Tibetan Headlines
Jul 2: EU Pressures China
The President of the Council of the European Union Donald Tusk called on China to enter into dialogue with representatives of the Tibetan people regarding Tibet. Speaking after meeting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Brussels he said that he had "expressed our concerns" and announced that the EU's Special Representative on Human Rights would visit China later this year.
Jul 1: Environmentalist Dies
Kawa Nyingchak, an environmental activist and writer has died while trying to gather evidence of illegal fishing in the protected Lake Qinghai in the Qinghai province. He tried to block the killing of endangered fish, and drowned while attempting to haul in nets used by Chinese poachers so that he could hand them in to police who had refused to act without evidence.
Jun 29: Praise for Dalai Lama
A motion has been introduced to the US Congress offering praise to the Dalai Lama on his 80th birthday and urging China to resume talks with his representatives. It calls for substantive dialogue, without preconditions, in order to address Tibetan grievances and secure a negotiated agreement for the Tibetan people. It reaffirms the unwavering friendship between the people of the United States and the people of Tibet.
Jun 28: His Holiness at Glastonbury
The Dalai Lama appeared on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, one of Europe’s largest music festivals. He received a huge cheer from the crowd, who sang him Happy Birthday. His Holiness gave a speech in the festival's Peace Garden where he praised the event as "a festival of people, not governments or politicians". He also took part in a climate change debate as well as commenting on the Middle East conflicts.
Jun 27: Torture Victims Remembered
International Day in Support of Victims of Torture was observed in Dharamshala, The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, in collaboration with Students For a Free Tibet-India, screened a documentary film Through Flesh and Bones followed by a panel discussion. The Gu Chu Sum Movement Association of Tibet presented a Photo exhibition of Tibetans who have gone through torture and the Central Tibetan Administration produced a play, Norbu.
Jun 26: Released from Jail
Paltop, age unknown, a Tibetan businessman, has been released from jail after completing his six-year sentence. He returned to a warm welcome in his hometown Palyul in Kardze. Paltop was detained in 2009 after conducting a juniper-burning ceremony before a portrait of HH the Dalai Lama. He is strongly devoted to the cause of the Tibetan people and known for supporting the Dalai Lama’s wishes.
Jun 24: Detained for Celebrating
Tsering Dondrub, 25, has been detained for disseminating material online to mark the 80th anniversary of the birth year of HH the Dalai Lama. He was arrested in Rebgong county in Malho in Qinghai after posting on WeChat. He comes from Manggo village but no one knows where he has been detained. The authorities are placing heavy restrictions on anniversary celebrations throughout Tibet.
Jun 24: Potala Road
The road from McLeod Ganj down to Dharamshala (previously Kharadhanda Road) has been renamed Potala Road in honour of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday. Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the democratically elected political leader of the Tibetan people, initiated the renaming. The road, which has recently been reconstructed, was opened by Shri Virbhadra Singh, the honourable Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh.
Jun 23: Celebrations in Tibet
News is emerging, despite the crackdown on communications, of Tibetans living in the Qinghai and Sichuan provinces openly celebrating HH the Dalai Lama's 80th birthday in spite of Chinese bans, threats of punishment and tightened restrictions. People recited prayers and burned incense, and raised large banners, there were also reports of fireworks, although many people chose to celebrate quietly at home.
Jun 21: Birthday Celebrations
Today was the celebration for HH the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday at Tsuklakhang, the main temple in Dharamshala. Guests included the Indian Government Union Minister; Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh; Heads of all the Tibetan Buddhism schools; Himachal parliament MPs and international parliamentarians and eminent friends of Tibet. Thousands of Tibetans and supporters joined the celebration where His Holiness had lunch along with guests and the public.
Jun 20: Pledge of Nonviolence
A group of individuals have launched a pledge to “maintain a steadfast commitment to nonviolence in our work for Tibet and to do our utmost to promote and practice creative and effective nonviolent action....”. The pledge is offered to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his 80th birthday, and can be found at https://nonviolencepledge.org/
Jun 20: Five Monks Detained
Five monks from Karma Monastery in the Chamdo prefecture have been detained on unknown charges. Four were later released, one with strict restrictions on his right to travel. Karma monastery has seen protests against Chinese rule and has been the frequent target of police harassment. The monks are Kargyal, Tenzin, Barma Kunkyab, Shedrub Dawa and Tashi Gyaltsen. Kargyal remains in detention.
Jun 19: Mass Cleanup
Lha Charitable Trust organised a mass clean-up in and around McLeod Ganj, in collaboration with the Clean Upper Dharamshala Program, Tibetan Footpath Association, and Tibetan Women’s Association, in celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday. Over 135 people took part and brochures on environmental awareness and waste management were distributed in Tibetan, Hindi, and English.
Jun 19: Religious Conference
The four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism and the Bon Tradition have gathered in Mcleod Ganj for their 12th Religious Conference. The three-day conference is attended by the heads and leaders of the four schools as well as dignitaries from the Central Tibetan Administration who organised the conference. Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, the democratically elected political leader of the Tibetan people, spoke at the opening session.
Jun 19: Heightened Security
Security is reported to have been increased in Gansu province in advance of a forthcoming major religious ceremony, the Kalachakra, which is scheduled to be held there at the end of June, and the politically sensitive 80th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. A preliminary blessing ceremony there was attended by several hundred devotees, which attracted large numbers of armed police.