29 July 2008
Drepung reopens to visitors
(AP) Drepung monastery on the outskirts of Lhasa has reopened after being shut by authorities during demonstrations in March 2008, staff members told Associated Press (AP). The monastery, one of the three most important in Tibet, has been under virtual siege for the past five months, with reports of monks going short of food and water. Drepung reopened to visitors and has been "fairly busy" since, said a staff member who gave only his first name, Luobu (likely, Tib: Norbu). He said the monastery will hold ceremonies as part of the forthcoming Shoton religious festival.