14. Mar 2009
Kalon Tripa says Tibetans ready to talk
(ANI) The Kalon Tripa, head of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in Dharamsala, Samdhong Rinpoche, has welcomed Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's offer of holding more talks with envoys of the Dalai Lama. He told an Asian News International (ANI) reporter: "This is something which we need to welcome, and we are always ready to send His Holiness' envoys at any time, and we have already given our aspirations sign in writing in the last round of dialogue in November last year. Now, there is a set agenda. So, no problem to discuss with them". Commenting Wen Jiabao's statement that the West exploits the Dalai Lama, who he described as a political exile rather than a religious figure. Samdhong Rinpoche said: "If there is any truth, they should establish with evidences. As far as the Tibet issue is concerned, we have nothing to do with Western countries. We consider this is an internal matter of the People's Republic of China (PRC), and if the PRC is willing to deal with us as an internal matter, we are absolutely ready".
15. Mar 2009
Three foreigners detained in Kathmandu
(Kantipur Online) Three foreign nationals - Dutch national Meela Yenssen, Norwegian Giinarne Hanshen and British national Gaisy Karen Wood - were arrested for staging a protest outside the Chinese Embassy's visa office in Kathmandu. The protesters were wearing t-shirts with prints of free Tibet slogans and were shouting: "Free Tibet" and "China, out of Tibet" when they were arrested. Another unidentified European fled the scene on a motorbike, said Inspector Bam Dev Gautam.
16. Mar 2009
Bomb blast in Kardze
(AP) There was a bomb blast in an unoccupied newly-built police station in Bogexi town, Kardze (Chin: Ganzi) prefecture in a Tibetan area in Sichuan province. The bomb shattered windows but no one was injured and an investigation was under way, PSB official Liu Xiaojun told Associated Press. The state-run China Daily newspaper blamed the blast on "terrorists" - a term Chinese officials often use to characterise followers of the Dalai Lama. The report provided no other details.
16. Mar 2009
Monks taken for ‘study' after peaceful protest
(ICT) The International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) reports that more than a hundred monks who held a candlelit vigil on the first day of Tibetan New Year on 25 February have been taken from their monastery, Lutsang, in Mangra (Chin: Guinan) county, Tsolho (Chin: Hainan) TAP, in Qinghai province, for 'study' - a circumlocution for political education classes - at an unknown location. ICT said around 100 monks were taken from the monastery in early March while a number of the remaining monks have undergone interrogation, torture and beatings.
16. Mar 2009
Karmapa gives rare interview
(BBC) The 17th Karmapa, Urgyen Trinley said he backed the Dalai Lama's policy of seeking greater autonomy for Tibetans rather than independence, but blamed Beijing for deadlocked talks. In a rare interview, the Karmapa said that his feelings toward China had warmed since leaving Tibet, and that he had embraced elements of Chinese culture - learning to speak Mandarin fluently and also watching Chinese films. He said he hoped that the political issue of Tibet could be resolved peacefully, saying it would be in the interests of both Tibet and China. "If there is a chance [to improve relations], I will do whatever I can", he added. The Karmapa said the Tibetan government-in-exile had become more democratic, and that the tradition of one Dalai Lama succeeding another need not be followed. "I just wish there could be more people to take part in the competition [to become leader]", he said.
16. Mar 2009
Luxury train to Lhasa postponed
(AP) The launch of the first luxury train service from Beijing to Lhasa along the Golmud-Lhasa railway has been postponed from April until spring 2010, the operator said, amid China's economic slowdown and a security crackdown. "The decision was taken by our management in light of the current business climate and all the financial indicators in the near term", said Erena Chan, sales and marketing director for Tangula Luxury Trains. Although Tangula characterises the postponement as strictly a "business decision", tourism in Tibet has languished recently. "It's not a good time to visit Tibet now, and I think you know the reason", said Xiao Su, sales manager for the Tibet-China Travel Agency, based in Lhasa.
16. Mar 2009
China arrests a Tibetan civil servant
The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) reports that a Tibetan civil servant was arrested by the Chinese authorities in Sumdho township, Mangra county, Qinghai province. TCHRD sources said that Tashi Dhondup was arrested at his home by Public Security Bureau (PSB) personnel on 12 March 2009. His personal computer and mobile phone were seized. Apparently his younger brother, Jinpa Gyatso, disappeared a few days before the arrest. He had previously served in the People's Armed Police (PAP) for three years and later worked as a schoolteacher in Sumdho township for some time. He was later recruited as a civil servant in Mangra county.
17. Mar 2009
China approves "modern redesign" of Lhasa
(Reuters) Beijing has approved a "modern redesign" of Tibet's capital Lhasa, state media said. By 2020, Lhasa will become an "economically prosperous, socially harmonious, and eco-friendly modern city with vivid cultural characteristics and deep ethnic traditions", according to a document carried on the central government's website (www.gov.cn). The official China Daily said the plan would make Lhasa "a coordinated and distinctive modern metropolis by 2020". Lhasa's downtown population would be capped at 450,000 - the city only has 500,000 residents in total today - and just 75 sq km of land would be allowed to be used for urban development. The urban makeover plan said local authorities should "pay great attention to protecting the historic, cultural and aesthetic characteristics" of Lhasa." That includes controlling the number, height and even colour of buildings. Pay attention to the legal preservation of sites of necessary religious activities [and] satisfy the needs of the religious lives of believers".
17. Mar 2009
Nun stages protest march in Kardze
TCHRD reports a nun staged a solo protest march in Kardze county. According to TCHRD sources, Lobsang Khandro, from 'Gema Dra-wok' nunnery in 'Thing-ka' township, Kardze TAP, marched to Kardze government headquarters carrying pamphlets, political literature and some prayer flags. She shouted slogans such as: "No Freedom in Tibet"; "Tibetan People Rise Up, Rise Up"; "Long Live the Dalai Lama"; and "Chinese Authorities Release all Political Prisoners". She was arrested almost immediately, subjected to a severe beating, before being taken away to a detention centre.
19. Mar 2009
Fear of more HIV infections
(Telegraph.co.uk) The Daily Telegraph website quotes Dr. Jiang Hua, "one of China's leading HIV experts", as saying "I've heard that many sex workers from Sichuan are going to Kardze and Ngaba (Chin: Aba) and we are very concerned about this". He added that the issue had been a major point of discussion at an HIV seminar he had recently attended. Dr Jiang said: "Tibetans have a different culture and opinions on reproduction. Condom usage is really very low. So it is widely expected that there will be more disease". "The potential risk is huge", said Dr Jiang.
20. Mar 2009
Youths and monks held for marking uprising anniversary
(Tibet.net) Police in Chentsa (Chin: Jianza) county, Malho TAP (Chin: Huangnan) in Qinghai province arrested a number of youths, including monks, following two separate incidents marking the 10 March with incense-burning ceremonies, reported the CTA's website. The first incident involved monks from Ngangrong Tashi Choephel monastery while the other one involved youths from the nearby Nyenmo Deva and Lu Gyal Deva villages. The report said six young monks were held after the first incident, while the youths were arrested during the second incident.
21. Mar 2009
Arrests over farming boycott
(TCHRD) Chinese authorities arrested 27-year-old Jampa Dhondup on 19 March, and Dhunka Dorjee, Tsering Wangrak and Pachen on 21 March because of their alleged involvement in a farming boycott movement. Tibetans in the Kardze region have led a farming boycott in protest at repressive policies implemented by the authorities against Tibetans since ongoing disturbances began in spring 2008, and TCHRD sources reported the "streets were filled with posters" supporting the protest. In response, the authorities announced: "Anyone who defies farming will face arrest and their land will be officially confiscated".
23. Mar 2009
Tibetan writer arrested
(RSF; TCHRD) Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned the arrest of Tibetan writer Kunga Tsayang on 17 March, as well as the re-arrest of Jigmey Gyatso, a monk who helped Dhondup Wangchen make the 2008 documentary 'Leaving Fear Behind'. "Kunga Tseyang's arrest appears to be directly related to articles he wrote recently and is yet another example of the way the Chinese authorities are cracking down on Tibetan writers and journalists", RSF said. "We urge the Chinese government to free him without delay". Kunga Tsayang was arrested by the PSB during a midnight raid on Labrang Monastery, in Sangchu (Chin: Sangqu) county, Gannan TAP, Gansu province. Kunga Tsayang is a writer, essayist, chronicler and an amateur photographer who writes under the pen name 'Sun of Snowland' (Tib: Gang-Nyi). The authorities have not said why he has been arrested or where he is being held.
23. Mar 2009
Danish PM hopes to meet Dalai Lama in May
(AFP) Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen hopes to meet the Dalai Lama in May 2009 when he visits the country, despite Chinese warnings, according to AFP. "I met with the Dalai Lama during his last visit to Denmark in 2003 and I plan to do so again if possible", Rasmussen wrote in response to a question from opposition Socialist People's Party member Pernille Frahm, who passed on his answer to AFP. Frahm said she had written to the prime minister to ask if he "planned to defy warnings from the Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and meet with the Dalai Lama in May". The Dalai Lama's visit is scheduled for 29-31 May.
23. Mar 2009
Chinese bank lends to mines in Tibet
(Xinhua) The state-controlled Bank of China (BOC) has granted 650 million yuan (UK£66.68m; US$95.17m; EUR€71.58m) of credit loans to a local company in order to exploit multi-metal mines in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). The Huatailong Mining Company, based in Lhasa, will use the money to develop multi-metal mines in Gyama village. Huatailong mining company is a subsidiary of the China National Gold Group Corporation, a large-scale state-owned enterprise.
23. Mar 2009
Ragya monastery encircled and under severe restriction
(TCHRD; VOT; Xinhua) Some 95 Tibetan monks have been arrested or surrendered after hundreds of Tibetan protesters attacked the local police station in Gyala township, Golog TAP, Xinhua reported. Angry Tibetan protesters clashed with police after a 28-year-old monk from Ragya monastery, named Tashi Sangpo, tried to escape police custody by jumping into the Machu (Yellow) river but drowned. It is unclear whether his death was accidental or a suicide. Tashi Sangpo unfurled a Tibetan flag atop the main prayer hall of the monastery on 10 March 2009. According to TCHRD, around 4,000 Tibetans gathered at the police station and shouted slogans such as: "Tibet Independence" and "Long Live the Dalai Lama". TCHRD said the situation around Ragya monastery and the surrounding area is very grim and volatile. Contingents of PSB and PAP security forces have completely sealed off and encircled the monastery. The telephone, mobile and postal services have been cut off. Tashi Sangpo's family was offered monetary compensation of 200,000 Yuan (UK£20,650; US$29,260; EUR€22,145), a prominent Tibetan Lama living in a Tibetan monastery in south India told the Voice of Tibet radio service.
24. Mar 2009
Tibet re-opens to foreign tourists from April
(China Hospitality) Tibetan Tourism Bureau announced that from April 2009 the TAR will be re-opened to foreign tourists, as well as to tourists from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau.
25. Mar 2009
Tibetan writer-photographer arrested in Gansu Province
(TCHRD) TCHRD reports that a Tibetan monk was arrested by the Chinese authorities at Labrang monastery charged with allegedly writing political essays on Tibet for a website named 'Jottings' (Tib: Zin-dris) in Gansu Province. Kunga Tsayang was arrested by the PSB during a midnight raid on Labrang Monastery, in Sangchu (Chin: Sangqu) county, Gannan TAP, Gansu province. Kunga Tsayang is a writer, essayist, chronicler and an amateur photographer who writes under the pen name 'Sun of Snowland' (Tib: Gang-Nyi).
25. Mar 2009
Nuns arrested in Kardze
(VOT) Two Tibetan nuns have been arrested in Kardze, the Voice of Tibet (VOT) radio service reported, citing a source in exile. Tsetan Phuntsok, a monk in a Tibetan monastery in south India, told the radio service that the two nuns were Yulshey, and Tsetan Lhamo. According to Phuntsok, the nuns who carried a bag containing political pamphlets, shouted slogans calling for the return of the Dalai Lama and human rights for Tibetans. The nuns, who belonged to Lama Ladrakrak monastery in Kardze, were severely beaten before being arrested. The nuns are reportedly being held at a new detention centre in Kardze.
25. Mar 2009
China block footage of Tibet violence on YouTube
(Times Online) The release of video images of police beating Tibetans as they lie tied up on the ground seems to have prompted China's censors to block access to YouTube. The video, released by the CTA in Dharamsala, quickly made its way on to YouTube, which has been accessible in China since it was barred briefly before the Beijing Olympics. China has not confirmed that it has blocked the website, but said that the video issued from Dharamsala was false. Xinhua said that the footage had been spliced together from various sources. The video contains three sets of pictures. The first shows paramilitary police storming the Jokhang Temple during a riot in 1988, The second shows paramilitary police dragging Tibetans along the ground after they have been arrested. Their hands and wrists tightly trussed with rope, the Tibetans can be heard moaning as paramilitary hit them with sticks. The final part of the video shows a young Tibetan man identified as Tendar being treated for open wounds and sores by hospital doctors. A statement from the Tibetan exiles says he had been fired at, burned with cigarettes and severely beaten with an electric baton before his wounds were wrapped in polythene and left to rot. When he reached a civilian hospital, doctors cut away 2.5kg of rotten flesh. He died on 19 June 2008.
25. Mar 2009
Peace conference "postponed" after Dalai Lama refused visa
(AP) A conference celebrating South Africa's emergence as a multi-racial society has been called off after the Pretoria government refused to give a visa to a principal guest, the Dalai Lama because of pressure from Beijing. The peace conference bringing together South African Nobel Peace Prize laureates and international advocates of peaceful reform was due to be held on 03 April in Johannesburg as a prelude to South Africa's hosting of the soccer World Cup in 2010. Organisers decided to "postpone indefinitely" the conference, whose theme was to be soccer's role in overcoming racism and xenophobia. Archbishop Desmond Tutu and another South African Nobel Peace Prize winner, F.W. de Klerk, both said they would boycott the peace conference. Tutu said: "We are shamelessly succumbing to Chinese pressure. I feel deeply distressed and ashamed".
