Tibetan Headlines
Jul 19: Tibetan Monk Sentenced
Tsultrim Kalsang, a 25 year old Tibetan monk from the restive Nyatso Zilkar Monastery in Tibet, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison on “intentional homicide” charges. Local sources say Tsultrim Kalsang’s charges are possibly related to the twin self-immolation protest carried out by two Tibetan youths, Ngawang Norphel and Tenzin Khedup, on 30 June 2012. Kalsang was first detained on 1 September 2012.
Jul 18: China Intensifies Crackdown
China said it will intensify crackdown against “illegal publications” and “reactionary” promotional products including text messages and books in Tibet. "Sharing information and investigating cases will be part of joint prevention and control efforts among multiple provincial departments," state-run Xinhua news agency quoted Li Changjiang, a senior official from the national anti-pornography and anti-illegal publications office said at a meeting.
Jul 18: Kanlho Anniversary
The Kanlho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (TAP), in Amdo region of Tibet, marked the 60th anniversary of its foundation amidst tight security on July 16 in Tsoe county of Kanlho. Armed police circled the venue and patrolled during the programs, intimidating any spark of discontentment against the Chinese celebration. Tibetans shared their discontent by criticising online the absence of Tibetan songs and traditional Tibetan features.
Jul 17: Sikyong visits Bodh Gaya
Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay visited the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, target of the recent terror attacks and met the two monks injured in the bomb blasts. Sikyong called on Buddhists around the world not to be deterred by the attacks and continue to undertake pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya. As a mark of solidarity by Tibetans everywhere, Sikyong donated Rupees one lakh to the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee.
Jul 16: Sikyong Congratulates Bhutan
Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay congratulated the president of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of Bhutan, Mr Tshering Tobgay, for winning the parliamentary elections. PDP won 32 seats in the 47-member National Assembly in the elections held recently. Mr Tshering Tobgay is likely to be named the prime minister of the new government.
Jul 11: China enters Ladakh, Again
On June 17, Chinese troops patrolling in Chumar sector of southern Ladakh reportedly took away a non-functional solar CCTV camera placed about 6 km ahead of an Indian post. China returned the camera on July 3 following “furious negotiations” between the two sides. Government sources said India is not treating the incident as an "incursion" by the Chinese as this is territory claimed by both countries as theirs.
Jul 10: Sikyong in Uttarakhand
Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay has addressed students at the Tibetan Homes Foundation during the first day of his visit to Uttarakhand, where he inspired students to pursue studies in professional fields. Sikyong also visited Ngoenga School for Tibetan Children with Special Needs, and the old peoples' home. Sikyong, also the Kalon for Education, is on tour visiting Tibetan settlements and schools in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh from July 8-14.
Jul 9: More Chinese Control
The Chinese government has implemented a new regulation under which all religious instructors at Buddhist monasteries in Tibet must be legally registered to teach Buddhist scriptures, and must meet mandatory credentials which include supporting the Chinese Communist Party leadership. Dharamsala based rights group Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy says this new measure is implemented “to appoint political monks in [the] guise of spiritual teachers”.
Jul 8: Tibet Conference in Italy
The speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Mr Penpa Tsering, attended an international conference on “scenarios and perspectives for the future of Tibet” in Turin, Italy on 5 July 2013. Addressing the conference, Mr Penpa Tsering appealed to “the international community to stand firmly by Tibetan’s people and to appeal to China to give free access for journalists and diplomats to visit Tibet”.
Jul 8: Birthday Prayer Firing
At least nine Tibetans have sustained serious gunshot wounds and are believed to be in a critical condition after Chinese security forces opened fire on a crowd which had gathered to mark the 78th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, holding prayers in Tawu region, eastern Tibet. Tashi Sonam, a Tibetan monk, was shot in the head and is hospitalised in Dartsedo county along with the other injured people.
Jul 7: Bodh Gaya Bombs
Nine explosions have rocked Bodh Gaya, including four in the Mahabodhi Temple complex which is frequented by Buddhist pilgrims from the whole of southeast Asia, and three in the Karmapa Monastry. It is suspected that the blasts were engineered by a terrorist organisation. Two monks were injured in the blasts. Two more bombs were defused.
Jul 6: Tibetan Monk Detained
Lobsang Gendun, a 20-year-old Tibetan monk, was arrested after calling for the long life of the Dalai Lama and freedom for Tibet during official celebrations marking the 92nd anniversary of the Communist Party of China on July 1 in Pashoe county, Tibet Autonomous Region. Gendun’s family home and Drongsar Monastery to which he belonged were raided. It is not known where he is being held currently.
Jul 5: Birthday in Bylakupe
His Holiness the Dalai Lama has left Dharamsala for Hunsur, Karnataka where he will confer a two day Yamantaka Initiation (dranak chusum wang) at Dzongar Chodhe Monastery. The Dalai Lama will be in Karnataka during his 78th birthday on 6 July, and there will be a celebration there at Sera Monastery, Bylakuppe. A live webcast of the celebration will be available on www.dalailama.com from 9:00 to 11:30am IST.
Jul 4: Tibet Visit Photos
Photos of the US ambassador to China, Gary Locke’s, rare visit to Tibet have been released by the US embassy in China. Photos show Locke in Lhasa with monks at Sera Monastery, Gaden Monastery and the Jokhang Temple. The State Department reported that during the trip Locke urged Chinese authorities to open up the area to tourists and diplomats, and highlighted the importance of preserving Tibet’s cultural heritage.
Jul 3: China’s Panchen in Kumbum
Gyaltsen Norbu, the Panchen Lama recognized by the Chinese government, visited Kumbum in eastern Tibet on July 2. Prior to the visit, government authorities notified the local residents that at least 10,000 people should gather to welcome the Panchen Lama and greet him cheerfully, sources said. Unusual restrictions and security checkpoints were set up for the visit.