Tibetan Headlines
Oct 9: Military Upgrade
China’s high level Military Commission headed by President Xi Jinping has upgraded the status of Tibet’s top police force to that of a military body in a move aimed at better safeguarding the region’s stability. Chinese People’s Armed Police have reportedly played major role in controlling the recent self-immolations in Tibet.
Oct 6: Kalsang Tsultim Released
Tibetan writer Kalsang Tsultim has been released from prison after serving a four year sentence. Tsultim, also known as Gyitsang Takmig, was sentenced and imprisoned in 2011 for sharing a video in which describes the hardships of Tibetans under Chinese rule and urges the international community to intervene on their behalf. Tsultim has been warned by officials that further political activity could result in redetention.
Oct 5: “Ama” Wager Mourned
In two notes of condolence, the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) have conveyed their grief at the passing of Ms Imtraut “Ama” Wager, longtime advocate of the welfare and education of exiled Tibetans. According to Sikyong of the CTA, “[Her] humanitarian work has played a pivotal role in the sustenance of the Tibetan community in exile. She was truly a beacon of light...”
Oct 4: Protester Arrested
Passang Wangchuk, 37, was arrested in Kardze County after a solo protest against the Chinese government. He was chanting slogans and carrying a large banner that demanded human rights for Tibetans, Tibet’s freedom, freedom of religion and the Dalai Lama’s right to return to Tibet. Wangchuk's whereabouts and situation remain unknown since his arrest. He is described as an outspoken man for justice.
Oct 4: Pageant Contestants Announced
The 2nd Annual Miss Himalaya Pageant contestants have been announced. They are: Dawa Dema from Thimphu, Bhutan; Jyoti Dhogra from Bhagsu Nag, Himachal Pradesh; Kuenzang Choden from Thimphu, Bhutan; Priyanka Dogra from Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh; and Shikha Sharma from Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh. The pageant will consist of introductions, interviews, and a traditional costume contest, and will be held October 4-5 at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts in Dharamsala.
Oct 3: Nobel Summit Relocated
The Nobel Laureates 14th Summit, scheduled for mid-October in Cape Town, South Africa, has been postponed and relocated. The action by the summit organizers follows South Africa’s denial of a travel visa to the Dalai Lama, and the consequent boycotting of the gathering by numerous invitees. The denial of the visa appears to reflect the growing pressure China has put on nations to avoid meeting the Dalai Lama.
Oct 2: PEN Resolution
Over 200 delegates from more than 80 regional centers of PEN, the international Tibetan Writers Group, atteneded the 80th PEN International Congress held in Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan. The conference passed a resolution calling on the Chinese government to restore the right to freedom of speech and rehabilitation of imprisoned writers in Tibet, and to release imprisoned Tibetan writers and artistes.
Oct 2: Protesting Monks Jailed
Six monks of the Drongurgon Kagyu Phelgyeling monastery, located in Wathang Town, Driru County, have been arrested for the removal and burning of a Chinese flag that flew from the terrace of their monastery. The act recalls protests in Driru County during last year’s National Day celebrations, when hundreds of Tibetans were arrested for refusing to fly Chinese flags from their roofs.
Oct 1: Marseilles Defies China
China has put pressure on France to exclude a Tibetan exhibition in the Foire de Marseille, one of the largest trade fairs in Europe held on the Mediterranean coastline. However, Tibet is one of the major attractions of the festival. Around 3,000 visitors a day get to watch monks creating a Sand Mandala, Tibetan artists paining thangkas, and enjoy Tibetan cuisines.
Oct 1: Art for Freedom
The renowned Chinese artist and freedom fighter Ai Weiwei has unveilled his new installation, “@Large: Ai Weiwei on Alcatraz” in Alcatraz, the former Spanish fortress and US military prison in California. The seven-month long exhibition will include a portrait of jailed Tibetan singer Lolo, among 176 portraits of former and current prisoners around the world. Ai Weiwei is currently unable to leave China following confiscation of his passport.
Sep 30: More Mining Protests
More than 1,000 Tibetan villagers have protested against Chinese mining operations in Maldro Gongkara county in the Tibet Autonomous Region, saying runoff from the mines has polluted local rivers and streams, destroying fish and crops and causing health problems. A local witness said “The county officials only became angry and refused to listen, Tibetan residents of the area have been appealing for help for the past five years.”
Sep 27: Equity Campaign
Equity, the union representing performing artists in the United Kingdom, has written to China demanding the release of Tibet's jailed singers and calling for artistic freedom in Tibet. "Equity believes that performers all around the world have the right to freedom of artistic expression - a right enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights", the singers "should be released permanently and without restriction".
Sep 26: Trouble in Driru
Villagers living in Driru county are being ordered to take part in an annual festival that they have been boycotting in protest against Chinese rule. The authorities see the festival as a means to show local residents as happy and prosperous under Beijing’s rule, and are threatening harm to their livelihood or possible imprisonment for those who do not comply. Driru has been under a crackdown for the last year.
Sep 25: Teaching in Dharamshala
His Holiness the Dalai Lama has begun a three-day teaching at the main temple of Tsuk-lag-Khang in Dharamsala, on Shantideva's "Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life" [chodjug]. The teaching has been organised at the request of a group of Southeast Asians and is being attended by over 6,000 people from 62 countries. It is being simultaneously translated and streamed live at www.dalailama.com.
Sep 25: Police Brutality
There are reports that drunken Chinese police have detained and tortured Tibetan spectators at an international archery competition in China’s Qinghai province. Witnesses reported that the police demanded the Tibetans drink alcohol with them, and when they refused, threatened to close the festival early. They then took the Tibetans to the police station where they beat and tortured them. Tenzin Rinchen was badly hurt.