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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: A friend's help. Analysing the Humla deportation case.

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0200

The deportation by local Nepali authorities of two Tibetan monks and one woman to the People's Republic of China (PRC) in early June 2010 in Nepal's western Humla district, Karnali zone, has drawn international criticism from various quarters, including from the United Nations. Reports in the international press and by Tibet groups have emphasised the role of Nepal's government in the case. However, documentation put together by the Human Rights Organisation of Nepal (HURON), upon which these international reports are based, highlights more accurately how the Chinese authorities actually bypass the Nepali state and extend their power in Nepal's border regions through Nepali clients, and hence undermine the fragile rule of law in Nepal in order to enforce their interests.

Update: Changing tide. Karma Samdrup's sentence confirmed

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0200

The unexpectedly swift rejection on 07 July 2010 of Tibetan environmentalist Karma Samdrup's appeal against his 15-year prison sentence seem to confirm that, personal differences aside, he and his family have fallen victims of a general reconfiguration of the security status quo in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), and in particular a reconsideration of the role of local NGOs. It results from a strain that has been looming since the fur burning events of 2006 and has become a major concern for the authorities following the unrest of 2008. Directly or indirectly linked, it also represents the flipside of a realignment of the law and order apparatus around Padma Choling, the new TAR governor, that could hardly take place without the ascent of Hu Jintao.

Update: Opening the gate to Kailash

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0200

The opening of Ngari Gunsa Airport on 02 July 2010 is the culmination of substantial infrastructure development efforts by the Chinese authorities over the last few years. Their aim is to transform the region around Mount Kailash and the nearby Lake Manasarovar in the far west of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) into a lucrative tourism destination. Pilgrims from India who venerate Kailash and its environs have for years constituted the majority of the visitors to the region. The treatment many of them experience at the hands of state-sanctioned travel agencies suggests that there is a long way to go before the advent of a serious and professional tourism sector in this remote region. Regardless of this, the Chinese authorities seem keen to engage India in a part of Tibet that has for centuries been more oriented towards South Asia than towards China.

Update: Landmark sentencing?

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0200

The sentencing of Karma Samdrup on 24 June 2010 is potentially a hard blow for the further development of the vigorous grassroots social and ecological activism that has spread over many parts of Tibetan regions of the People's Republic of China (PRC) during the last 5-8 years. His brilliant career, his markedly apolitical approach to contemporary problems, while maintaining a specific Tibetan attitude in the solutions he has proposed and, last but not least, the authorities' apparent approval of his activities were for many a source of inspiration and encouragement. The further handling of his case is likely to have deep implications for the nascent civil society within Tibet.

Update: By-passing the 'Gentleman's Agreement'

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 +0200

A realisation that even the most draconian controls on the Tibet-Nepal border will not succeed in stopping the flow of Tibetans who each year clandestinely cross into Nepal, mainly to proceed to India in order to meet the Dalai Lama, has led the Chinese authorities to adjust their policies. Rather than according to Tibetans the same unlimited right of movement which ethnic Chinese (Han) enjoy, and which is in theory anchored in the People's Republic of China's (PRC) legal system, the Chinese authorities have opted for pressurising Nepal into labelling new Tibetan arrivals as lawbreakers, as they are in China. This undermines the 'Gentlemen's Agreement' between the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and the government of Nepal, which is sponsored by developed countries and India and makes sure that new Tibetan arrivals are treated asde facto refugees.

Update: Devastation in Jyekundo

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0200

The earthquake that shook the region of Jyekundo/Kyegudo (Chin: Yushu) on 14 April 2010 was by far the most devastating in Tibet's recent history. The death toll was initially put at 200 on the day after the quake but has, according to official figures, risen to approximately 2,500. The authorities acknowledge that the final number will be higher, but it is still too early for serious estimates. The quake and its aftermath is a reminder once again that the Tibetan plateau is a region of intense seismic activity, and also raises questions about the types of buildings that are now prominent there.

Update: Tibet Spring. Looking back on the 2008 protests.

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0200

Although many questions about the actual details still need clarification(1), the two years which have passed since the Tibetan unrest of 2008 provide enough critical distance to attempt an in-depth analysis of this most significant event of the last decades and its implications.(2) The picture that emerges at times challenges many of the accepted paradigms on the unrest itself and Tibetan dissent in general. Whereas the sudden explosion was indirectly triggered by the upcoming Beijing Olympics, the process that led to the events appears much deeper and logically rooted in new and increasingly vocal expressions of discontent by Tibetans within Tibet, fuelled by a profound and widespread discontent, facilitated by modern technologies, and inspired mainly by a strongly perceived need to express loyalty to the Dalai Lama. The 'Olympics nervousness' seems to have affected the PRC state in the first place, which imposed disproportionate preventive measures to present a politically convenient picture of a harmonious Tibet through an apparatus under the ultimate control of China's supreme leader Hu Jintao, however, it ended enforcing exactly the massive response which it had attempted to prevent. Whereas, in the late 1980s, the Tibetan protests focussed mainly on demands for independence, and could be called an uprising, the wave of unrest in 2008 was far less homogenous in character and intent. Rather, there were three main types of protests. Some were based on specific and localised demands, mainly in response to repression for particular acts of dissent; some expressed more diffuse demands for freedom and were demonstrations of loyalty to the Dalai Lama, and few were, at times violent, acts of ethnic self-assertion. None of the protests attempted to overthrow the state by force, but rather to make a point through symbols and visibility. The result has been a fully unprecedented international response that has brought the Tibet issue back into global awareness in a way unprecedented by any campaign outside Tibet. In that regard, the unrest was surprisingly successful. It is part a tradition of Tibetan protest which goes back to the late 1970s when the Dalai Lama's fact-finding missions met with an overwhelming response from the Tibetan public, and within that part of a new, bolder era of political articulation which began with the fur burning events of 2006. The unrest contradicts both views of Tibetans inside Tibet as generally content with their current situation, as presented by official Chinese propaganda, or as voiceless victims of the regime, as is sometimes projected abroad. Instead, it was a demonstration of Tibetans' strong and on-going willingness to express discontent and not least their capability to do so. Whether the unrest will help to resolve the Tibetan imbroglio is impossible to say at this point, but it certainly fundamentally altered China's way of dealing with Tibet and redefined paradigms of the discourse on Tibet abroad. Through the wave of protest in spring 2008, Tibetans have become again subjects rather than objects of politics, and thus gained new agency for their future(3).

Update: China's Tibet's backyard

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The arrest of Thinley Gyatso, the de-facto representative of the Dalai Lama in Nepal, which was reported by IANS on 07 March 2010, as well as the arrest of several groups of Tibetans who entered the country clandestinely earlier in the year, bear witness to the People's Republic of China's (PRC) increasing efforts to exert influence in Nepal. This Special Report provides the context to these developments by highlighting the current state of the Sino-Nepali rapport for which the long border that Nepal shares with the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) is a defining element. As a whole, Nepal, one of the poorest countries in the world, is the net loser in a deeply asymmetric relationship. It has vulnerable border regions where China is currently actively establishing its presence, and its trade balance with China is hopelessly skewed. Chinese development efforts in Nepal appear to serve less Nepali needs than the PRC's vested interests, in particular the development of the TAR as a bridge to South Asia. The benefits of Chinese investment in Nepal have yet to be felt and interaction, though superficially cordial, is often uneasy, mainly because China's presence in Nepal is marked more by determination than skill. Still, the prospect of benefiting from China's economic boom and diminishing the almost total and often resented dependence on India, has fostered a willingness to cooperate with China, in particular among Nepali elites. Concessions relating to the Tibet issue are one of the few cards they have at their disposal. Nepal however is in a dilemma, since despite speculation about its future, it is still far more dependent on help from India and developed countries who insist on Nepal's adherence to international agreements on refugees. The way ahead will therefore depend on how much determination, skills and energy these international partners will be ready to invest into facing China's advance in Nepal(1).

Update: Dialogue and policies for the "Tibetan related areas"

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The recent reformulation of the People's Republic of China's (PRC) policies on Tibetan affairs, while clearly emphasising continuity as a whole, acknowledges, probably as a consequence of the 2008 unrest, that large-scale industrial development alone will not create the 'harmonious' and 'affluent' society that Beijing desires, and that socio-economic disparities need to be addressed more directly. The appointment of Padma Choling as the new governor of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) seems linked to these changes. Beijing has, in effect, moved closer to the positions of critics of its development policies in Tibet, in particular the Dalai Lama, though issues of cultural and political alienation remain so far unaddressed. The reverberations of 2008 have also led to Tibetan affairs being more openly approached in a way that is inclusive of the whole Tibetan cultural area - as opposed to just the TAR - a perspective that also closes the gap between Beijing and its critics. While such subtle convergences could in principle open the field for discussion at the current round of talks between Beijing and the Dalai Lama's representatives, the crucial issue of power devolution, that defines autonomy in the first place, has so far remained an insurmountable divide.

Update: More of the same

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

A meeting of senior leaders of the People's Republic of China's (PRC) held in Beijing on 08 January 2010 discussed the future development of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). The third session of the Ninth TAR People's Congress, which opened in Lhasa on 10 January, then rubber-stamped the directives that were issued. Personnel changes in the TAR, like the retirement of Legqog from the legislature and the appointment of Padma Choling as new governor of the TAR, follow a set pattern. Although Qiangba Puncog's transfer, from the executive to the People's Congress, has occurred surprisingly early, it does not appear to upset the general political scenario. Overall, Beijing is pursuing the same policy in Tibet - the building of a "Great Wall of stability" - that President Hu Jintao called for in March 2009 in response to the unrest of 2008(1). The key elements to this are still accelerated economic development through large infrastructure projects (including some whose efficiency is contentious) and control of potential dissent, in particular from religious institutions. This confirmation of the same strategies, which partly ignited the explosion of dissatisfaction of spring 2008, occurs while the announcement of a new visit to China by the envoys of the Dalai Lama, delayed since late 2009, is expected imminently.

News from 14 August 2010 to 27 August 2010

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0200

Two monks arrested in Barkham county Monks protest at Lithang festival Firing incident in Palyul county He Guoqiang addresses conferences on Tibet's public security US reminds Nepal to allow free passage to Tibetan refugees Tibetan intellectual arrested Tibet Airlines plans to operate flights to Europe Four students arrested in Barkham county

News from 31 July 2010 to 13 August 2010

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0200

Beijing to spend more on bilingual education Four Tibetans sentenced to varying prison terms in Serthar and Jomda Tibetan sets world calligraphy record TAR steps up web controls Tibetans reject quake plan China orders charities to surrender their Yushu donations Shogdung's case delayed Chinese fighter jets train over Tibet Gansu landslide Confirmation of life sentence for Dorje Tashi

News from 17 July 2010 to 30 July 2010

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0200

Kyirong land port moving forward Plastic bags banned in Tibet Kyirong/Rasuwa custom point to open for tourists Report slams security forces in Tibet Production begins at Gyama China to expand lithium production in Qinghai Monk commits suicide Floods disrupt Lhasa train services UN "extremely concerned" over Nepal's refoulement of Tibetans Senior CPC leader calls for more care for disciplinary cadres

News from 03 July 2010 to 16 July 2010

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0200

Rinchen Samdrup gets five years Seven village leaders arrested in Ngaba Investment package for the western regions Tibetans detained on Dalai Lama birthday in Nepal Hague expresses concerns over Tibet Karmapa won't go to the US

News from 19 June 2010 to 02 July 2010

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0200

Tibetans held after mining protest Karma Samdrup jailed for 15 years New Chinese regulation bans torture confessions China builds oxygen-rich barracks for soldiers in Tibet Annual international journalists tour on Ngari airport opens

News from 05 June 2010 to 18 June 2010

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0200

Shogdung faces formal charges. Miss Tibet crowned Gyaltsen Norbu visits Lhoka Oil terminal in Lhasa Reports of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche's health China to boost oil production in Qinghai Three monks arrested in Chamdo Russian ambassador denies offering Dalai Lama visa Jokhang protester found jailed at Drapchi Tensions in quake town

News from 22 May 2010 to 04 June 2010

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Sat, 22 May 2010 00:00:00 +0200

46kg of pangolin scales seized at Tibet-Nepal border Tibetan writer faces second arrest in 13 months Tibetan sentenced to death and five to lengthy prison terms Surveillance stepped up in Lhasa hotels Old charge resurfaces against prominent Tibetan China sets Tibetan writer free, exiles fear poor health Ten Tibetans arrested entering Nepal Tibetans protest over land

News from 08 May 2010 to 21 May 2010

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Sat, 08 May 2010 00:00:00 +0200

Villagers renew mine protests Special envoy reiterates the Dalai Lama's wish to visit earthquake region TAR publishes ten-year tourism plan New photocopy rules introduced in Tibet Arrested author's book launched China arrest six monks in early morning raids in Jomda Crackdown on Tibetan ringtones

News from 24 April 2010 to 07 May 2010

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0200

Dalai Lama refused Russian visa China to share Tsangpo/Brahmaputra data with India Lone protester arrested Machu middle school students go on hunger strike Quake homeless to wait three years for new homes Â Tibetan quake critic arrested Tibetans say mining at a sacred site prompted earthquake

News from 10 April 2010 to 23 April 2010

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0200

Three sentenced in Ngaba county More airports to open in Tibet Monk arrested after protest in Nyarong county Earthquake in Jyekundo Primary school students detained in Sertha county Eight Tibetans arrested at Nepal border Nepal, China, India agree on common strategy to protect Kailash Nepal - Tibet trade talks begin Delhi High Court dismisses Dorjee Shugden devotees' charges

News: Four students arrested in Barkham county

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0200

(Phayul) According to a source in exile, four Tibetan students of a minorities learning institution were arrested in Barkham county on 17 March 2010 on charges of instigating students against the government. The four had initiated a gathering of Tibetan students to commemorate the protests of 2008. They were also accused of publishing several articles, poems and essays about the protests in their magazine Namchak ('Thunderbolt').

News: Tibet Airlines plans to operate flights to Europe

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0200

(PTI) The soon-to-be launched, state-owned, Tibet Airlines, is proposing to fly directly to Europe. The new airline, which plans to expand its fleet to 50 aircraft by 2020, would link Lhasa with major European hubs. Liu Yanping, the general manager of the airline, was quoted by China Daily as saying: "We hope to have direct routes to European nations in 2015 or 2016".

News: Tibetan intellectual arrested

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0200

(TCHRD) Kalsang Tsultrim was arrested on 07 July 2010 at Dzoge (Chin: Ruo'ergai) county in Sichuan province. TCHRD reports that enquiries made by family members about the arrest yielded no results. Kalsang, better known by his pseudonym Gyitsang Takmig, has been accused of "committing political errors" and has been on the run for at least a year. He had composed and distributed 2,500 VCDs discussing Tibetan history and the current concerns of Tibetan people in Tibet. He also wrote a book about the same subject.

News: US reminds Nepal to allow free passage to Tibetan refugees

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0200

(DPA) US Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Atul Keshap expressed concern over the "violation of the gentlemen's agreement" in Nepal, the Kathmandu Post reported. The paper reported that during talks with the US envoy, Nepal's home minister Rawal reiterated "Tibetans cross the Nepal-China border and enter India without a visa. Then they come back to Nepal and champion the Tibetan cause"; "Can we allow such activities and let them demonstrate here?"

News: Firing incident in Palyul county

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0200

(Phayul) According to Phayul three people would have been killed and 30 others severely wounded after security forces allegedly opened fire on Tibetan petitioners outside a government building in Palyul (Chin: Baiyu) county, Sichuan province. The incident occurred in a village named as Sharchu Gyashoed whose leader Tashi Sangpo had recently written to the Chinese authorities to complain about the expansion of gold mining activities in the area.

News: He Guoqiang addresses conferences on Tibet's public security

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0200

(TCHRD; Xinhua) The head of the Chinese Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, He Guoqiang, has addressed a two-day meeting of Public Security Bureaus (PSB) from the TAR and other ethnic Tibetan areas in the PRC. The meeting, held in Lhasa assessed the results and experiences of "upholding public security, struggling against the current separatist movement, and identifying current challenges facing stability in Tibetan areas". During the meeting, future action plans were drawn up "to step up fight against separatists; build bodies to protect social security; increase border security; and improve communication infrastructure, uniform and skills of the public security bureaus." He Guoqiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), called on local various-level governments and people in Tibet to make continuous efforts to achieve "leapfrog development and lasting stability" in the region.

News: Two monks arrested in Barkham county

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0200

(Phayul) Two Tibetan monks have been arrested by Chinese authorities in Barkham (Chin: Ma'erkang) county in Ngaba (Chin: Aba) prefecture, a source from Kirti monastery in India told Phayul. Sothar and Dhargay were monks from Tsodun monastery in Barkham county. The Phayul source said the two were arrested separately and the reason for their arrest remains unclear. Both the monks held positions in the administration of their monastery, according to Phayul.

News: Monks protest at Lithang festival

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0200

(RFA) Two monks took to the streets of Lithang (Chin: Litang) carrying the Tibetan flag and a picture of the Dalai Lama. They circuited the town's main marketplace and shouted slogans in support of the Dalai Lama, before avoiding arrest with the help of local people. The monks' protest occurred close to the third anniversary of an incident at the town's annual horse festival during which nomads leader Rongye (Runggye) Adak grabbed a microphone from a Chinese official on stage and made a speech in support of the Dalai Lama, calling for Beijing to allow him to return to Tibet.

News: Confirmation of life sentence for Dorje Tashi

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0200

(AFP; TCHRD) The India-based Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) told AFP it has obtained confirmation that the Chinese authorities have sentenced wealthy Tibetan businessman Dorje Tashi to life in prison for allegedly funding exile groups. The sentence was handed on 26 June 2010. Urgen Tenzin, director of TCHRD, said, "There has been no official announcement from the Chinese side which is unusual. We are trying to get more information". Dorje Tashi is the operator of the Yak Hotel, one of the most famous hotel in Lhasa. He met Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao in 2005, two years after joining the ruling Communist Party. He was arrested in 2008.

News: Chinese fighter jets train over Tibet

info@tibetinfonet.net (TibetInfoNet) — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0200

(Xinhua) J-11 fighter aircraft, the most modern Chinese combat planes, said to be copies of Russia's Su-27, have been shown for the first time in training over the Tibetan Plateau. Chinese state media published a picture of some of these planes in flight with a caption referring to the training exercise, but adding that China had no combat aircraft stationed in Tibet. It said that given the alertness required of aircraft maintenance personnel, and pilots preparing for flights, plus the logistical problems, the Chinese air force had declared Tibet fit to visit, but not to base aircraft units in. However, because the Chinese air force may one day have to fight in the air space over Tibet, training there was necessary.