| Phayul[Saturday, January 28, 2012 08:22] |
By Tendar Tsering  Tharpa seen here in an undated photo. (Photo/Phayul) Urgyen, a 20-year old student was shot dead while he, along with a group of local Tibetans tried to protect his friend and school mate Tharpa from being arrested by Chinese police. At around 12 noon local time on Thursday, Tharpa put up signed flyers in the locality, declaring that until the demands of the Tibetans who have self-immolated are met, Tibetans will never abandon their struggle and continue to organise more campaigns. Two hours later, Chinese security personnel arrived at Tharpa’s house to arrest him when a crowd of Tibetans obstructed the police from taking his away. In the confrontation, Chinese police opened fire on the unarmed crowd killing Urgyen and injuring many more. The situation in Bharma Shang is being described as very tense with thousands of Tibetans reportedly converging from the nearby areas. This was the third case in a week when Chinese police opened fire on Tibetans, killing at least a dozen protesters. Earlier protests occurred in the neighbouring regions of Drango and Serthar. According to the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD), around 1000 Tibetans at Dzumenda township in Dzamtang region of Ngaba Tibet, held a candlelight march on January 23. "The leaders of the march addressed the crowd saying this New Year should be dedicated to those martyrs who gave their lives to protest against the Chinese government. And in solidarity with those martyrs, on New Year days people should mourn the death of the martyrs and that there should be no celebration. A speech listing the names and deeds of all the self-immolation protesters was also delivered," said the TCHRD in a release today. Tibetans burn Chinese flag In other reports, Tibetans in Amdo Golok Pema district took down the Chinese national flag from a local Chinese office building and burned it. After pulling down the Chinese flag, the Tibetans hoisted the Tibetan flag along with a photo of the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama. A large number of Chinese security personnel arrived at the scene and started beating the gathered Tibetans. Many were reportedly arrested. Another source from the region told Tibetans in exile that a monk was arrested by Chinese police while he was trying to set himself on the fire in the same region. Tibetans block road, stop military convoy Upon seeing a convoy of Chinese military trucks speeding towards Drango, Tibetans in Tawu poured on to the roads and stopped the armed Chinese soldiers from their onwards journey. Chinese security personnel shot down at least six Tibetans on Monday in Drango for carrying out a peaceful protest calling for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile and protesting China’s continued occupation of Tibet. The military convoy of around 40 trucks were reinforcements for Chinese troops in Drango. Tibetans in Tawu also laid down road blocks along the road. A confrontation between the police and local Tibetans followed, after which a tight security cauldron has been thrown around Tawu. |
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Sunday, 29 January 2012
A Young student killed protecting his friend – A round up of events
Friday, 27 January 2012
Another Tibetan killed in fresh protests
Phayul[Thursday, January 26, 2012 23:59]
DHARAMSHALA, January 26: In reports coming out of Tibet, another Tibetan was killed and several others seriously injured in police firings in eastern Tibet earlier today. This is the third bloody incident this week when unarmed Tibetan demonstrators have been fired upon by Chinese security personnel.
At around 12 noon local time, a Tibetan man named Tharpa put up signed flyers around Zu To Bharma Shang, declaring that until the demands of the Tibetans who have self-immolated are met, Tibetans will never abandon their struggle and continue to organise more campaigns.
Since March 2011, 16 Tibetans have set their bodies on fire demanding the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile and protesting China’s continued occupation of Tibet.
In a release today, the exile base of Kirti monastery said that Tharpa had himself gone around the town putting up the flyers with his name clearly signed on it.
“You, Communist Chinese, come and arrest me,” Tharpa had challenged.
Following the wave of self-immolations, numerous flyers and pamphlets have been reportedly cited in Ngaba and Drango areas, stating that many more Tibetans were ready to set their bodies on fire.
Two hours later, at around 2 pm local time, Chinese security personnel surrounded Tharpa’s home and arrested him. A crowd of gathered Tibetans outside the house stopped the Chinese police from taking him away saying that “all local Tibetans will rise up in protest” if Tharpa is arrested.
Following the confrontation, the Chinese security personnel resorted to violent force.
“The Chinese security personnel used fire arms, killing one Tibetan on the spot and injuring many more,” the release said citing sources in the region.
Over ten thousand Tibetans from the nearby regions of Zu Toe and Zu Mey (upper and lower Zu) have reportedly arrived at Bharma Shang as the situation continues to remain very tense.
Earlier this week, at least a dozen Tibetans were killed after Chinese security personnel fired indiscriminately at unarmed Tibetan demonstrators in two separate incidents in Drango and Serthar.
Amnesty International, in a release yesterday had urged China to allow independent monitors into areas of protest, saying that it was “worried about further violence and bloodshed" in Tibetan areas.
At around 12 noon local time, a Tibetan man named Tharpa put up signed flyers around Zu To Bharma Shang, declaring that until the demands of the Tibetans who have self-immolated are met, Tibetans will never abandon their struggle and continue to organise more campaigns.
Since March 2011, 16 Tibetans have set their bodies on fire demanding the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile and protesting China’s continued occupation of Tibet.
In a release today, the exile base of Kirti monastery said that Tharpa had himself gone around the town putting up the flyers with his name clearly signed on it.
“You, Communist Chinese, come and arrest me,” Tharpa had challenged.
Following the wave of self-immolations, numerous flyers and pamphlets have been reportedly cited in Ngaba and Drango areas, stating that many more Tibetans were ready to set their bodies on fire.
Two hours later, at around 2 pm local time, Chinese security personnel surrounded Tharpa’s home and arrested him. A crowd of gathered Tibetans outside the house stopped the Chinese police from taking him away saying that “all local Tibetans will rise up in protest” if Tharpa is arrested.
Following the confrontation, the Chinese security personnel resorted to violent force.
“The Chinese security personnel used fire arms, killing one Tibetan on the spot and injuring many more,” the release said citing sources in the region.
Over ten thousand Tibetans from the nearby regions of Zu Toe and Zu Mey (upper and lower Zu) have reportedly arrived at Bharma Shang as the situation continues to remain very tense.
Earlier this week, at least a dozen Tibetans were killed after Chinese security personnel fired indiscriminately at unarmed Tibetan demonstrators in two separate incidents in Drango and Serthar.
Amnesty International, in a release yesterday had urged China to allow independent monitors into areas of protest, saying that it was “worried about further violence and bloodshed" in Tibetan areas.
Thursday, 26 January 2012
Kalon Tripa calls for wordwide vigil on Feb. 8
Phayul[Thursday, January 26, 2012 17:37]
By Tendar Tsering
DHARAMSHALA, January 26: In his first official statement on the recent killings of Tibetans in Tibet, Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay urged Tibetans and Tibet supporters all over the world to take part in a global vigil on Wednesday, February 8.
“To demonstrate our solidarity with Tibetans in Tibet, I urge Tibetans and our friends around the world, to participate in a worldwide vigil on Wednesday, February 8, 2012,” Kalon Tripa said.
“Let’s send a loud and clear message to the Chinese government that violence and killing of innocent Tibetans is unacceptable!”
In two separate incidents, earlier this week, hundreds of Tibetans took out demonstrations calling for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and demanding freedom in Tibet.
Protests in Drango county, flared up on Monday after local Chinese Public Security Bureau officials arbitrarily arrested Tibetans on suspicion of their involvement in the appearance of leaflets and posters around the town following the wave of self-immolations in the region. The posters had warned of more Tibetan self-immolations if the Chinese government did not listen to Tibetan concerns.
Eyewitnesses in the region have confirmed the death of six Tibetans in police firings.
A day later, at least five Tibetans suffered fatal bullet injuries in police firings in Serthar, where over 600 Chinese security personnel brutally suppressed a peaceful demonstration by Tibetans calling for Tibet’s independence.
Referring to the recent police firings, Dr Sangay noted that China’s “gruesome acts” and “systematic repression of Tibetans” has led to the growth of “resentment and anger” amongst Tibetans against the Chinese government since the massive uprising of 2008."
“Basic human rights are being denied to Tibetans, the fragile environment is being destroyed, Tibetan language and culture is being assimilated, portraits of His Holiness the Dalai Lama are banned, and Tibetans are being economically marginalised,” the de facto Tibetan Prime Minister said.
“Tibet is in virtual lockdown. Foreigners have been barred from travelling to Tibet now and the entire region is essentially under undeclared martial law.”
Addressing Tibetans in Tibet, Dr Sangay promised that their sacrifices will not go in vain.
"We hear your cries loud and clear. We urge you not to despair and refrain from extreme measures. We feel your pain and will not allow the sacrifices you have made go in vain. You all are in our heart and prayers each and every day," Dr Sangay said.
While appealing to the international community to show solidarity and raise their voices in support of the fundamental rights of the Tibetan people at this “critical time,” Dr Sangay reminded the Beijing government that violence will never address the genuine grievances of Tibetans and restore stability in Tibet.
“The only way to resolve the Tibet issue and bring about lasting peace is by respecting the rights of the Tibetan people and through dialogue,” Dr Sangay said. “As someone deeply committed to peaceful dialogue, the use of violence against Tibetans is unacceptable and must be strongly condemned by all people in China and around the world”.
In his statement, Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay also urged Tibetans to forego celebrations during the coming Tibetan New Year, calling for only the basic customary religious rituals to be observed.
Since March 2011, 16 Tibetans have set their bodies on fire demanding the return of the Dalai Lama from exile and protesting China's continued occupation of Tibet.
Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay.(Phayul archive/Norbu Wangyal)
“To demonstrate our solidarity with Tibetans in Tibet, I urge Tibetans and our friends around the world, to participate in a worldwide vigil on Wednesday, February 8, 2012,” Kalon Tripa said.
“Let’s send a loud and clear message to the Chinese government that violence and killing of innocent Tibetans is unacceptable!”
In two separate incidents, earlier this week, hundreds of Tibetans took out demonstrations calling for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and demanding freedom in Tibet.
Protests in Drango county, flared up on Monday after local Chinese Public Security Bureau officials arbitrarily arrested Tibetans on suspicion of their involvement in the appearance of leaflets and posters around the town following the wave of self-immolations in the region. The posters had warned of more Tibetan self-immolations if the Chinese government did not listen to Tibetan concerns.
Eyewitnesses in the region have confirmed the death of six Tibetans in police firings.
A day later, at least five Tibetans suffered fatal bullet injuries in police firings in Serthar, where over 600 Chinese security personnel brutally suppressed a peaceful demonstration by Tibetans calling for Tibet’s independence.
Referring to the recent police firings, Dr Sangay noted that China’s “gruesome acts” and “systematic repression of Tibetans” has led to the growth of “resentment and anger” amongst Tibetans against the Chinese government since the massive uprising of 2008."
“Basic human rights are being denied to Tibetans, the fragile environment is being destroyed, Tibetan language and culture is being assimilated, portraits of His Holiness the Dalai Lama are banned, and Tibetans are being economically marginalised,” the de facto Tibetan Prime Minister said.
“Tibet is in virtual lockdown. Foreigners have been barred from travelling to Tibet now and the entire region is essentially under undeclared martial law.”
Addressing Tibetans in Tibet, Dr Sangay promised that their sacrifices will not go in vain.
"We hear your cries loud and clear. We urge you not to despair and refrain from extreme measures. We feel your pain and will not allow the sacrifices you have made go in vain. You all are in our heart and prayers each and every day," Dr Sangay said.
While appealing to the international community to show solidarity and raise their voices in support of the fundamental rights of the Tibetan people at this “critical time,” Dr Sangay reminded the Beijing government that violence will never address the genuine grievances of Tibetans and restore stability in Tibet.
“The only way to resolve the Tibet issue and bring about lasting peace is by respecting the rights of the Tibetan people and through dialogue,” Dr Sangay said. “As someone deeply committed to peaceful dialogue, the use of violence against Tibetans is unacceptable and must be strongly condemned by all people in China and around the world”.
In his statement, Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay also urged Tibetans to forego celebrations during the coming Tibetan New Year, calling for only the basic customary religious rituals to be observed.
Since March 2011, 16 Tibetans have set their bodies on fire demanding the return of the Dalai Lama from exile and protesting China's continued occupation of Tibet.
Protests in Dharamshala as China sends additional forces to Tibet
Phayul[Thursday, January 26, 2012 16:25]
By Tendar Tsering
DHARAMSHALA, January 26: Tibetans in Dharamshala held a candle light protest yesterday evening calling for international help to end the bloodshed in Tibet, even as reports of additional military build up in Tibetan areas are coming in.
As many as a dozen Tibetans are feared dead after Chinese security personnel opened fire on unarmed Tibetans demonstrating in Drango and Serthar earlier this week.
Tibetans and supporters in Dharamshala held a candle light protest calling for international intervention to stop the ongoing bloodshed in Tibet on January 25, 2012. (Phayul photo/Norbu Wangyal)
As many as a dozen Tibetans are feared dead after Chinese security personnel opened fire on unarmed Tibetans demonstrating in Drango and Serthar earlier this week.
Tibetans carrying the ‘banned’ Tibetan national flag had called for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile and demanded freedom in Tibet.
Speaking at the candle light protest, Ghang Lhamo, member of Tibetan Parliament and General Secretary of the Gu-Chu-Sum Former Political Prisoner’s Movement said the world should be ashamed for allowing China carry on the brutal oppression of Tibetans.
“It is a shame that in this 21st century our world leaders chose to remain mute spectators when Chinese police are openly firing on peaceful crowds, shooting Tibetans in broad daylight,” Ghang Lhamo said. “It is high time world leaders echo the true aspirations of the Tibetan people in their non-violent struggle for justice and freedom”.
Net users around the area of protests in eastern Tibet on Wednesday posted pictures indicating additional Chinese security forces being deployed in the region. The photographs showed Chinese army trucks speeding across a highway headed for the troubled region.
Serthar and Drango were under virtual martial law following the police firings. Thousands of Chinese security personnel were reportedly manning the streets, restricting the movement of Tibetans and imposing new stricter regulations in the region. Earlier reports had said that due to the lock down, Tibetans suffering serious injuries after the protests were unable to receive medical attention.
"The situation in Drango is very tense as police are not only manning the streets but also keeping an aerial vigil with helicopters flying over the region," said Palden, the Dharamshala based spokesperson of a network group keeping close contacts with people in Drango.
"People in the region are under constant fear," Palden added.
The reports of increasing Chinese brutality in Tibet have spurred heated online debates and discussions in the exile Tibetan community, especially amongst the youngsters.
"Without any fear, Tibetans in Tibet are setting themselves on fire and calling for freedom in Tibet at gun point. Let us join them, let us do a Tsampa Revolution," Kelsang Tashi wrote on a social networking site.
Another Tibetan, Lobsang Kunchok questioned the reactions of various Tibetan groups in exile to the ongoing crisis inside Tibet.
“Press releases and more press releases. I wonder what our leaders are waiting for before they actually decide to organise mass campaigns and global protests which does not involve sitting and saying prayers,” Kunchok wrote.
Speaking at the candle light protest, Ghang Lhamo, member of Tibetan Parliament and General Secretary of the Gu-Chu-Sum Former Political Prisoner’s Movement said the world should be ashamed for allowing China carry on the brutal oppression of Tibetans.
“It is a shame that in this 21st century our world leaders chose to remain mute spectators when Chinese police are openly firing on peaceful crowds, shooting Tibetans in broad daylight,” Ghang Lhamo said. “It is high time world leaders echo the true aspirations of the Tibetan people in their non-violent struggle for justice and freedom”.
A user of Chinese microblogging site Sina Weibo posted a photo, he said, showing armed police vehicles headed for the Serthar region of eastern Tibet.
Serthar and Drango were under virtual martial law following the police firings. Thousands of Chinese security personnel were reportedly manning the streets, restricting the movement of Tibetans and imposing new stricter regulations in the region. Earlier reports had said that due to the lock down, Tibetans suffering serious injuries after the protests were unable to receive medical attention.
"The situation in Drango is very tense as police are not only manning the streets but also keeping an aerial vigil with helicopters flying over the region," said Palden, the Dharamshala based spokesperson of a network group keeping close contacts with people in Drango.
"People in the region are under constant fear," Palden added.
The reports of increasing Chinese brutality in Tibet have spurred heated online debates and discussions in the exile Tibetan community, especially amongst the youngsters.
"Without any fear, Tibetans in Tibet are setting themselves on fire and calling for freedom in Tibet at gun point. Let us join them, let us do a Tsampa Revolution," Kelsang Tashi wrote on a social networking site.
Another Tibetan, Lobsang Kunchok questioned the reactions of various Tibetan groups in exile to the ongoing crisis inside Tibet.
“Press releases and more press releases. I wonder what our leaders are waiting for before they actually decide to organise mass campaigns and global protests which does not involve sitting and saying prayers,” Kunchok wrote.
Amnesty expresses fear over further bloodshed in Tibet
Phayul[Wednesday, January 25, 2012 22:54]
DHARAMSHALA, January 25: The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) held a solidarity prayer service for the many Tibetans who have died due to Chinese police firings over the last two days in Tibet.
The prayer service held earlier today at Tsug-la Khang was led by Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay.
The Dr Sangay on Tuesday had urged the international community to intervene to prevent further bloodshed in Tibet.
“Silence from the world community sends a clear message to China that its repressive and violent measures to handle tensions in Tibetan areas are acceptable,” Dr Sangay said. “As a nation aspiring to become a world economic and political power, the People’s Republic of China cannot be permitted to behave in such immoral and violent manner."
At least a dozen Tibetans have died after Chinese security personnel fired indiscriminately at unarmed Tibetan demonstrators in two separate incidents in Drango and Serthar, both in eastern Tibet.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International in a release yesterday said “China must avoid using excessive force in response to protests and allow independent monitors into areas of protest.”
"The Chinese authorities are responding only with repression and a security crackdown to an already volatile situation, instead of addressing long-standing human rights grievances on the part of Tibetans,” said Sam Zarifi, Amnesty International’s Asia-Pacific director.
"The situation has not improved in Tibetan areas since 2008 when tensions exploded into violence. Grievances regarding restrictions on religious and cultural freedoms have gotten worse, not better."
Keeping in view Chinese government’s “increasingly repressive behaviour,” Amnesty International renewed its call for independent monitors, for instance the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, to be allowed into the country.
The global rights group said that it was “worried about further violence and bloodshed" in Tibetan areas.
In the past 11 months, 16 Tibetans have set their bodies on fire demanding the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile and protesting China’s continued occupation of Tibet.
The prayer service held earlier today at Tsug-la Khang was led by Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay.
The Dr Sangay on Tuesday had urged the international community to intervene to prevent further bloodshed in Tibet.
“Silence from the world community sends a clear message to China that its repressive and violent measures to handle tensions in Tibetan areas are acceptable,” Dr Sangay said. “As a nation aspiring to become a world economic and political power, the People’s Republic of China cannot be permitted to behave in such immoral and violent manner."
At least a dozen Tibetans have died after Chinese security personnel fired indiscriminately at unarmed Tibetan demonstrators in two separate incidents in Drango and Serthar, both in eastern Tibet.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International in a release yesterday said “China must avoid using excessive force in response to protests and allow independent monitors into areas of protest.”
"The Chinese authorities are responding only with repression and a security crackdown to an already volatile situation, instead of addressing long-standing human rights grievances on the part of Tibetans,” said Sam Zarifi, Amnesty International’s Asia-Pacific director.
"The situation has not improved in Tibetan areas since 2008 when tensions exploded into violence. Grievances regarding restrictions on religious and cultural freedoms have gotten worse, not better."
Keeping in view Chinese government’s “increasingly repressive behaviour,” Amnesty International renewed its call for independent monitors, for instance the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, to be allowed into the country.
The global rights group said that it was “worried about further violence and bloodshed" in Tibetan areas.
In the past 11 months, 16 Tibetans have set their bodies on fire demanding the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile and protesting China’s continued occupation of Tibet.
‘Exercise restraint, Allow observers in Tibet,’ US tells China
Phayul[Wednesday, January 25, 2012 22:52]
By Tendar Tsering
DHARAMSHALA, January 25: Angered by the indiscriminate police firings on unarmed Tibetans in eastern Tibet over the last two days, the US government on Tuesday renewed its call for an end to the critical situation inside Tibet.
US Special Coordinator for Tibet, Under Secretary Maria Otero said US was “gravely concerned by reports of violence and continuing heightened tensions” in Tibet.
At least a dozen Tibetans have been killed in Chinese police firings in two separate incidents in Drongo and Serthar over the last two days. The Tibetans, protesting the repressive Chinese government policies in Tibet had called for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile and demanded independence for Tibet.
"The US Government repeatedly has urged the Chinese government to address the counterproductive policies in Tibetan areas that have created tensions and that threaten the distinct religious, cultural and linguistic identity of the Tibetan people," the US Special Coordinator for Tibet said.
President Obama’s point woman for Tibet went on to list a few of the “counterproductive policies” as the Chinese government’s “dramatic expansion” of controls on religious life and practice; ongoing “patriotic education” campaigns requiring the denunciation of the Dalai Lama; the permanent placement of Chinese officials in monasteries; increasingly intensive surveillance, arbitrary detentions and disappearances of Tibetans.
Under Secretary Otero also noted that the US Government has “consistently and directly” raised the issue of Tibetan self-immolations with the Chinese government while criticising Beijing for placing restrictions on and imprisoning families and friends of the self-immolators.
Just in the past 11 months, 16 Tibetans in Tibet have set their bodies on fire demanding the return of the Dalai Lama from exile and protesting China’s continued occupation of Tibet.
"We urge Chinese security forces to exercise restraint, and we renew our call to allow access to Tibetan areas of China for journalists, diplomats and other observers," the US Special Coordinator for Tibet said.
“We call on the Chinese government to resume substantive, results-oriented dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives to address the underlying grievances of China’s Tibetan population."
US Special Coordinator for Tibet, Under Secretary Maria Otero
US Special Coordinator for Tibet, Under Secretary Maria Otero said US was “gravely concerned by reports of violence and continuing heightened tensions” in Tibet.
At least a dozen Tibetans have been killed in Chinese police firings in two separate incidents in Drongo and Serthar over the last two days. The Tibetans, protesting the repressive Chinese government policies in Tibet had called for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile and demanded independence for Tibet.
"The US Government repeatedly has urged the Chinese government to address the counterproductive policies in Tibetan areas that have created tensions and that threaten the distinct religious, cultural and linguistic identity of the Tibetan people," the US Special Coordinator for Tibet said.
President Obama’s point woman for Tibet went on to list a few of the “counterproductive policies” as the Chinese government’s “dramatic expansion” of controls on religious life and practice; ongoing “patriotic education” campaigns requiring the denunciation of the Dalai Lama; the permanent placement of Chinese officials in monasteries; increasingly intensive surveillance, arbitrary detentions and disappearances of Tibetans.
Under Secretary Otero also noted that the US Government has “consistently and directly” raised the issue of Tibetan self-immolations with the Chinese government while criticising Beijing for placing restrictions on and imprisoning families and friends of the self-immolators.
Just in the past 11 months, 16 Tibetans in Tibet have set their bodies on fire demanding the return of the Dalai Lama from exile and protesting China’s continued occupation of Tibet.
"We urge Chinese security forces to exercise restraint, and we renew our call to allow access to Tibetan areas of China for journalists, diplomats and other observers," the US Special Coordinator for Tibet said.
“We call on the Chinese government to resume substantive, results-oriented dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives to address the underlying grievances of China’s Tibetan population."
Tuesday, 24 January 2012
Exile groups condemn China’s brutality
Phayul[Tuesday, January 24, 2012 20:55]
Young Tibetan monks at the candle light vigil in Dharamshala to protest ongoing police brutalities in Tibet, January 24, 2012. (Phayul photo/Norbu Wangyal)
DHARAMSHALA, January 24: Tibetans in the exile seat of Dharamshala, north India carried out a candle light vigil to protest police firing over the last two days in Tibet which has left at least 11 dead.
In two separate incidents, hundreds of Tibetans took out demonstrations calling for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and demanding freedom in Tibet.
Protests in Drango county, Kandze flared up yesterday after local Chinese Public Security Bureau officials began to arbitrarily arrest Tibetans on suspicion of their involvement in the appearance of leaflets and posters around the town following the wave of self-immolations in the region. The posters had warned of more Tibetan self-immolations if the Chinese government did not listen to Tibetan concerns.
Earlier reports had indicated that one Tibetan was shot dead in Drango but now reports are confirming the death of six Tibetans in yesterday’s firings.
In reports today, at least five Tibetans have been confirmed dead in police firings in Serthar, eastern Tibet today.
Over 600 Chinese security personnel arrived at a scene of peaceful demonstrations in the central town of Serthar where gathered Tibetans raised slogans calling for Tibet’s independence.
Chinese security personnel began firing indiscriminately at the crowd, killing at least five and wounding many more. Sources say Serthar is under virtual martial law with injured Tibetans left with no access to medical treatment.
In a release at the candle light vigil, the Dharamshala regional chapter of the Tibetan Youth Congress, the largest pro-democracy group in exile said the ongoing police brutalities in Tibet were signs of Chinese government’s “insecurity” and “failure” of their policies in Tibet.
“As we lead this candle light vigil in Dharamshala to protest police firing in Kham Drango yesterday and Serthar this morning, we say prayers for the martyrs and mark our solidarity with our people in Tibet,” the youth organisaton said.
“We request the Indian government and its people, and the international community to ask the Chinese government to respect human rights in Tibet and immediately withdraw their security crackdown in Tibet”.
The International Tibet Network, a global movement of 185 Tibet advocacy organisations condemned China's “escalating crackdown” after police firings in Tibet.
The group also vowed to intensify efforts for multilateral pressure on China in a release yesterday.
“We vow to intensify our efforts in support of Tibetans inside Tibet and call on world governments, international institutions, and the global community to pressure China to address Tibetan grievances before more lives are lost,” the organisations declared.
In the past 11 months, 16 Tibetans have set their bodies on fire demanding the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile and protesting China’s continued occupation of Tibet.
“The scale of this crisis and China's unwillingness to acknowledge international concern warrants a strong international response,” said the International Tibet Network while urging all governments to “publicly condemn China’s use of force against unarmed Tibetan protestors.”
“The worldwide membership of the International Tibet Network condemns China’s flagrant disregard for fundamental human rights and its cruel and systematic assault on the Tibetan people,” the release said.
Young Tibetan monks at the candle light vigil in Dharamshala to protest ongoing police brutalities in Tibet, January 24, 2012. (Phayul photo/Norbu Wangyal)
DHARAMSHALA, January 24: Tibetans in the exile seat of Dharamshala, north India carried out a candle light vigil to protest police firing over the last two days in Tibet which has left at least 11 dead.
In two separate incidents, hundreds of Tibetans took out demonstrations calling for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and demanding freedom in Tibet.
Protests in Drango county, Kandze flared up yesterday after local Chinese Public Security Bureau officials began to arbitrarily arrest Tibetans on suspicion of their involvement in the appearance of leaflets and posters around the town following the wave of self-immolations in the region. The posters had warned of more Tibetan self-immolations if the Chinese government did not listen to Tibetan concerns.
Earlier reports had indicated that one Tibetan was shot dead in Drango but now reports are confirming the death of six Tibetans in yesterday’s firings.
In reports today, at least five Tibetans have been confirmed dead in police firings in Serthar, eastern Tibet today.
Over 600 Chinese security personnel arrived at a scene of peaceful demonstrations in the central town of Serthar where gathered Tibetans raised slogans calling for Tibet’s independence.
Chinese security personnel began firing indiscriminately at the crowd, killing at least five and wounding many more. Sources say Serthar is under virtual martial law with injured Tibetans left with no access to medical treatment.
In a release at the candle light vigil, the Dharamshala regional chapter of the Tibetan Youth Congress, the largest pro-democracy group in exile said the ongoing police brutalities in Tibet were signs of Chinese government’s “insecurity” and “failure” of their policies in Tibet.
“As we lead this candle light vigil in Dharamshala to protest police firing in Kham Drango yesterday and Serthar this morning, we say prayers for the martyrs and mark our solidarity with our people in Tibet,” the youth organisaton said.
“We request the Indian government and its people, and the international community to ask the Chinese government to respect human rights in Tibet and immediately withdraw their security crackdown in Tibet”.
The International Tibet Network, a global movement of 185 Tibet advocacy organisations condemned China's “escalating crackdown” after police firings in Tibet.
The group also vowed to intensify efforts for multilateral pressure on China in a release yesterday.
“We vow to intensify our efforts in support of Tibetans inside Tibet and call on world governments, international institutions, and the global community to pressure China to address Tibetan grievances before more lives are lost,” the organisations declared.
In the past 11 months, 16 Tibetans have set their bodies on fire demanding the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile and protesting China’s continued occupation of Tibet.
“The scale of this crisis and China's unwillingness to acknowledge international concern warrants a strong international response,” said the International Tibet Network while urging all governments to “publicly condemn China’s use of force against unarmed Tibetan protestors.”
“The worldwide membership of the International Tibet Network condemns China’s flagrant disregard for fundamental human rights and its cruel and systematic assault on the Tibetan people,” the release said.
5 killed in fresh protests in Serthar
Phayul[Tuesday, January 24, 2012 18:33]
by Sherab Woeser
DHARAMSHALA, January 24: In news just in, at least five Tibetans have died in police firings in Serthar, eastern Tibet today.
The incidence occurred earlier today when a large crowd of Tibetans gathered in the central town of Serthar and started raising slogans calling for Tibet’s independence.
Sources in exile with contacts in the region say that over 600 Chinese security personnel arrived at the scene of the protests and began firing indiscriminately at the crowd.
Speaking to Dharamshala based radio service VoT, an unnamed Tibetan said that five Tibetans were confirmed dead with over 40 Tibetans carrying serious injuries.
“The Chinese security personnel began to fire indiscriminately at the crowd of Tibetans demonstrating against the Chinese government in the central town of Serthar,” the Tibetan said.
Beijing based Tibetan writer, Woeser has also independently confirmed that five Tibetans were killed in the protests today. Woeser identified one of the dead as Bobo, a Tibetan man in his mid-thirties.
Sources say the whole of Serthar is under virtual martial law with large numbers of Chinese security personnel maintaining a strict surveillance all over the town.
All the shops and restaurants and public amenities in the region have been forced to shut down.
There is fear that the number of casualties will rise as injured Tibetans have been left with no access to medical treatment.
The protests in Serthar come a day after massive protests were reported from neighbouring Drango county yesterday. Earlier reports had indicated that one Tibetan was shot dead by Chinese security personnel in Drango but now reports are confirming the death of six Tibetans in yesterday’s firings.
Last week, hundreds of Tibetans had come out on the streets of Serthar in an act of defiance against Chinese rule, carrying photos of the Dalai Lama and calling for Tibet's independence.
The de facto Tibetan Prime Minister Dr Lobsang Sangay today urged the international community to intervene to prevent further bloodshed in Tibet.
“Silence from the world community sends a clear message to China that its repressive and violent measures to handle tensions in Tibetan areas are acceptable,” Dr Sangay said.
“As a nation aspiring to become a world economic and political power, the People’s Republic of China cannot be permitted to behave in such immoral and violent manner”.
In the past 11 months, 16 Tibetans have set their bodies on fire demanding the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile and protesting China’s continued occupation of Tibet.
At least a dozen Tibetans have died in the past few weeks alone in police firings on peaceful demonstrators in Tibet.
by Sherab Woeser
DHARAMSHALA, January 24: In news just in, at least five Tibetans have died in police firings in Serthar, eastern Tibet today.
The incidence occurred earlier today when a large crowd of Tibetans gathered in the central town of Serthar and started raising slogans calling for Tibet’s independence.
Sources in exile with contacts in the region say that over 600 Chinese security personnel arrived at the scene of the protests and began firing indiscriminately at the crowd.
Speaking to Dharamshala based radio service VoT, an unnamed Tibetan said that five Tibetans were confirmed dead with over 40 Tibetans carrying serious injuries.
“The Chinese security personnel began to fire indiscriminately at the crowd of Tibetans demonstrating against the Chinese government in the central town of Serthar,” the Tibetan said.
Beijing based Tibetan writer, Woeser has also independently confirmed that five Tibetans were killed in the protests today. Woeser identified one of the dead as Bobo, a Tibetan man in his mid-thirties.
Sources say the whole of Serthar is under virtual martial law with large numbers of Chinese security personnel maintaining a strict surveillance all over the town.
All the shops and restaurants and public amenities in the region have been forced to shut down.
There is fear that the number of casualties will rise as injured Tibetans have been left with no access to medical treatment.
The protests in Serthar come a day after massive protests were reported from neighbouring Drango county yesterday. Earlier reports had indicated that one Tibetan was shot dead by Chinese security personnel in Drango but now reports are confirming the death of six Tibetans in yesterday’s firings.
Last week, hundreds of Tibetans had come out on the streets of Serthar in an act of defiance against Chinese rule, carrying photos of the Dalai Lama and calling for Tibet's independence.
The de facto Tibetan Prime Minister Dr Lobsang Sangay today urged the international community to intervene to prevent further bloodshed in Tibet.
“Silence from the world community sends a clear message to China that its repressive and violent measures to handle tensions in Tibetan areas are acceptable,” Dr Sangay said.
“As a nation aspiring to become a world economic and political power, the People’s Republic of China cannot be permitted to behave in such immoral and violent manner”.
In the past 11 months, 16 Tibetans have set their bodies on fire demanding the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile and protesting China’s continued occupation of Tibet.
At least a dozen Tibetans have died in the past few weeks alone in police firings on peaceful demonstrators in Tibet.
Students pedal on as situation worsens in Tibet
| Phayul[Tuesday, January 24, 2012 17:29] |
By Tendar Tsering see their facebook page  Coinciding with their winter vacations, Tselo Gyal, Lugoen Thar and Gyaltsen, all students of the Tibetan Children’s village (TCV) School, Gopalpur, north India, voluntarily organised the rally. The ‘Cycling for Tibet’ campaign, which will culminate in the Indian capital New Delhi, was flagged off from the largest Tibetan settlement of Bylakuppe in Karnataka Friday. Covering over 90 kms, the students arrived for their first major stop in Mysore and with the help of the regional chapter of the Tibetan Youth Congress, met with the press and distributed pamphlets around the city. Speaking to Phayul over phone, the students said they would be reaching Bangalore later in the evening and arrange a meeting with the press tomorrow. “With the help of the Tibetans in the city, we will be having a press conference at the Indian press club in the city tomorrow,” said Tselo Gyal, one of the three students on the cycle rally. “The press conference will be followed by a mass gathering of Tibetans at the Tibetan Youth Hostel in the city, and then, in the afternoon, we will be heading off to Chennai,” Tselo added. In a statement at the beginning of the rally, the three students said they were undertaking the ‘Cycling for Tibet’ campaign to highlight the “plight of Tibetans suffering under China’s repressive rule” and to appeal for support in the resolution of the ongoing crisis in Tibet. “The suffering and the injustice meted out to Tibetans in Tibet must end soon if truth, freedom, and peace are to sustain this world,” the release said. In the past 11 months, 16 Tibetans have set their bodies on fire in Tibet demanding the return of the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama from exile and protesting China’s continued occupation of Tibet. The past couple of days have witnessed mass protests in many parts of Tibet, resulting in the deaths of at least two Tibetans as a result of police firing over unarmed demonstrators. The numbers are expected to rise as many more have been reported critically injured. |
Monday, 23 January 2012
Tibetans shot to death on Chinese new year
Phayul[Monday, January 23, 2012 18:48]
DHARAMSHALA, January 23: Security personnel in Drango, eastern Tibet celebrated the Chinese new year firing at a crowd of unarmed protesting Tibetans earlier today.
Reports coming out of Drango region confirm the death of at least one Tibetan with many suffering serious injuries.
"One Tibetan layman, identified as Yonten, has died of gunshot after security officials clamped down on a protest in Drango County (Ch: Luhuo County) in Kandze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture," said the Dharamshala based Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) in a release today.
The body of Yonten is reportedly kept at the Drango Monastery.
According to sources, the protests flared after local Chinese Public Security Bureau officials began to arbitrarily arrest Tibetans on suspicion of their involvement in the appearance of leaflets and posters around the town following the wave of self-immolations in the region. The posters had warned of more Tibetan self-immolations if the Chinese government did not listen to Tibetan concerns.
"Many Tibetans in the Drango area rose up in protest this morning. Many of the protesters were farmers and nomads," TCHRD said.
"The Public Security Bureau and People's Armed Police intervened by using guns to rein in the protesters," the TCHRD said while confirming “serious injuries” to three monks from Drango Monastery.
In a separate release on today’s incidence, the Dharamshala based Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile said scores of Tibetans called for Tibet’s freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet, following which the police indiscriminately fired on the peaceful demonstrators.
Though TCHRD confirmed one death, other sources are reporting that as many as six Tibetans could have suffered gunshots.
TPiE has said the situation in the region continues to remain tense.
In another release, London based Free Tibet said that up to 30 Tibetans were shot this morning with local Tibetans avoiding taking the injured to hospital fearing arrest.
"The situation is ongoing and large numbers of Tibetans are reported to be travelling to Draggo from the surrounding areas of Serthar (Chinese:Seda) and Tawu (Chinese: Daofu) counties (also in Kandze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture) to join the demonstration; large numbers of Tibetans are also gathering in Draggo monastery courtyard," Free Tibet said.
In the past 11 months, 16 Tibetans in Tibet have set themselves ablaze demanding the return of the Dalai Lama from exile and protesting China’s continued occupation of Tibet.
“Tibetans have resorted to this desperate act out of sheer frustration against the policies and programs of the Chinese authorities aimed at eradicating the Tibetan identity,” TPiE said in its release.
“The Tibetan parliament is deeply aggrieved by the incidents and condemns the Chinese authorities for resorting to such drastic acts of force and repression”.
Expressing shock at the “silence” of the international community over the “gross violation of human rights in Tibet,” TPiE appealed to the free world to “rise up to the occasion and impress on China to find a lasting solution to the Issue of Tibet”.
“We call on China to respect the Tibetan people’s right to express themselves and look into the legitimate grievances of the Tibetan people,” the elected Tibetan representatives said.
Reports coming out of Drango region confirm the death of at least one Tibetan with many suffering serious injuries.
"One Tibetan layman, identified as Yonten, has died of gunshot after security officials clamped down on a protest in Drango County (Ch: Luhuo County) in Kandze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture," said the Dharamshala based Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) in a release today.
The body of Yonten is reportedly kept at the Drango Monastery.
According to sources, the protests flared after local Chinese Public Security Bureau officials began to arbitrarily arrest Tibetans on suspicion of their involvement in the appearance of leaflets and posters around the town following the wave of self-immolations in the region. The posters had warned of more Tibetan self-immolations if the Chinese government did not listen to Tibetan concerns.
"Many Tibetans in the Drango area rose up in protest this morning. Many of the protesters were farmers and nomads," TCHRD said.
"The Public Security Bureau and People's Armed Police intervened by using guns to rein in the protesters," the TCHRD said while confirming “serious injuries” to three monks from Drango Monastery.
In a separate release on today’s incidence, the Dharamshala based Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile said scores of Tibetans called for Tibet’s freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet, following which the police indiscriminately fired on the peaceful demonstrators.
Though TCHRD confirmed one death, other sources are reporting that as many as six Tibetans could have suffered gunshots.
TPiE has said the situation in the region continues to remain tense.
In another release, London based Free Tibet said that up to 30 Tibetans were shot this morning with local Tibetans avoiding taking the injured to hospital fearing arrest.
"The situation is ongoing and large numbers of Tibetans are reported to be travelling to Draggo from the surrounding areas of Serthar (Chinese:Seda) and Tawu (Chinese: Daofu) counties (also in Kandze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture) to join the demonstration; large numbers of Tibetans are also gathering in Draggo monastery courtyard," Free Tibet said.
In the past 11 months, 16 Tibetans in Tibet have set themselves ablaze demanding the return of the Dalai Lama from exile and protesting China’s continued occupation of Tibet.
“Tibetans have resorted to this desperate act out of sheer frustration against the policies and programs of the Chinese authorities aimed at eradicating the Tibetan identity,” TPiE said in its release.
“The Tibetan parliament is deeply aggrieved by the incidents and condemns the Chinese authorities for resorting to such drastic acts of force and repression”.
Expressing shock at the “silence” of the international community over the “gross violation of human rights in Tibet,” TPiE appealed to the free world to “rise up to the occasion and impress on China to find a lasting solution to the Issue of Tibet”.
“We call on China to respect the Tibetan people’s right to express themselves and look into the legitimate grievances of the Tibetan people,” the elected Tibetan representatives said.
School children kick off cycle rally for Tibet
Phayul[Saturday, January 21, 2012 03:55]
By Tendar Tsering
DHARAMSHALA, January 21: Three Tibetan school students began a cycle rally for Tibet from the Tibetan settlement of Bylakuppe in the south Indian state of Karnataka to the Indian capital New Delhi, yesterday.
Tselo Gyal, Lugoen Thar and Gyaltsen, all students of the Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) School, Gopalpur in north India have voluntarily organised the rally coinciding with their two-month winter vacations.
In a press statement, the three students said they were undertaking the “Cycling for Tibet” campaign to highlight the “plight of Tibetans suffering under China’s repressive rule” and to appeal for support in the resolution of the Tibetan crisis.
“The suffering and the injustice meted out to Tibetans in Tibet must end soon if truth, freedom, and peace are to sustain this world,” the release said.
In the past 11 months, 16 Tibetans have set their bodies on fire in Tibet demanding the return of the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama from exile and protesting China’s continued occupation of Tibet.
Speaking to Phayul over phone from Bylakuppe, Tselo Gyal said they were taking out the cycle rally in support and solidarity with Tibetans inside Tibet.
“We are demanding an immediate withdrawal of Chinese security forces stationed in war-like numbers in Tibet and also calling on China to allow an independent international investigation team to visit Tibet,” Gyal said.
Condemning Beijing for its inaction in the face of the fiery wave of self-immolations inside Tibet, the students said the Chinese government is responsible for the loss of Tibetan lives.
“China can end these unfortunate incidents by adopting liberal and reasonable policies for Tibet and Tibetan people instead of suppressing them,” the young students said.
The students will be covering over 2,300 kms (1,400 miles) on their bicycles.
Tselo Gyal, Lugoen Thar and Gyaltsen pedalling on from Bylakuppe in south India to New Delhi some 2,300 kms up north, in solidarity with the Tibetans who have self-immolated inside Tibet.
Tselo Gyal, Lugoen Thar and Gyaltsen, all students of the Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) School, Gopalpur in north India have voluntarily organised the rally coinciding with their two-month winter vacations.
In a press statement, the three students said they were undertaking the “Cycling for Tibet” campaign to highlight the “plight of Tibetans suffering under China’s repressive rule” and to appeal for support in the resolution of the Tibetan crisis.
“The suffering and the injustice meted out to Tibetans in Tibet must end soon if truth, freedom, and peace are to sustain this world,” the release said.
In the past 11 months, 16 Tibetans have set their bodies on fire in Tibet demanding the return of the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama from exile and protesting China’s continued occupation of Tibet.
Speaking to Phayul over phone from Bylakuppe, Tselo Gyal said they were taking out the cycle rally in support and solidarity with Tibetans inside Tibet.
“We are demanding an immediate withdrawal of Chinese security forces stationed in war-like numbers in Tibet and also calling on China to allow an independent international investigation team to visit Tibet,” Gyal said.
Condemning Beijing for its inaction in the face of the fiery wave of self-immolations inside Tibet, the students said the Chinese government is responsible for the loss of Tibetan lives.
“China can end these unfortunate incidents by adopting liberal and reasonable policies for Tibet and Tibetan people instead of suppressing them,” the young students said.
The students will be covering over 2,300 kms (1,400 miles) on their bicycles.
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
Some interesting debate
Panelists
Tenzin Tsundue, Sanjay Kak, Nitasha Kaul, Mirza Waheed, Jianglin Li, and Dechen PembaDissent is integral to the idea of democracy. But what constitutes dissent? Who draws the line between legitimate and illegitimate dissent? Or for that matter, who defines the limits of democracy? Are democratic states better at accepting plurality and differences of opinion or are they better at managing them, and in the process, disciplining them? What do democracy, dissent, democratic dissent, and dissenting democrats mean in the context of world’s two largest countries: China and India? As the two states become major economic and military powers, what significance does it have for the diverse peoples residing within and connected without? The keynote speeches by two foremost and internationally renowned writers and intellectuals from India and China -- Arundhati Roy and Wang Lixiong will discuss some of these issues.
Nationalisms of all kinds play an important role in how states include or exclude people as well as in how people control or resist the state. The problematic nature of inclusionary/exclusionary nationalisms and coercive/cooptive statehood in China and India are nowhere better illustrated than in Tibet and Kashmir. Kashmir and Tibet are places with people -- people who live in a system they may not necessarily identify with, people whose life and livelihood is extra-ordinarily precarious under an overbearing, people many of whom have been forcibly displaced or involuntarily exiled -- and yet for the international audience they are mainly intractable problems. What does it mean to belong to the ‘troublesome paradises’? How does the experience of exile affect displaced subjects’ engagement with their homelands? What do the protests in Tibet and Kashmir since 2008 tell us about the aspirations of the people as well as about the myths associated with nationalism and statehood in ‘rising’ India and China? The panels on Kashmir and Tibet will bring together leading writers, filmmakers, poets, bloggers and intellectuals.
Colonialism in Tibet counterproductive to China
(TibetanReview.net, Jan16, 2012) Despite its claims of having liberated Tibet and ushered in modernization and development there, China is, in reality, practicing colonialism whose result is counterproductive, Dr Dibyesh Anand, Associate Professor of International Relations at the Westminster University, London, was cited as saying, delivering a talk on “Self immolation in Tibet and its impact on India, China and Tibet, at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, on Jan 13. The practice of colonialism is, in fact, the greatest threat to China’s credibility and ultimately its continuity in Tibet, isikkim.com Jan 4 cited Dr Anand as saying.
He has noted that China’s attacks on the Dalai Lama was seen by Tibetans as contempt for their way of life and disrespect to their dignity. Its familiar approach of blaming the Dalai Lama for all the problems in Tibet contradicts its own denial of there being any ‘Tibet issue’, he has added.
On the spate of self-immolations by protesting Tibetans, he has said the development should be seen in terms of continuity of the politics of resistance and not as a radical break from the past. He has blamed China’s hardline policies and a total securitisation of every aspect of life in Tibet for adding to the desperateness of the Tibetan people. He has pointed out that the repeated incidents of self immolation protests, despite China’s constant claims that Tibetans are happy members of the great Chinese motherland, proved the point the other way round.
He also felt that the insecurity the bulk of exile Tibetans feel despite being Indian in all practical sense was also the reason why the struggle for Tibet would continue. He has reiterated that Tibetans should be give credit for their contribution in reviving Buddhism in India and Buddhist sites like the Bodhgaya.
China bribing Tibetans to celebrate ‘Losar’
Phayul[Tuesday, January 17, 2012 16:30]
By Tendar Tsering
DHARAMSHALA, January 17: The Chinese government is now up to bribing Tibetans inside Tibet to celebrate the upcoming Tibetan New Year ‘Losar’.
Speaking to Phayul, a Tibetan exile citing contacts inside Tibet said Chinese government officials were coaxing Tibetans with money and gifts to celebrate ‘Losar’ (February 22-24) against their wishes.
“I spoke to a Tibetan in Tibet and he told me that Chinese government is bribing them to celebrate Losar by giving them 500 Yuan for each family and 200 Yuan for each individual,” the Tibetan (name withheld) said.
Following the fiery wave of self-immolations that has engulfed eastern Tibet over the past 11 months, Tibetans inside Tibet are reportedly skipping the ‘Losar’ celebrations as a tribute to the 16 Tibetans who have self-immolated since March last year. The popular move is also see as gesture to pay respect and show solidarity with the families of the deceased and injured.
Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), the largest pro-independence group in exile, in November last had urged Tibetans to forego the ‘Losar’ celebrations in keeping with the Tibetan tradition of abandoning new year celebrations following the death of a member in the family.
Referring to the unending wave of self-immolations by Tibetans inside Tibet, TYC had made an open appeal for a rescindment of Losar celebrations and urged Tibetans to instead contribute the expenditure usually incurred in celebrating the three-day event to the Dharamshala based Central Tibetan Administration.
“99% of Tibetans in Tibet will not celebrate the Losar but few are afraid that if they don’t celebrate then it might become a political liability for them,” the Tibetan man told Phayul.
“It would become easy for the Chinese authorities to pin point Tibetans not celebrating ‘Losar’ as anti-China”.
Another exiled Tibetan who has close contacts with Tibetans inside the besieged Ngaba region of eastern Tibet, which alone has seen 11 instances of self-immolations, said that Tibetans were “determined to skip” the upcoming ‘Losar’ celebrations.
“Tibetans in Tibet are very much determined to skip the Tibetan New Year as we do to mark a black year when someone in one’s family dies,” said Kanyag Tsering, citing contacts inside Tibet.
DHARAMSHALA, January 17: The Chinese government is now up to bribing Tibetans inside Tibet to celebrate the upcoming Tibetan New Year ‘Losar’.
Speaking to Phayul, a Tibetan exile citing contacts inside Tibet said Chinese government officials were coaxing Tibetans with money and gifts to celebrate ‘Losar’ (February 22-24) against their wishes.
“I spoke to a Tibetan in Tibet and he told me that Chinese government is bribing them to celebrate Losar by giving them 500 Yuan for each family and 200 Yuan for each individual,” the Tibetan (name withheld) said.
Following the fiery wave of self-immolations that has engulfed eastern Tibet over the past 11 months, Tibetans inside Tibet are reportedly skipping the ‘Losar’ celebrations as a tribute to the 16 Tibetans who have self-immolated since March last year. The popular move is also see as gesture to pay respect and show solidarity with the families of the deceased and injured.
Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), the largest pro-independence group in exile, in November last had urged Tibetans to forego the ‘Losar’ celebrations in keeping with the Tibetan tradition of abandoning new year celebrations following the death of a member in the family.
Referring to the unending wave of self-immolations by Tibetans inside Tibet, TYC had made an open appeal for a rescindment of Losar celebrations and urged Tibetans to instead contribute the expenditure usually incurred in celebrating the three-day event to the Dharamshala based Central Tibetan Administration.
“99% of Tibetans in Tibet will not celebrate the Losar but few are afraid that if they don’t celebrate then it might become a political liability for them,” the Tibetan man told Phayul.
“It would become easy for the Chinese authorities to pin point Tibetans not celebrating ‘Losar’ as anti-China”.
Another exiled Tibetan who has close contacts with Tibetans inside the besieged Ngaba region of eastern Tibet, which alone has seen 11 instances of self-immolations, said that Tibetans were “determined to skip” the upcoming ‘Losar’ celebrations.
“Tibetans in Tibet are very much determined to skip the Tibetan New Year as we do to mark a black year when someone in one’s family dies,” said Kanyag Tsering, citing contacts inside Tibet.
Thousands attend Sopa Rinpoche's funeral; Protests reported
Phayul[Tuesday, January 17, 2012 19:22]
DHARAMSHALA, January 17: Thousands of Tibetans from around the Golok region of eastern Tibet attended the funeral of Sonam Wangyal Sopa Rinpoche on Sunday morning.
Sopa Rinpoche, a respected spiritual figure in his early forties passed away on the spot after drinking and spraying kerosene all over his body before lighting himself up on January 8.
According to the Beijing based award winning Tibetan writer, Woeser, Tibetans in Amdo Golok and in the neighbouring regions of Qinghai, Gansu, and Sichuan were in deep mourning at the passing away of Rinpoche.
Writing on her blog, Woeser said thousands of Tibetans participated in the funeral ceremony of Sopa Rinpoche in Darlag (in Chinese, Dari) county of Golok.
Elsewhere in Golok, hundreds of Tibetans took out a day long peaceful demonstration following Sopa Rinpoche's funeral ceremony.
Citing contacts within the region, an exile Tibetan, Khenpo Ogyen Rigzin told US based radio service VOA that over a hundred Tibetans carry photos of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Gyalwang Karmapa in Amdo Golok Pema district carried protests from around 9:30 am to 5 pm.
“The demonstration was carried out in solidarity with Tibetans who have sacrificed their lives since the 2008 mass uprisings in Tibet,” Kehnpo Rigzin said.
“The demonstrators were raising slogans for the return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet and freedom in Tibet,” Khenpo Rigzin said while adding that he also heard people wailing and crying through a phone conversation he had with a local Tibetan while the demonstration was being carried out.
“The demonstrators were also carrying banners urging Tibetans to rise up in solidarity with all those who have sacrificed their lives for Tibet,” Khenpo Rigzin said.
Chinese security personnel had apparently let the demonstration go on while taking pictures and videos of the demonstrators.
Sopa Rinpoche set himself ablaze in front of the police station of Darlag County in Golog after shouting slogans calling for Tibet's freedom and the long life of Tibet's spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.
In leaflets that Sopa Rinpoche distributed just before his fatal self-immolation, he stated his fiery sacrifice was not for his “personal glory but for Tibet and the happiness of Tibetans."
"The Tibetans should not lose their determination. The day of happiness will come for sure. For the Dalai Lama to live long, the Tibetans should not lose track of their path," Sopa Rinpoche said in his last statement.
In the past 11 months, 16 Tibetans have set their bodies on fire demanding the return of the Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile and protesting China’s continued occupation of Tibet.
Sonam Wangyal Sopa Rinpoche in an undated photo
Sopa Rinpoche, a respected spiritual figure in his early forties passed away on the spot after drinking and spraying kerosene all over his body before lighting himself up on January 8.
According to the Beijing based award winning Tibetan writer, Woeser, Tibetans in Amdo Golok and in the neighbouring regions of Qinghai, Gansu, and Sichuan were in deep mourning at the passing away of Rinpoche.
Writing on her blog, Woeser said thousands of Tibetans participated in the funeral ceremony of Sopa Rinpoche in Darlag (in Chinese, Dari) county of Golok.
Elsewhere in Golok, hundreds of Tibetans took out a day long peaceful demonstration following Sopa Rinpoche's funeral ceremony.
Citing contacts within the region, an exile Tibetan, Khenpo Ogyen Rigzin told US based radio service VOA that over a hundred Tibetans carry photos of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Gyalwang Karmapa in Amdo Golok Pema district carried protests from around 9:30 am to 5 pm.
“The demonstration was carried out in solidarity with Tibetans who have sacrificed their lives since the 2008 mass uprisings in Tibet,” Kehnpo Rigzin said.
“The demonstrators were raising slogans for the return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet and freedom in Tibet,” Khenpo Rigzin said while adding that he also heard people wailing and crying through a phone conversation he had with a local Tibetan while the demonstration was being carried out.
“The demonstrators were also carrying banners urging Tibetans to rise up in solidarity with all those who have sacrificed their lives for Tibet,” Khenpo Rigzin said.
Chinese security personnel had apparently let the demonstration go on while taking pictures and videos of the demonstrators.
Sopa Rinpoche set himself ablaze in front of the police station of Darlag County in Golog after shouting slogans calling for Tibet's freedom and the long life of Tibet's spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.
In leaflets that Sopa Rinpoche distributed just before his fatal self-immolation, he stated his fiery sacrifice was not for his “personal glory but for Tibet and the happiness of Tibetans."
"The Tibetans should not lose their determination. The day of happiness will come for sure. For the Dalai Lama to live long, the Tibetans should not lose track of their path," Sopa Rinpoche said in his last statement.
In the past 11 months, 16 Tibetans have set their bodies on fire demanding the return of the Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile and protesting China’s continued occupation of Tibet.
Saturday, 14 January 2012
Ngaba falls into deeper turmoil; Another self-immolation
Phayul[Saturday, January 14, 2012 22:15]
DHARAMSHALA, January 14: In reports coming out of Tibet, a self-immolation by a Tibetan layman earlier today in Ngaba, eastern Tibet, has triggered a mass demonstration resulting in the death of one woman due to bullet wounds.
The self-immolation, the 16th since March last year, occurred at around 1.30 pm Tibet time in the distraught Ngaba region. Currently, there are not many details available on the Tibetan man but he is believed to be dead.
According to reports, Chinese security personnel arrived at the scene of the self-immolation and severely beat the Tibetan layman while putting off the flame. As the Chinese security personnel started to take away the man, who was believed to be dead by then, local Tibetans angered with the Chinese authorities, reportedly gathered at the site and demanded the body to be handed over to them.
In the ensuing impromptu mass protest, Chinese security personnel fired on the crowd and used teargas. One elderly Tibetan woman has been confirmed dead as result of the firing. However, other sources indicate that the number of dead could be much more.
See map here
In a release, Free Tibet quoted an eyewitness as describing the situation as “terrifying” and that people were being “beaten” while “numerous people have been detained”.
The Dharamshala based Central Tibetan Administration in a release today condemned the “use of violence against civilians” and appealed the international community to “intervene so as to restrain the Chinese government from further use of violence”.
“The People’s Republic of China’s government must take full responsibility for these cases of self-immolation. It is within its power to end these unfortunate incidents by adopting liberal policies for Tibet and Tibetan people,” the CTA said.
The Ngaba region in Tibet, seat of the besieged Kirti monastery has seen 11 Tibetans – monks, nuns, and laymen – set their bodies on fire since March last year.
This year alone, four Tibetans have died after setting themselves ablaze protesting China’s continued occupation of Tibet and demanding the return of the Dalai Lama from exile.
The self-immolation, the 16th since March last year, occurred at around 1.30 pm Tibet time in the distraught Ngaba region. Currently, there are not many details available on the Tibetan man but he is believed to be dead.
According to reports, Chinese security personnel arrived at the scene of the self-immolation and severely beat the Tibetan layman while putting off the flame. As the Chinese security personnel started to take away the man, who was believed to be dead by then, local Tibetans angered with the Chinese authorities, reportedly gathered at the site and demanded the body to be handed over to them.
In the ensuing impromptu mass protest, Chinese security personnel fired on the crowd and used teargas. One elderly Tibetan woman has been confirmed dead as result of the firing. However, other sources indicate that the number of dead could be much more.
See map here
In a release, Free Tibet quoted an eyewitness as describing the situation as “terrifying” and that people were being “beaten” while “numerous people have been detained”.
The Dharamshala based Central Tibetan Administration in a release today condemned the “use of violence against civilians” and appealed the international community to “intervene so as to restrain the Chinese government from further use of violence”.
“The People’s Republic of China’s government must take full responsibility for these cases of self-immolation. It is within its power to end these unfortunate incidents by adopting liberal policies for Tibet and Tibetan people,” the CTA said.
The Ngaba region in Tibet, seat of the besieged Kirti monastery has seen 11 Tibetans – monks, nuns, and laymen – set their bodies on fire since March last year.
This year alone, four Tibetans have died after setting themselves ablaze protesting China’s continued occupation of Tibet and demanding the return of the Dalai Lama from exile.
Tuesday, 10 January 2012
Tsultrim, Tenyi, and Norbu Damdul all succumb to injuries
Phayul[Tuesday, January 10, 2012 10:09]
DHARAMSHALA, January 10: The death toll in the fiery wave of self-immolations in Tibet since March 2011 has risen to ten with the deaths of Tsultrim, Tenyi, and Norbu Damdul.
Tsultrim and Tenyi, both around 20 years of age, had set their bodies on fire on January 6 at around 2:40 pm Tibet time in the distraught Ngaba region of eastern Tibet, which alone has witnessed ten instances of self-immolations since early last year.
Eyewitness accounts said that the two people, a monk and a layman, were together when they set themselves ablaze.
“With folded hands they faced towards Kirti Monastery and raised a number of slogans amongst which the audible ones were- ‘Long live His Holiness the Dalai Lama’ and ‘We want the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet,’” a Tibetan in Bodh Gaya had said quoting eyewitnesses.
According to a release by the exile base of Kirti monastery in Dharamshala, Tenyi succumbed to his burn injuries shortly after Chinese security personnel arrested him on January 6.
Tslutrim passed away a day later in the night of January 7 under increased security restrictions in the region.
“Following their self-immolation, all the Tibetan shops and business were closed as a mark of respect and to show solidarity with the family of the two deceased,” the release said.
“However, as in earlier instances, local Tibetans were barred from visiting the families of the deceased to offer their condolences and prayers by the Chinese authorities.”
Norbu Damdul passes away
Norbu Damdul, a former monk of Kirti Monastery, who set himself on fire on October 15, 2011 passed away in a Chinese military hospital in Barkham, eastern Tibet on January 5, 2012.
His whereabouts remained known for nearly three months after Chinese security personnel arrested him following his self-immolation in the central town of Ngaba.
Norbu Damdul had raised slogans demanding ‘Complete Independence for Tibet’ and ‘Return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet’ according to eyewitness accounts.
Kirti monastery in its release said that the Norbu Damdul’s family was denied the right to perform his last rites.
Since March 2011, 15 Tibetans have set their bodies on fire demanding the return of the Dalai Lama from exile and protesting China’s continued occupation of Tibet.
File photo of Norbu Damdul, a former monk at Kirti Monastery who self immolated calling for 'complete independence for Tibet' on October 15, 2011. This photo was taken in 2009 when Norbu Damdul was still a monk.
Tsultrim and Tenyi, both around 20 years of age, had set their bodies on fire on January 6 at around 2:40 pm Tibet time in the distraught Ngaba region of eastern Tibet, which alone has witnessed ten instances of self-immolations since early last year.
Eyewitness accounts said that the two people, a monk and a layman, were together when they set themselves ablaze.
“With folded hands they faced towards Kirti Monastery and raised a number of slogans amongst which the audible ones were- ‘Long live His Holiness the Dalai Lama’ and ‘We want the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet,’” a Tibetan in Bodh Gaya had said quoting eyewitnesses.
According to a release by the exile base of Kirti monastery in Dharamshala, Tenyi succumbed to his burn injuries shortly after Chinese security personnel arrested him on January 6.
Tslutrim passed away a day later in the night of January 7 under increased security restrictions in the region.
“Following their self-immolation, all the Tibetan shops and business were closed as a mark of respect and to show solidarity with the family of the two deceased,” the release said.
“However, as in earlier instances, local Tibetans were barred from visiting the families of the deceased to offer their condolences and prayers by the Chinese authorities.”
Norbu Damdul passes away
Norbu Damdul, a former monk of Kirti Monastery, who set himself on fire on October 15, 2011 passed away in a Chinese military hospital in Barkham, eastern Tibet on January 5, 2012.
His whereabouts remained known for nearly three months after Chinese security personnel arrested him following his self-immolation in the central town of Ngaba.
Norbu Damdul had raised slogans demanding ‘Complete Independence for Tibet’ and ‘Return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet’ according to eyewitness accounts.
Kirti monastery in its release said that the Norbu Damdul’s family was denied the right to perform his last rites.
Since March 2011, 15 Tibetans have set their bodies on fire demanding the return of the Dalai Lama from exile and protesting China’s continued occupation of Tibet.
Monday, 9 January 2012
Tibet is burning – Third self-immolation in three days
Phayul[Monday, January 09, 2012 23:15]
DHARAMSHALA, January 9: Just a day after two Tibetans set their bodies on fire in eastern Tibet, another Tibetan, a reincarnate lama set himself ablaze on January 8, Sunday.
Sonam Wangyal (Sopa), a respected spiritual figure in his early forties from Golok in eastern Tibet passed away on the spot after drinking and spraying kerosene all over his body before lighting himself up according to sources in exile.
Citing sources in Tibet, RFA said that Sopa self-immolated in front of the police station of Darlag (in Chinese, Dari) county in Golog after shouting slogans calling for Tibet's freedom and the long life of Tibet's spiritual leader the Dalai Lama – demands which have been common to all the 15 Tibetans who have self-immolated in Tibet since March 2011.
In leaflets that Sonam Wangyal distributed just before he set himself ablaze, he stated his fiery sacrifice was not for his “personal glory but for Tibet and the happiness of Tibetans," RFA said quoting a source from inside Tibet.
"The Tibetans should not lose their determination. The day of happiness will come for sure. For the Dalai Lama to live long, the Tibetans should not lose track of their path," Sonam Wangyal said in his last statement.
After Chinese security personnel confiscated his charred body, several hundred Tibetans reportedly marched to the police station to demand his remains.
According to the Dharamshala based Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), around 2,000 local Tibetans held a candlelight vigil urging the local police authorities to release his body.
“The local police averted further tension by agreeing to do so,” the CTA report said.
RFA has reported that Chinese security forces are pouring into Darlag “amid indications that thousands of Tibetans are planning to turn up for a memorial service this week for Sopa at a monastery where he had served”.
“Chinese authorities tightened security in Darlag, deploying additional security forces from the main town of Golog, as posters praising Sopa's act and calling for a boycott of Chinese goods appeared in the county,” RFA report said.
At Bodh Gaya, the venue for the ongoing 32nd Kalachakra teachings, Tibetan pilgrims and refugees from Amdo Golok who have gathered here for the ten-day teachings organised a candle light in the evening to show support and solidarity with the plight of people inside Tibet, especially with the family of Sonam Wangyal.
Sonam Wangyal (Sopa), a respected spiritual figure in his early forties from Golok in eastern Tibet passed away on the spot after drinking and spraying kerosene all over his body before lighting himself up according to sources in exile.
Citing sources in Tibet, RFA said that Sopa self-immolated in front of the police station of Darlag (in Chinese, Dari) county in Golog after shouting slogans calling for Tibet's freedom and the long life of Tibet's spiritual leader the Dalai Lama – demands which have been common to all the 15 Tibetans who have self-immolated in Tibet since March 2011.
In leaflets that Sonam Wangyal distributed just before he set himself ablaze, he stated his fiery sacrifice was not for his “personal glory but for Tibet and the happiness of Tibetans," RFA said quoting a source from inside Tibet.
"The Tibetans should not lose their determination. The day of happiness will come for sure. For the Dalai Lama to live long, the Tibetans should not lose track of their path," Sonam Wangyal said in his last statement.
After Chinese security personnel confiscated his charred body, several hundred Tibetans reportedly marched to the police station to demand his remains.
According to the Dharamshala based Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), around 2,000 local Tibetans held a candlelight vigil urging the local police authorities to release his body.
“The local police averted further tension by agreeing to do so,” the CTA report said.
RFA has reported that Chinese security forces are pouring into Darlag “amid indications that thousands of Tibetans are planning to turn up for a memorial service this week for Sopa at a monastery where he had served”.
“Chinese authorities tightened security in Darlag, deploying additional security forces from the main town of Golog, as posters praising Sopa's act and calling for a boycott of Chinese goods appeared in the county,” RFA report said.
At Bodh Gaya, the venue for the ongoing 32nd Kalachakra teachings, Tibetan pilgrims and refugees from Amdo Golok who have gathered here for the ten-day teachings organised a candle light in the evening to show support and solidarity with the plight of people inside Tibet, especially with the family of Sonam Wangyal.
Sunday, 8 January 2012
FCO's strategic Programme fund has spend £1.5m
Dear Information Rights Team,
I understand that the FCO's strategic Programme fund has spend £1.5m on a portfolio of projects in China over the last 3 years (Your Ref MIN/15987/2011) . Can you send me details of these projects specifically: The nature of the project, where they took place, who was involved, the outcome and any other information relating to these projects.
With Kind Regards
Richard
Response
Foreign & Commonwealth Office
King Charles Street
London
SW1A 2AH
www.fco.gov.uk
23 November 2011
Dear Richard
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 - REQUEST REF: Ref: 1183-11
Thank you for your email of 14 November 2011 asking for details of our human rights projects in China over the last 3 years; specifically the nature of the project, where they took place, who was involved, the outcome and any other information relating to these projects.
I am writing to confirm that we have now completed the search for the information requested.
I can confirm that the FCO does hold information relevant to your request. Please find enclosed some of the information that you requested. Some of the relevant information is exempt and has been withheld under Section 27(1) (a) of the Freedom of Information Act (relations between United Kingdom and any other states).
The exemption in Section 27 is qualified and is subject to the balance of the public interest. This means that a public interest test must be carried out to determine whether the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information. Whilst we appreciate the release of this information could increase public understanding of relations between the United Kingdom and China in this case, the effective conduct of the United Kingdom’s international relations, and its ability to protect and promote its interests abroad is of paramount importance.
We believe disclosure of the exempt information would be likely to lead to prejudice to the relations between the UK and China. In particular, if released, the exempt information could jeopardise our ability, and the ability of our partners, to run current and future project work in China. This would reduce the British Government's ability to protect and promote UK interests in China, which would not be in the public interest. Therefore, on balance, we conclude that the public interest is best served in withholding this information.
In keeping with the spirit and effect of the Freedom of Information Act, all information is assumed to be releasable to the public unless it is exempt. The information we have
supplied to you may now be published on our website together with any related information that will provide a key to its wider context.
I hope you are satisfied with this reply. However, if you wish to make a complaint or request a review of our decision, please write to the Information Rights Team at the Old Admiralty Building, Room SG 120, London SW1A 2PA. E-mail: dp-foi.img@fco.gov.uk. Yu have 40 working days to do so from the date of this letter.
If you are not content with the outcome of your complaint, you may then apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision. Generally, the Information Commissioner cannot make a decision unless you have exhausted the complaints procedure provided by the FCO. The Information Commissioner can be contacted at: Information Commissioner's Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF.
We continually strive to improve our service, so we would welcome your feedback and comments. If you would like to provide feedback, please email our Information Rights Team at: dp-foi.img@fco.gov.uk
You can also find out more about the FCO and freedom of information issues at our Access to Information website: http://foi.fco.gov.uk/en
Yours sincerely,
Victoria White
China Department
We keep and use information in line with the Data Protection Act 1998. We may release this personal information to other UK government departments and public authorities.
Human Rights Projects in China
2008-2011
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office focuses project work on human rights in China into 4 areas: criminal justice, death penalty, freedom of expression and civil society. Our objectives for these projects are to work with the grain to increase the protection and promotion of human rights in China. Our engagement has influenced positive changes in the criminal justice system and prisons and a reduction in the scope and application of the death penalty.
FY 2008/09
Project Title
Spend (GBP)
Reform of China's judicial management system
21,600
Improving Prison Management in China-Developing the Human Rights approach in Two Provinces
34,900
Strengthening defence lawyers' rights by promoting effective implementation of the new Lawyers Law
7,637
Promoting independent monitoring of detention centres in China
68, 696
Towards Independent Prison Monitoring in China
51,833
Reducing Pre-trial Detention: the role of the Procuratorate
24,997
Moving the debate forward: Researching China's use of the death penalty
68,452
Restriction in the application of the death penalty for drug-related crimes in Yunnan Province
30,450
Promoting judicial discretion in the reduction and restriction of the application of the death penalty
20,500
Measuring the impact of new foreign correspondent rules on international media coverage of China
30,000
Child participation in reporting and evaluating child rights in China
60,000
FY 2009/10
Project Title
Spend (GBP)
Improving Prison Management in China-Developing the Human Rights
54,140
approach in Two Provinces
Strengthening defence lawyers' rights by promoting effective implementation of the new Lawyers Law
103,641
Promoting independent monitoring of detention centres in China
62, 215
Towards Independent Prison Monitoring in China
49,303
Reducing Pre-trial Detention: the role of the Procuratorate
26,522
Restriction in the application of the death penalty for drug-related crimes in Yunnan Province
98,790
Promoting judicial discretion in the reduction and restriction of the application of the death penalty
87,940
Freedom of expression and implementation of access to government information
22,984
Child participation in reporting and evaluating child rights in China
43,350
FY 2010/11
Project Title
Spend (GBP)
Improving Prison Management in China-Developing the Human Rights approach in Two Provinces
56,220
Strengthening defence lawyers' rights by promoting effective implementation of the new Lawyers Law
38,016
Promoting independent monitoring of detention centres in China
55, 977
Towards Independent Prison Monitoring in China
9,637
Restriction in the application of the death penalty for drug-related crimes in Yunnan Province
26,000
Promoting judicial discretion in the reduction and restriction of the application of the death penalty
63,000
Freedom of expression and implementation of access to government information
66,445
Hearing the public voice - enhancing the role of public opinion in government decision making
66,600
Partners for the period 2008-2011
Research institutes/Universities
Beijing Normal University, Renmin University of China, Wuhan University, China Academy of Social Sciences, and Institute for Procuratorial theory of the Supreme People’s Procuratorate;
Government Bodies
- Ministry of Justice, Hunan Provincial High Court, No. 2 Beijing Municipal Procuraterate, Legislative Affairs Office of Shenzhen Municipal Government and the Information Office of Chongqing Municipality; and
Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs)
- Save the Children UK China Programme, International Centre for Prison studies, the Rights Practice, Ipsos MORI, and Great Britain China Centre.
China rubs salt on wound, Calls self-immolaters “thieves”
| Phayul[Sunday, January 08, 2012 14:25] |
DHARAMSHALA, January 8: China’s state news agency Xinhua, while admitting the two instances of self-immolation on January 6 in the Ngaba region of eastern Tibet has accused the two Tibetans of being “thieves.” Identifying the two as former monks of Kirti monastery, the Xinhua report said that one “died in a hotel room after setting himself on fire while another man aged 22 was being treated in hospital after setting himself ablaze”. Xinhua further reported that an “investigation” found that the “men had been involved in a number of thefts, including the ‘case of the Kirti monastery Buddha statue burglary.’” AFP in a report said that the local hospital where one of the self-immolaters is believed to be hospitalised declined to comment while calls to the county government and police “went unanswered”. The latest in the alarming wave of self-immolations in Tibet comes days after a senior Chinese official said that the self-immolations will never succeed in forcing any policy changes. "I can honestly say to our friends that even if such a thing happens again, the direction of the Chinese government's policies in Tibet and our attitude toward the Dalai clique's struggle will not change in any way," Zhu Weiqun, China’s point man for Tibet, who has held several rounds of unsuccessful dialogues with the Dalai Lama’s envoys said in comments carried on government website tibet.cn December 30, 2011. Zhu, a vice minister of the Chinese Communist Party's United Front Work Department, directly blamed the Dalai Lama and the exile Tibetan administration for the recent wave of self-immolations in Tibet which has seen 14 Tibetans set their bodies on fire since March 2011 protesting China’s continued occupation of Tibet and demanding the return of the Dalai Lama from exile. The Dalai Lama's supporters had "deceived several naive and young people to self-immolate in order to pressure the Chinese government", Zhu said. There is scarce information on the two Tibetans who self-immolated on January 6 at around 2:40 pm Tibet time in the distraught Ngaba region of eastern Tibet. Eyewitness accounts say that the two people, a monk and a layman, were together when they set themselves ablaze. “With folded hands they faced towards Kirti Monastery and raised a number of slogans amongst which the audible ones were- ‘Long live His Holiness the Dalai Lama’ and ‘We want the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet,’” a Tibetan in Bodh Gaya had said quoting eyewitnesses. Another Tibet with contacts inside the Ngaba Kirti monastery told Phayul that one of the self-immolating Tibetans had wound his body with barbed wire before setting his body on fire in order to avoid being easily grabbed by Chinese security personnel. |
Two Tibetans set themselves ablaze in Ngaba
| Phayul[Friday, January 06, 2012 22:10] |
DHARAMSHALA, January 6: Continuing the fiery episode of self-immolations in the new year, two Tibetans in Tibet set themselves on fire this afternoon. According to information received from various sources, the incident happened at around 2:40 pm Tibet time in the distraught Ngaba region of eastern Tibet, which alone has seen ten cases of self-immolation since March last year. While there is scarce information on the details of the two people, eyewitness accounts say that the two people, a monk and a layman, were together when they set themselves ablaze in Ngaba town. Free Tibet, the UK based organisation campaigning for an end to the Chinese occupation of Tibet, while quoting sources from inside Tibet said in a release today that “the person believed to be a lay person, was heard calling for the return of the Dalai Lama before Chinese forces extinguished the flames and removed him.” His well-being and whereabouts are unknown. In other information given by a Tibetan from the Ngaba region currently attending the ongoing Kalachakra teachings in Bodh Gaya, both the Tibetans had their hands folded in prayers as they faced towards the Kirti monastery, engulfed in flames. “With folded hands they faced towards Kirti Monastery and raised a number of slogans amongst which the audible ones were- ‘Long live His Holiness the Dalai Lama’ and ‘We want the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet’,” the Tibetan said quoting eyewitnesses. The eyewitness confirmed that Chinese security personnel arrived at the scene and forcibly took them away. “The flames were huge and the layman might have probably died and there is less chances for the monk to survive,” the Tibetan said. These are the 13th and 14th cases of self-immolations in Tibet since March 2011. Tibetans have set their bodies on fire with an alarming consistency, demanding the return of the Dalai Lama from exile and protesting against the Chinese occupation of Tibet. Earlier pamphlets spread around the Ngaba region had proclaimed that many more Tibetans were ready to self-immolate for the common cause of Tibet. |
Tuesday, 3 January 2012
Correspondance With James Gray
Original email
Dear Mr. Gray,
We enjoyed reading your article in a recent Gazette and Herald after your trip to India entitled 'Let's strive to help Tibet overcome it's troubles'. As a Tibet Support Group, and with members in your constituency, we are greatly appreciative of your support and your many years of concern in this specific area. It is of great value that you will certainly do anything that you can, therefore with this sentiment we urge you to attend the debate in the House of Commons on Tibet on Wednesday 7th December. This will be the first debate on Tibet in Westminster since April 2008.
The debate will provide an opportunity for you to raise concerns about issues facing Tibet and ask questions of the Foreign Office and the British government. In particular, we urge you to call on our government to make a strong, robust statement of concern on China's repressive policies in Tibet.
The debate comes at a time of increasing repression in Tibet which, this year, has led to Tibetans taking the tragic action of setting themselves on fire. The most recent, a 12th immolation, took place last Thursday in the Tibet Autonomous Region.
With you in your support,
Bath District Tibet Support Group
Response via OCR:
JAMES GRAY MP
HOUSE OF COMMONS
LONDON SWIA GAA
7th December
Richard,
Thank you for your email December with regard to Tibet.
I am extremely concerned about this matter and I can assure you that the Government is too. The Foreign and Commonwealth Ofïice (FCO) has urged the Chinese government to work with local monasteries and communities to resolve the grievances which have led to these desperate actions.
The FCO’s Human Rights Command Paper makes clear the UK’s concems regarding the human rights situation in China and Tibet. The consistent position has been that long term stability can only be achieved through respect for human rights and genuine autonomy for Tibet within the framework ofthe Chinese constitution. The Government believes that meaningful dialogue between the Dalai Lama’s representatives and the Chinese authorities is the best way to make this happen.
I am aware that the FCO is actively monitoring this issue and raising it with Chinese Authorities. Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne MP wrote to the Chinese Ambassador earlier this year raising his concerns regarding the situation at the Kirti Monastery and officials have also raised their concerns with the Chinese Embassy in London and the Ministry of Foreign in Beijing. British Embassy in China also make regular visits to Tibetan areas. and l am have done so recently.
Unfortunately I was not able to attend the meeting in the House today as I wasinvolved in a Parliamentary Committee. I am however a member of the All Party Parliamentary Party for Tibet and closely follow these matters.
Response
Dear Mr Gray,
thank you for your letter of the 7th Dec, I too am mindful of the efforts of FCO Minister Jeremy Brown MP and the efforts of the British Embassy staff with respect to the Tibetan issues.
I am also aware that you have not signed the EDM 2327 on the self immolations that have recently occurred in Tibet (letter to XXXXX 7th Dec who has passed it to me) and that your reasons for this include
- uncertain as to it helping the Tibetan cause,
- you make the point that self immolation is 'fundamentally against all Buddhist beliefs'
- you believe that the EDM publicises the self immolation action.
For my part it is essential that independent observers are sent to Tibet, for which the EDM calls for, along with other action.
Can I also assure you that self immolation is not 'fundamentally against all Buddhist beliefs', a misunderstanding that was also iterated by a recent Chinese Embassy letter to the Guardian. Indeed Buddhism, particularly Mahayana (or Madhyamaka philosophy) which is the primary form of Buddhism in Tibet, provides no absolutes to 'believe' in. A central tenet of Buddhism is the recognition of the impermanent and unpredictable nature of reality. Thus there can be no absolute set of laws that will work in all circumstances. When a monk or nun take a vow to not kill, they do so with the knowledge that there may be certain extreme circumstances that require killing. The vow would be broken if they do not act in accordance with such extreme circumstances.
Perhaps extreme circumstances have been found in Tibet and like Vietnamese monks before them, they have found that the only solution is provided by the ultimate act of renunciation.
With Kind regards
Bath Dist Tibet Support Group
Response via OCR:
JAMES GRAY MP
HOUSE OF COMMONS
LONDON SWIA GAA
14th December 2011
HOUSE OF COMMONS
LONDON SWIA GAA
14th December 2011
Richard
Thank you for your email of December with regard to Tibet.
There is no stronger advocate than I for the rights of the downtrodden people of Tibet, but that is not to presume that you and I would necessarily agree about tactics for raising it. I am particularly unhappy about publicity surrounding monkish self-immolation.
There is no stronger advocate than I for the rights of the downtrodden people of Tibet, but that is not to presume that you and I would necessarily agree about tactics for raising it. I am particularly unhappy about publicity surrounding monkish self-immolation.
I bow to your wisdom with regard to Buddhist theology although I was quoting His Holiness the Dalai Lama directly in that regard since he made plain to us in a private audience that he most certainly did not approve of self-immolations.
My concern is that by seeking to use suicide as a means towards the end of achieving greater human rights in Tibet we may inadvertently perhaps be encouraging those very suicides.
I fear therefore that I will not be signing EDM 2327 nor was I prepared to be a co-signatory to the All Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet’s recent letter to the Guardian.
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