Tibetan Headlines
Sep 5: “Put Pressure on Xi”
China Human Rights Defenders, a human rights watchdog based in Washington in the United States, has urged the Obama administration to make meaningful progress on human rights in China and exert “some real pressure” on Chinese President Xi Jinping. The rights group says that human rights in China have deteriorated since Xi took power in 2013 and they are campaigning ahead of Xi’s forthcoming state visit to the US.
Sep 4: Election Rules
The rules and regulations for the forthcoming elections for the position of Sikyong and members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile have been outlined by the Chief Election Commissioner Mr Sonam Choephel Shosur. He clarified the code of conduct to be followed by the candidates when campaigning, and the steps that will be taken by the election commission if candidates are in breach of the rules.
Sep 4: Religious Freedom
The United States has asked China to reassess its policies, particularly those which impose restrictions on religious freedom in Tibet. This request follows a recent visit to China by Mr David Saperstein, Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, to discuss issues of human rights violations and religious freedom. He said that China’s policies in Tibet have “nurtured deep resentments among Tibetans”.
Sep 3: 49th Day Prayers
People in Tibet defied the Chinese-imposed crackdown to mark the 49th day since the death in a Chinese prison of the revered monk Tenzin Delek Rinpoche. News is emerging that on Sunday residents of China’s Sichuan province held prayer ceremonies and celebrated the life of Rinpoche despite the clampdown and the restricted communications there.
Sep 2: Democracy Day
Thousands of Tibetans gathered in Tsug-la Khang, the main temple in Dharamshala, to celebrate the 55th Tibetan Democracy Day. Chief guests were Shri Shanta Kumar, Member of the Indian Parliament and Smt Maneka Gandhi, Indian Union Cabinet Minister. Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, the elected leader of the Tibetan people spoke of democracy as the “immeasurable gift of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the Tibetan people”.
Sep 1: Monk Missing
There is concern for Gomar Choephel, 46, a well-respected monk who was arrested 56 days ago on July 7. His whereabouts are unknown and his family is extremely worried about his wellbeing. No reason was given for his arrest. He comes from Gomar village in Rebkong in Tongren County. His family have been speaking of their concerns to Voice of Tibet.
Aug 31: Kalachakra Postponed
The Kalachakra Initiation at Bodh Gaya which His Holiness the Dalai Lama was scheduled to give in January next year has been postponed for one year. The Kashag, or Cabinet, of the Central Tibetan Administration asked for the postponement in response to requests from the Heads of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon tradition, and Tibetans inside and outside Tibet, that His Holiness’s programme should be less exhaustive.
Aug 30: 49th Day Prayers
Tibetans across the world held prayer vigils to mark the 49th day since the death of the revered Tibetan Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche in a Chinese prison. Kirti Rinpoche, the head of Kirti monastery, led the the prayers in Tsuglakhang, the main temple in Dharamshala in a ceremony organised by the Tibetan Women’s Association and attended by monks, nuns, representatives of various organisations and the public.
Aug 29: Smart Dharamshala
Dharamshala is the first “Smart City’”in the state of Himachal Pradesh. 98 cities across India have been designated for the Smart City project, selection was based on a competition looking at specific criteria. Dharamshala beat Shimla, the favourite city. 500 Crores has been allocated for Dharamshala, and it is hoped that this will be used to fund projects such as water supply development and waste management, among others.
Aug 27: Xi Blames Dalai Lama
A report has appeared saying that Chinese President Xi Jinping blames the Dalai Lama and “Tibetan separatists” for the current crash in the Chinese economy. worldnewsdailyreport.com quotes Xi as saying: “Until they stop their economic terrorism against the Chinese people and their economy, China will fight an unswerving battle against these terrorists”. The Dalai Lama’s quoted response is “all I do is meditate and pray. I barely read the newspaper”.
Aug 26: Ten Arrested
At least ten Tibetans were arrested when around hundred Tibetans protested outside a Chinese government office in Nangchen County in Kham, demanding equality in the payment of financial aids provided to the Tibetan people by the Chinese government. Families who have family members living outside the locality are not eligible for a new aid programme which awards financial aid to Tibetans to rebuild houses, gain scholarships, etc.
Aug 26: Website Closed Down
The Choemei, or “Butter Lamp” website, based in in Machu county in Gansu province in Tibet, has been closed down by Chinese authorities. The website was set up in 2005 as a Tibetan-medium news and literary forum for the area, it was one of the oldest Tibetan websites promoting culture and literature. It has been closed in the past and its founder, Tsephel, detained.
Aug 26: Festival Restricted
The Phaphong Thangkor festival, a religious ceremony which happens every 12 years, has been restricted by the Chinese authorities. The nine-day long ceremony is underway now at the Reting Monastery in Chodhoe township, Lhundup County, and Tibetans who were attending were frisked and asked to present ID cards. A local source said the government condemned celebrations and dancing during the festival. Soldiers are patrolling the monastery and there are checkpoints.
Aug 25: Empowering Women
An awareness workshop aimed at empowering women against sexual harassment in the workplace took place at the Tibetan Career Centre in Dharamshala, organised by the Women’s Empowerment Desk of the Department of Home at the Central Tibetan Adminstration. 25 trainees participated in the workshop, including departmental staff. The workshop received a very positive response from the participants.
Aug 24: Mining Concerns
Heavy machinery and equipment has been transported to the vicinity of Drakzong, a hill considered sacred by Tibetans living in the nearby Dingwa township in Zoege County in Amdo Ngaba. A protective deity is believed to reside in two caves in the hill. Local residents, who fear environmental consequences from mining, have blocked a road leading to the site; they have been threatened with police intervention.