Two Tibetans torch themselves in Ngaba, One protestor beaten to death

Phayul[Tuesday, August 14, 2012 02:10]

In alarming reports coming out of Tibet, two more Tibetans set themselves on fire in protest against China’s rule over Tibet, Monday. There are also unconfirmed reports of a third self-immolation that took place later in the evening. In more disturbing reports, following the self-immolations, local Tibetans carried out a protest in solidarity with the self-immolators, which reportedly resulted in the death of a Tibetan protestor.  According to sources, Chinese security personnel beat the Tibetan man to death. The self-immolations and protests are being reported from the beleaguered Ngaba region of eastern Tibet, the nerve centre of the ongoing wave of fiery protests. Tibetan media outlets based in the United States have quoted sources inside the region as saying that the two confirmed self-immolations took place at around 6:50 pm (local time) Monday.  Although Phayul, as of now, cannot independently confirm their identities, media reports have named the self-immolators as Lungtok, a monk from the Kirti Monastery in Ngaba, and Tashi, believed to be a layperson. Soon after the protests, Chinese security forces arrived in large numbers and forcibly took both of them away. There are no details currently available on their condition and whereabouts.  Soon after the fiery protests, Chinese security forces imposed severe curbs in the region. Local Tibetans responded with protests in solidarity with the self-immolators and against the Chinese government.  In ensuing “clashes,” a Tibetan man was reportedly beaten to death by Chinese armed forces. As tensions escalated late into the evening, reports of a third self-immolation by a Kirti Monastery monk at around 8:00 pm (local time), reached exile from the same region. The incident has not been confirmed as yet although the situation in Ngaba is being described as critical. Last week alone, three Tibetans; a mother of two, a monk, and a Tibetan nomad, torched themselves, in a further intensification of the self-immolation protests that began in 2009. The first eight months of 2012 have on an average witnessed nearly five self-immolations every month. The two confirmed self-immolations on Monday have now taken Tibet’s self-immolation toll to 50.

China preventing world leaders from meeting the Dalai Lama says US report

Phayul[Monday, August 13, 2012 23:53]

DHARAMSHALA, August 13: China has been accused of “strenuously” lobbying world leaders to prevent meetings with the exiled Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama.  The findings were spelt out in a report titled “U.S.-China Relations: Policy Issues” released earlier this month by the Congressional Research Service. "China lobbies strenuously to prevent world leaders from meeting with the Dalai Lama, the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize winner and 2006 recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal," the report states. While conceding that Tibet is among the "most sensitive issues" in US-China relations, the report notes that even after six decades of control over Tibet, China still faces resistance to its rule. “Preserving sovereignty over Tibet has long been one of China’s most fundamental “core interests,” on a par with its commitment to defending its claimed sovereignty over Taiwan,” the report says. The findings underscore international criticism against China’s “increasingly expansive” official controls on religious life and practice in Tibetan areas following the pan-Tibet uprisings in 2008.  “Human rights groups have catalogued arbitrary detentions and disappearances, a heightened Chinese security presence within monasteries, and continued “patriotic education” and “legal education” campaigns that require monks to denounce Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama,” the report notes.  Citing from the US State Department’s 2011 Human Rights Report for Tibet, the 45-page report states that Chinese authorities in the region carried out “serious human rights abuses including extrajudicial killings, torture, arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial detention, and house arrests.” US policy toward Tibet is guided by the Tibetan Policy Act of 2002, which requires the United States to promote dialogue between the PRC and the Dalai Lama; to help protect Tibet’s religious, cultural, and linguistic heritages; and to support development projects in Tibet.  The report notes that more than 30 months have passed since the last and ninth round of dialogues between representatives of the Dalai Lama and the PRC government took place, making this the longest gap in the dialogues since they were initiated in 2002. It further says that there is “no word on when or if a tenth round might be scheduled.”  The findings also took note of China’s “significant global strategic clout” and its “ambitious military modernisation drive,” including efforts to develop extendedrange power projection capabilities and advanced weapons as a “carrier killer” anti-ship ballistic missile.  According to the Pentagon’s 2012 report on military and security developments, China’s officially-disclosed military budget rose an average of 11.8% annually in inflation-adjusted terms over the period from 2000 to 2011. In March 2012, China announced that its defense budget for 2012 would be $106 billion, an increase of 11.2% over 2011.  However, Pentagon believes China’s actual military spending for 2011 was in the range of $120 billion to $180 billion.

Largest Tibetan pro-independence group to launch indefinite hunger strike

Phayul[Sunday, August 12, 2012 23:56]

The inaugural ceremony of the 43rd annual Working Committee Meeting of the Tibetan Youth Congress held in Bir Tibetan settlement from August 8-12, 2012. (Photo/TYC) DHARAMSHALA, August 12: Tibetan Youth Congress, the largest pro-independence group in exile, has resolved to launch an indefinite hunger strike campaign in solidarity with the ongoing wave of self-immolations inside Tibet and to amplify the demands of the self-immolators. Three Central Executive members of TYC; Dhondup Lhadar, Vice-President, Penpa Tsering, Organisational Secretary, and Jigme (Sholpa), Cultural Secretary will be sitting on the indefinite fast. The campaign is scheduled to take place in the Indian capital city of New Delhi from September 3, a day after Tibetans celebrate their Democracy Day. TYC in a release today said the purpose of the hunger strike campaign is to “stand in solidarity with Tibetan brethren in Tibet and to amplify the voices of the unprecedented number of self-immolations in Tibet.” With three self-immolations in last week alone, the deepening crisis of self-immolations since 2009 has witnessed 48 Tibetans set themselves on fire demanding freedom in Tibet and the return of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama from exile. The decision to undertake the campaign was arrived a few hours ago on the final day of TYC’s annual 43rd Working Committee Meeting held in the Tibetan settlement of Bir in north India. 115 grass root leaders representing 42 regional chapters of the largest Tibetan NGO in exile met from August 8-12 to chart out the organisation’s future course of action. Although the ongoing critical situation inside Tibet dominated deliberations at the meeting, discussions were held on a wide range of topics, including the preservation of Tibetan culture and identity, developing new strategies and creative tactics in the struggle, security of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and building alliances with other freedom struggles. Lhasang Tsering, former president of TYC and one of the strongest voices in the Rangzen movement, had presided over the meeting’s inauguration as the chief guest. A passionate orator, Tsering called on Tibetans to have a single-minded dedication in reclaiming the lost independence of Tibet. “Rangzen is not an option, but our destiny,” the former president said. “Policies may change in time, but destiny of a nation is but naturally - Independence.”  TYC president Tsewang Rigzin in his inaugural address noted that Tibet is currently undergoing one of the most difficult situations. He called on Tibetans to be even more geared up to sacrifice time, money and, if the need arises, their lives for the cause of Tibet’s independence.  He also stressed on the significance of preparing in advance for TYC’s 15th General Body Meeting, next year, during which the organisation is scheduled to elect new central executive members. The meeting was preceded by a two-day workshop where members were trained on cyber security, strategic planning, media messaging, public speaking, teamwork, and grassroots activism.

Tibet continues to burn, Man sets self on fire

Phayul[Friday, August 10, 2012 14:58]

DHARAMSHALA, August 10: In confirmed reports coming out of Tibet, yet another Tibetan has set himself on fire today in an apparent protest against China’s continued occupation of Tibet. The self-immolator is being identified as Choepa, a Tibetan man around 24 years of age. The exile base of Kirti Monastery in Dharamshala, in a statement released just now said that Choepa carried out his fiery protest in the Me’uruma region of Amdo Ngaba, eastern Tibet at 10.15 am (local time). As of now, there is no information on Choepa’s condition or his whereabouts. The statement quoted eyewitness as saying that Choepa raised slogans before he was overpowered by Chinese security personnel and taken to an unknown location. “Choepa’s body was engulfed in high flames as he raised slogans,” the release said. “Within minutes, Chinese security personnel arrived at the scene and doused the flames on his body before forcibly taking him away.” Eyewitnesses have also raised serious concerns over Choepa’s survival. “People who witnessed the fiery protest have said that Choepa has very little chances of survival as his body was severely burned,” the release said. “But as of now there is no confirmation whether Choepa is dead or alive.” Choepa’s parents are Paelo and Madron. Kangay Tsering, a researcher at the Kirti Monastery said that following the self-immolation protest, the situation in Me'uruma has become tense. “Me'uruma is currently filled with armed Chinese forces as the situation there continues to become more tense,” Tsering said. This is the third self-immolation in Tibet in the past five-days alone. Since 2009, the growing wave of self-immolations has witnessed 48 Tibetans set themselves on fire demanding freedom in Tibet and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile.

Extremely honoured to represent Tibetans

Phayul[Sunday, August 12, 2012 03:20]

Russia's gold medalist Yelena Lashmanov (centre), Russia's silver medalist Olga Kaniskina (left) and Tibetan bronze medalist Choeyang DHARAMSHALA, August 12: Choeyang, the first Tibetan to participate in the Olympic games made history with a podium finish in London, Saturday. Competing in the women’s 20 km race walking event, Choeyang finished third after a world record-breaking effort by lena Lashmanova of Russia, who completed the course in 1 hour 25 minutes and 2 seconds. Defending Olympic champion and three-time world champion, Olga Kaniskina, also from Russia finished second. The 22-year-old Tibetan girl showed true grit and stamina of steel to finish 14 seconds behind the new world record. Choeyang’s performance at the grandest stage of all was also her career best.  The Associated Press quoted Choeyang as saying that she as “extremely” honoured to have represented Tibetans at the games. "I'm extremely honored to take part as the first representative of the Tibetans at the Olympic Games and to win a medal," Choeyang was quoted as saying. A native of Tsochang in the traditional Tibetan province of Amdo, Choeyang, was ranked 10th in the world coming into London. Born on November 11, 1990, the Tibetan walking wonder began race walking in 2008. Two years later, she was selected in the Chinese national team. During the race, a number of Tibetan national flags could be seen flying along the 2 km course road. A banner reading, “You go girl…We Tibetans are with you,” was also displayed. Soon after her win, Tibetans were abuzz on social network sites congratulating Choeyang and celebrating her achievements as a Tibetan. There were also a few disgruntled voices unhappy with Choeyang’s participation as part of the Chinese national team when Tibetans in Tibet are setting themselves on fire protesting China’s rule.

A Tibetan woman burns self to death, Second self-immolation in two days

Phayul[Tuesday, August 07, 2012 15:01]

A Tibetan woman identified as Dolkar seen here with her hands clasped in prayer, after she set herself on fire near the Tsoe Monastery in Kanlho, eastern Tibeton August 7, 2012.

Latest reports coming out of Tibet indicate that a Tibetan woman set herself on fire today in an apparent protests against China’s continued occupation of Tibet.

Tibetan media outlets are identifying the Tibetan woman as Dolkar, around 26 years of age. She is believed to have succumbed to her injuries.

Dolkar set herself on fire near the Tsoe Monastery in the Amdo Kanlho region of eastern Tibet at around 2.30 pm (local time).

Pictures coming out of the region show the disficured body of Dolkar lying on the ground with her hands clasped in prayer.

Eyewitnesses have been quoted as saying that although people who were around the monastery tried to douse the fire but Dolkar succumbed to her injuries at her protest site.

The monks at the Tsoe Monastery were able to carry Dolkar’s body inside the monastery, where it is being currently kept.

A growing build of local Tibetans at the monastery is also being reported.

Dolka’r self-immolation protest comes just a day after Lobsang Tsultrim, a 21 year of monk at the Kirti Monastery set himself on fire in the beleaguered Ngaba region.

The wave of self-immolations that began in 2009 has now witnessed 47 Tibetans set themselves on fire demanding freedom in Tibet and the return of the Dalai Lama from exile.

Dolkar is the eight women to have self-immolated in Tibet.

As of yet no personal details on Dolkar are available.

Reports of self-immolation in Tibet

Phayul[Monday, August 06, 2012 20:28]

There are reports of yet another self-immolation protest in Tibet as the fiery wave continues to burn across the Tibetan plateau.

Various sources in exile are confirming today’s self-immolation protest by a Tibetan in the beleaguered Ngaba region of eastern Tibet.

As of now, there are no details available on the identity of the self-immolator.

Talking to Phayul, Kanyag Tsering, a researcher at the exile base of Kirti Monastery in Dharamshala confirmed the reports.

“Yes, there was another self-immolation protest in Ngaba today but as of now we have very little details,” Tsering said.

Another monk in south India who has close contacts in the region, while confirming today’s self-immolation protest, said that all communication lines in the region have stopped working.

“According to the information that I have received, a Tibetan woman set herself on fire today in Ngaba,” Ghangri told Phayul. “But as of now it is impossible to get in touch with people in the region as all communication lines are not working.”

London based rights group, Free Tibet, also reported on today’s self-immolation protest but noted that the self-immolator was male.

“A man set fire to himself in Ngaba Town, Eastern Tibet at 5:30pm local time today,” Free Tibet said in a release. “According to an eyewitness, Chinese state security personnel quickly extinguished the flames at the scene on the main road in Ngaba. Locals now refer to this street as Martyr’s Street because of the number of self-immolations that have been carried out here.”

“The man who set fire to himself today was reported to be still alive, his upper body badly injured, when security personnel drove him away in a vehicle.”

With today’s self-immolation protest, 46 Tibetans have now set themselves on fire, since 2009, demanding freedom in Tibet and the return of the Dalai Lama from exile.

The United States last month blamed the Chinese government for the self-immolations in Tibet in an annual report on religious freedom.

“Official interference in the practice of these religious traditions exacerbated grievances and contributed to at least 12 self-immolations by Tibetans in 2011," the US State Department said in its annual International Religious Freedom Report.

The elected head of the Tibetan people, Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay has called the self-immolations “political action” and blamed China’s failed policies in Tibet - founded on “political oppression, social marginalisation, cultural assimilation and environmental destruction” - as root causes of the protests.

“To understand these acts, it is crucial to know that within China, there is no room for freedom of speech and conventional forms of protest. A participant in a simple demonstration runs a high risk of arrest, torture and even death,” Dr Sangay had said.

22-year-old girl takes Tibet to the Olympics

Phayul[Monday, August 06, 2012 12:02]

Choeyang, 22, is the first Tibetan Olympiad. (Photo/london2012.com)

A 22-year-old Tibetan girl is all set to walk a path which no Tibetan has ever taken before. Come August 11, Choeyang, will become the first ever Tibetan Olympiad.

Born in Tsochang in the traditional Tibetan province of Amdo, Choeyang will debut at the ongoing London Olympics in the 20 km Women’s Race Walking event.

Currently ranked 10th in the world, Choeyang will be competing with some of the biggest names in the sports.

Born on November 11, 1990, the Tibetan walking wonder began race walking in 2008. Two years later, she was selected in the Chinese national team.

One of her better international performances came last year when she came fifth at the 2011 World Championships in Athletics in Daegu, Korea.

But her career best performance came this year at the Taicang IAAF Race Walking Challenge held in March.

She completed the 20 km walk race in 1 hour, 27 minutes and 4 seconds.

With the World Record standing at 1:25:08 and the Olympics Record at 1:26:31, Choeyang is in walking distance of securing a podium finish.

The 20 km race walk event will begin at 17:00 hrs (local time) on August 11. The athletes will begin the race from The Mall and go around the Queen Victoria Memorial, completing 10 laps of the 2km course.

China’s latest weapons against Tibetan self-immolators - Hooks and Rings

Phayul[Sunday, August 05, 2012 23:37] DHARAMSHALA, August 5: With the ongoing wave of self-immolations in Tibet threatening to spread all over the plateau, Chinese security personnel have come up with specially designed tools to take down and overpower the self-immolators. Recent pictures taken in Lhasa, the ancient capital city of Tibet, show poles of different lengths that have either hooks or round metal rings of different sizes at one end. The pictures released by Beijing-based Tibetan writer Woeser on a social networking site have reportedly been taken by Chinese tourists in July and August. A close look at the pictures makes one realise that the hooks are designed to catch a self-immolator and the the round metal rings are meant for either holding the self-immolator’s burning body by the waist, by the neck or by the feet, depending on the size of the ring. These new tools can be seen abundantly lying around Lhasa city along with fire extinguishers, outside police stations, and also being paraded by marching security personnel on the city streets. Calling these new tools “Police Forks,” Woeser notes that security personnel all over Tibet have been armed with these “new weapons.” In one of the picture, the police forks can be seen outside the Barkhor police station, opposite the Jokhang Temple, the site of the May 27 twin self-immolation protests by Dhargey, 25 and Dorjee Tseten, 19. Chinese brutality, specially against Tibetan self-immolators, are not new. Foreign journalists who were able to gain access to Ngaba, the eastern Tibet region at the centre of the self-immolation protests, had earlier reported that Chinese security personnel were using “spiked batons” to overpower self-immolators. One of the first international journalists to gain access to Ngaba, Jonathan Watts of the Guardian newspaper in March reported that Chinese paramilitaries were trying to “snuff out Tibetan resistance to Beijing's rule with spiked batons, semi-automatic weapons and fire extinguishers.” A dramatic video footage shot on January 14 of the self-immolation protest by Losang Jamyang, 22, a former monk at the Andu monastery in Ngaba, shows Chinese security personnel mercilessly knocking down and kicking him while his body is still on fire. There have been several other reports of similar instances where Chinese security forces have shot, brutally beaten, and maimed Tibetan self-immolators. Since 2009, the ongoing wave of self-immolations has witnessed 45 Tibetans set themselves on fire demanding freedom in Tibet and the return of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama from exile.

being human - a day for Tibet

see www.beinghuman.ning.com

It's simple : Saturday 23rd February, 2013 : a day for Tibet.

organise your own unique, brilliant, small yet beautiful event. 

By uniting everyone in one 24 hour period we will send a message to the media, politicians & business of the level of global support for the Dalai Lama.

You organise your own local event: a gig, screening, art exhibition, talk, workshop, dance, meditation, fashion, philosophy, buddhist, literary, science, digital or comedy event, it’s up to you!

Follow your passion & do what you love with as much intelligence & integrity as possible.

beinghuman is working with The Music Managers Forum & Featured Artist Coalition. But remember this isn’t about the big names, we need you! Not only will we show our support for Tibet but we will also create a global network of DIY artists, creatives & ethical human beings who, inspired by the Dalai Lama, want to work together for a fairer world for the creative & cultural industries. We will help you connect, share skills & help each to create brilliant events.

You choose to keep any money you raise for yourself, or give it away, again it’s totally up to you!

Click here for a list of the Tibet groups we want to help & info on being, a not for profit initiative.

To get started simply become a member here, tell us your passion & skills, then create an event or get involved with an existing event, or just simply show your support by joining us on Facebook or Twitter or e mail info@beinghuman.com to sign up to our newsletter