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Vol. 02, Issue 77, Print Issue 1, 10 December 2012

Students hold demonstration in Tibet

Top US official meets with self-immolators’ families....

A Voice For Tibet

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We need non-violent action, His Holiness the Dalai Lama tells international supporters

By Sophie Jay, 17 November 2012

Over 1,000 students in Chabcha village, Amdho region, hold a demonstration in protest against China’s oppressive policies in Tibet. Photo: TPI By: Mattew Singh Toor, 26 November 2012

Dharamsala: On November 26 at around 6am Tibet time, over 1,000 students from the medical school in Chabcha village,Serchen County, Tsolho region, Amdo, eastern Tibet, held a demonstration in protest against China’s oppressive policies in Tibet.

Mogru Tenpa, member of the Tibetan Parliament-inexile, reported for The Tibet Post International that the demonstrators called for equality and freedom amongst a l l e t h n i c g r o u p s i n t h e P e o p l e ’s R e p u b l i c , a n d a See Page 7 ...

23-year-old Tibetan self-immolates in Tibet

Tamding Gyab, who self-immolated at a crossroads in Luchu County, Amdho region, northeastern Tibet.

By: Matthew Singh-Toor, 23 November 2012

Dharamshala: Reports on the Hong Kong social media network WeChat say that, on November 23, a 23-yearold Tibetan man, Tamdin Kyab, self-immolated at a crossroads in Luchu County, Amdo region, northeastern Tibet.

Tamdin’s condition is unclear and his family details are unknown. The situation in Luchu County following the self-immolation is also unclear.

According to the exile Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamshala, northern India, Lhubum Gyal’s selfimmolation in Dhowa town on November 22 brought the total number of cases to 79 - making the most recent incident the 80th.

Dharamshala: - Non-violence and the preservation of Tibet’s culture and environment topped the bill during a speech by the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama to a group of international Tibet supporters on Saturday, November 17.

Welcoming participants of the 2012 Special International Tibet Support Groups Meeting, at Dharamshala’s Tibetan Children’s Village, the Tibetan spiritual leader described his audience as “not pro-Tibet, but rather pro-justice and pro-non-violence. “ T h e Ti b e t a n s t r u g g l e h a s b e e n a s t r u g g l e o f n o n violence,” he said.

“Globally there are number of communities that are experiencing difficulties, but unfortunately in many cases, although their cause is noble, they use violent methods to solve their problems.

“Therefore your support is encouragement for us and on a practical level, the non-violent support should succeed, otherwise people may say that non-violence is useless.”

Expressing his concern over the damage done to Tibet’s environment over the past few decades under Chinese rule, he continued: “One of my Indian friends said that due to Tibet’s high altitude and dry climate, if its ecology is damaged it will take much longer to recover.

“Tibet is the roof of the world, so naturally it’s a cold place with lots of snow, and is the source of major rivers in Asia, with more than one billion people depending on these rivers.

“The effect of global warming on the Tibetan Plateau is as much as on the South and North Poles. I heard i n s t r u c t i o n s w e r e g i v e n t o p r o t e c t Ti b e t ’s d e l i c a t e environment during the time of Chinese premier, Zhu Rongji, but these instructions were not implemented fully at local level due to corruption.”

His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Special International Tibet Support Group meeting in Dharamshala, 17 November 2012. Photo: TPI

He went on to address the need to preserve Tibet’s Buddhist tradition and culture, stating: “The preservation of Tibetan culture is very much needed because it is a tradition of peace, love and compassion.

“But it is being completely destroyed. Through Tibetan culture we can make some contribution to create a happier and more peaceful world through inner peace and a calm mind.”

Alluding the Chinese Communist Party’s selection of Xi

18-year-old Tibetan dies in selfimmolation protest in Amdho, Tibet

Jinping as its new president this week, he added: “The world’s trend is towards openness and more democracy.

So no matter how powerful the Chinese government is, they cannot escape the world trend and they have to follow that trend.

“The new leadership in China will realise that they have to adopt a policy based on reality. Unrealistic policy will not solve the problems.”

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German parliamentarians’ concern over Tibet

Sikyong appeals for international support

Sabine Weiss, German MP. Photo: File

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March in solidarity with self-immolators

Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay speaking at the Special International Tibet Support Group meeting in Dharamshala, 16 November. Photo:TPI

By Sophie Jay, 16 November 2012

Dharamshala: - “We need the international community now.”

T h a t w a s t h e m e s s a g e Ti b e t a n p o l i t i c a l l e a d e r, D r Lobsang Sangay, had for international participants at the opening ceremony of the 2012 Special International Tibet Support Groups Meeting, held at Dharamshala’s Tibetan Children’s Village, on Friday, November 16 – the day after two more Tibetans set themselves alight, bringing the total number of self-immolations inside Tibet since March 2011 to 74.

Welcoming more than 200 representatives of Tibet Support Groups (TSGs) from 45 nations to the three See Page 5 ...

Sangye Tashi, an 18-year-old man from Ngura village in the Ladrang area of Amdho, northeastern Tibet, who self-immolated and died soon after. Photo: TPI

By Louisa, 28 November 2012

Dharamshala: - Jamyang Jinpa, a student at Sarah College near Dharamshala, northern India has reported that on November 27 at around 11pm, Sangye Tashi, an 18-year-old man from Ngura village, Sangkhok township, Sangchu county, in the Ladrang area of the Amdho region of north-eastern Tibet, self-immolated and died soon thereafter.

Earlier in the day, Sangye and several friends had driven motorbikes to Sangkhok and, just before self-immolating, Sangye phoned his cousin, Tsebhe, explaining his plans to self-immolate in the name of the Tibetan cause.

Tsebhe reportedly urged Sangye not to set himself on fire, but Sangye turned off his phone and, despite numerous attempts, Tsebhe was unable to contact his cousin again.

Sangye’s family then went to Sangkhok, but Sangye had already self-immolated by the time they arrived.

Observers reported that, after setting himself on fire, he shouted for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s return to Tibet and for China to release all Tibetan political prisoners, in particular the Panchen Lama. Sangye’s body was taken to one of his family’s homes in Sangok.

Sangye Tashi’s father, Namkho, has four other children.

Sangye studied for four years at the primary school in Sangok township. He then returned home to become a yak herder.

A f e w w e e k s e a r l i e r, o n O c t o b e r 2 6 , 2 3 - y e a roldThupwang Kyab self-immolated near a local bus stand in nearby Sertri village.

Around 300 Tibetans marched 15 kilometers (nine miles) From Norbulinka to the Dalai Lama’s temple, On 16th November 2012.

Photo: TPI/Sangay By: Sophie Jay, 16 November 2012

D h a r a m s h a l a : A r o u n d 3 0 0 Ti b e t a n s m a r c h e d 1 5 kilometers (nine miles) to the Dalai Lama’s temple, to honour the 74 people who have self-immolated in their country since March 2011.

The peaceful protestors, including monks from Chime See Page 4 Gatsel Ling and Gyudto monasteries,

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Editorial:

Support Solidarity with Tibet and help us in our fight for freedom.

By YC Dhardhowa, 10 December 2012 It is no longer news that world leaders are less concerned about Tibetan issues than about those in other parts of the world.

T h e r e a l i t y i s t h a t c r i s e s i n Ti b e t a n d i n the Arab world are treated differently for a number of reasons.

It would be incorrect to say that more attention is focussed on the Middle East merely in defence of democracy and human rights.

If world governments really cared about such values, surely what they are currently w i t n e s s i n g i n Ti b e t w o u l d h o l d a d e e p e r significance than just a tragic wave of selfimmolations.

Over 90 Tibetans have set themselves alight protesting Chinese rule in their country since March 2009, making this wave of selfimmolations protesting an oppressive regime the largest in modern history.

Today (December 10) the Central Tibetan A d m i n i s t r a t i o n ’s K a s h a g ( c a b i n e t ) h a s launched Solidarity with Tibet, an international campaign aimed at raising awareness of the escalating crisis in our country. Tibetans in exile believe that it is vital for as many people as possible to observe this special day, as the world is still ignoring Tibet.

People are being oppressed and killed under the repressive policies of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) which continues in its attempts to destroy Tibet’s spirit completely.

These issues need to be tackled.

Many Tibetans and their supporters feel that this international solidarity day could help generate international support which could have a genuine impact on the people of Tibet, who continue to live in misery under Chinese occupation.

Since its invasion of Tibet in 1949, it is estimated that the CCP’s regime has been responsible for the deaths of up to 1.2 million Tibetans, and the destruction of over 6,000 Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and shrines.

To d a y t h e r e a r e m a n y w h o s a y w e c a n ’t depend only on others to solve our problems.

We have to be strong, but we certainly also need the support of the wider world. We have to resist this occupation and suppression, and at the same time continue seeking international solidarity and support to help enable our struggle to appear among the top stories on the world’s major news channels.

Many of what are considered to be the west’s or indeed the world’s leading media organisations and news channels, have merely reported the Chinese state media’s reaction to the ongoing spate of self-immolations, apparently turning a blind eye to these people who have sacrificed their lives fighting for freedom, human rights and democracy in Tibet.

Instead, stories about Tibetan pandas with Chinese names being imported to western nations, suggesting that the sun is rising on China’s relations with other countries, hit the headlines.

It is unbelievably sad that so many Tibetans feel that they have to sacrifice their lives to get the world’s attention.

It is time that the international community realises that the root cause of the crisis in Tibet, China’s oppressive regime, has to be addressed.

The United States, European Union countries, and all other internationally respected nations can play a vital role in the Tibetan issue by taking regional and international discussions to a higher level. Such countries can help Tibet in the fields of international law, human rights, and the exchange of views on culture, religion, and education in Tibet, as well as Tibet’s very struggle for survival.

E v e n t s s u c h a s t o d a y ’s i n t e r n a t i o n a l d a y of solidarity with Tibet are fundamental in spreading awareness about the current tragic situation in our country, and deepening the w i d e r c o m m u n i t y ’s u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f o u r people, culture, religion, the need to preserve and protect our language, and, above all, our non-violent struggle for freedom.

Tibetan environmentalists participate in UN climate change conference

Interviews and Recap

10 December 2012, Dharamshala

International governments urged to press China to end crisis in Tibet

By YC Dhardhowa, 18 November 2012

D h a r a m s h a l a : - A t h r e e d a y e m e rg e n c y meeting of the international Tibet Support Groups (TSG) concluded in Dharamshala, India with an urgent appeal to the international community to press the Chinese government to find a lasting and mutually-agreeable solution to the problem of Tibet.

India based Tibetan news agency, The Tibet Post International has interviewed minister Dicki Chhoying and five delegates of TSG, asked them to express their opinions and thoughts on agendas they discussed in the special meeting.

“I am satisfied Yes and No, yes, because, there is a good international support. And no, the agenda of these kinds of meeting remained very limited, said Mr Vijay Kranti, a prominent journalist and a long-time friend of Tibet, when asked if he was satisfied about the issues that are being discussed in the special meeting.

“As an Indian participant and Tibet supporter for last 40 years, I sincerely believe that Tibet should have total Independence (Rangzen) from China,” he said.

“Nothing less than Rangzen will help Tibet, because we have already seen Tibet with Chinese for over past 60 years, the way they treated Tibetans; kind of assurances they have been given and walking back-on-back,” he added.

The Indian journalist said “Tibet deserves independence, it is the only solution to bring peace to India, Nepal, and to the rest of Asia.”

He said that Tibetan self-immolation protests are “very unfortunate. Its really shameful that after 76 self-immolations in the country, the rest of the world is still keeping quiet and Chinese government shamelessly blamed that they are terrorists,” he added.

“It is a shame that the international community and members of the United Nations are still keeping quiet. It’s also shame on anybody who believes the value of the democracy, and Human Rights; claimed to be civilised that we have done nothing to stop the situation which leading the self-immolations,” he stressed.

“Last two days, we had a very fruitful introduction, people from over 40 countries were participated the special meeting, but, we all have same feelings; how can we make difference, show our solidarity with Tibetans inside Tibet and and support them,” said, Phuntsok, a popular singer from Ladakh.

“China should be pressurised by the international community to address the

TSG delegates during the final day of the emergency meeting in Dharamshala, India, November 18, 2012. Photo: TPI

regime’s suppressive and inhuman activities in Tibet. China should know that if Tibetans can burn themselves, they can burn China one day,” said Phuntsok.

He said, Chinese leader should realise that over last six decades they couldn’t win the h e a r t s a n d m i n d s o f t h e Ti b e t a n p e o p l e .

“They will never win, because, we are not the Chinese. Tibet has a very different religious and cultural identity from China.”

The singer also said, the world is inhuman and cynical toward the tragic situation in Tibet.

“Its very sad and unfortunate that the world is turning its face away and insensitive toward the tragedy of Tibet. Because no nation has said, China has murdered over 70 Tibetans.

T h e i n t e r n a t i o n a l m u s t a c t n o w, k e e p i n g quiet is not the option nor good for the world peace.”

“After concluding this meeting, we are more optimistic and became more energetic. One of the most important things is now; we will go back to our own countries with energy and empowerment to do more as Tibet issues are always being critical. Because, the Tibetan self-immolations of the last three years, specially, its became more desperate in last couple of weeks,” Telo Rinpoche, the spiritual leader of Kalmykia Republic, said during the final day of the meeting in Dharmshala.

“We must have to take desperate measures to make our voices heard, behalf of all Tibetans inside as well as those who are living abroad.

Now the main key thing is, we should not waste the time and we must act fast. Every day/month of the coming years have to set-

up even more pressure on China than before,” Rinpoche added.

He said that the international governments and the world leading news media are not doing enough about the present tragic situations happening in Tibet. “Of-course, they are doing not enough. There are too much diplomacy and bureaucracy involved, the governments emphasized more about economy development, rather than developments of Human Rights.”

“Therefore, I think, the Human Rights issue s h o u l d b e p r i o r i t y. T h e i s s u e o f l i b e r t y, freedom and democracy should be the key priority of any democrat and free country. So, right now, its very unfortunate that the the economy is even more important than Human Rights, Rinpoche further said.

“Nevertheless, we are currently in the 21st century, we can change the situation and attitudes of the governments and politicians by involving/carrying-out campaigns and outreaching the media, including using the all tools of the social networking media to reach the messages across the world,” the Buddhist leader said.

“I have been attending this meeting since past twelve years, The style of discussions and meeting agendas are not changed much from the pasts, of-course some changes happened as quite slide,” a participant from Europe stressed, with fear of the Chinese authorities’ pressure on him, regarding his involvement the meetings.

“I think the main goal of this meeting is to promote the situation of Tibetans inside Tibet,

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Tibetan Department of Education announces revised scholarship scheme

By CTA Offical Media: tibet.net

Tenzin Norbu and Tenzin Choedon in Doha, Qatar, 2 December 2012. Photo: TPI

By Emily A D, 04 December 2012

Dharamshala: - Two Tibetans travelled to Qatar to participate in the United Nations’ 18th Conference on world Climate Change.

Tenzin Choedon, head of the Tibetan Women’s Association’s Women’s Environment and Development Desk, and Tenzin Norbu, head of the Tibetan Department of Information and International Relations’ Environment and Development Desk, met with an estimated 17,000 delegates, 7,000 NGOs and 1,500 journalists to discuss equitable and sustainable solutions to the growing climate crisis at the event, taking place in Doha between

November 26 – December 7.

Before leaving, the pair said that their intention was to be a voice for climate justice in Tibet, highlighting the country’s role as Asia’s water tower.

Through collaboration with downstream nations, they planned to pressurise China into signing the UN water sharing agreement and into becoming a member of the Mekong River commission. Such action, they said, would protect not only Tibet but the multitude of Asian nations which depend on major rivers originating there.

Dharamshala: The Department of Education of the exile Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in Dharamshala, northern India, has announced a new scholarship scheme based on merit and need.

Investment in Education will aim to provide incentives to talented and hard-working students while also being mindful of the needs of economically disadvantaged students and families, to reflect the 14th Kashag’s prioritisation of education and sustain the Ti b e t c a u s e . P r i o r i t i e s w i l l i n c l u d e t h e promotion of academic excellence and the production of more scholars and professionals.

The scheme represents a 50% increase in annual scholarship funding and the Department of Education has said it will strive to provide more scholarships in the coming years that better support human resource d e v e l o p m e n t , e n h a n c e o v e r a l l Ti b e t a n capability and promote more leaders in the Tibetan community.

Some of the scheme’s highlights include: 1) The Gaden Phodrang Student Merit Award: As an incentive to students, the Department of Education has increased both the total sum and number of recipients of this prestigious

Department of Education’s Additional Secretary, Topgyal Tsering,(C) with Joint Secretary, Chemi Tseyang (L) and Deputy Secretary, Kelsang Rinchen, announcing the CTA’s new scholarship scheme at a press conference at the Kashag Secretariat in Dharamsala on 20 November 2012. Photo: TPI/ Pema Tso

award. The number has been increased to nine students from the present three, and the cash awards are now Rs 20,000, Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 for the top three recipients in each of the streams of science, arts and commerce.

2) The Sikyong Scholarship: This new scholarship is being rolled out to encourage students to work harder and perform better in board exams. Any student who obtains 95% or higher in the twelfth grade exam will be awarded this prestigious scholarship, with a prize of Rs 100,000.

3 ) T h e S i k y o n g Aw a r d f o r A c a d e m i c

Accomplishments: Any student or candidate who has completed a PhD in any field will be awarded the Sikyong Award of Rs 20,000 along with a certificate of appreciation.

4) Students scoring higher percentages on the annual exam will be rewarded with higher scholarship amounts. Presently, the same scholarship amount is awarded to all students, irrespective of performance. For example, a student with a 60% score receives the same amount as one with an 80% score. Under the new scheme, students will be awarded scholarships ranging from Rs 35,000 to Rs 100,000 INR, depending on their performance.

5) The Cash Incentive Award: If a student currently holding a scholarship scores 75% or more in the final annual examination, he or she will be offered RS 10,000 in addition to the regular scholarship amount he or she is offered.

6) Special Scholarships for Economically Disadvantaged (Nyamthak) Students: This scholarship has been introduced for students who are financially below the poverty line, as determined by the CTA. It aims to help such students complete a higher education, which will in turn help aid families living in poverty.

Students who score a minimum of 40% on the board exam are eligible to apply.

The Tibet Post International

TPI NEWS

H.H. the Dalai lama

His Holiness urges Tibetans from Tibet to study Buddhist philosophy

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking during the third day of his 14-day teachings in Mundgod, India, 2 December 2012.

Photo: Tenzin Choejor/ OHHDL

By Sophie Jay, 04 December 2012

Dharamshala: - The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has urged Tibetans who have recently arrived in India to study Buddhist philosophy, rather than simply familiarizing themselves with prayer.

The 77-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader made his point in front of around 30,000 people from 53 countries, who are currently attending his 14 day teaching on the 18 Great Stages of the Path to Enlightenment (Lam Rim) at Gaden Changtse monastery in Mundgod, Karnataka, on December 1.

The crowd included monks from Karnataka’s great university monasteries, Drepung, Ganden and Sera, which were all resurrected in the south Indian state after their Tibetan predecessors were overrun and controlled by Chinese forces following China’s occupation of the country in 1959.

“In Tibet, many Tibetans feel that studying Buddhism is only the responsibility of monks,” he said.

“ S o m e m o n a s t e r i e s o ff e r o n l y p r a y e r, n o philosophical study, and many lay people are good at prayer, but have no concern about studying Buddhist philosophy. This is a big mistake. “ N o w a d a y s i n Ti b e t t h e s i t u a t i o n i s v e r y critical and many people who have studied Buddhism, the older generation, have passed away, and it is very rare to see a new generation of Buddhist practitioners.

“Usually nowadays I’m not only talking t o Ti b e t a n s , b u t t o C h i n e s e , J a p a n e s e , Vietnamese, Korean, Burmese, Sri-Lankan and Taiwanese Buddhist friends. We are all the same Buddhists as our grandparents, and now we should all be 21st Century Buddhists. “ We s h o u l d s t u d y a n d u n d e r s t a n d w h a t Buddhism is,” he continued.

“Buddhism is different from other religions which believe that God created everything, as the Buddha said that we are all our own protectors.

“Everything we do, we do by ourselves, so studying Buddhist philosophy is very important.”

The Dalai Lama arrived in India’s largest Tibetan settlement on November 29, before commencing the teaching the following day.

Upon arrival he visited Drepung monastery, where he met with the head of the Gelugpa s c h o o l o f Ti b e t a n B u d d h i s m , G a d a n Tr i Rinpoche, and the monastery’s abbot, Lobsang Tenpa, who made long life offerings in his honour, before he visited a stupa containing the relics of his former tutor, the sixth Ling Rinpoche.

Alluding to his decision last year to retire f r o m h i s r o l e a s Ti b e t a n p o l i t i c a l l e a d e r, after which Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay was democratically elected to lead Tibet’s exiled community, His Holiness the Dalai Lama explained how the Gadang Podrang, part of the original Drepung monastery in Lhasa, had been the traditional seat of the Dalai Lamas until 1642, when the fifth Dalai Lama became Tibet’s political and spiritual leader and established the city’s iconic Potala Palace, where they remained until the current Dalai Lama’s escape from the country following Chinese occupation.

“When I was 16, I took political responsibility for Tibet from Sikyong Tadrak Rinpoche (who ran the country while he was still considered a minor,)” he said. “ S i x t y y e a r s l a t e r, I w a s a b l e t o p r o u d l y and happily hand over that responsibility to a political leader elected by a majority of Tibetan people.

“When we first arrived in India we tried to establish a democratic system and now this has happened my long term wishes and hopes have been fulfilled.

“If I were in Tibet it would now be time for me to return to Drepung monastery.”

He then visited the nearby Gaden Chartse m o n a s t e r y, w h e r e h e o p e n e d a s c h o l a r ’s debate on the Jangchup Lam Rim Chemo text (Atisha’s lamp for the Path to Enlightenment.)

His Holiness the Dalai Lama visits Kerala, Bangalore and Mumbai

By Louisa Diffey, 29 November 2012

Dharamshala:- The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, has been continuing his visit to south India and meeting with various groups throughout the region.

On November 24, he spoke to a reporter from Doordarshan, the Indian national public service broadcaster, in Varkala, Kerala state.

His Holiness expressed his admiration for India, saying, “I always say that India is a living example of the possibility of all religions living together in harmony - an example that others could learn from.”

He also expressed hopes of working with China’s new leader, Xi Jinping, and that his policies will include more compassion towards Tibet. His Holiness also expressed his sorrow over the continuing self-immolations in Tibet and urged China to consider why they occur.

The following day, His Holiness spoke at the inauguration of the 80th Sivagiri Annual Pilgrimage, honoring social reformer Sree Narayana Guru. In his speech, he detailed humankind’s great advances, but also the struggles of the 20th century, suggesting peace and compassion as solutions to the problems of the current era.

His Holiness then traveled to Kochi, also in Kerala, to meet with Friends of Tibet (FoT).

Medical services for Tibetans were discussed and His Holiness expressed gratitude to FoT for its extensive work in helping Tibetan people.

Images of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s one-day visit to Mumbai, India, to attend the World Compassion Day 2012 gathering on November 28, 2012. Photo: OHHDL

After the meeting, His Holiness spoke to India-vision News about his growing fears regarding the Tibet situation. He expressed gratitude to the international community for its support - particularly the Indian government.

Later in the day, he spoke on the importance of harmony among religious groups, as he lit the inaugural light at the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church’s centenary celebrations.

On November 26, His Holiness traveled to India’s ‘garden city’, Bangalore, in Karnataka state, to address students at Christ University.

He polled how many under-30s were in the audience, stating that the future depends on their work. His Holiness challenged them to work individually on developing inner peace which could then be shared with others. He also addressed religion and science, agreeing with the Pope’s belief that reason and faith must work in unison.

His Holiness traveled 70 km north of B a n g a l o r e o n N o v e m b e r 2 7 t o Tu m k u r University, where he was presented with an Honorary Distinguished Professorship before inaugurating the International Conference on Yoga in Education. During his speech, he explained that the violence exerted in past global conflicts would destroy nations if used in today’s interconnected world. Later that day, His Holiness traveled back to Bangalore to meet Tibetans living in exile there and e x p r e s s e d h i s p l e a s u r e t h a t t h e i r Ti b e t a n identities remained strong.

On November 29, His Holiness traveled to Mumbai to participate in World Compassion D a y a n d l a u n c h I n d i a ’s H u m a n e S o c i e t y International, which supports animal welfare.

He stressed the importance of compassion towards animals, given that they too feel pleasure and pain. He also urged others to follow vegetarian diets, noting that it is unjust to take away an animal’s life.

His Holiness’ will begin two weeks of teachings on November 30 at Gaden Monastery in Mundgod, Karnataka state, focusing on the 18 Great Stages of the Path Commentaries.

He will also give three days of teachings on Shantideva’s A Guide to the Boddhisattva’s Way of Life, near the Central University of Tibetan Studies in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh state, beginning on January 7.

10 December 2012, Dharamshala

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His Holiness the Dalai Lama teaches Mongolian disciples

By Samuel Ivor, 20 November 2012

Dharamshala: Addressing a delegation of over 700 Mongolian Buddhists, His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet inspired and educated an eager audience in the Main Temple of His residence in Dharamshala: India. Beneath cloudless skies on November 20th with the Mongolian guests adorned in colorful traditional silk garments (deel), along with over 4000 disciples from around the world, His Holiness educated the audience on the Third Dalai Lama’s ‘Essence of Refined Gold (Lamrin Sershunma)’.

Having warmly addressed the crowd, as well as greeting His ‘Dharma brothers and sisters’ watching from Mongolia on the live webcast as well as globally, His Holiness commenced by preparing the audience; before teaching the 16thcentury sacred text. Highlighting the need to have motivation when practicing and cultivating Buddhism, the revered spiritual leader gave insight into Buddhism and the commonalities of major religions as a whole; drawing upon the principles of love, compassion and tolerance as common aspirations.

His Holiness also highlighted the ‘special connection’ with the Third Dalai Lama, who was given the Mongolian name Talé L a m a ” m e a n i n g “ O c e a n o f Wi s d o m ” — now Anglicized as “Dalai Lama” and lived between 1543-1588. Praising the Mongolian

guests, and describing the close ties between Tibetan Buddhism and Mongolia’s history, He stated: ‘It’s very pleasing that you are taking interest in your own national identity; and with Buddhism itself’.

His Holiness also reiterated the need for individuals to use their intelligence; not simply faith, when understanding the teachings. He urged disciples to be impartial and intelligent when receiving His teachings.

Through training the mind, meditation in both an analytic and focused manner, and observing emptiness, His Holiness inspired and cultivated a rich foundation for the audience to draw upon.

Spanning both the morning and afternoon session, the Tibetan spiritual leader attentively taught and explained the Third Dalai Lama’s ‘Essence of Refined Gold (Lamrin Sershunma)’, after preparing the audience and giving a brief history of Tibetan Buddhism and its Mongolian ties.

Having been treated to the generosity of Tibetan hospitality with servings of delicious butter tea, and having concluded the inspiring teachings with prayers, the Mongolian guests can certainly draw fondly upon the first of two days of teachings in the scenic foothills of the Himalayas, with one of the most highly esteemed spiritual leaders of our time.

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His Holiness the Dalai Lama concludes teachings with Essence of Refined Gold

By Samuel Ivor, 22 November 2012

Dharamshala: Concluding the second of two days of teachings to His Mongolian guests, His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet inspired the audience at the Main Temple of His residence in Dharamshala (India) with a session focused on vows, initiations and reflection.

The soaring music of Mongolian folk singers filled the cavernous temple in the Tibetan e x i l e c o m m u n i t y, a s o v e r 4 0 0 0 d i s c i p l e s found their seats on the morning of November 21st. Having warmly greeted the guests and led a generous tea offering, His Holiness commenced a focused ceremony for His devoted followers.

The second day of teaching revolved around a session of vows and initiations; having completed the text of the Third Dalai Lama’s ‘Essence of Refined Gold (Lamrin Sershunma)’ the previous day. Vows for the laypeople of the audience were led by the spiritual leader of Tibet. A Mandala offering was given, at which point His Holiness joked to His guests: ‘Mongolians normally say and chant this part very loudly; you should also do so here’.

The audience were then led carefully throughout the day to undertake Bodhisattva vows. His Holiness reiterated that those taking

the vows ‘must be intent on attaining Buddhahood’.

The initiations included the receiving of traditional red protection cords, which are blessed and worn around the wrist for practitioners. After a short lunch interval, the initiations concluded at 3pm having witnessed His Holiness carefully guide His disciples through the procedure.

Concluding the teachings and vows, the two inspiring days can truly be hailed a success, having witnessed the spiritual leader of Tibet expand the spiritual dimensions of the historical ties with Mongolians; with both traditional and modern methods.

The visit even witnessed His Holiness launch a website in the Mongolian language, which was initiated during His visit to Mongolia in 2011. The website forms a platform for Mongolians to read about His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teachings on Buddhism, as well as human values, the environment and science.

Regarding the new website and progress, He stated: ‘Technology has made tremendous progress, but it is being also used to create violence. In this new century, we must use technology to promote love and compassion’.

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The Tibet Post International

TPI NEWS

Two more fatal self-immolations in Tsoe city, northeastern Tibet

21-year-old Wande Khar set himself on fire at around 7pm Tibet time on November 28 in Tsoe city, Gansu Province.

Photo: TPI

By Matthew Singh-Toor, 29 November 2012

Dharamsala: Two further self-immolations have been reported as taking place on

Tsering Tashi, who reportedly self-immolated in Luchu County on November 29. Photo: TPI

November 28 and 29 in Amdho region, northeastern Tibet.

Students for a Free Tibet (SFT), an NGO in

Dharamshala, northern India, told the Tibet Post International that 21-year-old Bande Khar set himself on fire at around 7pm Tibet time on November 28, in Tsoe city, Gansu Province.

Before succumbing to his injuries, Bande reportedly called for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet, the release of the Panchen Lama, freedom for Tibet, culture and language Rights and the protection of the Tibetan environment. He is survived by his father Tsering Thar, mother Kunsang Dolma, elder brother Jampa and younger brother Sangay Dhondup.

On November 29, monks from a nearby monastery began paying homage and performing prayers at Wande’s residence in Yarki Sokdhi village, 20kms from the Tsoe city. Kangtsa Jampa, a Tibetan man living in Delhi, told SFT, “Due to heavy Chinese police patrols and restrictions, we are unable to get further details.”

A w o r k e r f o r t h e J o n a n g We l l B e i n g Foundation in Dharamshala, northern India, has reported that another self-immolation occurred in Luchu County, Amdho region, eastern Tibet, on November 29. The source said 31-year-old Tsering Namgyal from Zantsa village set himself alight and subsequently died.

Tsering’s family included his father Cheoro, his mother Tandhing Tso, his wife Cheojong Tso and two childen - Dorjee Tso, aged seven, and Kalsang Dolma, aged three.

Tibetans march 15 km to express solidarity with self-immolators ...... Continued from front page nuns from Dolma Ling Nunnery, and other local residents carried photographs of some of the self-immolators, banners and Tibetan flags between the Norbulingka Institute and McLeod Ganj, Northern India, on Friday, November 16.

Upon arrival they were addressed by the Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Ex ile , K en p o S o n am Ten p h el, in f r o n t of the Tibetan National Martyrs Memorial, who stated that the self-immolators had the “absolute support” of the Tibetan people and urged exiled Tibetans to “attend any kind of movement, big or small.”

He also requested on behalf of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile that “any movement

should be peaceful, non-violent, dignified and legal.”

Ta s h i L a m s a n g , p r e s i d e n t o f t h e N o r l i n g R e g i o n a l U n i t e d Ti b e t a n S o c i e t y, s a i d : “We Tibetans in Norbulingka, Sidhpur, and Dharamsala stand in solidarity with Tibetans i n Ti b e t , a n d s u p p o r t t h e m a r t y r s w h o sacrificed their lives for freedom and peace in Tibet.

“Therefore, we strongly call on the newly selected leaders of the Chinese Communist Party to acknowledge policy failures, seek a resolution to the crisis in Tibet, and resume the broken relationship with envoys of His Holiness Dalai Lama to start unconditional negotiations to solve the biggest issue in China.”

Over 60 Tibetans begin hunger strike in Tibet

By YC. Dhardhowa, 27 November 2012

Dharamshala: Over 60 Tibetans started a three-day hunger strike and prayer session on November 26 in Tibet, according to a source inside the country.

The action, intended to show solidarity with the at least 91 Tibetans who have selfimmolated for the Tibet cause since 2009, includes intellectuals, writers, business people, monks, high school students and Tibetan officials, and is being staged across ten major locations: Tibetan capital Lhasa, Drakgo, Jodha, Dzachukha, Tridhu, Serta, Tso-ngon, Siling, Rebkong, Karze and Chengdu city in China.

Self-immolation has become increasingly widespread in Tibet, with scores of Tibetans setting themselves alight in protest against Chinese policies towards Tibetan people in their homeland.

Mr Nyima TJ, a Tibetan political analyst,

Traditional white scarfs covering Kalsang Kyab’s body at his home in Dzoge county, Amdho, north-eastern Tibet, on 27 November 2012. Photo: TPI

told the Tibet Post International, “Tibetans criticize the Chinese government for religious repression and attempts to erode their culture, language and identity, as the Han-Chinese increasingly moves into historically Tibetan areas and now their colonization began.”

A t l e a s t 2 3 Ti b e t a n s s e l f - i m m o l a t e d i n November alone.

Tibet

10 December 2012, Dharamshala

Leaving Fear Behind documentary assistant faces possible death sentence

By YC Dhardhowa, 04 December 2012

other political prisoners.

D h a r a m s h a l a : G o l o g J i g m e , a Ti b e t a n

D h o n d h u p Wa n g c h e n ’s 2 5 - m i n u t e f i l m ,

Buddhist monk who assisted on a documentary

Leaving Fear Behind, features interviews with

on the lives of Tibetans is facing a possible

Tibetans in Amdho region who express their

death sentence.

views on His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the

Golog worked with film-maker Dhondup

2008 Beijing Olympics, and the perceived

Wangchen on his film about life under Chinese

hardships of life under Chinese rule - topics

rule. Chinese police have now issued an arrest

considered politically sensitive by the Chinese

warant against him for alleged murder. Also known as Jigme Gyatso, Golog went missing

Golog Jigme/File photo

regime.

Dhondhup was detained in March 2008 and,

on September 20, whilst travelling from

Administration. Golog had previously been

according to the Beijing-based Tibetan writer

Labrang monastery to Tsoe city in Kanlho

arrested at least three times.

Tsering Woeser, underwent torture including

Prefecture, northeastern Tibet.

Golog was born in 1969 at Serthar in eastern

being suspended from a ceiling for hours with

The Gansu Public Security Bureau

Tibet. Local Tibetans have described him as

his hands and legs tied behind his back, being

issued the warrant on November 28 and

monk of moral integrity and a sincere social

beaten into unconsciousness, having electric

announced a 200,000 yuan cash reward to

worker. Human rights groups have expressed

batons thrust into his mouth and eyes, and

informers, according to the Central Tibetan

deep concern over his wellbeing and that of

being deprived of food and sleep.

Solidarity prayers held in self-immolator Kalsang Kyab’s honour

By YC. Dhardhowa, 29 November 2012

Dharamshala: Over 1,000 Tibetans gathered i n A m d h o r e g i o n , n o r t h e a s t e r n Ti b e t o n November 29 to mourn the deceased selfimmolator Kalsang Kyab.

24-year-old Kalsang died after setting himself on fire on November 27 in front of the Chinese government building in Changtsa township, Ngaba county.

The following day, more than 40 monks from Taktsang Lhamo Kirti monastery and over 1,000 local people, mainly from the Goeshoka area where Kalsang lived, gathered to present traditional white scarves (Tibetan: Khata) to his remains. They also lit butter lamps in solidarity with his bereaved family. Later, monks from Taktsang Lhamo Kirti monastery assembled at Kalsang’s home to offer prayers and last respects.

The Venerable Lobsang Yeshe and Kanyag Tsering from Kirti monastery in exile told The Tibet Post International that, on the morning of November 28, “200 or more armed police and public security officers were deployed in

Clockwise from left: The photo of Kelsang Khyab received after his self-immolation protest; Changtsa township, where his protest took place; Kelsang’s native village, Dhowa Mege.

Photo: TPI

Goeshoka township, an armed police truck was stationed on the mountaintop overlooking the village, and two more trucks in neighbouring village areas. Internet service in the area has been suspended.

“Chinese authorities have put heavy restrictions on Tibetans and initiated measures to cut off internet services in Tibet, targeting

The photos of Dorjee, Samdup and Dorjee Khyab received by Kirti monastery in exile on 28 November.

Photo: TPI

the ongoing tragic series of self-immolation incidents.

“The following testament by Kelsang Khyab has been read to us by telephone and put into writing: ‘Greetings to my dear brothers and sisters, and especially my parents, the kindest of all in this world. I am setting myself on fire for the sake of Tibet. The long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama must be assured. It is my wish that the sun of happiness may rise on the land of Tibet.’”

81st Tibetan self-immolation ends in death, locals gather to mourn

By YC Dhardhowa 24 November 2012

Dharamshala: A source in Tibet has reported that another Tibetan has died after setting himself on fire in northeastern Tibet.

The source said, “Tadrin Dorjee, 29, set fire to himself at the entrance of Dokarmo town office in Tsekhog [Rebkong county, Amdho region] around 6.30 pm (local time) on Friday 23 November. He then chanted prayers for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama with folded hands.”

Dorjee apparently died immediately. He is survived by his parents and four sisters and brothers.

Sources also reported that, “Thousands of local Tibetans offered prayers and attended his funeral that night,” and that the Chinese authorities have cut off all communication, including Internet and phone lines, following the incident. They added that armed Chinese forces and police in paramilitary vehicles stepped up patrols in Dokarmo and surrounding areas.

The incident pushed the total self-immolations

A photo taken recently shows police and military forces stepping up patrols in Amdho region, Tibet. Photo: TPI

by Tibetans inside Tibet to 81, according to the exile Central Tibetan Administration CTA) in Dharamshala, northern India.

Earlier this month, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, strongly urged the Chinese government to “promptly address the longstanding grievances that have led to an alarming escalation in desperate forms of protest, including selfimmolations, in Tibetan areas”, and said she was disturbed by “continuing allegations of violence against Tibetans seeking to exercise

their fundamental human rights.”

O n N o v e m b e r 2 3 , t h e C TA s t r e s s e d i t s deep concern over the escalation in selfimmolations. Sikyong (political leader) Dr Lobsang appealed to Tibetans and supporters around the world world to form a coalition with as many human rights groups as possible to organise and participate in Global Solidarity Day on December 10.

“We also request them to dispatch delegations to visit different media organisations,” he said, “in order to create awareness about t h e o n g o i n g t r a g e d y i n Ti b e t . E q u a l l y important is to reach out to as many members of Parliament, Congress and government officials.”

Dr Sangay concluded, “Despite our repeated appeals not to take drastic actions, selfimmolations continue in Tibet. Therefore, I appeal to the international community and governments to stand for justice by answering the universal aspirations of Tibetans in Tibet: the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet and freedom for Tibetans.”

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TPI NEWS

Tibetan administration announces Solidarity with Tibet campaign

International

By Emily Arasim, 05 December 2012

Dharamshala: Building on his successful lobbying efforts this year, Dr Lobsang Sangay, Sikyong (political leader) of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), has launched the Solidarity with Tibet campaign for 2013.

The announcement was made at a press conference in Dharamshala, northern India, on December 5.

On March 10, Dr Sangay, called upon world l e a d e r s a n d c i t i z e n s t o m a k e 2 0 1 2 Ti b e t Lobby Year. His call has met with success, as Tibet resolutions have been passed in the EU, France, Italy and the US, along with statements of support from nations including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Japan, and South Africa.

Other positive developments include a r e c e n t s t a t e m e n t b y N a v i P i l l a y, U N High Commisioner on Human Rights, and Gary Locke, US Ambassador to China, and statements of support by Amnesty International, Reporters Without Borders, Human Rights Watch, and the US Congressional Executive Commision on China.

At the press conference, Dr Sangay said that, in light of the over 92 Tibetan self-immolations (at least 79 of which have occurred in 2012 alone) and the increasingly repressive m e a s u r e s o f t h e C h i n e s e , t h e C TA h a s reaffirmed its resolve to inform and mobilize the international community. It has therefore released a video about the self-immolations,

a n d l a u n c h e d a n e w w e b s i t e - w w w. solidaritywithtibet.org - and Facebook page www.facebook.com/SolidarityWithTibet. By raising public awareness and building pressure on China to address the Tibet issue through open dialogue, the CTA hopes to improve the situation in Tibet.

T h e C TA h a s a p p e a l e d t o t h e g l o b a l community to visit the sites, where the video is available, and said it hopes enough shares of the video will allow it to go viral and attract international attention. It also encouraged everyone to register with ThunderClap on w w w. s o l i d a r i t y w i t h t i b e t . o rg , t o s h a r e a synchronized message on Human Rights Day December 10 - to increase awareness about the Tibet situation.

Dr Sangay reaffirmed that it is of paramount importance to focus on Tibetans still living in Tibet and that, in light of the countless Tibetans who have dedicated their lives to the cause, people living outside Tibet have a responsibility to take action. He also highlighted the demand of Tibetans in Tibet for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the restoration of freedom to the country.

Finally, Dr Sangay reminded the audience of the message left by a recent self immolator that all Tibetans should unite and overcome any differences to work together. Dr. Sangay requested that Tibetans outside of Tibet keep this message in mind, understanding and respecting the wishes of those inside Tibet.

Dharamshala: Three of the families of Tibetans who have self-immolated since 2009 were met anonymously by top US officials in a bid to voice grievances over tightening security crackdowns amid an escalating wave of protests in Tibet last week.

S t a t e D e p a r t m e n t s p o k e s w o m a n Vi c t o r i a Nuland said on November 30 that Assistant Secretary Mike Posner had met anonymously with families on November 29 in Tibet.

Nuland highlighted the secretaries’ deepest condolences and grave concern for the spiralling violence and harsh crackdown in Tibetan areas, as well as grief with regard to the self-immolations. “ We r e m a i n v e r y c o n c e r n e d a b o u t r i s i n g tensions that result from counterproductive

We need non-violent support...

day event, which will include workshops on political support, Tibetan democracy, lobbying and the environment, he said: “This meeting is historic and extremely significant.

“We’re sending a clear message to Beijing that friends of Tibet are here to show their support and solidarity and also to plan events to make sure that the issue of Tibet will remain not just alive, but will be stronger and stronger until the day comes when Tibetans will regain their freedom.

“Also we send a message through this meeting to Tibetans inside Tibet. They are the ones who are suffering. They are the ones who on a daily basis endure imprisonment, torture, and denial of any basic human rights, but they are doing all they can and more by giving up their lives, with the hope and belief that the exiled Tibetans and their friends will stand up with them.

“Even if they get tortured, even if they die, their lives will not go in vain because their friends outside will stand up for them.

“Now democracy has swept the eastern European countries. Freedom is sweeping Arab countries. (Burmese opposition leader) Aung San Suu Kyi, is released and walking around free.

“It’s time for Tibet. So your message to the international community is not just that they have to speak out and show sympathy and to

some extent, support, but that we need the international community now.”

Further alluding the spate of self-immolations, which has gathered pace in the run up to and during the Chinese Communist Party’s recent 18th National Congress, during which Xi Jinping was selected as the next Chinese president, he said: “The majority of self immolations have taken place this year. In October alone there were 10, and in November, and we’re just midway through, there have been 12.

“That speaks of the gravity of the situation and the urgency of the crisis in Tibet. I know self-immolation has been a difficult issue for all of us. As a human being, you don’t want to see anyone die like that.

“To support Tibetans inside Tibet is our sacred duty,” he continued.

“But we should not focus simply on the action, we have to focus on the causes.

B e i j i n g ’s h a r d - l i n e p o l i c i e s . O c c u p a t i o n o f Ti b e t , p o l i t i c a l p r e s s u r e , e c o n o m i c marginalisation, environmental destruction, cultural assimilation, denial of religious freedom. These are the causes.”

The visitors were also addressed by Minister o f t h e C e n t r a l Ti b e t a n A d m i n i s t r a t i o n ’s Department of Information and International Relations, Kalon Dicki Chhoyang, who spoke on issues including the sustainability and effectiveness of TSGs, the involvement of

Michael Posner, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy and Human Rights, speaking at a press conference.

(Photo: Wikipedia)

policies,” she said, “including those that limit freedom of religion, freedom of expression, and freedom of assembly and association in Tibet.

Participants of the three day event, who have converged on Dharamshala from 45 countries, spent the rest of the day taking part in an open forum with Tibetan political leader, Dr Lobsang Sangay, as well as workshops on priority and regional campaigning.

Speaking about the current situation in Tibet, His Holiness said, he has nothing to say on the political aspect of the issue of Tibet. “I am retired and whatever the elected Tibetan leadership says about Tibet is absolutely correct.”

“Things are quite serious in Tibet. There is a problem and the problem is neither good for the Tibetans nor the Chinese. Use of force will never bring a satisfactory solution to the problem.”

“The Tibetan civilization is very sophisticated.

Some Chinese say that the Tibetans are very backward but that is not true. One Chinese a r c h a e o l o g i s t t o l d m e o n c e t h a t Ti b e t a n civilization has its own root.”

“Now, the spirit and unity of the younger g e n e r a t i o n o f Ti b e t a n s i n s i d e Ti b e t a r e stronger than my generation.”

Tibetans in their work and Chinese outreach, s t a t i n g : “ We h a v e o b v i o u s l y b e e n q u i t e effective since for the past half century, the issue of Tibet is still alive. Yet at the same time we must be very careful not to become complacent, and constantly try to renew our approach and adapt to changing environments.

“In countries such as South Africa and neighbouring countries to China we realise that certain things we may be able to do in North America and Europe may be more difficult, and I invite people who are from those places to adapt initiatives to their local environment.”

Asked what she hopes to achieve for her group during the conference, Julia Jironkina, director of the Moscow based Save Tibet Foundation, commented: “I hope to gain a clearer vision of what needs to be done. The situation is different from country to country, and Russia is a neighbouring country to China, and a big friend of China so it’s very difficult for us to act.

“We can’t do much protesting, but we would like to see what we can do.”

Gaby Lane, from Sakya Trinlay Ling, based in Australia’s Blue Mountains, added: “I’m interested in what perspective I can take back about the crisis in Tibet, and a to develop a constructive way of looking at it, as my fear is that the self immolations are putting some people off.

“ We a r e g o i n g t o c o n t i n u e t o r a i s e t h i s publicly and privately and urge the Chinese government at all levels to address policies in Tibetan areas that have created tensions and that threaten the distinct religious, cultural and linguistic identity of the Tibetan people.”

Self-immolation as a form of protest has soared in recent weeks, with an estimated 21 cases in November and around 90 since 2009.

The unusual move by US officials to speak directly to those involved in self-immolation cases will be received as a welcome step by Tibetans in Tibet and in exile. However, it remains to be seen what actions will be taken to follow up the concerns raised to the Chinese government and the international community, amid an alarmingly passive response on the escalating situation from foreign governments.

Tibetan self-immolations raised in French National Assembly

...... Continued from front page

Dr Lobsang Sangay: We need the international community now ...... Continued from front page

5

US official Michael Posner visits families of Tibetan self-immolators

By Samuel Ivor, 01 December 2012

(left to right) Dicki Chhoyang, Minister of Information and International Relations, Dr. Lobsang Sangay, political leader of the Central Tibetan Administration, and Tashi Phuntsok, Secretary of Department of Information, answer media questions at the December 5 press conference. Photo: TPI

10 December 2012, Dharamshala

The French National Assembly. Photo: File

By Dan Floyd, 04 December 2012

Dharamshala: In light of the ongoing spate of self-immolations in Tibet, the French prime minister was questioned in the French National Assembly on November 28 by Lionnel Luca MP, president of the Inter-parliamentary Group for Tibet.

Mr Luca addressed Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, pointing out that it took only one selfimmolation to inspire the events of the Arab Spring, but over 86 self-immolations in Tibet have done little to help the desperate situation Tibetans face under Chinese rule.

“After the euphoria of the Beijing Olympics in 2008,” he said, “which was supposed to

bring democracy to China, the repression now has never been so terrible against six million Tibetans, who simply desire religious freedom and defence of their culture.”

Mr Luca went on to point out that, since China’s occupation of Tibet in 1950, little has been done to enforce two UN resolutions demanding the release of the territory. He asked, “On the eve of the celebration on December 10 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, written by a French Professor René Cassin, how will France, Prime Minister, remain faithful to its universal message?”

L u c a ’s q u e s t i o n w a s a p p l a u d e d b y t h o s e associated with the Union for a Popular Movement. Bernard Cazeneuve, Junior Minister for European Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responded for the government, saying said that, whenever possible, the French authorities have and will continue to question the Chinese government in matters concerning human rights.

M r L u c a ’s i n d i c t m e n t o f t h e F r e n c h government comes a month after his call for a boycott on Chinese goods, which he claimed would “be the only means to exert pressure on a government that tramples international law.”

Tibet Initiative Deutschland highlights destruction of Tibet’s nomadic culture

TID members and Tibetans in Germany protest against Chinese destruction of Tibetan nomadic culture. Photo: TPI

By YC Dhardhowa, 24 November 2012

Berlin: - On Friday the 23rd of November Tibet Initiative Deutschland (TID) highlighted the destruction of the nomadic culture in Tibet by organizing a protest march from the Chinese Embassy to the Foreign Office in Berlin, the capital of Germany.

The demonstration was spearheaded by two Tibetans on horseback who handed over about 8.000 signatures to the German Government’s Commissioner for Human Rights, Markus Löning.

The signatures were collected as part of TID’s environmental campaign “GreenTibet.

FreeTibet” to protest the forced resettlement o f Ti b e t a n n o m a d s , w h o h a v e l i v e d f o r millennia on the grasslands of the Tibetan plateau. Löning said he was very grateful so many Germans were showing concern for this important issue.

He reiterated that the German government was actively supporting the Tibetan and Chinese peoples’ right to self-determination. With regard to the accelerating number of selfimmolations in recent weeks, Löning stated he had been horrified by news in recent months.

He called on the Chinese government to live up to its responsibility to create a livelihood that does not lead to such desperate acts as self-immolations.

At the same time he strongly condemned the self-immolations, saying that alive people could do more to help their communities and to further the cause of human rights and selfdetermination in Tibet.

“The Chinese government is planning to force all remaining nomads off their land until 2015”, said TID’s Executive Director Nadine Baumann. “The forced resettlement takes away the nomads’ traditional way of life, driving them into ghettos characterized by unemployment and hopelessness.”

Baumann related the growing number of selfimmolations to the resettlement of Tibetan nomads, stating that many of them had been living as nomads themselves and therefore been directly affected by the policies of the Chinese government.

Founded in 1989, TID is a strong voice for Tibet in Germany, advocating for the Tibetan people’s right to self-determination and the protection of human rights in Tibet.

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The Tibet Post International

TPI NEWS

Exile

10 December 2012, Dharamshala

Tibetan cultural centre in Belgium Exile Tibetans hold solidarity vigil for recent self-immolators celebrates fourth anniversary

By Emily Arasim, 29 November 2012

Tibetan children don traditional dress during the anniversary celebration of a Belgian Tibet support group. Photo: TPI

By Sophie Jay, 03 December 2012

Dharamshala: Around 100 people attended the fourth anniversary celebrations of Belgium’s Tibetan Cultural Centre (TCC) on November 30.

Participants representing a number of Tibet support groups from Belgium and other European countries drank butter tea, sang the Tibetan national anthem, made a khata (traditional Tibetan scarf) offering to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and observed a minute’s silence for all those Tibetans who have died under Chinese occupation.

Later, they enjoyed some Tibetan culinary

specialties, music, dance, an exhibition o f c h i l d r e n ’s w r i t i n g a n d a r t w o r k , a n d a competition for the most beautiful chupa (Tibetan dress).

The event was attended by His Holiness’ representative to the European Union, Ngodup Dorjee, who made a speech expressing his appreciation of the TCC and its importance for the future of Tibetan children in Belgium.

The organisation, which aims to preserve all aspects of Tibetan culture, has established weekend schools in Brussels, Antwerp and Ostend at which Tibetan children can study t h e i r o w n l a n g u a g e , c u l t u r e a n d Ti b e t a n Buddhism, tell stories, sing songs, play games, and occasionally receive teachings from a visiting Geshe.

The TCC also runs a week-long summer school, during which Tibetan youngsters study Buddhism and Tibetan language, say morning prayers, and learn about Tibet’s holy sites.

The TCC recently began running Tibetan language classes for adults, and also organises Lhakar (a strategic non-violent Tibetan resistance movement) meetings each Wednesday.

Report and photos provided by Mr Karma Dondub Dennis Barbion, Belgium.

Tibetan community in exile observes World AIDS Day

Dharamshala: At around 6pm on November 28, the Tibetan exile community of Dharamshala, northern India, gathered for a peaceful candlelight vigil in McLeodganj to express solidarity with the dramatically increasing number of self-immolators in Tibet and to acknowledge the hunger strikes carried out between November 26 and November 28 in several cities across Tibet.

T h e v i g i l w a s o rg a n i z e d b y t h e r e g i o n a l chapter of the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) and brought together both Tibetans and foreign visitors. Each participant held a candle with a message written on the holder, including ‘Wake up UN’ and ‘Free Tibet’.

Schoolchildren from the Tibetan Day School

Health Secretary, Sonam Choephel Shosur, speaking during a press conference convened by the Department of Health on World AIDS Day, 1 December 2012, at the Kashag Secretariat’s auditorium, Dharamshala, India. Photo: TPI

transfusions, syringe exchange, sharing needles for body tattoo and being born to an infected mother are some of the ways by which the HIV virus can passed from an infected person to others.”

D i s c u s s i n g t h e l a u n c h o f t h e C T A’ s documentary Breaking the Silence Towards Zero HIV Community, health secretary Sonam Choephel Shosur said, “HIV/AIDS is one of the major health challenges the world is facing today and it has already penetrated into the homes of the Tibetan community. With this film, we hope to be sensitive and educate people on how we can protect ourselves from this global killer to ensure a healthier and

also had a message to share, spelling out ‘Save Tibet’ with lighted candles in their school yard. As the participants chanted and

Tibet Vietnam Alliance holds inaugural public meeting

By Matthew Singh-Toor, 27 November 2012

Dharamshala: The Tibet Vietnam Alliance ( T VA ) h e l d i t s f i r s t p u b l i c m e e t i n g o n N o v e m b e r 2 4 a t H i m a c h a l To u r i s m ’ s Clubhouse in Dharamshala, northern India.

The keynote speaker was Prof Vuong Ding Bach, a former professor of civil engineering in Saigon who participated in the Vietnamese human rights and democracy movement, was arrested in 1976 by the communist Vietnamese government and was imprisoned for almost ten years with hard labour.

T h e m e e t i n g b e g a n w i t h t h e Ti b e t a n a n d Vietnamese national anthems, a minute’s silence in respect of Tibetan and Vietnamese freedom fighters who have lost their lives, and an address by Mr Thupten, Vice-president of

By YC Dhardhowa, 01 December 2012

Dharamshala: A press conference was convened by the Central Tibetan Administration’s (CTA) Department of Health to mark World AIDS Day on December 1 at the Kashag (Cabinet) Secretariat’s auditorium in Dharamshala, northern India. The health department also launched a documentary film on the way forward to completely eradicate the AIDS virus.

T h e C TA s a i d , “ T h e T i b e t a n r e f u g e e population living in India falls under high risk categories due to high mobility, poverty and lack of access to proper healthcare facilities.”

According to the CTA Demographic survey of Tibetans in Exile 2009, HIV/AIDS was one of the 15 leading causes of death in the Tibetan exile community and an estimated 130 Tibetans had been infected with HIV/AIDS, of whom 60 died.

“December 1 is being observed the world over as world AIDS Day,” said the health department’s Dr Tsering Wangchuk. “CTA, is proactively observing the day.” Dr Wangchuk u r g e d u r g e d Ti b e t a n s t o u n d e r s t a n d t h e disease, which has a “very long period of progression. It can take about ten to 15 years before the HIV infection develops into fullblown AIDS.” He continued, “Therefore, it is impossible to detect the HIV infection without HIV testing. Unprotected sexual relations, blood

Exile Tibetans hold a candle-light vigil in Dharamshala in solidarity with Tibetans who have set themselves on fire in protest against Chinese rule, 28 November 2012. Photo: TPI/Emily Arasim

secure community”.

A special screening of the film, which aims to increase awareness about HIV/AIDS, was held for CTA staff in the evening.

The days other events included an awareness programme in McLeodganj (upper Dharamshala) under the title Getting Zero: Zero New Infection, Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS Related Deaths. Choice HIV/AIDS Initiative, along with Students for a Free Tibet India, Regional Tibetan Youth Congress and Regional Tibetan Women’s Association Dharamshala also organised a campaign I n h i s Wo r l d A I D S D a y m e s s a g e , U n i t e d Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said, “Zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths by 2015 are achievable...Let us commit to build on and amplify the encouraging successes of recent years to consign HIV/AIDS to the pages of history.”

The global fight against AIDS has been encouraging over the past decade. According to a UN fact sheet, new HIV infections have dropped by 50% or more in 25 countries since 2001.

In 2011, there was a global reduction in the number of newly infected individuals from 3.2 million in 2001 to 2.5 million. The numbers of AIDS-related deaths fell dramatically from 2.3 million in 2006 to 1.7 million in 2011.

TVA. M r T h u p t e n s a i d t h e T VA w a s f o u n d e d informally eight months ago by himself and Ms Nguyen, a Vietnamese freedom fighter who served 14 years in prison.

Ms Nguyen then gave an impassioned speech in which she proclaimed, “I believe freedom, human rights and democracy will be in Vietnam and Tibet. No matter where we come from, no matter what skin we are, we are still human... [We are] not only fighting for our country, not only fighting for our families - we are fighting for mankind, our beliefs...! Free Tibet!”

Mr Phuntsok Wangdhu, also know as Soepa, next spoke to the meeting. The executive member of Gu Chu Sum ex-political prisoner’s association and President of VTA said, “The Chinese self-made political conflict between two nations should be resolved through the medium of an international committee and international media.

“By mutual cooperation and unity between two nations [Tibet and Vietnam], we would like to set up a political movement in Asia.”

Professor Vuong Ding Bach then gave his detailed keynote address on the similarities between the Tibetan and Vietnamese nations’ oppression and manipulation by the chinese c o m m u n i s t p a r t y, s a y i n g , “ . . t h e p r e s e n t government of Vietnam is nothing but a servile lackey in the pay of the Chinese communists in Beijing... Let us remember well the extreme peril: ‘Today’s Tibet, tomorrow’s Vietnam!’”.

P r o f e s s o r D i n g B a c h c o n t i n u e d , “ We wholeheartedly will fight along with the brave Tibetan people for safeguarding the survival of our two nations...until our sacred goal will be met,” and concluded, “How is it that there is a multitude of animal rescue agencies when there is so little relief agency for human lives endangered by the brutalities of other

November 21: Chennai’s Tibetan students opposite the United States Consulates on Gemini flyover expressing their feelings about the incoming Chinese government. Photo: TPI

By Amanda Peters, 22 November 2012

D h a r a m s h a l a : O n e o f C h e n n a i ’s b u s i e s t

demons tration comes after the change of leadership in Beijing CCP by appointing seven new Chinese leaders.

The students demonstrated their disappointment through slogans coined on their T-shirts. Two groups initially stormed the flyover unfolding banners marked with “Tibet is not part of China” and a photo banner with the title- “Seven new terrorist leaders of China on Tibet” referring to the new Chinese Politburo members who are set to take over China from Hu Jintao, the outgoing President.

The police immediately arrested all of the protesters and detained them for more than five hours. The authorities promised to release them, but according to sources the attendees have been detained further.

Founder member Ms Nguyen addresses the inaugural meeting of the Tibet Vietnam Alliance on 24 November 2012.

Photo: Sangay

humans?”

The penultimate speaker, Mr Karma Choephel, former Speaker of the Tibetan Parliamenti n - e x i l e t o l d t h e a u d i e n c e , “ L a s t y e a r, I happened to see some posters and pamphlets in Dharamshala, calling for the start of an a l l i a n c e b e t w e e n Vi e t n a m a n d Ti b e t f o r freedom.

“I was quite delighted...and touched...that the suffering people of Vietnam have a fellow feeling with the suffering people of Tibet.

“In the history of Vietnam, there is the history of colonisation, oppression, subjugation by foreign powers.

“Even today, the so-called government of Vietnam, which is a puppet of the communist Chinese regime, is also similar to the situation that is prevailing in Tibet.

“So, with a number of similarities...that we share, it is fitting that an alliance of Vietnam a n d Ti b e t i s t o b e s t a r t e d , a n d s o t o d a y, perhaps in a small way, in this room we are making history.”

The meeting was attended by over 100 people.

A near-total information blockade has been imposed in Kanlho (Ch: Gannan) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture where seven Tibetans burned

US funded Tibet education project launched in Dharamshala

Tibetan Student’s Association of Madras expresses disappointment with new Chinese leadership streets, Gemini flyover, saw an extraordinary s i t e o n N o v e m b e r 2 1 . O v e r 11 0 s t u d e n t s took to the streets, dressed in black t-shirts to protest against the incoming Chinese government’s stance on self-immolations in Tibet.

Chennai’s Tibetan students better known as Tibetan Students Association of Madras (TSAM) decided to express their extreme disillusionment with the Chinese government for the indifferent stance on the recent spate of self-immolation inside Tibet. The current total, according to sources are close to 78 fiery protests.

At round 3:00 pm on November 21, emotional Tibetan students gathered to protest opposite the United States Consulates. This

walked through McLeodganj, more and more onlookers joined in.

The vigil ended at the Tibetan Day School, where a moment of silence was observed.

Jangyang Jinpa, a relative of the most recent self-immolator, 18-year-old Sangye Tashi, then made a speech, followed by Tashi Lamsang, secretary of the regional chapter of TYC, who provided details about two other recent selfimmolations.

Finally, a short film about the self-immolations was shown and Thup Ten, president of the regional TYC, explained the organization’s plans to screen the film in cities across India, commencing on November 29 in Delhi.

The number of self-immolations carried out in Tibet since 2009 now stands in the high 80s.

Mr Rinchen Dharlo, President of Tibet Fund and Additional Secretary Topgyal Tsering of the Department of Education at the press conference on 23 November 2012. Photo: TPI/

By Matthew Singh-Toor, 23 November 2012

Dharamshala: On November 23, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) launched the Tibet Education Project (TEP), a two-year programme funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to help improve educational opportunities for Tibetan refugee students in India and Nepal.

The launch followed USAID’s award of $2 million to the Tibet Fund in September to implement TEP. The programme will involve close cooperation with the CTA’s Department of Education to address critical education needs prioritized by Sikyong (political leader) Dr Lobsang Sangay.

“This new initiative will provide a significant boost in strengthening the overall Tibetan education system,” said Dr Sangay, “and provide much needed resources to realize some of the core educational goals of my administration.

“I want to thank USAID, Under-secretary Maria Otero and the Office of the Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues for making this programme possible.”

The inauguration ceremony was also attended

by Bill Hammink, USAID Mission Director in India, Sang Lee, USAID Agreement Officer representative, Rinchen Dharlo, President of the Tibet Fund, Bob Ankerson, Vice-president of Tibet Fund, and senior officials of the Department of Education.

The TEP seeks to revitalize Tibetan settlements in India and Nepal by strengthening the Ti b e t a n e d u c a t i o n s y s t e m i n i n n o v a t i v e , replicable ways that equip young Tibetans to succeed in modern professions while sustaining their unique identity and culture.

The project will focus on teacher training, scholarships, and the counselling programme, prioritise science, technology, engineering and maths, provide test coaching for secondary school students and improve educational management.

The Tibet Post International

TPI NEWS

Tibet

10 December 2012, Dharamshala

7

Tibetan man writes ‘Independent Tibetan man arrested during religious ceremonies in Lhasa Tibet’ in own blood before dying

By Louisa Diffey, 30 November 2012

Tsoe city, Amdho, north-eastern Tibet, 11 September 2012.

Photo: TPI

By Samuel Ivor, 05 December 2012

Dharamshala: Sources from Amdho region, northeastern Tibet, have reported that Jigme Tseten, a 30-year-old Tibetan man, wrote ‘Independent Tibet’ in his own blood before taking his life.

Jigme Tseten, from Tsoe City, is reported to have used a knife to cut and draw blood from his chest, in order to write his message on the wall of Kagya (Upper) School, before using the knife to kill himself. It remains unclear whether he died at the scene. Jigme was married and leaves two young children.

The incident is said to have occurred around November 8 - coinciding with a wave of selfimmolations in the area apparently precipitated by the 18th Chinese Congress Party meeting in Beijing, which saw the reorganisation of the Chinese communist party’s power structure.

The exact date of the man’s death is unclear, due to mass communication blackouts imposed

by Chinese authorities in early November.

Commenting on the incident, an anonymous source from Tibet said: “During this time all the communications were cut down. This information has only arrived today [December 5]. Many police came to the city and looked at Tibetan social media, phones, and information on how protest news is being sent.”

The source also stated that many Tibetans have since been arrested by Chinese police in Tsoe City and added that tensions remain high.

The unusual step for a Tibetan to make this form of protest highlights growing unrest in the eastern regions of Amdho and Kham. Since 2009, around 92 Tibetans have taken to selfimmolation, apparently because it is a form of protest which does not harm others.

German parliamentarians voice deep concern over crisis in Tibet

By The Tibet Post International

Berlin, 9 November 2012: - The Tibet-Group of the German Bundestag is deeply concerned and shocked after the recent wave of selfimmolations in Tibet.

“We urge the Chinese government to end the repressions in Tibet and to seek dialogue with the Tibetans.”, said chairwoman Sabine Weiss (Christian Democratic Union).

“The self-immolations are result of Beijing’s f a i l e d Ti b e t - p o l i c i e s . T h e n e w C h i n e s e leadership must acknowledge this and change course in Tibet”, added co-chairs Sabine Bätzing-Lichtenthäler (Social Democratic Party), Harald Leibrecht (Free Democratic Party) and Manuel Sarrazin (Alliance 90 / The Greens).

Since February 2009, 69 Tibetans have selfimmolated in Tibet as protest against the C h i n e s e p o l i c i e s i n Ti b e t . A c c o r d i n g t o r e p o r t s , f i v e Ti b e t a n s s e l f - i m m o l a t e d o n November 7 alone.

The „Tibet-Discussion-Panel” was founded in May 1995 after a hearing on Tibet in the foreign a ffairs committ ee of the G erman Bundestag.

Its aim is to create a better awareness for the issue of Tibet among parliamentarians and

to find ways and means how Germany can contribute to an improvement in Tibet.

The German Federal Government has released recently its periodic report on the Federal German Government’s human rights policy, covering the period from March 2010 to February 2012.

The report lacks specific country reports, but rather refers to certain issues the German government has paid particular attention to with regard to human rights.

O n Ti b e t , t h e r e p o r t c o n t a i n s f o l l o w i n g statements: “Particular worrisome is the human rights situation in Tibet and Xinjiang. Freedom of assembly and freedom of religion are suppressed more heavily in these regions than in others.

The Central Government continues to relentlessly persecute any (even alleged) endeavor for autonomy or independence.

The self-immolations of young Tibetan monks and nuns at the monastery of Kirti - a place confronted with extraordinary repressive measures – were particularly desperate expressions of protest against these politics of repression.”

D h a r a m s h a l a : A s o u r c e f r o m Ti b e t h a s reported that the Chinese authorities recently arrested a Tibetan man who was praying at the main temple in the country’s capital, Lhasa.

On October 15, Tibetans worldwide celebrated the annual day of Palden Lhamo (a Buddhist female deity). In Lhasa, many people queued up to attend the main Tsuklak Khang temple.

While in line, a man from Kham region,

Young father of one in Amdho region becomes 91st Tibetan to self-immolate

By Sophie Jay, 03 December 2012

Dharamshala: A young Tibetan father is reported to have been bundled away by Chinese police after setting himself alight.

According to sources in exile, Sungdue Kyab self-immolated in the main street of Bora town, Amdho region, eastern Tibet, on December 2 at around 3.30pm, bringing the official number of Tibetan selfimmolators since March 2011 to 91.

Eye witnesses reported that the father of one was still alive when Chinese security personnel doused the flames and bundled him away – reportedly to a hospital in Tsoe city.

Left: Lobsang Gedhun’s body, still ablaze. Right:The street in Golok, Amdho region, northeastern Tibet, where Lobsang self-immolated on 3 December 2012. Photo: TPI

By YC. Dhardhowa, 03 December 2012

Dharamshala: A Tibetan Buddhist monk has died after setting himself on fire on the evening of December 3 in Pema township, Golok county, north-eastern Tibet - apparently in protest at China’s rule over Tibetan soil.

A reliable source told Tibet Post International that, “Lobsang Gedhun, a 29-year old Tibetan m o n k f r o m P e n a g K a d h a k Tr o e d r a l - L i n g Monastery set himself ablaze around 7.10pm local time.”

Local residents, including monks from n e a r b y B o r a m o n a s t e r y, a r e b e l i e v e d t o have attempted to visit the injured protester but were denied permission by the Chinese authorities.

On October 20, another young father, 27-yearold Lhamo Kyab, died after setting himself alight near Bor a monas tery and s houting slogans calling for the return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet.

In November alone there were 28 selfi m m o l a t i o n s i n Ti b e t . T h e s p a t e p e a k e d when five Tibetans set themselves alight

on November 7 - the eve of the Chinese Communist Party’s week-long 18th National Congress, during which Xi Jinping was selected as the country’s next president.

It has also been reported that Konchok Kyap, who self-immolated in Zaru, Ngaba county, on November 30 has died. It is believed that local people are doing all they can to visit and support his family, whom the authorities have granted only a small portion of his ashes.

Meanwhile the situation in Bora, where many communication lines have been ‘hampered’, remains tense.

Two more Tibetans set themselves ablaze to protest China’s rule

By YC. Dhardhowa, 26 November 2012

Dharamshala: - In the latest in a series of protests against Chinese rule, two Tibetan youth, including a Buddhist nun have set themselves ablaze in north-eastern Tibet’s traditional Amdho Province (Chinese: Qinghai Province), taking the total self-immolations to 22 in this month alone, latest sources in the region said.

Sangye Dolma, around 17 from Gonshul Nunnery in Rebkong county died after setting h e r s e l f a b l a z e o n S u n d a y, 2 5 N o v e m b e r ( A r o u n d 7 p m l o c a l Ti m e ) a t t h e C h i n e s e official building in Dhokarmo township of Tsekhog region of Rebgong.

The sources said that all local Tibetans and monks were gathered at the nunnery to pay their last respects to Sangye Dolma and offered traditional white scarfs to her body.” local Tibetans attended her cremation the same evening. The Nunnery has over 100 nuns, currently doing their traditional ritual offerings and prayers for Dolma, the sources further said.

Another Tibetan called Konchok Tsering, an 18-year old young man died after setting himself ablaze on Monday (26 November) at a

Another Tibetan monk dies in self-immolation protest The source continued, “After many footsteps, with shouting anti-China protest slogans, he fell down on the ground and died on the spot.

The local Tibetans immediately protected Lobsang’s body from Chinese police and troops who arrived shortly after the protest.

“Lobsang’s body was taken by local Tibetans to his monastery...to offer their prayer service and last respects. He had eleven family members, including his father Golok Lokho and his mother Sago Dewang.”

Despite the build-up of troops in the area and heavy restrictions on local Tibetans, images sent from Pema township show local people gathered at the scene of the self-immolation.

O n e p h o t o s h o w s L o b s a n g ’s b o d y s t i l l burning, while another shows the street where he set himself ablaze.

Over 92 people have set themselves on fire since the self-immolations began in 2009, of whom at least 75 have died. In recent months, most have been lay persons from the younger generation, calling for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile and

Tsoe city, Amdho, north-eastern Tibet. Photo: TPI

eastern Tibet, began shouting prayers for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and for God to resolve the continued suffering of Tibetans.

His cries were heard by several undercover police officers.

A few weeks later, on November 27 at 5.30pm, Chinese police officers arrested the man as he prayed in front of a statue of Jowo Rinpoche.

His current status and whereabouts are unknown. Other worshipers are also reported to have been arrested on the same day.

freedom in Tibet.

China has repeatedly accused the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and members of the exile Tibetan community of instigating the self-immolations, and has ruled out allowing any international observers to visit Tibet to investigate human rights abuses.

In a statement issued on December 3, hours before the latest incident, the exile Central Tibetan Administration said, “The international community must not remain an idle bystander.

Governments, international bodies, human rights organizations and individuals can make a difference by intensifying their efforts to convince the Chinese government to resolve the issue of Tibet through dialogue.

“With over 91 Tibetans having set themselves on fire to date (78 in 2012, including 28 in November alone) and the Chinese government’s harsh response, the Kashag (Cabinet) maintains its steadfast efforts to make the current situation in Tibet known to the global community.”

18-year-old Kunchuk Tsering died after self immolating in Tibet on 26 November 2012. Photo: TPI

mining area in Amchok county, north-eastern Tibet’s traditional Amdo Province, apparently in protest against the Chinese brutal rule over the Tibetan soil ‘Tibet, according to sources coming out of Tibet.

The sources further said that all local Tibetans and monks were gathered at his home to pay

their last respects to Konchok and offered traditional white scarfs to his body. He is survived by his wife, a 19-year old Tibetan girl.

The latest self-immolation incidents have pushed the total number to 84, including eight in a week and 22 within this month alone.

Meanwhile, the situation in Rebkong and Malho areas in Amdho region of north-eastern Tibet is reportedly becoming more critical as tense in recent days after the Chinese authorities had imposed heavy restrictions on the local Tibetans; including banning local and monks from offering condolences and prayers for those who have died in self-immolation protests.

Sources said, large numbers of armed Chinese police and paramilitary forces as well as Chinese propaganda teams being increasingly deployed in the region and surrounding areas.

Students hold demonstration in protest against China’s rule ...... Continued from front page reconstituted government.

Two hours into the protest, Chinese police arrived and began to beat the students, 14 of whom were injured and four of whom were taken to hospital for emergency treatment.

Police surrounded the medical school, trapping the students in the grounds and refusing the students’ families permission to enter.

A latest video footage posted by the RFA Mandarin section, shows that over thousand of Tibetan students who participated in the

protesting against Chinese repressive policies in Tibet; demanding “equality of ethnicities, freedom of language, human rights and other fundamental freedoms.”

Mobile phone and internet connections are currently restricted in Chabcha village. The parents could not contact their children as the security forces have sealed off the school.

One source from inside Tibet has reported that police fired guns during the protest but it is unclear whether any students were hit.

Sources confirm identity of fifth November 7 self-immolator

By Matthew Singh-Toor, 28 November 2012

Dharamsala: - A Tibetan writer, Sonam, based in Switzerland, has provided details of one of the five self-immolations that occurred in Tibet on November 7, the eve of the Chinese communist party’s 18th National Congress.

Sonam stated that Tsegye, a 27-year-old man from Bekkar village, Driri County, Kham r eg io n , eas ter n Tib et, s et h ims elf o n f ir e between 7pm and 8pm. Police took him to an unknown location and he died in Ngachu County prison on the evening of November 18.

Sonam leaves two children, one aged two, the other aged eight months. No other family details are known.

The four other self-immolations reported to have occurred on November 7 were those of three monks from Ngoshul Monastery, Ngaba county, Amdho region - Dorje (15), Samdup (16) and Dorjee Kyab (16) - and Tadrin Tso, a 23-year-old nomad mother, originally from Dhowa Dro Rongpo village, Rebkong county, Amdho.

The Tibet Post International

TPI NEWS

10 December 2012, Dharamshala

Tibet is a litmus test for the international community: Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay

By Sophie Jay. 30 November 2012

The Tibet Post International congratulates His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the 23rd anniversary of his Nobel Peace Prize award.

Dharamshala: Tibet’s political leader in exile has described the ongoing crisis in Tibet as a ‘litmus test’ for the international community.

On November 29, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay once again called upon governments across the world to address the current situation in Tibet, highlighting the fact that 86 Tibetans had selfimmolated to date, in protest against Chinese rule over their country.

Speaking at a lecture on the Central Tibetan A d m i n i s t r a t i o n ’s M i d d l e Wa y p o l i c y, a t Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Indian capital Delhi, Dr Sangay referred to a 2011 report in Time Magazine which stated that the self-immolations in Tibet are one of the world’s least reported issues. He compared the international community’s reaction to the crisis in Tibet to the Arab Spring, citing “the continuing occupation of Tibet, political repression, economic marginalization, environmental destruction, cultural assimilation and denial of religious freedom,” a s t h e m a i n r e a s o n s w h y Ti b e t a n p e o p l e continue to set themselves alight.

Dr Sangay also commented on the “irony of China’s ‘peaceful’ rise as a superpower,” in the light of ongoing diplomatic rumblings with Japan over disputed resource-rich East China Sea islands, known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China.

He described India, where His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan governmentin-exile are based, as “a steadfast friend which has stood by the Tibetan people in their hour of need,” and said it is in India’s own interest to “seek a solution for the Tibet issue,” because Tibet, as a buffer state, could help ease tension along the two Asian giants’ Himalayan border. Dr Sangay also touched upon the environmental impact that Chinese activities in Tibet may have on South Asian nations, as many of the subcontinent’s major rivers originate in the Tibetan plateau.

Summarising, he added: “the foundation of any movement is its people and the Tibetan cause will be determined by the Tibetan spirit, Tibetan sense of solidarity and Tibetan sense

Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay giving the JP Foundation lecture at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 29 November 2012.

Photo: tibet.net

of determination, which has never been as strong as now.”

Professor Anand Kumar, from JNU’s School of Social Science, who chaired the event, added:

“ We a r e h e l d g u i l t y b y o u r o w n p a s t a n d our own tradition by keeping a very passive attitude about Tibetan question. We have to speak up”.

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International governments urged to press China to end crisis in Tibet ...... Continued from page 2 as far as Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay pointedout at other day. It is not archived when I think, he pointed-out. I am not fully satisfied, because, my point of views, there are more important issues to address,” he said.

“To give you a single point, which I consider as a very important, is support for the victims or families of those who have committed selfimmolation.” He said “its an extremely tragic and undesired as increasing day by days.”

“There should be deep humanitarian aspects to those families; including fathers and mothers who left their children behind. Already very difficult everywhere, particularly in Tibet, these families will be even more marginalised in future,” he continued.

“Therefore, I think, one of such priorities should be to raise a kind of international fund and secondly a way such funds reach the families, this is much important than discussing unrealistic campaigns,” he said.

“We came here with urgency this time and with a background of so many Tibetans, who have self-immolated in past two years. The situation has became more intensified in recent months. Those participants from all parts of the world concerned freedom in Tibet and the current situation in the region,” said Dr. Yang Jianli, a Tibet supporter and democracy advocate from China currently based in US. “We have worked together, come-up with ideas, how to carry-out the projects we have have chosen. So, we are recommitted ourselves to the efforts to help and empower the Tibetan people to chose their own future,” he added.

“And we worked together to push the western governments to act collectively, responding to the crisis in Tibet. So now, we are refreshed, also re-in-charged and we will go back to our respective places to continue our efforts,” Dr Yang said.

“This time, one special occasion that really touched me deeply by having a brief meeting

with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He hold my hands, we talked about the self-immolations, I saw tears in his eyes twice, this really have made a great impact on my heart and also recommitted to me, ever strong to the cause of free Tibet,” he further added.

“Today, I called for a campaign of truth, which will be targeted the democrat governments and the Chinese people. I think, the western media not cover enough about the current crisis in Tibet, their governments are being too silence on it and the Chinese general public is too apathy on Tibet. These are things, we have to address, because, silence is no longer an option for today’s world,” Dr Yang stressed.

“Many indigenous peoples in Nepal, including Newa people want to see His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Nepal, it is not easy, because our government face a strong Chinese pressure. But, it is not the whole story of Nepal, people to people and heart to hearts, Tibet and Nepal very close friends each other,” said Prof Badura Shakya from Nepal.

“Representatives of 45 countries have participated the meeting, they all strongly expressed their concern over the issues of Tibet, we are all one as one team that Tibetan people have been suppressed and dominated.

There is no Human Rights, freedom of speech and religion in the region,” Prof Badura added.

“Over 200 members of the Tibet Support Groups (TSG), including 20 Chinese delegates, from 43 countries carried out extensive discussions to find ways to end the self-immolation crisis in Tibet during their three-day special meeting in Dharamsala,” said Ms Dicki Chhoyang, Kalon or minister of the Department of Informational and International relations, CTA. The minister said that “they had two days of discussion and action plan, which finalized today. In the action plain, they agreed to work on four issues; 1. To create multilateral contact groups of

different countries to address the issue of Tibet and its current situation.

2. To expand the Lhakar movements (White Wednesday Movement) to more 25 countries.

3. To lobby, so that China is not renamed as a member of the UN Human Rights Council due to its Human Rights track records in Tibet and China.

4. To form a coalition with the groups in the eight downstairs neighboring countries are effected by water-managements issues in Tibet.”

The TSG meeting also issued a statement o n t h e c o n c l u s i o n d a y, t h e y e x p r e s s e d solidarity with Tibetans inside Tibet for their unwavering determination and commitment to non-violence in resisting China’s policies to undermine Tibet’s culture, language and religion.

“They said the responsibility for this crisis lies with China’s past leaders and their failed policies over the last 60 years. Social and e c o n o m i c m a rg i n a l i s a t i o n o f Ti b e t a n s i n their own land are contributing factors in the escalation of self-immolations and must be urgently addressed, they added.

They called on China’s new leaders to take immediate steps to address the legitimate grievances of the Tibetan people, recognising that a peaceful resolution is in the best interests of both the Tibetans and the Chinese people.

They urged the governments take urgent and coordinated action at the United Nations and in other international for a to press China to change its failed policies in Tibet.

“We renew our commitment to work together and in cooperation with Tibetan organisations and Chinese human rights defenders around the world in pursuit of a political solution to the Tibet issue consistent with international human rights standards,” the TSG members

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Editor in Chief Chinese Editor Project Manager Tibetan Editor

Mr. YC. Dhardhowa Ms. Keary Huang Mr. Mathew Singh Toor Mr. Sangay Dorjee

UK Correspondent

Mr.Samuel Ivor

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Assistant Editor Ms. Pema Tso Designer Mr. Sangay Dorjee Advisor Mr. Thomas Keimel Advisor Dr. Vincent Brucel

Contributors to this editon Keary Huang Mathew Singh Toor Sophie Jay Samuel Ivor Louisa Diffey Emily Arasim, Dan Floyd YC. Dhardhowa Sangay Dorjee Pema Tso

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