the charges levied against him. He previously served 21 years in Chushul prison near Lhasa, following his arrest in 1991 on alleged murder charges. While serving his sentence he led a protest against China’s occupation of Tibet and as a result was almost given the death sentence.
May 31: Two Speakers
The newly elected members of the 16th Tibetan Parliament-in-exile have elected two people for the post of Speaker. After three rounds of voting, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel (a Nyingma representative) and Pema Jungney (a U-Tsang representative) still drew with 22 votes each. Seven hours of deliberation concluded with the decision that each Speaker will serve for two and a half years.
May 30: Protests Will Be Punished
Authorities in China’s Sichuan province have warned residents of “serious consequences” if they continue to block government road work in the area. The threat comes two months after police violently cracked down on an earlier protest. Tibetans are objecting because while officials say the road will be used for a dam, workers have suggested that the mining of sacred mountains nearby is the ultimate goal.