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Lhasa at Friday, 14 March 2008

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 09:51:37 +0100

Up to 400 residents and monks attack non-Tibetan businesses and individuals.
[Globe and Mail, 28/03/08, last updated 30/03/08.]
(reported by Globe and Mail, 30 March 2008)

Harthang monastery, Driru county (Chin: Biru Xian) at Saturday, 01 March 2008

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:30:48 +0100

Date unspecified: Pelo Trulku, a reincarnated lama, was to give a spiritual teaching towards the end of February; “local Chinese ‘work teams’” refused to allow the teachings to take place, resulting in a scuffle between local Tibetans and the ‘work teams’.
[Note: reported by CTA on 17/03/08 and again on 18/03/08.]
(reported by CTA, 17 March 2008)

[Kardze TAP] at Saturday, 28 June 2008

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:49:39 +0100

China has ordered a “sweeping purge of Tibet’s ‘splittist’ monasteries” in the Kandze [Kardze] region, according to measures contained in an official “document” dated 28 June 2008, carrying the name Li Changping [possibly a signature on the original document], head of Kandze [Tibetan] Autonomous Prefecture. The “document” was posted in Tibetan language on a Chinese government’s Tibet information website (www.tibet.cn; Tibetan language version: http://zw.tibet.cn/news) on 18 July. However, the posting itself was “based on an earlier article” that appeared in the Tibet Daily newspaper [it appears that both the article and the posting based on the article contained the entire text of the document].
FTC’s translation of the document [specifically, a translation of the posting based on an earlier article] was independently verified by Tsering Topgyal at the London School of Economics [and trustee of Tibet Watch, FTC’s sister organisation]. The document reportedly contained details of “serious decisions” that were “settled at the third conference of the Executive Committee of concerned region”. The measures are “highly significant as they are to be implemented by the Kandze [Kardze] Tibetan Autonomous Prefectural Government” [note: FTC does not elaborate on this assumed significance]. Monks and nuns charged with “quite serious” crimes will undergo “serious re-education” [?] and will remain in custody until he/she “co-operates by telling the truth, confessing their guilt and submitting a shuyig (self-criticising letter). He/she must sincerely and voluntarily tell the truth”. Monks and nuns “with serious crime and attitude problem” will be “subjected to serious re-education” [?], dismissed from his/her monastery and his/her religious rights will removed. Monks and nuns not registered at the religious affairs office, or who have come from other regions, or who had been away from the monastery for a “very long time” will be “subject to dismissal from the monastery and their huts will be destroyed”. Severe punishment is prescribed for monasteries considered to have led protests in March and April. At monasteries where between 10% and 30% of monks took part in protests, “all religious activities at the monastery will be halted. Movements of monks will be closely monitored”.
[Further categories of offences and prescribed measures are listed in full in the FTC press release.]
(reported by FTC, 01 October 2008)

Kardze county (Chin: Ganzi Xian) at Saturday, 28 June 2008

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:42:17 +0100

A document titled “Serious decisions to be taken against monasteries and monks/nuns for undertaking turbulent activities” was posted in Tibetan language on a “government information website” (URL provided as “www.ti.tibet.cn”) on 18 July. The “document” was “based on an earlier article” that appeared in the Tibet Daily newspaper [it it understood that both the article and the posting based on the article contained the entire text of the document].
A translation published by Tibet Watch carries the name Li Changping [possibly a signature on the original document], head of Kandze Autonomous Prefecture [Kardze TAP], and date 28 June 2008. The translation refers to “serious decisions” that were “settled at the third conference of the Executive Committee of concerned region”, and refers to new measures to deal with ‘subversive’ monasteries and nunneries in Kandze [Kardze] TAP; lists “various levels of punishment for monks or nuns who have taken part in protests, distributed flyers or raised the Tibetan flags”.
Families of monks and nuns who confess to ‘minor’ crimes are to be responsible for their ‘re-education’; religious leaders accused of collaborating with foreign ‘splittist’ groups are to be publicly humiliated on state television. A monk or nun charged with “quite serious” crimes will remain in custody until they tell the truth, confess their guilt and submit a shuyig (self-criticising letter). Severe punishment is prescribed for monasteries considered to have led protests in March and April. At monasteries where between 10% and 30% of monks took part in protests “all religious activities at the monastery will be halted. Movements of monks will be closely monitored”.
[Further categories of offences and prescribed measures are listed in full in the Tibet Watch report. Tibet Watch cited as “www.ti.tibet.cn” – an invalid URL; actually www.tibet.cn, the website of China Tibet Information Center. However, the posting appeared on the Tibetan language version, at http://zw.tibet.cn/news.]
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 October 2008)

Khangmar (Chin: Kangma) county at Thursday, 11 September 2008

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:40:02 +0100

‘Patriotic education’ classes (“Anti-splittism, defending Stability and
Promote Development”) held for locals by retired Khangmar county cadres who also performed a cultural performance, which “exposed the miserable life under the rule of serfdom system in old society by narrating their own experiences” according to a government news report.
[Tibet Watch cited www.chinatibetnews.com/xizang/shizheng.]
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 October 2008)

Driru county (Chin: Biru Xian) at Tuesday, 16 September 2008

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:38:39 +0100

The “Safe Driru County” work team inspected each town/township’s offices
“directly under the direction” of the “central county government”. The work team propagated several laws such as the “Anti-separation Law”.
[Tibet Watch cited www.xznqnews.com.]
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 October 2008)

Woeser monastery, Garthog, Markham county (Chin: Mangkang Xian) at Tuesday, 09 September 2008

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:37:40 +0100

Hu Jiming, Vice Secretary of “Chamdo prefecture government committee”, inspected the ongoing patriotic education campaign at Woeser (Chin: Weise) monastery; praised the results achieved by the work team stationed in the monastery; called for the “continuation of patriotic education and law propagation to ensure the ’stability of the monastery” [unresolved open single quotation mark before “stability” – possibly the beginning of a quote of Hu Jiming – appears in Tibet Watch’s quotation of the original text].
[Tibet Watch cited www.cdxs.gov.cn.]
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 October 2008)

Lhasa at Thursday, 04 September 2008

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:36:47 +0100

“Patriotic education campaigns” are launched in each primary and secondary school in Lhasa, to educate children about the events of 14 March protests in Lhasa.
[Tibet Watch cited http://info.tibet.cn/zt2008/lswmcs/cjdt/200809/t20080904_424361htm.]
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 October 2008)

Zituo monastery Lhorong (Chin: Luolong) county at Tuesday, 16 September 2008

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:36:02 +0100

Zituo monastery was selected as the trial monastery for a Lhorong county ‘patriotic re-education campaign’ titled “Safe Monastery, Harmonious Monastery”.
On 16 September a meeting was held and attended by the leaders of Lhorong County Committee, nuns and monks from Zituo monastery and [local] residents.
[Tibet Watch cited www.cdxs.gov.cn. See also Lhorong county, 16 September 2008; Tibet Watch, 01/10/08.]
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 October 2008)

Lhorong (Chin: Luolong) county at Tuesday, 16 September 2008

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:34:51 +0100

A ‘patriotic re-education campaign’ titled “Safe Monastery, Harmonious Monastery” was launched in Lhorong county with the central theme of teaching monks and nuns to love the ‘motherland’. A work team was established to implement the campaign in each town and township in the county.
[Tibet Watch cited www.cdxs.gov.cn. See also Zituo monastery, 16 September 2008; Tibet Watch, 01/10/08.]
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 October 2008)

Ngaba county (Chin: Aba Xian) at Monday, 11 August 2008

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:33:41 +0100

At around 9 pm, Jamphel (28) and Lama (22), two brothers from the Terrangtsang family in Jaru town, were arrested by Ngaba county PSB on suspicion of taking part in demonstrations in Ngaba county in March.
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 October 2008)

Ngaba (Chin: Aba), Ngaba county (Chin: Aba xian) at Saturday, 09 August 2008

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:33:07 +0100

At around 4.30pm, Sonam Wangmo (22, from Lower Ngaba Sezo) and Zgang Yeying (28, from Gyarong (Chin: Jiaronong)) went to “the local mobile phone shop” [in Ngaba town] to recharge their phones. At the end of “the main road of Ngaba town” they were “shot with bullets”; four of five rounds were fired from a nearby building where military personnel were stationed; Sonam Wangmo was hit in the leg; Zgang Yeying was hit “on her hand”. Reportedly, “a military personnel” [sic] told the crowds who gathered after the incident that the shooting was an accident.
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 October 2008)

Doltsig, Ngaba (Chin: Aba) county at Monday, 04 August 2008

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:31:58 +0100

Chinese military forces stationed in Doltsig township; reportedly, “the number of those forces lies in the thousands”; stationed on grassland, which serves as a pasture to nomads from two of the nearby villages. The military carried out a large scale drilling exercise attended by local government officials.
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 October 2008)

Ngaba (Chin: Aba), Ngaba county (Chin: Aba xian) at Friday, 01 August 2008

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:30:47 +0100

Date unspecified: The “presence of military troops were increased” in Ngaba town and its surroundings; in early August approximately 1,000 armed military personnel stationed in Ngaba town; several check-points built “at the beginning and end” of all the town’s six main streets.
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 October 2008)

Ngaba county (Chin: Aba Xian) at Friday, 01 August 2008

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:30:00 +0100

Restrictions on movements after 7pm were applied to both monks and laypeople as of 1 August [it is not clear whether throughout the county, or specifically in Ngaba town]; the restrictions continued until the end of the Olympics.
Dozens of Tibetans in exile reported that it was not possible to phone relatives in Ngaba county [during the Olympic Games]; a computerised message in Chinese stated: “This number is not in service”.
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 October 2008)

Sangkhog, Sangchu county (Chin: Xiahe Xian) at Wednesday, 13 August 2008

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:29:15 +0100

On 13 August, a horse race in Sangkhog township was called off by Sangchu county government just a day before it was scheduled to take place. On average more than 10,000 Tibetans gather [annually] at Panchen Thang horse race ground, named after the Panchen Lama. No reasons given for the cancellation.
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 October 2008)

Tsoe (Kanlho Dzong; Chin: Gannan/Hezuo/Hezuoshen), Sangchu county (Chin: Xiahe Xian) at Friday, 08 August 2008

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:27:48 +0100

Tight security was enforced in “Tsoe city” from the beginning of the Olympic Games; around 20-30 armed police patrolled the streets; barricades of sacks filled with cement assembled at the “entrance and exits points of the three main streets of the town”; several surveillance cameras and “rubber speed breakers” at each checkpoint. The majority of the paramilitary personnel brought into the city [earlier, since mid March 2008] “were still present”. Tsoe residents required to obtain a travel permit from the police station leave the town. Officials from the local government “frequently conduct patriotic re-education campaigns” at Tsoe monastery.
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 October 2008)

Labrang (Chin: Xiahe), Sangchu county (Chin: Xiahe Xian) at Thursday, 07 August 2008

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:26:41 +0100

Four foreigners visiting Labrang monastery were banned from staying overnight in Labrang town; told by police guarding a checkpoint: “You came to see Olympic Game, but why do you want to go to Tibetan areas. You are not allowed to visit Tibetan areas. Please go to see the Games in Beijing”.
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 October 2008)

Jiarima, Ngaba (Chin: Aba) county at Thursday, 17 April 2008

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:25:55 +0100

Nyichung, a Tibetan woman arrested on 18 March following 16-17 March protests in Jiarima township and released on 26 March with severe injuries caused by torture, died on 17 April. Following her release from detention, her family had been told by the local authorities that she did not have permission to receive medical treatment in hospital, and her condition grew increasingly worse. After her death, the family invited monks to pray, but the local authority did not allow this.
Nyichung was aged around 38; the mother of four children.
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 July 2008)

Jiarima, Ngaba (Chin: Aba) county at Wednesday, 26 March 2008

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:21:42 +0100

Nyichung, a Tibetan woman arrested on 18 March following 16-17 March protests in Jiarima township, was released on 26 March with severe injuries. She could not speak and could not eat without vomiting. Relatives tried to admit her to hospital, but “the local authority announced she did not have the permission to receive medical treatment”.
[See also Jiarima, 17 April 2008; Tibet Watch, 01/07/08.]
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 July 2008)

Jiarima, Ngaba (Chin: Aba) county at Tuesday, 18 March 2008

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:20:47 +0100

Nyichung, a Tibetan woman who tried to remove a sign at a government building in Jiarima township during protests on 16-17 March, was arrested on 18 March.
[See also Jiarima, 26 March 2008; Tibet Watch, 01/07/08.]
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 July 2008)

Jiarima, Ngaba (Chin: Aba) county at Monday, 17 March 2008

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:20:01 +0100

Peaceful protests on 16-17 March at “Jiarima Township authority” [presumably outside a Jiarima township government building].
Nyichung, a Tibetan woman from Ngaba county, aged around 38, was reportedly “the first Tibetan to try to take down the signboard over the local Chinese authority administration” [presumably at a Jiarima township government building; it is not clear whether this occurred on 16 or 17 March].
[See also Jiarima, 18 March 2008; Tibet Watch, 01/07/08.]
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 July 2008)

Jiarima, Ngaba (Chin: Aba) county at Sunday, 16 March 2008

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:19:04 +0100

Peaceful protests on 16-17 March at “Jiarima Township authority” [presumably outside a Jiarima township government building].
[See also Jiarima, 17 March 2008; Tibet Watch, 01/07/08.]
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 July 2008)

Labrang (Chin: Xiahe), Sangchu county (Chin: Xiahe Xian) at Saturday, 15 March 2008

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:08:36 +0100

Labrang eyewitness account: Following 15 March 2008, most “Chinese businessmen and women” were “escaping after Tibet” because of the unrest; bus tickets “booked up by Chinese in order to back to China”. [This was a response to] protesters throwing “stones and small rocks” at Chinese shops, restaurants and guesthouses in Labrang; windows were smashed “but people did not get hurt”.
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 July 2008)

Labrang Tashikhyil monastery, Labrang (Chin: Xiahe), Sangchu county (Chin: Xiahe Xian) at Wednesday, 30 April 2008

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:01:16 +0100

Labrang eyewitness account; dates unclear: “Most of the monks arrested […] at that time [dates unclear due to lack of chronology in the eyewitness account, but the eyewitness appears to referring to arrests made between 9 and 15 April] were released when I was there” [Tibet Watch did not state when the eyewitness left Labrang; therefore, 30 April has been stated on this database as an approximate date]. Some of the monks’ families had to pay the “local authority” for their release, on average 5,000 yuan.
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 July 2008)

Sangchu county (Chin: Xiahe xian) at Wednesday, 19 March 2008

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:59:21 +0100

Labrang eyewitness account: “Many Chinese military soldiers and armed personnel” were stationed in Sangchu county from 19 March until 18 April [note: it is understood that the military presence was reduced after 18 April; however, it is not clear when the eyewitness – a visitor – left Labrang monastery; the significance of 18 April might be that it is the date on which the eyewitness left the area]. “In the streets, tens and thousands of Chinese military personal were stationed in Sangchu county”; “Nobody walked in the streets during these days” [19 March to 18 April]; “even local Tibetans” were not allowed to go between Sangkhog nomadic area and Labrang town, located 3-4 kilometres apart.
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 July 2008)

Sangchu county (Chin: Xiahe xian) at Tuesday, 15 April 2008

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:58:14 +0100

Labrang eyewitness account: “People said there were around 70 trucks of military soldiers stationed in Sangchu County on 15 April. I only saw the streets were full of armed personnel, with no monks or pilgrims in Labrang monastery” [note: the eyewitness was staying in Labrang monastery and described what he saw there and in the adjacent streets].
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 July 2008)

Labrang Tashikhyil monastery, Labrang (Chin: Xiahe), Sangchu county (Chin: Xiahe Xian) at Saturday, 12 April 2008

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:57:20 +0100

Labrang eyewitness account: Since 12 April, the “Chinese authority” [unclear whether police, PAP, PSB, PLA] began searching monks’ living quarters, but did not search residences of “incarnation lamas” [tulkus]. Many Dalai Lama portraits and Tibetan flags confiscated.
The “local Chinese authority” started a ‘patriotic re-education’ campaign after a week [presumably one week after 12 April], conducted by different staff on each day, but at least ten armed policemen and “another five police” [presumably unarmed police] watched over monks in “the” class; each class “lasted for two hours a week”.
[Dates unclear:] The ‘patriotic re-education’ campaign staff ordered the monastery’s Democratic Management Committee to instruct the monks to sign papers denouncing the Dalai Lama and Tibetan government in exile as separatists; the monks refused; then “after two or three days, campaigners [the staff conducting the ‘patriotic re-education campaign’] announced that monks had to sign up [sign denunciations] in the morning after they assembled in class”. However, this was “a trick to check who was absent from patriotic re-education class” [i.e. the prior announcement was expected to lead to absences].
However, “many monks worried about the signatures in class every morning. They did not know how the Chinese authority would use their signatures” [note: this implies that the classes were daily; earlier the eyewitness had remarked: “Each class lasted for two hours a week”.]
[Note: this information came from an eyewitness account made by a visitor at Labrang monastery, who was staying in one of the monks’ quarters prior to 14 March 2008 and at least through April; but it is not clear exactly when the statement was made and when the visitor left Labrang. He stated that the ‘patriotic re-education’ classes were conducted “since 12 April”, but there is not indication of when they were completed, or if they were still taking place when the visitor left Labrang.]
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 July 2008)

Labrang Tashikhyil monastery, Labrang (Chin: Xiahe), Sangchu county (Chin: Xiahe Xian) at Wednesday, 09 April 2008

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:54:42 +0100

Labrang eyewitness account: A group of foreign journalists arrived in Labrang monastery; 30 monks protested in front of the journalists.
Subsequently, the local Chinese authority increased its military forces [in the area]; Labrang monastery “put monks under tight security control”; many innocent Tibetans arrested for no reason.
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 July 2008)

Labrang (Chin: Xiahe), Sangchu county (Chin: Xiahe Xian) at Tuesday, 22 April 2008

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:53:57 +0100

Labrang eyewitness account: One week [note, 22 April is an approximate date] after Jamyang Jinpa was arrested at Labrang monastery [see Labrang Tashikhyil monastery, 15 April 2008; Tibet Watch 01/07/08], he was released “in the name of medical treatment”. Serious health problems due to torture endured “for almost 12 hours a day”; his health deteriorated within the week following his release; was hospitalised for two weeks; his family had to pay for his treatment.
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 July 2008)

Labrang (Chin: Xiahe), Sangchu county (Chin: Xiahe Xian) at Tuesday, 15 April 2008

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:53:00 +0100

Labrang eyewitness account: Jamyang Jinpa, a monk from Sangkhog nomadic township, was arrested from his room at Labrang monastery at around 1am by 12 police armed with machine guns who broke in through the windows. Searched every corner of the room. They left an elderly monk who was staying in the room as a visitor’ but said of Jamyang Jinpa: “He is a pro-separatist criminal who violated governmental constitution, and he had personal involvement in the illegal protest in Labrang on 14 March. We must punish him if he is against the governmental constitution”.
“Chinese military soldiers” searched the monks’ rooms; many pictures of the Dalai Lama confiscated; antique statues taken from the monastery.
[Jamyang Jinpa: see also Labrang, 22 April 2008; Tibet Watch 01/07/08.]
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 July 2008)

Labrang (Chin: Xiahe), Sangchu county (Chin: Xiahe Xian) at Saturday, 15 March 2008

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:51:59 +0100

Labrang eyewitness account: For the second day running, protesters marched “around the whole of Labrang town”; “gathered at the same place as previous days” [possibly referring only to the previous day; it is unclear whether or not protests occurred before 14 March; however, a Western visitor witnessed police in riot gear followed by Chinese soldiers heading towards Labrang monastery on 13 March – see Labrang, 13 March 2008; Willamette Week Online, 16/03/08].
On 15 March, the protesters gathered in front of Sangchu county government building and “threw small stones at the building and broke windows”; soon, “Chinese military soldiers [sic] were there to stop the peaceful demonstration [sic]”. PAP and “military soldiers” used tear-gas to split up the protesters. Most of the protesters were in their 20s and 30s.
Rumours that about 160 monks and laypeople arrested in Labrang “since 14 March” [according to an eyewitness to events who was visiting Labrang monastery during the March protests and at least through April; it is not clear exactly when the rumours were heard or when the visitor left Labrang].
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 July 2008)

Labrang (Chin: Xiahe), Sangchu county (Chin: Xiahe Xian) at Friday, 14 March 2008

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:49:43 +0100

Labrang eyewitness account: Ludzong, an important religious festival on 14 March; many people came from different areas in Amdo for a religious ceremony in Labrang monastery. After the ceremony started, “in streets on Sangchu County [Labrang, the county town] 20 meters away from Labrang monastery”, around 20 monks were holding Tibetan flags and shouting slogans: “Long live the Dalai Lama”, “Free Tibet”, “We want freedom”; many lay Tibetans joined the protest. The protesters “looked very crowded in the streets”, according to an eyewitness, who didn’t know exactly how many there were. They marched from the top of Phuntsang Sanggo street and “around the whole of Labrang town”. They gathered at Sangchu Tibetan Middle School; removed the Chinese flag and raised the Tibetan flag.
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 July 2008)

Labrang Tashikhyil monastery, Labrang (Chin: Xiahe), Sangchu county (Chin: Xiahe Xian) at Saturday, 07 June 2008

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:48:09 +0100

Since 7 June, monks prohibited from leaving Labrang monastery after 9pm without permission from their Democratic Management Committee.
Sixty paramilitary personnel have been permanently stationed in the monastery and are manning six new checkpoints which have been built surrounding the monastery since 10 March. Paramilitary personal have “forcibly taken all desk phones from monks’ rooms” [?] and “cut off all phone lines in monks’ flats [quarters] in the monastery except in lamas’ residence” [note: this report provides an obviously exaggerated impression of the number of landline telephones in Labrang Tashikhyil monastery].
During ‘patriotic re-education’ meeting [date unspecified], the local police department announced that: “All monks…should not contact abroad or accept phone calls from abroad. Monks who go against this rule will be fined a minimum of [15,000 yuan]. Rumours spread from outside cause instability to the minds of monks and the monks’ community”.
A “new patriotic re-education campaign was brought into the monastery” on 7 June; small brochures of 7-8 pages were given to the monks, containing the “new campaign’s regulations”, consisting of the following 6 points:

Be aware of the Communist constitution.
Welcome the Olympic torch relay in Tibet.
Do not listen to rumours from abroad.
Be aware of the rules of religious freedom.
Denounce the separatists.
Practise patriotic re-education in the monastery.

The monks were ordered to memorise these points and then recite them to the “patriotic re-education campaigners”. Only those who passed the recitation exams would be allowed to resume their daily religious routine in the monastery.
Travel from Labrang monastery to adjacent areas, including the 70km route to Tsoe [Chin: Gannan – the prefecture capital] has been “tightened”; new checkpoints manned with armed police and traffic police set up to “search all passengers’ bags”.
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 July 2008)

Chuwal monastery, Tserima, Machu (Chin: Maqu) county at Monday, 16 June 2008

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:45:33 +0100

Date unspecified [some time between 16 March and 30 June 2008]: officials were sent to Chuwal monastery in Tserima township to “carry out a patriotic re-education campaign”. The monks were thought to have been involved in the protests in Machu during March.
[See Machu county, 16 June 2008; Tibet Watch, 01/07/08.]
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 July 2008)

Tserima monastery, Tserima, Machu (Chin: Maqu) county at Monday, 16 June 2008

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:44:25 +0100

Date unspecified [some time between 16 March and 30 June 2008]: officials were sent to Tserima monastery in Tserima township to “carry out a patriotic re-education campaign”. The monks were thought to have been involved in the protests in Machu during March.
[See Machu county, 16 June 2008; Tibet Watch, 01/07/08.]
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 July 2008)

Tsandak monastery, Manna, Machu (Chin: Maqu) county at Monday, 16 June 2008

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:07:30 +0100

Date unspecified [some time between 16 March and 30 June 2008]: officials were sent to Tsantak monastery in Manma township to “carry out a patriotic re-education campaign”. The monks were thought to have been involved in the protests in Machu during March.
[See Machu county, 16 June 2008; Tibet Watch, 01/07/08.]
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 July 2008)

Nyinthag monastery, Nyura, Machu (Chin: Maqu) county at Monday, 16 June 2008

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:04:25 +0100

Date unspecified [some time between 16 March and 30 June 2008]: officials were sent to Nyinthag monastery in Nyura township to “carry out a patriotic re-education campaign”. The monks were thought to have been involved in the protests in Machu during March.
[See Machu county, 16 June 2008; Tibet Watch, 01/07/08.]
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 July 2008)

Shilshu (Shashil) monastery, Manma, Machu (Chin: Maqu) county at Monday, 16 June 2008

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:03:10 +0100

Date unspecified [some time between 16 March and 30 June 2008]: officials were sent to Shilshu (Shashil) monastery in Manma township to “carry out a patriotic re-education campaign”. However, Washang monastery’s monks were not thought to have been involved in the protests in Machu during March.
[See also Machu county, 16 June 2008; Tibet Watch, 01/07/08.]
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 July 2008)

Washang monastery, Nyima, Machu (Chin: Maqu) county at Monday, 16 June 2008

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:02:01 +0100

Date unspecified [some time between 16 March and 30 June 2008]: officials were sent to Washang monastery in Nyima township to “carry out a patriotic re-education campaign”. However, Washang monastery’s monks were not thought to have been involved in the protests in Machu during March.
[See also Machu county, 16 June 2008; Tibet Watch, 01/07/08.]
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 July 2008)

Machu county (Chin: Maqu Xian) at Monday, 16 June 2008

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:00:45 +0100

Date unspecified [some time between 16 March and 30 June 2008]: Following the 16 March protests in Machu, the “Chinese local authority… divided a staff of 119 local Chinese and Tibetan officials, including police and [PSB] members, into groups and sent them to all monasteries in the Machu area” to “carry out a patriotic re-education campaign”. The following monasteries were included: Washang, Nyinthag, Thuten Nyangdi lang, Tashi Chephal lang, Mayu Samten Chekor lang, Tsantak, Shilshu (Shashil), Tserima, and Chuwal [see database entries for each monastery for township location details]. The majority of monks in these monasteries were believed to have been involved in the protests in March, except monks from Washang and Shilshu (Shashil) monasteries.
The monks were expected to attend three ‘patriotic re-education’ classes per week, each class lasting two hours. There are “worsening reactions from the monks and local Tibetan people”, as they are continually forced to denounce the Dalai Lama; many monks have left their monasteries.
Machu county has faced tightened security controls since 16 March, where more than one thousand soldiers and armed police have been stationed; local Tibetans have not been allowed to walk or travel from one village to another by motorbike.
The local Chinese authority “put the monks in their prayer halls” when foreign journalists were due to visit this area, “so that in some instances monks did not even realise the journalists had come to their monastery”.
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 July 2008)

Machu county (Chin: Maqu Xian) at Thursday, 05 June 2008

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:59:10 +0100

Most of the Tibetans arrested in Machu [whether town or county as a whole is not specified] since March “have now been” released in return for large sums of money, with the exception of those thought to have initiated the protests on 16 March [and presumably 17 March]. Those still detained include Sangta (Sangay Tashi), a nomad from Nyima township in Machu county, arrested on 19 March for waving a Tibetan flag and shouting slogans in Machu town on 16 March.
[Note: the significance of the date, 5 June 2008, is not stated; it is presumably a date when some of those detained were released, or when this information reached Tibet Watch.]
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 July 2008)

Tsandak monastery, Manna, Machu (Chin: Maqu) county at Friday, 18 April 2008

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:57:49 +0100

The “Chinese local authority deployed military trucks full of military personnel into Tsandak monastery” in Manna township [note: it is unlikely that the local authority had power to deploy military personnel]. “The trucks surrounded the monastery, and [the military personnel] carried out a house by house search, also searching the prayer hall and other small temples” [sic].
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 July 2008)

Lanzhou, Gansu Province at Monday, 26 May 2008

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:56:30 +0100

It was reported that Lodoe Wangpo, arrested on 14 April 2008, was released and allowed to return home [to Machu county rather than Lanzhou, where he had been staying at the time of his arrest; earlier he had moved from Machu to Lanzhou “following pressure by the authorities” in Machu county; details and date were not provided]. He had not been physically tortured during his detention and was “healthy following his release”. His belongings, confiscated and searched by the “State Security Bureau”, were returned to him following his release. He was warned not to leave Machu county.
[See also Lanzhou, 14 April 2008; Tibet Watch, 01/07/08.]
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 July 2008)

Machu (Chin: Maqu), Machu county (Chin: Maqu xian) at Monday, 14 April 2008

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:55:26 +0100

Approximate date: “At the same time” as Lodoe Wangpo was arrested in Lanzhou, the authorities “sealed off” the private school he had set up, Shide Gyamtso, located within Machu county secondary school. The ‘crimes’ cited when the school was “sealed off” were:

Lodoe Wangpo’s [alleged] organising of the 17 March [Machu] protests.
The “education system in his institution” being “directly related” to the Dalai Lama.
His production of video footage and photos of the protests since 10 March, to send to people outside Tibet.
Lodoe Wangpo brought “trouble and conflict to the harmonious society existing between Tibetans and Chinese”.

The school has not been allowed to re-open since being sealed off in April.
[See also Lanzhou, 14 April 2008; Tibet Watch, 01/07/08; and Lanzhou, 26 May 2008; Tibet Watch, 01/07/08.]
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 July 2008)

Lanzhou, Gansu Province at Monday, 14 April 2008

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:54:03 +0100

Chinese authorities in Lanzhou arrested a Tibetan man, Lodoe Wangpo, charging him with “organising the peaceful protests on 17 March” and producing video footage and photos of “the protests” to send to people outside Tibet.
[Note: Tibet Watch does not actually specify which 17 March protests, but the location is clearly Machu town since the report goes on to describe Lodoe Wangpo’s connections with Machu county. Nonetheless, it is assumed that the reader is aware of the details. In fact, demonstrations occurred in almost twenty locations on 17 March 2008, including Machu.]
Lodoe Wangpo had moved to Lanzhou “following pressure by the authorities” in Machu county [details and date not provided]. He was arrested during the middle of the night by Kanlho prefecture police, whilst staying in a Chinese friend’s home [it is unclear why he was arrested by Kanlho TAP police and not by Lanzhou police]. Two unidentified people were arrested with him [the same Tibet Watch report later states that one of those arrested was his Chinese friend, but that he was released on the same day; there was no further mention of the third individual].
[See also Machu, 14 April 2008; Tibet Watch, 01/07/08.]
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 July 2008)

Dragyab, Kardze (Chin: Ganzi) county at Tuesday, 20 May 2008

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:52:42 +0100

At 1am, three nuns from Nya-gye nunnery in Dargye township began a march to Kandze town, and walked about 20km before dawn. At around 9am they protested in the town; shouted slogans: “Long live the Dalai Lama”, “Invite the Dalai Lama to return to Tibet”, “We Tibetans want freedom”, “Release all the arrested Tibetans”.
The three nuns were arrested by PAP.

Achoe, from Rimda village, Kandze [Kardze] county.
Sonam Choekyi, from Lamna village, Kandze [Kardze] county.
Taga, from Nodkhab village, Kandze [Kardze] county
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 July 2008)

Dragyab, Kardze (Chin: Ganzi) county at Monday, 19 May 2008

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:51:40 +0100

Phurbu Rinpoche, a famous “incarnation lama” [tulku] from Trehor Kandze monastery, was arrested at his house in Dragyab village, outside Kandze [Kardze] town, at around 4.30am. Phurpu Rinpoche is the “root incarnation lama” [not root lama; he is the spiritual head] of two nunneries: Pangrina [Pangri Na] nunnery and Yatsak (Yarti) nunnery; he also runs two medicine shops and has built an elderly care centre.
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 July 2008)

Kardze county (Chin: Ganzi Xian) at Monday, 19 May 2008

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:50:18 +0100

Tibetans arrested in Kandze [Kardze county]:

Name	Gender	Village	County
Dorje Gyalten	Male	Tharmey	Kandze
Tsashi Wanggyal	Male	Tharmey	Kandze

[Spellings in this table according to Tibet Watch.]
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 July 2008)

Kardze county (Chin: Ganzi Xian) at Sunday, 18 May 2008

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:48:37 +0100

Tibetans arrested in Kandze [Kardze county]:

Name		Village	County
Champa Dorje	Monk	Angsang	Kandze
Palden Trinley	Monk	Angsang	Kandze
Kunga Trinley	Monk	Serchuteng	Kandze
Tse-og	Monk	Dzapa	Kandze
Jamyang Tsering	Monk	Dzapa	Kandze

[Spellings in this table according to Tibet Watch.]
(reported by Tibet Watch, 01 July 2008)

Update: Detentions for the record

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Sat, 05 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

The informal detention of several hundred Tibetan pilgrims, returning from the Kalachakra initiation performed by the Dalai Lama in Bodhgaya, India, in January 2012, illustrates how Communist Party cadres in Tibet constitute an obstacle to 'social harmony' inherent to the system, although this is the goal they supposedly aspire to. That the event in Bhodhgaya saw the greatest number of participants from Tibet ever shows the growing boldness of Tibetans' commitment to their religion and to their spiritual leader, but also a certain readiness on the part of the Chinese authorities to quietly accommodate it. However, in detaining the pilgrims on their return, the authorities ultimately squandered any political mileage that they might have earned. Instead of projecting the image of a more tolerant China, the move, which puzzled international observers and generated a wide range of speculation, was broadly interpreted as an ideological flip-flop and a blind act of arbitrary, if not pernicious, suppression of religion. Reports from Tibet, however, indicate that the detentions, which have now come to an end, amounted to a defensive strategy by bewildered Communist Party cadres in Tibetan regions trying to cope with the pressure of the recent self-immolations and the higher authorities' irritation at it. In the face of their own impotence, their response was this display of diligence and zeal which, they contended, was expected from them. Their actions, which are unlikely to intimidate Tibetans in the long term or change their mind-set towards the Dalai Lama, will, predictably, add to discontent among the more religious-minded Tibetans who have little interest in politics, and so present another example of the absurdities of the Chinese government system in Tibet.

Update: Preparing for troubles. Streamlining leadership in Tibetan regions of the PRC

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0100

While personnel changes in the People's Republic of China (PRC) are generally scrutinised against the backdrop of a promotion/demotion duality, a pattern inherited from Cold War times, the recent arrival of Liu Zuoming (åä½æ) as new Party Secretary of Ngaba (Aba) prefecture as a replacement for Shi Jun (ä¾ä¿) is in fact an exercise in streamlining the judicial, executive and security departments of the regime by stirring up and re-energising cadres in expectation of a possible protraction and/or geographical expansion of the current crisis in Aba and surrounding areas. There were similar moves in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) in late 2011 where additionally a trend to promote Tibetans with long records of loyalty to positions further up the hierarchy was also observed, probably in order to confer legitimacy on the regime. There are also signs of stronger coordination in security issues between the TAR and other Tibetan regions. These developments and recent sackings of cadres confirm that the Chinese leadership regards the maintenance of law and order and the functionality of the security apparatus, rather than mitigation, as the best strategy to cope with the current crisis.

Update: Golog and beyond

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

The death of Sopa Tulku who set himself on fire on 08 January 2012 and the unrest that ensued in Golog (Chin: Goluo) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (TAP) and neighbouring areas of Eastern Tibet is part of a crisis that has been developing there for almost 10 months. Whereas those who had set themselves ablaze before him had been mostly very young and at the bottom of the religious hierarchy, Sopa Tulku was a middle-aged incarnate lama (tulku), whose suicide potentially deeply impacts the lay congregation. His death appears to shift the crisis towards Golog in Qinghai and away from its original epicentre in Ngaba (Chin: Aba) prefecture in Sichuan. It also represents a move from the Gelugpa tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, to which the Dalai Lama belongs, and that was the only lineage affected thus far, to the Nyingmapa school. This has been read as the prelude to a more generalised upheaval reminiscent of spring 2008. However, while the crisis has indeed gained a new dynamic, under closer scrutiny its pattern of diffusion does not appear as chaotic as has been suggested in some quarters. Golog's specific history and sociology have made it a region where religious schools are atypical in the way that they overlap, and bonds between lamas and the local population, mainly nomadic tribes, have a peculiar quality. With that, the new developments confirm observations that the crisis has progressed through a process of emulation and with a strong sense of shared frustration among groups with the same regional and spiritual affiliations, and hence is a logical continuation of the earlier developments in Ngaba. Reports have tended to pay scant attention to Sopa Tulku's personal situation while overemphasising his status as an incarnate lama. Likewise, the extent of the protest might have been overestimated. All in all, if a Tibet-wide expansion of the protest cannot be precluded, this might be less through its own dynamic than through Tibetan exasperation with the Chinese authorities' heavy-handed response. In that regard, the parallels with the crisis of 2008 are conspicuous.

Update: Why Kirti?

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100

The series of incidents in and around Kirti monastery, in Ngaba (Chin: Aba) prefecture, Sichuan province, in which Tibetan Buddhist clerics set themselves alight, is a direct result of the failure of the Chinese authorities to de-escalate conflicts with Tibetan monasteries. An analysis of the specific situation at Kirti and reports from the monastery indicate that it is primarily local circumstances that have led to the incidents. Set amidst the most restive Tibetan region, Kirti is a crucial monastery of the Dalai Lama's Gelugpa school of Buddhism and the focus of a strong religious and regional identity. For decades it has been separated from its spiritual head, Kirti Rinpoche, who resides in India where the monastery's Dharamsala exile branch has acted for years as a window on tensions and human rights issues in Tibet. These factors place Kirti at the centre of a vortex of resistance and a mix of repression and inadequate attempts at mitigation. Rather than the ominous 'legal (re)education campaigns', it has been the arbitrary exclusion and harassment of young monks by a security apparatus that acts erratically but is essential for preserving the regime's power, which gave birth to unprecedented forms of protest that are actually at odds with the Tibetan ethos. So far, probably due to its strong local roots, this form of protest has not shown signs that it will spread further in Tibet.

Update: Coming out. The Karmapa appeals against self-immolations

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100

With a strong but carefully worded statement issued via email on 09 November 2011, the Karmapa became the first Tibetan leader to unambiguously appeal to fellow Tibetans not to destroy their lives by setting fire to themselves but to choose more constructive modes of protest. In the statement he said: "Each report of self-immolation from Tibet has filled my heart with pain". This bold and unexpected move, directed at the Tibetan people at large and international supporters, as well as to China's leaders, has projected him as a spiritual figurehead in the tradition of the Dalai Lama, albeit in an arena full of political pitfalls.

Update: "This is very damaging". Provocations and detentions in Nepal

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100

The Human Rights Organisation of Nepal (HURON) reported on 01 November the arrest of 56 Tibetans by Nepali police for holding a mourning and prayers event for the monks who recently set themselves ablaze in Tibet at an unauthorized public location. On 02 November, further minor clashes occurred. While these events expose Nepali authorities' efforts to put a cap on Tibetan protest, they also illustrate a recurring strategy on the part of some radical exile groups to provoke Nepali authorities rather than seek support in the country, at a time when others within the community strive to work towards a better situation for Tibetans in Nepal.

Update: 23 Tibetans released. Tibetan refugees in Nepal (Part 1)

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0200

An 11-day dispute over the fate of 23 Tibetans arrested by the Nepali authorities after clandestinely crossing the border from Tibet finally ended on 22 September 2011 with their release and transfer into the hands of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). During most of these 11 days, the Chinese embassy in Nepal bitterly fought to have the Tibetans forcedly repatriated, while on the other side, the Human Rights Organisation of Nepal (HURON) and the UNHCR led demands for the implementation of the 'Gentleman's agreement' under which Nepal informally allows Tibetans passage to India. A new strategy used by the Chinese authorities in the course of the dispute was to reframe what is effectively discrimination against Tibetans in terms of their freedom of movement as Chinese citizens, and of which ethnic Chinese can make unfettered use of, into a discourse against 'human trafficking', which is well understood in Nepal and evokes there nationalism-driven conflicts with their unpopular neighbour, India. The weak law and order situation in Nepal, as well as the inclination among Nepal's leadership to put personal decisions and internal consultations above the rule of law, provided fertile ground for the dispute.

Update: Routine, speculations and performers. Chen Quanguo new TAR Party head.

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0200

Chen Quanguo (éå¨å½) has been nominated new Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), replacing the incumbent Zhang Qingli who had mainly distinguished himself through his pithy patter as well as a general inclination for crude utterances. The coverage which this, rather unspectacular transmission of power, enjoyed in world media illustrates the international attention which Tibet has enjoyed since the unrest of spring 2008. Most reporting, however, seems to overestimate the role of provincial party secretaries. Although it is the only post with real political power in their constituency, they are mere executors of policies drafted by the Politburo Standing Committee of the Party's Central Committee, which also nominates them. While they enjoy some leeway in the implementation of central policies and play a crucial role in the nomination of local Party and government personnel, their participation in policy formulation is minimal and even their executive role is restricted by Beijing's directives.

Update: The anniversary paradox

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0200

The 90th anniversary of the creation of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and other anniversaries which were observed in Tibet during summer 2011, created a paradoxical situation. On the one hand, the authorities undertook a considerable facelift programme, particularly in respect to monasteries and other buildings of historical significance, presenting a lavish statement of their declared concern for Tibetan culture. On the other hand, tourists, in particular those from overseas, were effectively banned from Tibet for most of the season. The situation is reminiscent of the year of the Olympics, 2008, when security concerns prevented many visitors from, appreciating the outcome of the renovations that had taken place then. In 2011 as in 2008, works undertaken on Tibet's historic building were, at the very best, superficial, and way below international standards of conservation. This slick and sanitised version of Tibet's cultural heritage, with its gaudy, enhanced colours is more akin to a giant theme park than to showcasing a living culture. The 2011 ban on foreign tourists seems to have been partly eased by early August.

Update: Short cuts and immigration mess Tibetan immigration issues in Nepal

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0200

A confusing incident which occurred recently at Kathmandu airport, Nepal, and involved the arrest of two minors for alleged immigration offences, highlights how an arcane local bureaucracy, pressure from the Chinese embassy and the strong eagerness of some Tibetans and Nepalis to leave the country have generated a quagmire of corruption and illegality. At the root of the problem is the ambiguous legal situation maintained by Nepal's government towards Tibetan refugees. It seems that only the resumption of the registration of Tibetan refugees in Nepal and a regularization of their status is likely to settle the problem.

News from 21 April 2012 to 04 May 2012

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

China rewards 'harmonious' monasteries' Arrests, beatings reported in Kardze Tibetan singer arrested over "independence" song Dalai Lama slogan triggers campaign Tibet Mineral To Invest 12M Yuan In Exploration, Earnings Drop India drops charges against Karmapa Protest against monastery crackdown Authorities launch new renunciation campaign Tibetans heavily sentenced for Draggo protest NGOs in Kardze urged to register Tibetan quake victims fight government land grab Assad said to invite Dalai Lama Four Tibetan monks 'missing' since arrest Prisoner meetings barred in Tibet

News from 07 April 2012 to 20 April 2012

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Two deaths by fire in Barkham Prominent local Tibetans detained in Nagchu Businessman detained over land Tibetans beaten, arrested for protesting against official corruption Dalai Lama says China's 'totalitarian' policies sparked self-immolations. Tibetans detained in Kardze Tibetan protester caught on camera sentenced New Delhi allows Registration Certificate extension up to 5 years Two set themselves on fire Tibetan school forcibly closed, teachers arrested

News from 24 March 2012 to 06 April 2012

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0100

China accuses Dalai Lama of Nazi policies Four held over anti-Chinese protests Tibetans beaten in clampdown Tibetan singer detained Tibetan burns himself in India Tibet tourism damaging heritage sites China refutes US Tibet-related resolution Kirti Monk set himself on fire, dies Dalai Lama wins $1.7 million Templeton Prize Two more monks burn themselves China sentences eleven Tibetans for protests Students expelled and director fired Arrests in Yushu Nobel laureates urge China to talk with the Dalai Lama Abbot sentenced to two years' imprisonment Lone Tibetan protester sentenced Himachal panel questions land ownership policy for Tibetans Police arrest senior Draggo monk Fire sweeps through Tibetan forests

News from 10 March 2012 to 23 March 2012

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Dalai Lama observes Tibetan Uprising anniversary Monk self-immolates on 'Uprising Day' Security relaxes after anniversary Monastery under lockdown Work teams take over monasteries Crackdown on monks for leaflets Tibetan protestors ordered to surrender Monks leave Chamdo monastery Monk self immolates Students protest Jailed NGO worker spotted in prison hospital Snow kills Tibetan herds Tibetan issue raised at UN Environmentalists detained Tibetan woman collapses and dies searching for 'disappeared' brother Child killed in protests Monk sets himself on fire Bora monastery under siege after protests Ten Tibetans 'missing' after Draggo crackdown Commentary calls for tighter grip on Tibet Jets training over Tibet Tsang monastery on security watch

News from 25 February 2012 to 09 March 2012

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Tibetan comedian detained Building Bombed in Sichuan Woeser under house arrest The Ninth Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa passes away Tibetans jailed for protesting against mining in Shigatse Rigzin Dorje dies in hospital, Lobsang Kunchok's limbs amputated Australian Foreign Minister deletes Dalai Lama attack from blog Villagers request Chinese envoy to waive tax on yak grazing Third self-immolation in three days Family told to sign letter Tibetan self-immolators dismissed as 'criminals' Padma Choling: Government popularity relies on its work Tibetan 'shot dead' at Chinese police station Appeal to end self-immolations

News from 11 February 2012 to 24 February 2012

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Writer sentenced Two hermitages demolished near Lhasa Ten of 27 journalists jailed in China are Tibetans Two more set themselves alight Protests in Sichuan province Dawa Dorje detained Monks expelled over Chinese flag Tibetan antelope wool seized New Party Secretary in Ngaba Wen says immolations have no support Monk charged after repeated detentions Party chief calls for tighter digital control Tibetan writer detained Tibetan policeman switched sides Monk burns protesting against monastery intrusion Teenage self-immolation in Dzamthang China extends railway line to increase fertilizer supply Railway brings more visitors to Golmud Over 40% of Tibetan cadres are women Nepalis banned from crossing into Tibet Losar protests in Tibet Sichuan Party chief warns Tibetans against separatism Zhu Weiqun suggest scrapping ethnic distinction China to join regional anti-poaching network as observer only Tibetan businessman arrested Monks fleeing monastery

News from 28 January 2012 to 10 February 2012

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Returning pilgrims detained Lhasa Party boss calls for stringent security measures Chinese officials say 'Trained Separatists' Responsible for Tibetan Violence Three Tibetans Self-immolate Two Tibetans self immolate in separate incidents. Two Shot Dead; Another Self-Immolation Protests in Yushu and Nangchen Tibetan officials sacked for "neglect of duty"

News from 14 January 2012 to 27 January 2012

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Reports about two shot in Ngaba Tibetan sentenced India-China resume border talks Sopa Tulku's funeral Tibetans protest in Serthar Two abbots from Karma monastery arrested Taped message from dead lama Monk succumbs to torture Tibetans believed killed in protests, speculation about figures Nepal might resume registration of Tibetans Amnesty condemns Chinese actions in Tibetan areas China Arrests 8 protesters China criticises reports of Tibetan clashes US condemns violence in Tibetan areas Tibetan arrested; one shot Dead, several wounded

News from 31 December 2011 to 13 January 2012

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100

China says immolations will not change Tibet policy Tibet railway carries 6.5m travellers in 2011 3.2 billion yuan for "ecological security barrier" Two Tibetans set themselves alight Former CTA Secretary passes away Takmig Sentenced to Four Years China denies visa to Arunachal officer Angry Tibetans Parade Corpse China calls self-immolaters "thieves" 600kg of China-bound orchids seized Thousands Attend Funeral Kalachakra ends in Bodhgaya US concerns over Tibetan self-immolations Tsultrim, Tenyi, and Norbu Damdul all succumb to injuries Tibetan Villagers Clash With Police 207 Tibetans arrested at the Thankot check-post

News from 17 December 2011 to 30 December 2011

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Monk Tabey is alive India-China talks to resume Beijing cancels EU-China dialogue US report links repression to self immolations Nepalese DPM Gachchhadar leaves for China Tibetan protest 'ringleader' jailed Tenzin Delek Rinpoche's health deteriorating

News: Prisoner meetings barred in Tibet

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

(Tibet.net) According to the website of the CTA in Dharamsala, an internal notice sent to all the prisons and detention centres of the TAR in March 2012, has barred all prisoners from meeting their friends and family. The notice has also ordered stricter vigilance in the prisons and has directed all the prison officials to closely monitor the movements of Tibetan prisoners. Lawyers and legal advisers have been told that they must receive the permission of the chief warden to see their clients and are allowed only a limited amount of time for case discussion. Public security and the welfare of Lhasa residents were the reasons cited for the stricter rules.

News: Four Tibetan monks 'missing' since arrest

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

(TCHRD) Four Tibetan monks including a reincarnated lama remain 'disappeared' months after their arrests by security officers, after the 23 January 2012 protest in Draggo (Chin: Luhuo) county in Kardze TAP. Tulku Lobsang Tenzin Rinpoche, Geshe Tsewang Namgyal, and the monastery's shop manager Thinlay and accountant, Dralha, were arrested days after the protests. They were arrested at an internet cafÃ© in Tridu (Chin: Chenduo) city and since then their whereabouts remain unknown. "Recently, there was unconfirmed news circulating in the region that one of them had died at the hands of the Chinese security officers", said an TCHRD source. "But the Chinese authorities have not issued any information on the four monks so far. They were not tried at any court nor were they sentenced thus, creating more concern and fear of their well-being".

News: Assad said to invite Dalai Lama

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

(chessbase.com) The former President of Kalmykia and President of the World Chess Federation (FIDE) Kirsan Ilyumzhinov visited Syria on 28-29 April 2012 where he met Syrian President Bashar Assad in Damascus. During their discussions, Assad informed Mr. Ilyumzhinov of his intention to invite the Dalai Lama to Syria on an official visit. Ilyumzhinov said: "President Assad said that in Syrian territory there is one of the most ancient Buddhist temples erected about two thousand years ago. He would like to invite H.H. Dalai Lama to sanctify this temple."

News: Tibetan quake victims fight government land grab

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

(Reuters) Government officials in Jyekundo/Kyegudo (Chin: Yushu), Qinghai province, which suffered a powerful earthquake in April 2010, are threatening to forcibly relocate some 600 people â' mostly Tibetans â' from what was prime real estate in order to rebuild Kyegudo into what officials describe as an "ecological tourism centre". "What we don't understand is why the officials' homes can be left alone, but the ordinary people's homes have to be snatched away", a local told Reuters in the tent he set up next to his home that is still standing. According to Reuters, local Tibetans are losing their land to a large number of Chinese migrants.

News: NGOs in Kardze urged to register

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

(TCHRD) The Chinese authorities in Kardze TAP have issued orders aimed at restricting the activities of NGOs in the prefecture, according to TCHRD. The notification requires all non-governmental 'social organisations' to register with the prefectural-level Bureau of Civil Affairs. Failing this, these organisations will be declared illegal, reported the Chinese government-owned Ganzi Daily News on 27 April 2012. The NGOs will only be able to register when they meet the criteria listed by the government, the report added. The "relevant government authorities" will investigate the nature and activities of the NGOs and if found ineligible for registration, they will be closed.

News: Tibetans heavily sentenced for Draggo protest

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

(TCHRD) A court in Sichuan province has sentenced 16 Tibetans following their arrest in the aftermath of the 23 January 2012 protests in Draggo county, according to TCHRD. Sonam Lhundup, a Tibetan in his 30's, was sentenced to life imprisonment and 15 others to varying terms. Kuntho was sentenced to 13 years; Jebay and Wangchen Tsering, were terms of 12 years and nine years, respectively; Kundup was sentenced to 11 years jail terms; Choenam and Azi Shopo were sentenced to three years each. Nyendak was sentenced to one year and eight months term; Phurwa Tsering to two years; and Wangtse to a year and nine months. The details of the charges made against them are not known. In another incident, seven more Tibetans were sentenced for alleged involvement in the Draggo protests where at least two, and as many as six, protesters were believed killed when police opened fire on the crowd.

News: Authorities launch new renunciation campaign

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

(RFA) Chinese authorities have launched a campaign requiring Tibetan nomads in Lithang (Chin: Litang) county, Kardze TAP, Sichuan province to sign a document renouncing the Dalai Lama, and Lobsang Sangay, the head of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in India. The campaign was reportedly launched during February 2012 in Lithang's Mola village, hometown of Lobsang Sangay. Initially, authorities had told the nomads they had to sign the document if they wanted to collect Caterpillar Fungus, or Cordyceps Sinensis (Tib: Yatsu Ganbu), a major source of income in the area. According to an RFA source in the region, Tibetans realised that the document contained seven clauses condemning the Dalai Lama and Lobsang Sangay and refused to sign, resulting in confrontations with the authorities.

News: Protest against monastery crackdown

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

(RFA) A large crowd of reportedly 3,000 to 4,000 Tibetans led by monks protested against a security crackdown on the Zogchen monastery in front of a township police station and government centre in Zogchen township in Dege county, Kardze TAP. The protesters demanded the release of nine people who had been detained following a series of raids conducted by security forces on the monastery, during which monks were severely beaten, interrogated, and taken away, RFA sources said. Police searches were also conducted on Tibetan homes around the monastery. One of the monks, identified as Gyatso, was seriously injured and is said to be in critical condition at the Kardze District People's Hospital

News: Dalai Lama slogan triggers campaign

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

(RFA) Chinese authorities have launched a re-education campaign in Markham (Chin: Mangkang) county in the TAR after a middle school Tibetan student wrote "Long Live the Dalai Lama" on her class blackboard, according to Radio Free Asia (RFA).â¨They also detained nearly a dozen Tibetans in the region for having mobile phones containing the Dalai Lama's photos or songs about him.â¨In the campaign, led by Bao Luo, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) county secretary, the officials told students and school staff the Dalai Lama and the CTA in India were "advocating separatism and using religion to deceive Tibetan Buddhists".

News: Tibet Mineral To Invest 12M Yuan In Exploration, Earnings Drop

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

(SSN) Tibet Mineral Development (000762), a producer of chromium iron, lithium salt and iron ore, said it plans to invest 12 million Yuan (UK£1.18m; US$1.9m; EUR€1.45m) with the National University of Defence Technology to explore the Luobusa chromite deposit in Lhoka (Chin: Shannan) Prefecture in the TAR, according to Shanghai Securities News (SSN), citing a company filing.