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China releases Tibetan writer Dolma Kyab after 10 long years
I’m healthy, no need to worry: His Holiness urges Tibetans Vol. 03, Issue 142, Print Issue 66, October 15, 2015
Tibetan rearrested for separatist activities By Yeshe Choesang: October 15, 2015
Dharamshala — Chinese authorities have rearrested a former Tibetan political prisoner for violating the terms of his release from prison and allegedly carrying leaflets calling for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Samdup Gyatso, 30s, had finished serving a five-year sentence in May this year for launching a solitary protest in front of the Jokhang temple in Tibet’s regional capital Lhasa, sources told the Tibet Post International (TPI). Gyatso was arrested in early May 2010 after wrapping himself in a Tibetan flag and calling out for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the release of the Panchen Lama, and the resettlement of Tibetans expelled from the Kyegudo (Ch:Yushu, Qinghai province) county of eastern Tibet following a devastating earthquake, sources said. After he served a five-year sentence in Lhasa’s Drapchi prison, authorities escorted Gyatso to his hometown Serthang in Tsojang. “He was instructed not to travel outside the county premises. Gyatso was taken into custody again in early September when traveling from eastern to western Qinghai with the politically sensitive leaflets, a Tibetan source from Tibet told the TPI. “He was being followed and watched even after his release,” he said. Gyatso now suffers from kidney disease and requires medication on a regular basis, the source said. Authorities are holding Gyatso in the Dashi county jail. “No one is allowed to see or visit him,” the sources added. Gyatso had been detained briefly before in 2009 when he returned to Tibet after spending two years in India and had several books written by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in his possession. Authorities jailed him for six months in Lhasa, after which he was held for three days in Haiyan county and charged a 10,000-yuan fine (U.S. $1,581). Upon his release, Gyatso was forced to promise not to leave the area. Tanshuman from Uttarakhand crowned Miss Himalaya 2015
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His Holiness: The unique language is a matter of pride for all Tibetans By Jane Cook: October 11, 2015
Dharamshala — Speaking about the importance of the Tibetan language and its preservation, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said on Saturday that “the unique Tibetan language should be a matter of great pride for all Tibetan people.” His Holiness was speaking at the 10th founding anniversary of the Mewoen Tsuglag Petoen, a model Tibetan school at Gangchen Kyishong in Dharamshala, India. Hundreds of Tibetans, including schoolchildren, parents and staff gathered to receive blessings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the Himalayan hill town of Dharamshala in northern India. His Holiness extended his good wishes and gratitude to the school for its impressive performance in recent years. He also expressed his appreciation to all the teachers and staff for their consistent hard work. Among the dignitaries in attendance were special guest former Kalon Tripa Prof Samdong Rinpoche, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament Penpa Tsering, and other senior officials of the Central Tibetan administration. His Holiness the Dalai Lama shared his thoughts on the richness and uniqueness of the Tibetan script, which comprehends the intricate scientific and psychological aspects of Tibetan Buddhism. “The unique Tibetan language should be a matter of great pride for all Tibetan people,” His Holiness the Dalai Lama said underlining the importance of the Tibetan language and its preservation. “Tibet in the past has suffered a massive political tragedy. However, the Tibetan language has been the lifeline in sustaining the essence of Tibetan culture and tradition over the years,” he said. .“It is evident that modern education alone is incompetent in creating a blissful society,” His Holiness the Dalai Lama said urging “the importance of combining modern education with traditional values.”
His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing during the 10th founding anniversary of Petoen school, October 10, 2015. Photo: TPI/Choneyi Sangpo
“Even though people have reached high intellectual growth, modern education fails to address the ceaseless problems created by human beings,” the Nobel Peace Prize laureate said, adding that “therefore, it is a fusion of the two that determines excellence.” Speaking on religious harmony, His Holiness stressed “the need for a better understanding of the basic precept that the essence of all religion is love and compassion.” “Today, even religion, which is supposed to be imparting love and compassion are now becoming the cause of conflicts and bloodshed,” the Buddhist leader said.
15-yr-old monk arrested in Tibet as fears grow for missing protesters
“The need for imparting virtues and codes of conducts through modern education is a must as suggested by many intellectuals and scientists,” His Holiness further added. The Tibetan school is based on a holistic approach of learning through the “Basic Education Policy for Tibetans in Exile”. It was established in 2005 under then Kalon Tripa Prof Samdhong Rinpoche. Addressing the gathering, Education minister Mr Ngodup Tsering expressed gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his lifelong efforts to provide the best of both modern and traditional education to Tibetan children. P-2... Tibetan Youth Congress calls off hunger strike as UN responds
Tanshuman Gurung Miss Himalaya 2015, Tenzin Sangyi first runner up and Chum Darang second runner up pose for a photo after finale round on Sunday evening in McLeod Ganj, India, on 4 October 2015. Photo: TPI/Dawa Phurbu By Yeshi Choesang: October 02, 2015
Dharamshala — Tanshuman Gurung was crowed the Miss Himalaya 2015 at the Pageant’s finale round on Sunday evening in Dharamshala, the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Miss Sangnyi from Manali, who presented traditional dress of Tibet has won first runner up in the final competition in the Miss Himalaya pageant in the hill station of Mcleod Ganj. Tanshuman, who was crowned as the winner of the contest, said she hopes to promote awareness of protection of Himalayan heritage. “Now I am a “beauty queen” and I feel so proud to be a “Himalayan,” she wrote on her Facebook page after winning the beauty contest. The 22-year old from Uttarakhand was crowed the Miss Himalaya 2015 by Jyoti Dogra, winner of the Miss Himalaya 2014. The first and second runner-ups were Tenzin Sangnyi Himachal Pradesh and Chum Darang from Arunachal Pradesh. “I won’t give up and you will see me somewhere else trying again,” Sangnyi said after receiving support of the crowd for their favorite contestant. “If don’t win on first attempt, it is okay,” said Chum Darang who was faintly disappointed. The event was organised by Mr Lobsang Wangyal Productions in McLeod Ganj town. There were six contestants from dfferent parts of the Himalayan region, include Tibet who participated in the annual event.
Lha wins South Asia eNGO Challenge Award
The Dharamshala based Lha Charitable Trust reportedly won the award for the ‘Best use of website and internet tools’ at the 4th South Asia eNGO Challenge 2015, held on October 9, 2015 at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. Photo: Lha October 28, 2015
UN Assistant Secretary General of the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner Ivan Simonovic offering a cup of water to TYC Vice President Tamdin Hrichoe during his meeting TYC hunger strikers at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, India, on October 11, 2015. Photo: TPI By Molly Lortie: October 12, 2015
Lobsang Jamyang, a monk from Kirti Monastery in Ngaba County arrested on September 23, 2015, and two lay Tibetan protesters, Trinly and Lobsang, arrested on October 05, 2015 and also disapeared. Photo: TPI By Yeshe Choesang: September 17, 2015
Dharamshala — Chinese authorities in Ngaba County, north-eastern Tibet have detained a 15-yr-old Tibetan monk for staging a peaceful protest and shouting slogans calling for Tibetan freedom and the return to Tibet of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Fear is growing in Ngaba County of Tibet as many Tibetans, including monks are arrested and disappeared in recent months. Sources have also has confirmed the names of two Tibetans who disappeared in last month following their arrest by the Chinese security forces. “Lobsang Jamyang, 15, took to the main street of Ngaba town while shouting slogans calling for ‘freedom in Tibet and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama,’” Ven Kanyag Tsering, a monk with close contacts in the Tibetan region, told the Tibet Post International (TPI). Jamyang was arbitrarily detained by Chinese police forces around 4 pm local time, September 13, 2015 as he walked from main road in Ngaba County, now referred to as the ‘Martyr’s Street,’ while he was staging a solo peaceful protest against Chinese rule,” Ven Tsering said, citing contacts in the region. “Jamyang was detained within minutes of his protest and taken to an unknown location. His current whereabouts
and condition remain unknown,” he added, speaking on condition of anonymity. Jamyang, a Buddhist monk from Kirti Monastery located in Ngaba County, Amdo, (Ch: Aba County, Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in the north-west of Sichuan Province) one of the three traditional provinces of Tibet. “Jamyang, a native of village no. 2 of Meruma town, Ngaba County in Amdo, north-eastern Tibet. His father’s name is Choephel and his mother is Tsomo. He became a monk at a young age at the Monastery where he studied the elementary monastic texts on Buddhist Philosophy. Sources said “two young lay Tibetans, Trinley and Lobsang, age unknown—also marched in the street, shouting slogans, on September 10, before being taken into custody by Chinese police.” According to the same TPI source, Trinley and Lobsang, together had staged peaceful protest against the Chinese repression by shouting slogans calling for “freedom in Tibet” and “long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama”. TPI earlier reported on the arrest of the two young Tibetan protesters but the TPI source was unable to confirm their P-2... details, including their names.
New Delhi — On October 11th, the 32nd day, the Tibetan Youth Congress’s indefinite Hunger Strikehas officially ended after receiving a response from the United Nations. In a letter to TYC Hunger Strikers, UN Assistant Secretary General of the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner Ivan Simonovic requested the hunger strike to cease and assured TYC that the voices of the Tibetan people will be heard. The letter was delivered to TYC by Yuri Afanasiev the UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in India. TYC President Tenzing Jigme said, “this is a huge victory for the Tibetan people.” He added that, “the power of non-violence methods of resistance and the fact that when we come together and fight for our country as one – we win, is evident from this victory.” The hunger strike was launched on September 10th and participants included three TYC executives, Tamdin Hrichoe, Tenzin Wangchuk and Tsewang Dolma, who was forcibly taken to the hospital by police on September 30th. The campaign has witnessed huge support and solidarity from Tibetans all over the world as well as Indian leaders and members of the community, as various Indian Members of Parliament, former Ministers, social activists, student organizations and supporters of Tibet visited the hunger strikers. TYC claimed in a press release that the success of the strike has inspired a whole new generation of young Tibetans, invoking a sense of renewed nationalism and patriotism to the Tibetan freedom movement. Tamdin Hrichoe added, “Support from students, youth and members of the community has been great. That kind of support and unity is very important in our struggle and must continue in order for us to win our country back.” The hunger strike participants have now been taken to the hospital for evaluation and recovery.
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OPINION TPI NEWS China’s Great Game: New frontier, old foes Editorial: The Tibet Post International
October 15, 2015
Tom Mitchell, Financial Times: October 13, 2015
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Tibetan election is a victory for democracy October 15, 2015
Dharamshala — The upcoming Tibetan elections are a significant milestone for democracy in Tibetan community, as the second Tibetan general election after the complete devolvement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from his political role is fast approaching. The 2016 preliminary election for Sikyong (prime minister) and Chithue (members of parliament) of the TibetanGovernment-in Exile is just a few day away, and the season of Tibetan election campaigning is well underway. Tibetan government in exile has passed the democratic politics and its involvement test that it has faced in the recent decades. Last few months, unlike previous elections, Tibetans around the world held its most competitive race ever for Sikyong, Prime Minister or President of the Central Tibetan Administration and Chithues, members of the Tibetan parliament in Exile, the positive development of people’s involvement in the evolution of democratic system as well as most linguistics in the history of Tibet. The election is set to occur over the next year and many believe, including Tibetans across the world, the outcome offers an important and positive example of a working democracy. Perhaps for the first time, it seems a close call, as the general public’s participation and interest become a vital role. There is a much wider use of social media to share stories, opinions and information about the candidates via platforms such as Facebook, Wechat, Whatsapp etc. Hundreds of groups on various social media platforms having debates about the candidacies, are seen as a peaceful transition that has set the stage for a democratic change of power, reflect an important social change in the exiled community. This election not only highlights spirits of Tibetan democracy coming alive in exile, but it will be watched closely by people around the world. Various groups have selected their candidates for Sikyong and Chithues, drawn up manifestos and chosen election slogans. Many among the younger generation are counting on its new transformative agenda to carry the day while the elder generation is now boasting a record in governance at both traditional and modern principals. As a result, the Tibetan government has its own democratic system, and rights including freedom of assembly and free speech are protected. Its leader, called Sikyong,
the chief executive, is directly elected by 150,000-members of exile Tibetan community. A majority of the representatives are viewed as pro-Middle-Way Approach. Tibetan groups include National Democract Party of Tibet, and Students For a Free Tibet groups which stand for independence for Tibet, but do not openly seek a candidate who stands for Tibet’s independence. These groups are involved in organising several debates and public forums to strengthen democracy empowerment in the exile community. There is only one candidate who stands for Tibet’s independence, but openly says his standing for the Sikyong elections is not about winning or losing. Many argue that candidates who wants complete independence from China opposition to Beijing would only damage the global support, economy sources, as well as its relationship with China. The exile Tibetan media is also serious about bringing the debate and discission back to the real issues, namely the quality of service delivery, good governance and especially the accountability of leaders to our freedom struggle, ensure the survival of Tibetan identity and culture, as well as survival of Tibetan settlement, schools, religious institutions. We must argue that the elections and campaigns should not be plays of narrow politics, and campaigns may cause an internal crisis while jump-starting individual dreams, wihout long-term planning or long-term policy strategies for sustaining change in systems or a plan for ensuring the viability of the freedom struggle. The danger being that instead of helping, it will decrease of the current support by international communities, and world governments and parliaments. We must learn and know that raising too much about few individual views may only create such misunderstanding and mistrust that can readily lead to political conflict, driving our community into an unsafe direction. However we must not forget that democracy is a means of protecting freedom, and the four pillar of democracy must be equally participated. As for freedom of speech and the great “fourth pillar” of democracy, a free press and its accountability must berespected equally. However, since exile democracy began, recognition is a high priority, but the pratical implementation seemed just as a new born, therefore, it must be equally treated at any stage where other pillars perform their duties.
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Penpa Tsering, in his address, praised His Holiness for his tireless efforts to rehabilitate the Tibetan refugees, particularly his constant emphasis on education of the Tibetan children over more than 50 years. Prof Samdhong Rinpoche said that the “Basic Education Policy for Tibetans in Exile” was announced during his Kalon Tripa’s term of
office— “deriving the constant advice of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the public regarding Tibetan language, education, and culture, as well as the teachings of the Buddha.” “The policy was formally announced during the 6th Tibetan General Conference on Education after consultation with hundreds of Tibetan teachers and duly adopted by the Tibetan parliament,” he explained.
“Family members and friends have not been told about their arrests even as the well-being and whereabouts of the two Tibetans still remain unknown,” TPI sources said, citing contacts in the region. Both Trinley (Tsur-ritsang family ) and Lobsang (Tsitoetsang family) hailed from Soruma village of Choejema (Ch: Qiujima) Township in Ngaba County. But there is no information about the age and other details of the two at the moment. “Local Tibetans are under heavy surveillance by the increasing number of Chinese police forces, with security checkpoints and Chinese work team officials monitoring their movements and
activities,” sources said. The situation in Ngaba County has deteriorated with a large deployment of security forces in the recent months. Since September 10, all Internet lines in the Ngaba county and surrounding areas remain blocked except for government offices and institutions. The list of Tibetans arrested and detained by the Chinese police and security forces for staging solo protests in favour of freedom in Tibet and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, is consistently growing in recent months. This tendency clearly contradicts China’s recently released white paper, which claims that Tibet has reached its ‘golden age’.
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FT series: Beijing’s attempts to tame energy-rich Xinjiang may be stoking unrest from its ethnic Uighurs As one of the world’s most remote and landlocked regions, Xinjiang is not high on the itinerary for foreign dignitaries visiting China. So when George Osborne, the UK’s chancellor, made a special request to visit the territory last month, it was unexpected and controversial — but also welcomed by the Chinese government. Xinjiang is a linchpin in President Xi Jinping’s “new Silk Road” project, which aims to revive the ancient trade routes that connected imperial China to Europe and Africa. Mr Osborne described his detour to the capital, Urumqi, as proof of his government’s determination to be “bold abroad”. It was indeed a bold choice, and not just because of the region’s remoteness. A vast region about three times the size of France, Xinjiang — literally “new frontier” — is home to a violent insurgency that is a frequent source of frustration and embarrassment for Beijing. The unrest burst on to the global stage in 2009 when thousands of Muslim Uighurs — the region’s biggest ethnic group — went on a rampage in Urumqi. The riot left 197 people dead, most of them Han Chinese. A steady pattern of low-level violence has followed. As if on cue, while Mr Osborne visited a property investment company and football academy in Urumqi, a manhunt was under way for the perpetrators of a massacre at a coal mine in southern Xinjiang that left more than 50 people dead. For the architects of Mr Xi’s Silk Road project, the slaughter at the Sogan coal mine — which neither the Chinese government nor state media have acknowledged — was a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead as Beijing begins playing a “Great Game” of its own in central Asia and beyond. To realise this dream of an infrastructure-led revival of commerce and prosperity across the Eurasian land mass, the Chinese government will first have to tame its own Wild West. At the moment, however, it is refusing to budge from policies that seem only to be fanning the flames of ethnic unrest. Over the past 60 years, the Han, China’s dominant ethnic group, have increased their proportion of Xinjiang’s population from 6 per cent to more than 40 per cent, fuelling widespread resentment among Uighurs who see the influx as part of a deliberate attempt by Beijing to dilute their community’s religious and cultural identity. “Xi Jinping sees Xinjiang as absolutely critical for his agenda. It’s not just about security and solving the Uighur issue, it’s also about building this new Silk Road economic belt,” says James Leibold, a China scholar at La Trobe University in Melbourne. “The party needs to convince a weary Han public and foreign governments that the anti-terror campaign has succeeded, and shift the narrative to Xinjiang as the gateway to the new Silk Road and the countless opportunities [that] await those willing to invest in the region.” Gateway to resources It is easy to see why Beijing is fixated on Xinjiang. The region holds China’s largest natural gas reserves, 40 per cent of its coal and 22 per cent of its oil. More importantly, it is the gateway to even larger energy deposits in central Asia. Huge investments have been made in infrastructure needed to tap those resources, including an oil pipeline running from Kazakhstan and a natural gas pipeline from Turkmenistan. The oil and gas pipelines, which came online before Mr Xi came to power, represented the first part of a three-stage transaction that sends natural resources to China in return for payments that central Asian nations then use to buy everything from Chinese consumer goods to capital equipment. Beijing very much wants these trade patterns to expand, especially as it seeks to secure energy sources that — unlike Middle Eastern oil — do not need to pass through the vulnerable Strait of Malacca and volatile South China Sea. But Mr Xi’s vision has an added emphasis on cross-border high-speed railways and motorways, such as the Karakoram highway connecting southern Xinjiang and Pakistan, which should foster a broader range of commerce. Beijing has been pouring cash into Xinjiang, which recorded expenditures of Rmb1.3tn ($157bn) last year against revenues of just Rmb454bn. State financial transfers to the region rose to Rmb1.1tn in the 2009-14 period, almost double what had been remitted over the previous 54 years, while richer provinces have invested another Rmb54bn
in 4,900 aid projects. Mr Xi is effectively “doubling down” on his predecessors’ bet that big investments in economic development — and regional security forces — will quell the unrest in Xinjiang, Mr Leibold says. While Beijing maintains it is combating what it calls “the three forces” of ethnic separatism, religious extremism and terrorism in the region, others argue that the violence stems from a government strategy that has alienated Xinjiang’s Uighur community. Of the just 23m people living in the arid but energy-rich region, Uighurs account for about 43 per cent of the population — down from as much as 90 per cent before the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. Many of Xinjiang’s cities are plastered with crude, billboard-sized cartoons depicting the hell that awaits those who succumb to Islamic fundamentalism — and the heaven for those who embrace a “unified and multi-ethnic” China. At a food market in Aksu, a hub for a larger agricultural and mining area, a Uighur trader waves a dismissive hand at the warnings. “That propaganda is all rubbish,” he says in heavily accented Chinese. “There is no freedom in Xinjiang.” The inability of so many Uighurs to attain even basic proficiency in Chinese — most speak Uighur, a language related to Turkish — is one of the reasons they are passed over for the best jobs, and why Han migrants are often better placed to seize opportunities. In a visit to the region last year, Mr Xi acknowledged that “resource exploitation has enriched large enterprises and entrepreneurs rather than the local area and its people”. The Chinese government, however, says there is no connection between the violence and its own policies in Xinjiang. Instead, it blames terrorists and religious extremists, some of them allegedly funded or inspired by foreign groups whose aim is to “split up” China. “These violent and bloody crimes show clearly that the perpetrators are anything but representatives of ‘national’ or ‘religious’ interests,” the State Council said last month in a white paper marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Xinjiang as a special autonomous region. “They are a great and real threat to ethnic unity and social stability in Xinjiang.” A militarised region An alternative explanation is that Beijing is now confronted with an entirely homegrown problem rooted in flawed policies that the government refuses to acknowledge, let alone correct. As a result, some critics believe the region risks a downward spiral in which violence begets an ever more militarised response that begets additional violence — all at a time when Xinjiang is more central than ever to the ruling Communist party’s larger geopolitical objectives. Xinjiang now resembles a militarised state, with a blatant police and military presence. While most experts say its insurgency does not qualify as a “low-intensity conflict”, evidence of the potential for violence is everywhere. An Urumqi street where five alleged Uighur separatists killed 31 people last year is a bar area by night, with private armed guards protecting each establishment. People entering Urumqi’s People’s Park, a popular recreation area in the city centre, are searched by soldiers in stab-resistant vests and helmets while armed police patrol the park grounds in groups of five or more. Feng Guoping, a Han Chinese resident of Urumqi, says “everything has changed since July 5”, referring to the date of the city’s deadly 2009 riots. “Now we are on guard against the Uighurs and they are on guard against us,” adds Mr Feng, whose parents moved to Urumqi from Jiangsu province when he was 11 because they thought their son would have a better chance at getting into university in Xinjiang. In Aksu almost every symbol of the state — from police stations to telecommunications offices — is protected by barbed wire and barricades. Hotels and shopping centres force visitors to pass through metal detectors before entering. A meat and vegetable market — its stalls run almost entirely by Han Chinese migrants — is protected by security guards armed with nail-spiked bars. Critics of Chinese government policy in the region say the steady pattern of violence can be traced to the issue of Document No 7 in the mid1990s. Essentially a strategy blueprint for how to combat a surge in violence, the document blamed the deteriorating situation on “the infiltration and sabotaging activities of foreign religious powers”.
It also called for a security-led response and tighter religious controls. The document’s adoption ended a 1980s policy that emphasised autonomy and tolerance in Xinjiang and Tibet after the decimation of both regions’ distinct cultural and religious traditions during the cultural revolution. Jiang Zhaoyong, a Beijing-based ethnic affairs analyst, agrees with the analysis underpinning Document No 7, arguing that “the violence has something to do with the fact that many people spend all their time praying and chanting scripts and the spread of Islamic extremism in Xinjiang”. Human Rights Watch counters that China’s war on terror at home has been used to justify “pervasive ethnic discrimination, severe religious repression and increasing cultural suppression” in Xinjiang. Analysts also doubt the government’s claim that the East Turkestan Islamic Movement and other shadowy groups are behind many of the attacks. ETIM, they suspect, is more bark than bite and a convenient scapegoat. “When we try to understand who these people are [there is] a complete absence of information,” says David O’Brien, a regional expert at the University of Nottingham Ningbo. “What are portrayed as coordinated attacks might be more localised issues.” Wang Lixiong, a prominent government critic, says the adoption of Document No 7 signified a return to “hardline” ethnic policies. “A new tone was set and that same policy is still enforced today — political repression combined with significant economic support. It’s one hand hard and one hand soft.” Extending grace It is in fact an approach that dates back to at least the mid-18th century, when the Qing dynasty extended China’s borders and offered conquered peoples “grace” if they submitted to the emperor’s might. Under Communist party rule, grace includes local government investment in refurbishing Uighur villages, transforming them into quaint tourist destinations. Ajiahan Wuxur, 68, was the beneficiary of one such project in Turpan, an oasis town near Urumqi. “Previously we could only make money selling grapes,” says Ms Wuxur, who now runs a tourist restaurant from her home. “There were fixed quotas for production and we had no other income.” At the other end of the policy spectrum, boys and girls under the age of 18 are barred from places of worship, while bans on “unusual or strange” beards and headscarves are common. Xinjiang’s more than 800,000 civil servants, about half of whom are ethnic minorities, are prohibited from participating in religious activities. One religious leader, who asked not to be identified, says he often performed private home ceremonies for government officials. “It still happens but it must be kept secret with very few guests,” he says. Reza Hasmath at Oxford university argues that the government’s “one hand hard, one hand soft” policy has failed to address two of the Uighur community’s longstanding grievances — poorer job opportunities despite having a higher average educational level than Han Chinese in the region, and a lack of meaningful political representation. “These soft and hard policies don’t get to the underlying root causes of conflict in Xinjiang,” he says. “Younger generation [Uighurs] want to have their expectations met in the labour market. When those expectations are not met they turn to their ethnicity and religion. ” According to Mr Wang, another consequence of the government’s policies in Xinjiang has been an eradication of moderate Uighur voices who advocate an approach that emphasises religious toleration and political autonomy. Uighurs advocating this message are increasingly treated as “violent ethnic separatists” in disguise, as evidenced by last year’s prosecution of Ilham Tohti. Mr Tohti, an ethnic Uighur professor at Minzu University in Beijing and a bridge between his community and the government, was handed a life sentence for allegedly advocating independence. “Ilham Tohti was in fact very moderate,” says Mr Wang, who himself has been banned from publishing in China and is subject to routine police harassment for his criticism of Beijing’s ethnic policies. “But the government wants you to be either an enemy or a flunky. It’s hard for them to deal with someone who stands in the middle.” Additional reporting by Wan Li and Christian Shepherd Next in the series: the FT reveals how the interests of Moscow and Beijing are increasingly rubbing up against each other in Central Asia
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China releases Tibetan writer Dolma Kyab after 10 long years Sikyong to receive Presidential
Dolma Kyab (c) is welcomed home by relatives and friends, October 8, 2015. Photo: TPI By Yeshe Choesang: October 08, 2015
Dharamshala — According to a source inside Tibet, Chinese authorities have released a young Tibetan writer and history teacher after serving en and a half years in Chinese prison. Dolma Kyab, 39 was released on October 8, 2015,
and was warmly greeted by family members and friends, Arig Gyurmey, a Tibetan Writer living in exile told the Tibet Post International Thursday evening, citing contacts in the region. Dolma Kyab was arrested on March 9, 2005, in Lhasa at the middle school where he was
Young Himalayan women to vie for Miss Himalaya 2015 crown By Yeshe Choesang: October 02, 2015
Dharamshala — Six young women from the Himalayan regions, including Tibet will vie for the Miss Himalaya Pageant 2015 crown in the Himalayan hill town of McLeod Ganj, the pageant organiser has announced on Friday. The six contestants were presented during a press presentation in the Hill City of McLeod Ganj and had an official photo shoot on Friday morning. “It is my pleasure and pride to announce the participation of six young, beautiful, talented, and confident women from the Himalayan region in the Miss Himalaya Pageant 2015,” Lobsang Wangyal, director of the pageant said at the media conference. The contestants went through five rounds of competitions in two days; the winner will win the crown and the prize of Rs 100,000. The first runner-up will be given 50,000 rupees and the second runner-up 25,000 rupees. Day one of the competition, consisting of Talk and Talent rounds, will take place on Saturday, October 3, at 7pm at TIPA. The finale on 7pm the Sunday the 4th will have three rounds: the Introduction, Traditional Costume and Interview rounds. Those who compete for the Miss Himalaya 2015 title are Chum Darang 24, Priyanka Verma 20, Samrity Verma 22, Swattee Thakur 20, Tanshuman Gurung 22, and Tenzing Sangnyi 21. “Chum from Arunachal Pradesh, Tanshuman from Uttarakhand, Sangnyi from Tibet and the other three from Himachal Pradesh are are vying for the title of Miss Himalaya,” Mr Wangyal told the reporters. Chum from Arunachal Pradesh, India is 168 cms tall. She has an MA degree, with PG in tourism. She likes to travel, yoga, and dance. “Himalayan culture and tradition have high moral values, and the people who abide by them are the children of God. The people of these region knows no discrimination on the grounds of race, gender, or colour,” says Chum. Priyanka, from Himachal Pradesh, likes singing, designing clothes, cooking, travelling, and gardening. she has a diploma in Civil Engineering, and now works as a Civil Engineer in a private company. She beleives “the Himalayan region is a multireligional, multicultural as well as
multilingual region that gives an expression to its inhabitant’s nature in their manner of living and of thinking, in art, religion, ethical aspirations, and knowledge.” Samrity from Himachal Pradesh is 177 cm tall. With a one-year Diploma, she works in General Nursing and Mid-wifery in Ambala, Haryana. Her hobbies are music, dance, movies, and shopping. “The music and dance of the Himalayas reflects its cultural identity. They people entreat their Gods during local festivals and other occasions. People in the Himalaya region are soft-spoken, hard-working, and peace-loving,” says Samrity. Swattee from from Himachal Pradesh is 192 cm tall. She is in her 2nd year of BTech. She likes listening to music, singing, and dancing. “The Himalayas are home to millions of people and hundreds of unique species. The Himalayas span five countries: India, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, and Pakistan. With fascinating cultural and spiritual heritage, the essence of purity, beauty can be seen in the people of the Himalaya,” said Priyanka. Tanshuman from Uttarakhand is 167 cm tall. She has graduated with a BSc in Agriculture, and is currently pursuing a Masters’ in English. She likes to spend her spare time with dance, song writing, and craft work. “Himalayan culture is greatly diversified as it embraces different people and religion from different places in Himalayan countries. Himalayan culture is very divine and beautiful pleasing every person round the world and having a great impact on people’s minds, behaviour, and attitude,” says Tanshuman. Sangnyi from Tibet, currently residing in Himachal Pradesh is 174 cm tall. She likes hiking, yoga, reading, softball, and singing. Tenzing is studying for her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. “Every valley has its own unique culture and so there are different costumes for various parts of the Himalayas. Each one is beautiful in its own way. People here are friendly, religious, and depend on nature. They live in harmony and show compassion and tolerance,” says Sangnyi. The pageant organiser said that the event is “aimed to provide a platform for young women from the entire Himalayan region to promote its culture, preserve its environment, and foster understanding and friendship among the Himalayan people.”
Six contestants of the Miss Himalaya Pageant 2015 pose for a photo during a press conference in McLeod Ganj on October 2, 2015. Photo: TPI/Choneyi Sangpo
teaching history and taken to the TAR Public Security Bureau Detention Center, popularly known as Seitru in Tibetan. After protests and riots broke out in Lhasa in March 2008, Dolma Kyab was reportedly moved from Chushul (Ch: Qushui) Prison on March 20, 2008. He was held pending trial at Seitru on charges of “endangering state security,” and on September 16, 2005, he was convicted and sentenced to 10.5 years in prison by the Lhasa People’s Intermediate Court for Restless Himalayas. A subsequent appeal made by his family was rejected on November 30, 2005, and the 10.5-year sentence was upheld. Upon declaration of sentence, Dolma Kyab was supposed to be transferred to Chushul Prison, but prison officials refused to accept him because he had contracted tuberculosis while detained at Seitru. In March 2006, he was reportedly transferred to Chushul after some medical treatment. Impassioned by his interest in writing, Dolma Kyab maintained a commentary manuscript written in Chinese, entitled Sao dong de Ximalayashan (Restless Himalayas); it is comprised of 57 chapters he had written on various topics: democracy, sovereignty of Tibet, Tibet under communism, colonialism, religion and belief, etc. Alongside this manuscript, he began writing another on the geographical aspects of Tibet, and though comparatively short, it made mention of sensitive topics, like the location and number of Chinese military camps in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). His pen name is Lobsang Kelsang Gyatso. Dolma Kyab is a writer and teacher in his native Tibet, born in 1976 in Ari Village, Qilian County, Tsochang (Ch: Haibei) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai Province. He received an extensive education, having attended the local primary school and then the county middle school before joining a Teacher’s Training Center in 1995 and serving as a teacher in a middle school in Qilian County. He later continued his studies at a university in Beijing and in 2003, he traveled to India to learn English and Hindi. Dolma Kyab returned to Tibet in May 2004, where he taught history at a middle school in Lhasa.
Medal for leadership efforts
Dr Lobsang Sangay during an event in Dharamshala, H.P, India, on 15th February 2012. Photo: TPI/Yeshe Choesang By Yangchen Dolma: October 02, 2015
Salisbury, MD — Salisbury University (SU), an institution ranked among US News’ “Best Colleges” announced that it will present Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay with the prestigious Presidential Medal, at a lecture series event, presented by SU’s Bosserman Center for Conflict Resolution. “The Presidential Medal is the highest honor” that the University bestows on an individual for community leadership and forward thinking, Tibetan administration media reported. The decision to bestow the medal on Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay was announced after the University System of Maryland Board of Regents met and recommended Sikyong for the “President’s Distinguished Community Leadership Award”. Dr Janet Dudley-Eshbach, President of the University, will present the medal to Sikyong on October 13. “Dr Lobsang Sangay, Sikyong (prime minister) of Tibet and political successor to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, delivers the message “Democracy and the Third Way” on October 13,” the university said in an official statement published to its website. “In his role as the nation’s leader, he has emphasized the importance of seeking a peaceful, non-violent solution to regaining national autonomy of Tibet within the Chinese constitution, similar to systems in place in Hong Kong and Macau,” the statement said. “He [Sikyong] has said he would like to see
such a solution become a model for other struggles for freedom and serve as a catalyst for the moderation of China,” it added. Sikyong will be at the Salisbury University in October to speak at the invitation of the University’s Bosserman Centre for Conflict Resolution. The speech is part of a lecture series ‘One Person Can Make a Difference’ organised by the Centre. Sangay’s visit is sponsored by the SU President’s, Provost’s, Student Affairs, and Graduate Studies and Research offices; Charles R. and Martha N. Fulton School of Liberal Arts; Bellavance Honors Program; Conflict Analysis and Dispute Resolution Department; and Student Appropriations Board. Past speakers at the lecture series include several former Heads of State and many Nobel Peace Prize Laureates. Dr Sangay was also awarded the Gold Medal of the College Historical Society of Trinity College, Dublin, for Outstanding Contribution to Public Discourse in 2012. Earlier in September this year, Sikyong was appointed as a member of the governing council of the the Indian Student Parliament (Hindi: Bharatiya Chaatra Sansad), along with other notable individuals and educationists. According to media report, the Student Parliament is one of the largest student organisations in the world with annual participation of over 10,000 students.
Tibetans celebrate Gandhi Jayanti & World Non Violence Day By Yeshe Choesang: October 02, 2015
Dharamshala — The Tibetan administration Friday celebrated the 146th birthday of Mahatma Gandhi and the International Day of Non-Violence, known as the “World Non Violence Day” which is observed every year on October 2, since 2007. “Gandhi Jayanti” is considered as a day to spread the message of non-violence across the world and promote it through various educational programs as per a resolution passed by the UN General Assembly on 15 June 2007. On this day, several public awareness programs, such as street awareness campaigns, seminars and discussions are organised by government and non-governmental organisations. The Tibetan special function was held at the Kashag secretariat, Dharamshala, India and attended by Kalons and Secretaries of the various departments of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). Religion and Culture Minister Mr Pema Chhinjor, officiating as the Sikyong offered a Tibetan traditional scarf to a portrait of the Mahatma after hoisting the Indian national flag and singing the Indian national anthem, as a tribute to his non-violent and peaceful methods of freedom struggle. Speaking to reporters, Mr Chhinjor said, “On this auspicious occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, we offer our profound reverence to Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhiji was a great person born in this great nation. He has shown the world ahimsa, the path to a peaceful freedom movement and the world today greatly appreciates it.” The Tibetan minister also said that the Middle Way Approach is similar to Mahatma Gandhi’s ahimsa movement, because of its peaceful and re-conciliatory spirit. In fact Tibetans can learn the art of simplicity from his example.” Therefore, as tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, “the father of Indian nation,” Mr Chhinjor rededicated the Tibetan movement to Ahimsa and Mahatma Gandhi’s peaceful and nonviolent pursuit of freedom.” Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi was born in Porbandar, Gujarat on October 2, 1869. His non-violent
movement was an essential during India’s freedom struggle against the British rule. He led nationwide movements and campaigns for India’s independence, eradication of poverty, expanding women’s rights, establishing Swaraj and inspired movements for non-violence, civil rights and freedom across the world. “The International Day is an occasion to
“disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness”. The resolution reaffirms “the universal relevance of the principle of nonviolence” and the desire “to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and nonviolence,” according to the official website of the United Nations.
Danish watchdog to investigate police suppression of Tibet national flag
The Tibetan national flag is intimately connected with the authentic history and royal lineages of Tibet which are thousands of years old. Photo: Media file By Yangchen Dolma: October 02, 2015
Copenhagen — The police bureau in the Danish capital, Copenhagen, has asked its watchdog to investigate officers’ alleged suppression of protesters holding the national flag of Tibet during former Chinese President Hu Jintao’s state visit three years ago. The Copenhagen Police will face a formal inquiry by the Independent Police Complaints Authority after its explanation of the 2012 event raised doubts, Danish newspaper “The
Local” reported. The police bureau said it could not identify officers accused of preventing protesters from displaying the national flag of Tibet in front of the former Chinese dictator during his visit in June,2012. But at least one officer has identified himself and was interviewed by a local magazine, the report said. A court in Copenhagen ruled last week that police unlawfully detained one of the protesters for an hour and forced him to put away his flag.
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Horoscopes for the Month of October, 2015 Sorces: Always Astrology ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Opportunities to get ahead are evident. Do not sign your life away. Your involvement with groups will raise your self esteem. You may be uncertain about some of your coworkers and your boss. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday. TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) Keep your thoughts to yourself for the time being. Your ability to help others will win you points. Don’t bother retaliating, just walk away. Be sure to cover all the necessary groundwork before signing binding contracts. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You won’t be able to keep a secret. You can discuss your intentions and ideas with your colleagues or friends this month. Don’t let others try to create unwarranted guilt if you can’t meet their demands. It’s time to reevaluate your motives. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Take time to talk things over. Travel for business or pleasure. Your lover may feel rejected. Keep your feelings to yourself if you want to avoid embarrassment. Your ideas will be well received. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Satisfy your passionate mood. Keep calm. Someone around you is bouncing off the walls. Get back to basics and reevaluate what is important in life. You just hate waste, and when someone else costs you dearly you see red. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You don’t need to pay out in order to have fun. If boredom has set in, find new and unique directions that offer interesting friendships. Keep an open mind when listening to the opinions of others. This will be a good day for research and for sitting down with some good, informative reading material. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday.
CANCER (June 22-July 22) You need to get down to basics with regard to yourself. You must take care not to over exert yourself if involved in sports. Be aware that a female you work with may be trying to hold you back. Don’t say things that could be damaging later on. Cut loose. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Don’t gossip. You may need a physical outlet that will help you relieve your tension. Your ability to come up with original ideas will bring recognition from superiors. Opportunities for love will develop while traveling or while attending religious functions. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Help others solve their dilemmas. You will have a blowup this month if your partner does things that you feel are not aboveboard. You won’t impress anyone by being overly generous. Responsibilities with respect to older relatives may be a burden. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Your ability to do detailed work will dazzle those who are less creative. Your compassion will be appreciated more than you can imagine. Romance appears. You may need a good friend to lean on.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Avoid friends or acquaintances who drink too much. You may be frazzled this month. Compromise if you have to, to avoid verbal battles. Ask a close friend for advice. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday.
PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You may have taken on a little too much, but you will enjoy every minute of it. Things will be emotional with your mate. Your mate will appreciate your honesty. Don’t overextend yourself in the process. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday.
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Spiritual leader of Tibet applauds Nobel Peace Prize for Tunisia
His Holiness the Dalai Lama during an event at the main Tibetan Temple in Dharamshala, India, on March 10, 2010. Photo: TPI/ Yeshe Choesang By Yeshe Choesang: October 12, 2015
Dharamshala — The spiritual leader of Tibet His Holiness the Dalai Lama has congratulated
the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet for winning the Nobel Peace Prize for helping the country’s transition to democracy after the 2011 Arab Spring revolution.
I’m healthy, no need to worry: His Holiness urges Tibetans By Yangchen Dolma: October 02 , 2015
Dharamshala — During an audience with the Tibetan community in the Minneapolis area in Minnesota, The spiritual leader of Tibet His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that general health and urged the Tibetans not to worry. Hundreds of Tibetans, wearing Tibetan traditional dress gathered at the Mayo Civic Centre in Rochester for a brief meeting with His Holiness, on Wednesday morning, 30 September, the Tibetan administration media reported. They performed a traditional welcome dance for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who in turn called them over, held their hands and blessed them, the report said. Nobel Peace Prize laureate, beaming with energy and high spirits, spoke to the Tibetans for over an hour, it said, adding “He urged the Tibetans not to worry and declared that he was in good health.” Addressing the Tibetan community, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said: “As some of you may know, for the last 10 years or so, I’ve been coming to the Mayo Hospital almost every year for routine physical check-ups. Even in India, I go for physical check-ups every 6 months or so at New Delhi. And that’s why I’m here this time also.” “The last time I went for a check-up at New Delhi, the doctors told me that I am in excellent health with no major ailments whatsoever,” His Holiness explained. “However, for the last 2 or 3 years, I’ve had some minor issues with my knees. Therefore, a good friend of mine recently recommended a German doctor, who is a renowned bone specialist. “ “After examining some X-rays of my knees, the German doctor told me that these things are normal at my age. He even said to me jokingly that I am 80, not 18
anymore. I believe what he said is true. As you age, your physical body deteriorates, so you need to be aware of your health, do check-ups and take care of small issues and symptoms,” His Holiness said. “Overall, I’m very well, and there’s no need for any of you to worry,” His Holiness announced, drawing a huge applause from the Tibetans. His Holiness however added that doctors have advised him to rest more as he did feel more fatigue after long trips with sustained activities as compared to before. Some of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s planned trips and activities in the next couple of months have been curtailed as a result. “ H o w e v e r, t h e r e m a i n i n g L a m r i m teachings in South India will go on as scheduled. I am also participating in a Mind and Life conference with scientists in South India. I intend to enjoy and carry out these events in a relaxed manner,” His Holiness said. His Holiness also spoke about the importance of Tibetan language for an in-depth understanding of Buddhism and the role and responsibilities of a Tibetan during the private meeting. He further called for the need of religious harmony in the world. “Love and compassion are the root essence of all religions irrespective of the minor philosophical differences,” His Holiness said. His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived in the US for a series of public talks and meetings last week. However, all his US engagements have been cancelled after doctors advised complete rest for several weeks following a medical checkup. His Holiness was discharged from the Mayo Clinic and arrived in Dharamshala on October 3rd.
His Holiness greets members of Minnesota’s Tibetan community upon arrival to the Mayo Civic Center on Wednesday morning for a private gathering. CTA/DIIR
5 Tunisia wins Nobel prize for human rights, peace and democracy
INTERNATIONAL
“The Quartet’s persistent efforts to bring divergent parties back to the process of dialogue and reconciliation in the face of enormous challenges has been exemplary,” His Holiness the Dalai Lama said in a letter written to the Tunisian civil society group. “What they have achieved is an inspiration to all of us who seek to promote freedom and democracy through peaceful dialogue and nonviolence,” wrote His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who won the coveted prize in 1989. “Despite the many ongoing conflicts and violent challenges we confront today, I remain convinced that if we recall that we are all brothers and sisters, that we all belong to one human family, we will be able to bring about a more peaceful world. .” His Holiness expressed hope that “this year’s Nobel Peace Prize will serve to encourage many other individuals and organizations committed to resolving conflict through dialogue and peaceful means, rather than resort to force.” The Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet is made up of four organizations — the Tunisian General Labour Union, the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts, the Tunisian Human Rights League, and the Tunisian Order of Lawyers. The group was created in 2013, when the security of the country was threatened following the assassination of two key politicians and ensuing clashes between Islamists and secular parts of society. The Nobel committee, while declaring the Quartet as the winner, said the group had made a decisive contribution to the building of a pluralistic democracy in Tunisia in the wake of the Jasmine Revolution of 2011. “It established an alternative, peaceful political process at a time when the country was on the brink of civil war. It was thus instrumental in enabling Tunisia, in the space of a few years, to establish a constitutional system of government guaranteeing fundamental rights for the entire population,” said the Nobel Committee. The Norwegian Nobel Committee says it “hopes that this year’s prize will contribute towards safeguarding democracy in Tunisia and be an inspiration to all those who seek to promote peace and democracy in the Middle East, North Africa and the rest of the world.” Tunisia’s revolution — also known as the Jasmine Revolution — began in late 2010 and led to the ousting of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in January 2011, followed by the country’s first free democratic elections last year.
By Yeshe Choesang: October 10 , 2015
Dharamshala — The 2015 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded Friday to “Tunisia’s National Dialogue Quartet” (TNDQ) for its contribution to the promoting of human rights, peace and democracy following the country’s 2011 movements sparked admiration across the Arab world. The Norwegian Nobel Committee praised the group “for its decisive contribution to the building of a pluralistic democracy in Tunisia in the wake of the Jasmine Revolution of 2011.” “It established an alternative, peaceful political process at a time when the country was on the brink of civil war,” the committee said. The TNDQ is made up of four organizations: the Tunisian General Labour Union; Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts; Tunisian Human Rights League; and Tunisian Order of Lawyers. “These organizations represent different sectors and values in Tunisian society: working life and welfare, principles of the rule of law and human rights. On this basis, the Quartet exercised its role as a mediator and driving force to advance peaceful democratic development in Tunisia with great moral authority,” the committee stated. “The Arab Spring originated in Tunisia in 20102011, but quickly spread to a number of countries in North Africa and the Middle East. In many of these countries, the struggle for democracy and fundamental rights has come to a standstill or suffered setbacks. Tunisia, however, has seen a democratic transition based on a vibrant civil society with demands for respect for basic human rights.” The Tunisian revolution, which forced the
October 15, 2015
country’s long-time president to step down, led to uprisings against dictators in other nations including Egypt, Libya and Syria in what became known as the Arab Spring. Today, Tunisia is the only country in the region to make genuine progress transitioning to a democracy. Egypt’s military overthrew its first democratically elected president in 2013, Syria is in the midst of a bloody 4-year-old civil war that has given rise to the Islamic State and Libya’s ouster of long-time dictator Moammar Gadhafi has been followed by years of political chaos, as competing militias fight for power. “More than anything, the prize is intended as an encouragement to the Tunisian people, who despite major challenges have laid the groundwork for a national fraternity which the committee hopes will serve as an example to be followed by other countries,”the Committee Chairwoman Kaci Kullmann Five said. She said that the Committee “hopes that this year’s prize will contribute towards safeguarding democracy in Tunisia and be an inspiration to all those who seek to promote peace and democracy in the Middle East, North Africa and the rest of the world.” Tunisia still faces political problems, however. Two attacks by Islamic extremists this year killed 60 people and devastated the country’s vital tourism industry. Critics also complain that the new government is trampling on the civil liberties of its citizens. The peace prize is awarded by a committee of five chosen by Norway’s parliament. Last year, the prize was awarded to India’s Kailash Satyarthi and Pakistan’s Malala Yousafzai.
The members of the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway, October 9, 2015. Photo: TPI
Report on Tibet and Xinjiang: China today is more repressive, brutal By Yeshe Choesang: October 12, 2015
Washington, DC — An annual report released this week by the US Congressional-Executive Committee on China (CECC) criticised Beijing’s treatment of ethnic minorities, and noted deteriorating conditions in Xinjiang and Tibet. The 336-page report said it saw “a disturbing deterioration in human rights and rule of law conditions that pose a direct challenge to US national interests and US-China relations”. The US commission said China was moving further away from a rule of law system and had increased pressure on civil society. The Commission said that Beijing persists with its repressive policies in Tibet, denying adequate rights to Tibetans from protecting their culture, language, religion, and environment. The annual report stated that “authorities continued to rein in media, opinion-makers, and Internet and social media users critical of government policies by shutting down popular chat site accounts, requiring real-name registration of accounts, and blocking services that allow Internet users to circumvent China’s “Great Firewall.” Foreign journalists continued to report harassment, surveillance, and restrictions on the free flow of news and information.” The report recommends “greater public expression, including at the highest levels of the U.S. government, on the issue of press and Internet freedom; the expanded distribution of proven technologies to circumvent Internet restrictions in China; and the inclusion of the freedom of crossborder information as part of negotiations for the U.S.-China Bilateral Investment Treaty or future trade negotiations with China.” The US report also noted deteriorating conditions in ethnic minority areas, from increased violence in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region to harsher security measures and efforts to control Tibetan Buddhism in the so-called Tibet Autonomous Region. In addition, as Tibetan self-immolations continued, the Commission observed no sign of Chinese interest in resuming the long-stalled dialogue with the Dalai Lama’s
representatives. The report concluded that the Chinese government can best promote stability by respecting ethnic minorities’ right to maintain their language and culture and to practice freely their religion and urged Chinese administration to address these issues at bilateral security dialogues and exchanges with Chinese military or police officials. The report contains numerous other recommendations, including advocating the use of the Commission’s extensive Political Prisoner Database, with information on over 1,300 currently detained political and religious prisoners. The report further recommended the US Congress and administration to urge the Chinese government to allow the free flow of information regarding incidents of violence in ethnic minority regions; allow journalists and international observers access to those areas in line with international standards; and ensure that U.S. counter-terrorism cooperation arrangements do not endorse the Chinese government’s suppression of its people.
Speaking at the release of the report, Representative Chris Smith, Chair of the Commission, said, “It has been another punishing year for human rights in China, as this report documents so well. President Xi has presided over an extraordinary assault on the rule of law and civil society using repressive and retrograde policies that threaten freedom advocates in China and challenge both U.S. interests and U.S.-China cooperation and goodwill.” “U.S. leadership on human rights is needed now more than ever. We must not compromise on the need for fundamental freedoms or shy away from those who seek them. Clearly, our long-term strategic interests depend on the advance of human rights and the rule of law in China,” he added. The report provides detailed analysis on 19 human rights and rule of law issues and offers specific recommendations on ways to make progress on these issues in the broader U.S.-China relationship. The full report can be accessed on the CECC’s website (www.cecc.gov).
Tibetan Self-Immolations Reported or Believed To Focus on Political and Religious Issues: Summary, Source, and Location Information. Photo: CECC
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TPI NEWS
October 15, 2015
Back Page Focus
China expels nuns, banns Buddhist studies and destroys homes in Tibet By Yangchen Dolma: October 12, 2015
Dharamshala — Chinese authorities have demolished a number of Tibetan homes and
appropriated their lands, banned Buddhist studies from a Bon monastery and expelled 100 nuns from their nunnery in Driru County of
The courtyards of houses that were ordered to demolish. Photo: TPI
A dwelling that was ordered to destroy. Photo: TPI
A view of Gaden Khachoeling Nunnery Driru County, eastern Tibet. Photo: TPI
Chinese flag raised during the festival at Sentsa Township. Photo: TPI
The courtyards of houses that were ordered to demolish. Photo: TPI
eastern Tibet, to further strengthen control over the Tibetan religion and monastic institutions. “Sangye Tashi, a local government official visited the Pekar Township in Driru County Ch: Baiga, Biru County, Naqu Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region) for three days from September 27,” Tenzin Rabten, a Tibetan living in exile told the Tibet Post International (TPI), on Friday, September 9. Sources said “the local government head has expelled 100 Tibetan nuns from Gaden Khachoeling Nunnery in Pekar Township in Driru County, where a total of 200 nuns receive education facilities.” “Only 49 of remaining 100 nuns are registered. The rest of 51 nuns reportedly has no legal right to study, and are now working at shops and guesthouses,” Rabten said. “Approximately 26 nuns were reportedly expelled from the nunnery last year alone. Any nun above over age 50 also is not allowed to remain in the nunnery, even if one is already registered. They must join elderly homes,” Rabten said, citing contacts in the region. “The 100 nuns who were expelled from the Nunnery also have been denied to travel other areas to study and have been labelled as illegal,” Rabten told the TPI, adding “if they do so, it is considered as an unlawful act, the head of village and family members shall be punishable by imprisonment, include the right to collect caterpillar fungus (Tib: yartsa gunbu) for three years.” “Local officials said during their September visit to the County that they already have passed regulations stipulating that “any registered nun above age 50 is not allowed to remain in the nuunery,” he added, speaking on condition of anonymity. Ngotsar Phunstokling, a very old Bon Monastery in Pekar Township which also came under attack by the local authorities. “They have now banned the study of Buddhist philosophy, which prefigures meditative practice in the monastery, where around 60 students receive higher Tibetan studies,” Rabten said, adding “which caused much pain and suffering among local Tibetans— consistently growing in recent months.” “The Monastery started a Buddhist philosophy class, which became a great success by inviting Tibetan scholars from different parts of Tibet such as Khyungpo County,” the TPI sources said. “The closure of monasteries, schools and nunneries is not new in the region. A Tibetan medical school built in the same county by Nyandak, a Tibetan monk in 2000, was forcefully closed down by Chinese authorities in 2007,” sources said, adding that “because the school also taught Tibetan language to young Tibetans.” “The farmlands in Sentsa or Yangshoe, another Township in Driru County, owned by local Tibetans are being appropriated, and many Tibetan houses now have been demolished on local government orders,” Rabten added saying “families who own bigger houses are subjected to severe criticisms.” According to the TPI source, “Tibetans are recently told to rebuild their houses, in accordance to the standards set by the Chinese government, but they are ordered to pay for the demolition of their houses.” “Tibetans say the policy is aimed to move more Chinese settlers in the areas, in strengthening to convert the Tibetan county into Chinese, however all under the beautiful name of economy development,” sources said. “In August this year, the local government ordered all the Tibetans to wear cloth with wild-animal-furs and participate in the annual horse race festival in Yangshoe Township. But Tibetans refused the call. In response, the Chinese authorities then forced them to display the fur-trimmed clothes during the festival,” Rabten further added. “Tashi, a native of Chamdo County, is responsible for the current crisis, together with Damchoe Rinchen, head of Yangshoe Township, who had warned the Tibetans follow their decrees or get imprisoned and denied the right to harvest caterpillar fungus,” The TPI sources further added. The situation in Dritu County has deteriorated with “patriotic re-education” campaign since widespread peaceful protests swept the most parts of Tibet in 2008. Tibetans are arbitrarily arrested, severely beaten, and imprisoned by the Chinese police forces for staging peaceful protests and even expressing their views in favour of Human Rights, including religious freedom. According the sources, all communications, include Internet lines in the county and surrounding areas are severely restricted and often blocked, except for Chinese government offices and institutions.
The Tibet Post International
26 days of hunger strike for Tibet: TYC still waiting for UN response By Molly Lortie: October 06, 2015
New Delhi — After the hospitalization of one hunger striker, Indian support has poured in for the other two resiliently carrying the strike forward. Tsewang Dolma was taken by police and hospitalized on the night of September 21st, Tamding Hrichoe and Tenzin Wangchuk continue to carry the hunger strike forward. The hunger strike was initiated on September 10th by Tibetan Youth Congress and now enters into its 26th day. On September 29th Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt Menka Sanjay Gandhi received a delegation from TYC at her office and responded with a letter to the Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki Moon, stating, “I strongly believe that the United Nations and its member States must act immediately and hold China responsible for their actions in Tibet.” The Hunger Strike site, hosted in a tent at the Jantar Mantar has been witness to a constant flow of visitors and quite often visited by long time Tibet supporters, Indian leaders and members of Parliament. The leaders not only issued support letters to hunger strikers but gave the assurance that they would raise Tibet issue during the winter session of the parliament. Several Indian Members of Parliament officially received TYC delegates at their offices and gave their support. Students Unions of the two of the most powerful political parties’ students wings National Students Union of India and Akhyil Bharatiya Vidhyarti Parishad came forward most strongly in support of the demands made by the hunger strike. Members of Indian Youth Congress also visited the hunger strikers. Other groups that have come forward with support for the hunger strike and Tibet include the Gandhi Peace Foundation, Radha Bhatt, Bharat Tibet Sahyog Manch, Himalayan Parivar and All India Core Group for Tibet, and Arya Samaj in addition to independent supporters as well. The support from Indian leaders and social activists for Tibetan Youth Congress’s Indefinite Hunger Strike campaign urging the United Nations for an Immediate Intervention in Tibet has been absolutely inspiring says TYC President Tenzing Jigme. “Leaders from various different political parties, Ngo’s, youth wings and social activists have all come out very strongly in support and in solidarity with the hunger strikers and the
With tears in her eyes, a Tibetan woman meeting with Mr Tezin Wangchuk, TYC Finance Secretary at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, India, on October 5, 2015. Photo: TPI
campaign - this goes to show that the issue of Tibet is not an forgotten one – there is great support for the Tibetan cause and that we must keep the struggle going until Tibet is Free”, added Jigme. Kalon Dickyi Chhoyang on behalf of Dr Lobsang Sangay, the political ledaser of the Central Tibetan Administration visited the two Tibetan hunker strikers on Tuesday, to to show solidarity. TYC President and Secretary had a meeting with MP Sashi Tharoor who showed solidarity with the hunger strikers. Ther group said Monday that the two hunger strikers, Tamdin Hrichoe has lost about 17kgs and Tezin Wangchuk about 16kgs after more than 600 hours of Indefinite Hunger Strike for Tibet without food. Continuing without hesitation to show irresponsible behaviour, UN Chief Ban Kimoon welcomed Xi Jinping’s first visit to the UN since assuming the office as Chinese President. He said that the “Zun of Peace represents the common value.” Xi Jinping claimed that the so called “Zun of Peace” is presented by the Chinese government as a gift to the UN. Without addressing the case of jailed Nobel Peace prize winner Liu Xiaobo, Xi says the gift “expresses the aspiration of China and its people to promote peace.” Ban Ki-moon chose to accepted the giant gift from Mr Xi, the current President of the PRC, founded by Mao Zedong who was responsible for massacres of 50–75 million people, including 1.2 million Tibetans, instead of breaking the silence of human rights situation in Tibet. Rights groups around the world recently criticized the UN Chief for not raising Human Rights issues in China, Tibet and Eastern Turkestan with President of the PRC, one of the world’s worst human rights violators recent week — some linked the silence to his personal ambition.