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Vol. 02, Issue 52, 31 October 2011

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Gere’s Solidarity With Tibet

Tibetans to Hold Mass Prayers to Mourn Tragic Self-immolations in Tibet

By The Tibet Post International

Accompanied by Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay, Richard Gere greets staff members of the Central Tibetan Administration during a meeting at Gangkyi auditorium in Dharamsala on 25 October 2011.

Photos by Jigme Tsering/Tibetonline.tv

Dharamshala: - The measureless and azure skyline above the mighty Dhauladhar mountains that ringed Dharamsala town glowed with a rainbow of flying paragliders. For the gliders, the weather and spacious sky are always encouraging and delight, Continues on Page 9...

Indian Leaders’ Support for Tibet

Senior Indian leaders, Mr Indresh Kumar (1st left) and Major Vijay Singh Mankotia, ( 2nd right) with priests from different religious faiths at a symposium for world peace and the issue of Tibet in Dharamsala, on 21 October 2011/Photos by Jigme Tsering/ tibetonline.tv

Dharamshala, India: - The Kashag (Cabinet) of the Central Tibetan Administration will organize a day-long grand prayer service at the Tsuglagkhang, the main temple, in Dharamsala on 19 October 2011, for all those Tibetans who have self-immolated and those suffering incarceration for their courage to speak up for the rights of the Tibetan people. Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay will lead the prayer service.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama will join the prayer service which starts at 8:00 AM. His Eminence Gyalwang Karmapa and H E Kirti Rinpoche will join the prayer service. The CTA will remain closed for the whole day as a mark of its solidarity with the Tibetans inside Tibet.

On the same day, Tibetans and Tibet supporters across the world will also offer day-long prayers and fast as a gesture of solidarity with Tibetans in Tibet. Since 16 March 2011, eight Tibetans have set themselves on fire to protest continued occupation and repression of Tibet by the government of People's Republic of China. All of them call for the restoration of freedom in Tibet and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to his people and homeland.

From the eight young Tibetans who self-immolated this year, the following succumbed to their injuries:

His Holiness the Dalai Lama offering prayers at the main Tibetan temple in Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala, India, 01st October 2011. Photo: TPI/YC. Dhardhowa

On March 16, 2011, Lobsang Phuntsok (age 21), a monk of Kirti Monastery in northeastern Tibet.

The second reported case, on August 15, 2011

Tibetans and Indians Show Solidarity Over Self-Immolations

Dharamshala, India: - Indian leaders reiterated their support in finding a lasting solution to the issue of Tibet and called on the international community to work together towards realising the goal.

Addressing a symposium organised by the Himalayan Parivar in Dharamsala on Friday, Major Vijay Singh Mankotia said: "When I received the

was that of Tsewang Norbu, (age 29), a monk at Nyitso monastery in eastern Tibet. The third and the fourth cases were Khaying (age 18), and Continues on Page 3

Protests Over 9th Self-Immolation

Tibetans in exile protest against Chinese rule over Tibet. Photo: TPI/file

See on Page 5...

Dharamshala: A Tibetan woman died on Monday after setting herself on fire in Ngaba county of eastern Tibet.

Ven. Kanyak Tsering, of Kirti monastery's ‘mirror' institution in Dharamsala, India, told the Tibet Post, See on Page 8...

Tibetan Voices Heard in London

Protests Continue in Eastern Tibet

Tibtans in London, the capital of UK protest against Chinese rule over Tibet, and solidarity with recent self-immolations in Ngaba county, eastern Tibet, 23rd October 2011. Photo: TPI/Sam

London: The Tibetan community in Britain stood shoulder to shoulder this weekend with those suffering in the land of snows, by protesting outside the Chinese embassy and taking the peaceful demonstration through the streets of the capital to 10 Downing Street.

Under unusually clear blue skies around 150 activists from the Tibetan community and beyond raised their flags, voices and banners in the streets of London to stand up for Tibet.

2011 has been an unprecedented year within Tibet for crackdowns and protests. At least nine cases See on Page 4....

Delhi college students display the names of Tibet's martyr during the Tibetan Solidarity Movement, October 2011. Photo: TPI

By Matthew Singh-Toor, The Tibet Post

haramshala: - The newly formed Tibetan Solidarity Movement staged a four-day series of actions in India from October 18 to 21, in solidarity with the recent series of self-immolations in and near Kirti Monastery, Ngaba county, eastern Tibet.

On October 18, the movement, which was launched by the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile in Dharamsala, held a 24-hour fast and prayer session, attended by 35 members of parliament and over 1,000 monks and nuns.

Several Indian supporters also joined the fast, including former Indian MP and Tibet supporter Kiran Rijiju, who said, â•œIt is in India's interest to

resolve the Tibet issue."

Around 4,000 Tibetans from across India and Nepal gathered at Rajghat, Delhi, the next day October 19 - to participate in an inter-faith prayer meeting, during which religious leaders from seven different faiths - Buddhism, Sufism, Christianity, Jainism, Islam, Hindu and Bahai - offered prayers for Tibet.

More than 2,000 Tibetan monks and nuns then led a mass rally to Jantar Mantar. Among the rally's See on Page 5......

See on Page 6....

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31 October , 2011 Dharamsala

TPI VIEWS & ANALYSIS

G20 Needs to Tell Hu to Extinguish the Flames by Bringing freedom to Tibet and China

By Dermod Travis

Tibetans and their supporters hold up signs as they make their way along Queen St. W. during the peaceful leg of Satuarday's G20 protest and Rally. Photo: TPI

Montréal, Canada: - "In the future, everybody will be world famous for 15 minutes ," or so said pop culture icon Andy Warhol. But are world events, revolutions, natural disasters also destined to suffer Warhol's 15 minute fate?

Only a few months ago the world watched as Hosni Mubarak was forced aside, weeks later transfixed by the aftermath of the tsunami that struck Japan, then the execution of Osama bin Laden, followed by the spreading economic meltdown in Europe.

World events move fast. The news media even faster.

And while the media is often forced on to the next story before a crisis is fully resolved, the tragedies that were only yesterday's front page news live on - unwitnessed - as they do in Tibet to this day.

In 2008, the media spotlight shone for a brief moment on the tragedy of Tibet when thousands rose up against their oppressors and hundreds died in the aftermath.

But when the journalists moved on as news dictates that they must - the oppression did not. And for the oppressed, options are few when that spotlight shifts.

Crying out against injustice, Buddhist monks at the Kirti Monastery in Tibet have chosen the ultimate sacrifice: self-immolation.

As an act of political protest selfimmolation dates back centuries and, according to myths, was first committed by Sati, one of the wives of the Hindu god Shiva, who had taken a husband against her father's wishes and after her father had insulted him burned herself to death.

While gruesome to western sensibilities, self-immolation has spread across the globe.

In 1968, Czechoslovaks used it to protest the Soviet invasion of their country; in 1999 Kurds self-immolated to protest Turkish policies; Falun Gong practitioners in Tiananmen Square in 2009, and in 2010 a single act of self-immolation by Mohaned Bouazizi led to the Arab Spring.

Bouazizi, an unemployed Tunisian college graduate, trying to feed his family by selling vegetables had his cart seized by Tunisian police. He set himself ablaze triggering events that quickly spread across the Middle East.

Acts of self-immolation are the last power any of us has left - the power over our own life and death. They occur at times of crisis and helplessness.

Tragically, these protests are occurring in Tibet with alarming frequency. Nine Tibetans have selfimmolated in the past weeks to protest the authoritarian Chinese regime occupying their land. Five have died from their injuries.

Unlike the Occupy Wall Street protesters, Tibetans can't occupy Lhasa's Barkhor Bazaar to voice their dreams or to challenge the powerful.

From the comfort of our Western homes, it's difficult (if not impossible) to condone these acts, but who among us has the right to decide which is a less painful end for these young Tibetans: years of torture in a Chinese jail as a consequence of peaceful protest or the hope someone will hear their final screams just as Tunisians and the world heard Mohamed Bouazizi.

This crisis is indeed Kafkaesque for many supporters of Tibet.

Silence or moral condemnation are not options. If the world does nothing the number of Tibetans self-immolating will likely increase. These acts will only end by laying the groundwork to bring the oppression that Tibetans and Chinese suffer daily to an end.

Western countries too often find that relations with China form a ritualistic dance when differences are raised bilaterally with that country's government: rebuke Chinese leaders for human rights atrocities and the West is summarily told not to interfere in China's domestic affairs.

Yet, in an entirely duplicitous manner befitting an authoritarian regime, the Chinese government has no shame in telling world leaders who they can and can not meet with, who the Nobel Committee can and can not award the Nobel Peace Prize to and who countries can and can not sell their natural resources to.

It's why this new crisis in Tibet demands a multilateral response.

On November 3rd and 4th, G20 leaders will be meeting in Cannes to discuss the world economy and it's time for world leaders to carry the echo of the cries of Tibetans directly to China's President Hu. Mohamed Bouazizi did not die in vain.

Don't let Tibet's monks die in vain.

The Tibet Post

Tibetan Freedom and the 'Day After': The Tibetan Political Review

By The Tibetan Political Review

The Time to Plan is Now Amherst, MA USA: Although the revolution in Libya is no longer in the headlines, that country’s attempt to move from dictatorship to democracy holds important lessons for Tibet. The first is that political change can come quickly and unexpectedly, especially in an autocratic regime that relies on brute force.

Another lesson is that a revolution must succeed not only in overturning the old regime, but also establish a new and more enlightened one.

Imagine the possibility that, at long last, Tibet were on the verge of achieving freedom through independence or real autonomy. How would the Tibetan people manage this transition from the old regime dictated by the Chinese Communist Party to a new order controlled by the Tibetan people? How would Tibet set the groundwork to become a selfsufficient democracy?

This editorial will address the issue of 'the day after the revolution'.

We will set aside for now the debate between independence and autonomy for Tibet. It is a historical truth that all empires crumble, and the fall of the Soviet Union and Libyan ruler Muammar Qadaffi tell us that seemingly strong dictatorships often rot from within. It is also true that if the Chinese government actually wanted to resolve the Tibet issue, it would be theoretically possible to reach a settlement now.

Therefore, the subject of this editorial is not whether Tibet will achieve political change through independence or through autonomy. Regardless of the specific form of the change, it is necessary to ask: Do I truly believe real change will come to Tibet? If the answer is “yes” then the stage must be set beforehand. It is critical to ensure that this change leads to a truly better life for the Tibetan people.

While Tibetans inside and outside Tibet continue to work for the day that Tibet regains freedom (in whatever sense of that rather nebulous word), they must also set the stage for the 'day after', when Tibetans become self-governing.

Institutionalise the Planning Process: A CTA Think Tank How to set the stage, then? Tibetans should develop the best possible ideas now for how the political and economic system will be set up in the future. The development of such plans does not mean that things must be done that way. Rather, these plans should be thought of as proposals for the six million Tibetans to consider once they have the political freedom to discuss them.

Ideas can be developed and improved

And remember their names: Lobsang Phuntsok (21) deceased, Lobsang Kunchok (18), Lobsang Kelsang (18), Choephel (19) deceased, Norbu Damdul (19), Khaying (18) deceased, Tsewang Norbu (29) deceased, and Kelsang Wangchuk (17).

Dermod Travis is from Montréal, Canada, the executive director of the Canada Tibet Committee (www.tibet.ca).

You can reach him at ctcoffice@tibet.ca The views expressed are those of the author or authors, and do not necessarily represent the views of The Tibet Post International (TPI).

A Tibetan man carrying his national flag during a prayer and fasting event held at the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala, India, 19th October 2011. Photo: TPI

now, so there is a starting point later, when final decisions will be taken by the entire Tibetan people.

We believe that an excellent starting point would be a structure institutionalized by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) to develop these plans. Compared to Tibet support groups, the CTA has the full-time resources to achieve this.

Since CTA policy currently supports autonomy, the plans would presumably be based on how an autonomous Tibet could transition to internal self-rule.

Groups who believe in independence could take any plans developed by the CTA and modify them.

Remember, these are only proposals for the six million Tibetans to consider later.

And many of the questions would be the same in both the independence and autonomy scenarios. For example, Tibet would need to fill government positions and develop a self-sufficient economy from the starting point of heavy dependence on China.

What might the CTA think tank look like?

It could be conceived as an institution tasked to design a set of concrete, practical proposals for how Tibet could move from dictatorship to autonomy. It could be modeled in part on South Korea’s Ministry of Unification, which is tasked with establishing long-term plans and policies for national reunification with North Korea.

Such a professional body within the CTA could identify the key social and political challenges for when political change arrives in Tibet. It could develop a detailed set of proposals on how to address these challenges. It should work with sources in exile, conduct quiet consultations inside Tibet, and seek input from international experts in relevant fields.

Again, the resulting plans from the CTA’s think tank should be promoted as merely one vision of how Tibetans could take charge of their own destiny. The think tank should not claim that its ideas would necessarily have precedence. Rather, it should stand for the proposition that the Tibetan people have the right to choose their own destiny.

If Tibetans chose to accept any proposed plans of the CTA’s think tank, then so be it. If they chose another route, then so be it too.

Ultimately, the important point is this: The Tibetan people will demonstrate that they firmly believe that they will one day be in a position to choose their own destiny, and are actively making plans for that day and the promising days thereafter.

Some Concrete Examples of Tibet the 'Day After'

In the spirit of debate, we have identified just a few of the numerous issues that will have to be dealt with on Tibet’s 'Day After'.

We stress that our intention is to spur discussion, not to definitively decide anything. We also stress that we are not experts in fields like economic restructuring, so these are merely the amateur ideas of some concerned Tibetan citizens.

Choosing the Interim Government How would the interim government be chosen? His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in his Guidelines for Future Tibet’s Polity, has suggested that Tibetans serving in the current regime keep their positions.

This may be a good idea to ensure a stable transition and to ensure that existing Tibetan officials do not feel personally threatened by the idea of Tibetan freedom.

But surely this could not be a permanent policy, if there were to be a transition to democracy.

Indeed, His Holiness also suggests the formation of an interim government, which implies that holdovers from the current regime would only serve on a temporary basis until an interim government could be formed to draft a constitution and implement elections. In order to ensure their continued loyalty, the new government should consider granting pensions to any terminated officials from the old regime.

What remains to be decided is who would serve in such an interim government. The exiles should not expect to return to run Tibet. The leader of the Libyan transitional government is a defected minister from the Qadaffi regime, and certainly we should expect to find competent and patriotic leaders within the current Chinese-dominated regime in Tibet.

The Chinese Communist Party’s standard operating procedure is to quash any alternative emerging leadership, but there are still inspiring leaders and individuals rising in Tibet. This will remain a major issue requiring thought.

Security and Police How would security be ensured for the population once Chinese forces no longer held sway? The situation may be largely peaceful, but the interim Tibetan authorities should have plans to ensure there is no retribution against collaborators, or violence against Chinese migrants. Iraq’s 'de-Baathification' was a huge blunder, so Tibet would initially have to rely on existing security forces.

Fortunately, the hated People’s Armed See on Page 11....

TPI H.H THE DALAI LAMA

The Tibet Post

31 October , 2011 Dharamsala

3

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Addresses His Holiness the Dalai Lama May Receive Gandhi Award Mind and Life XIII

The 13th Mind and Life conference, which began today in Dharamsala, northern India, has brought together His Holiness the Dalai Lama, contemplative scholars, activists and ecological scientists to discuss the interconnection between individual choices and environmental consequences. Photo: HHDL

By Matthew Singh-Toor, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - The 13th Mind and Life conference, which began today in Dharamsala, northern India, has brought together the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, contemplative scholars, activists and ecological scientists to discuss the interconnection between individual choices and environmental consequences.

In a statement on the conference website, the organizers said, "The slow meltdown of Earth's capacity to sustain much of life as we know it poses an urgent challenge for both spiritual traditions

and science. These two ways of knowing have developed distinctive responses, which are potentially synergistic.

"The goal of the meeting is to provide an opportunity to articulate an engaged environmental ethics."

Addressing the opening session, His Holiness said that, although he has stepped down as the Tibetan Parliamentin-exile's leader, he is still committed to involvement in events such as the conference, in order to promote human values.

He went on to expound on science, ethics

and interdependence, saying that science has a duty to first establish facts, without being concerned with "right or wrong, positive or negative", and then look at the implications of those facts.

He said that the philosophy of interdependence has a similar role - to explain reality - and that when we investigate emotions such as anger, fear, suspicion and distrust, "we have no idea if anger is bad or compassion is good," but that we must examine their effects.

"Things exist due to other factors...with no idea of good or bad - just reality," said His Holiness.

He continued that, "Everybody here agrees there are a lot of problems on this planet," and mentioned his shock at the recent civil unrest in Britain, and his sadness that aid workers who are helping flood victims in Pakistan will imminently run out of money.

His Holiness concluded that, "Certainly there can be less suffering," if contingency plans are made for natural disasters, but that, of all the world's problems, corruption has the most serious effect - that, "It is like a cancer, affecting the whole of humanity, and comes down to a lack of ethics and selfdiscipline."

The conference, which runs until October 21, includes scholars and researchers from Emory University, Rutgers University, Vancouver School of Theology, the Applied Sustainability Center at the University of Arkansas, and Texas A&M University.

in India

His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet offering prayers in Dharamshala, India.

Photo: TPI/File

By The Tibetpost International

Dharamshala: Ela Ghandi may travel to India to bestow Tibet's spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Gandhi Award for Reconciliation and Peace.

The Dalai Lama was scheduled to travel to South Africa to accept the award in person, however the trip was cancelled after South Africa failed to grant him a visa. Pressure from China, South Africa's largest trading partner, has been blamed for the delay.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama accepted the Mahatma Gandhi International Award for Reconciliation and Peace in absentia. He participated in some events by video link from his exiled

residence in Dharamshala, India.

The Dalai Lama also engaged in a video discussion with fellow Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Tutu in which he said that "hypocrisy" has become part of the fabric of the Chinese "communist" system.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama's representative in South Africa, Sonam Tenzing, accepted the award on his behalf. However, there would be a formal presentation by Ela Gandhi to the leader in India if he did not come to South Africa within the next six months, according to the Chairman of the Trust, Paddy Kearney.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Teaching for Prayers ...

Korean Buddhists

His Holiness to Join Global Tibetans to Fast in Solidarity with Hold Mass People in Tibet ... Continues from front Page

By Brionie Pereira, The Tibet Post

His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet offering prayers in Dharamshala, India.

Photo: TPI/File

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama will lead a worldwide fast on October 19th, at the main Tibetan temple, Dharamshala, India in solidarity with Tibetans in Tibet.

The Nobel Peace Prize Laureate will join day-long grand prayer service and global fast which starts tomorrow morning in Dharamshala, northern India, where the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) is based. His Holiness 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Kirti Rinpoche, the head of India based Kirti Monastery and top officials of the Tibetan administration

will also join the solidarity event.

The Tibetan Administration led by Kalon Tripa, Dr. Lobsang Sangay will organize the day-long prayers and fast as a gesture of solidarity with all those Tibetans who have selfimmolated and those suffering incarceration for their courage to speak up for the rights of the Tibetan people.

Since 16 March 2011, nine people including a woman have set themselves on fire to protest continued occupation and repression of Tibet by the government of People's Republic of China.

Choephel (age 19), both former monks of Kirti Monastery. They self-immolated on October 7, 2011 and died on October 8 and 11 respectively.

The conditions of the four others, namely Lobsang Kelsang (age 18), Lobsang Kunchok (age 19), Kelsang Wangchuk (age 17) and Norbu Damdul (age 19), are still unknown.

The Kashag and the Tibetan Parliamentin-Exile have appealed to the United Nations, freedom-loving countries and people around the world to show their support and solidarity with the Tibetan people at this critical stage.

The Kashag urges the international community to press the government of People's Republic of China to restore freedom and resolve the issue of Tibet through dialogue for the mutual benefit of the Tibetan and Chinese people. The Kashag urges the international community and the media to send factfinding delegations to ascertain the situation on the ground inside Tibet.

"On the same day, Tibetans and Tibet supporters across the world will also offer day-long prayers and fast as a gesture of solidarity with Tibetans in Tibet, said the Tibetan information department in a statement issued on Monday.

Dharamshala: - For the past three days, the Main Tibetan Temple (Tib: Tsuglagkhang) in McLeod Ganj, the seat of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in exile, has been abuzz with activity.

From the 23rd- 25th of this month, the spiritual leader of Tibet has been offering teachings twice a day at the request of a group of Korean devotees.

The teachings were based on the serenity (shiney) and insight (lhaktong) sections of Je Tsongkhapa's "The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment".

Barring entry to none, the three-day teachings saw flocks of devotees in attendance from more than 50 countries including Taiwan, US and Europe. One need not have been a Buddhist devotee or a monk in order to listen in on the lectures; the audience consisted of a wide array of people, with varying degrees of knowledge about Buddhism. Some attended to gain insight into the spiritual philosophy, while others simply came to bask in the hallowed presence of His Holiness.

Je Tsongkhapa (1357-1419),one of the principal figures of Buddhism in his time, composed the Lamrim Chenpo as a lucid, insightful directive towards

His Holiness the Dalai Lama offering Buddhist teachings at the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala, India on 23rd October 2011. Photo: TPI

enlightenment. It went on to become one of the cornerstone pieces of Buddhist literature, followed extensively by devotees world-wide.

Giving insights into the Lamrim Chenpo, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said: "What distinguishes it as one of the principal texts of Mahayana Buddhism is its scope and clarity...the various stages of the path are presented so clearly and systematically that they can be easily understood and are inspiring to put into practice."

Today marked the last day of the teachings at Tsuglagkhang, after which His Holiness the Dalai Lama is scheduled to visit Japan, to offer prayers and condolences to the areas ravaged by the tsunami that hit in March this year.

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31 October , 2011 Dharamsala

TPI INTERNATIONAL

Richard Gere Brings Message of Strong Support to People of Tibet

Accompanied by Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay, Richard Gere greets staff members of the Central Tibetan Administration during a meeting at Gangkyi auditorium in Dharamsala on 25 October 2011. Photos by Jigme Tsering/Tibetonline.tv

By Tibetan Administration Official Media. Tibet Net

Dharamshala: - The measureless and azure skyline above the mighty Dhauladhar mountains that ringed Dharamsala town glowed with a rainbow of flying paragliders. For the gliders, the weather and spacious sky are always encouraging and delight, and which are key to successful flying to their destination.

Meanwhile, the earth in Dharamsala glowed with a celestial star of Hollywood. And for the Tibetan community, Richard Gere brings message of encouragement and support towards their struggle. It was a double delight for the staff members of the Tibetan administration as Mr Gere interacted with them on a range of Tibetan issues.

The staff members gave a thunderous applause as he walked into Gangkyi auditorium accompanied by Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay.

Dr Sangay described Mr Gere as a weather-tested friend, who though born as an American, is very much Tibetan in heart. His passion for Tibet is well-known to the extent that it jeopardizes his film career with a semi-ban on his visit to China. Dr Sangay said the Tibetans have always been very grateful to him for putting his Hollywood career at risk.

Recounting how he came into contact with the Tibetan cause, Mr Gere said his curiosity and quest for happiness landed him at a small Tibet hamlet in Kathmandu in 1970.

Later, noted writer John F Avedon who wrote "In Exile from the Land of Snows" raised my passion to go to Dharamsala to know more about Tibet, he reminisced.

"It struck me very deeply when His Holiness the Dalai Lama told during our first meeting that the Tibetans need help and that especially from the Western friends," he said.

He said the Tibetan people have won deep and heartfelt friends across the world for contributing greatly through their rich culture and religion. "We consider you as the best of who you are.

We can never repay what Tibetans have contributed to the world," he said solemnity in his voice.

On asked if he is seeing any changes in forward movement of the Tibetan issue, he said it is of paramount importance to keep the community united. The hearts of the Tibetan people have remained unchanged. The three generations of Tibetans have done very well, especially in education and health, he added.

Responding to a question on the

previous performances, Mr Gere applauded the administration for making great strides in the fields of micro finance, education, health and communications.

He, however, said the failure is in Tibet.

So we should to improve the lives of Tibetans in Tibet, he added.

To another query on what is the Tibetan movement's strength, he said "every staff of the administration has to step up to offer their strength and work together with the Kashag. All of you have a heavy responsibility to shoulder."

In conclusion, Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay said Mr Gere saw the preciousness of Tibet, acted on it and became a foremost Western friend to play a pivotal role in internationalizing the Tibetan freedom struggle.

"In the time of crisis, the Tibetan people have a man to bank on," said Dr Sangay as the auditorium once again reverberated with thunderous applause.

The Tibet Post

Hundreds of Tibetans Gather in front of the UN for Solidarity Rally

By Tibetan Administration Official Media. Tibet Net

Geneva, Switzerland: Over one thousand Tibetans gathered in front of the United Nations in Geneva on 23 October to express their solidarity with Tibetans who recently self-immolated in Ngaba and Tawo in eastern Tibet.

Mr Penpa Tsering, the Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, called on the UN to send a fact-finding mission to Kirti Monastery to investigate the situation there. He also called on the UN to immediately issue a statement expressing its concern on the situation inside Tibet.

Self-immolation is the highest form of non-violent action for the benefit of others, he said. Harmonious society cannot be achieved through repression. Harmonious society as promoted by the Chinese President Hu Jintao can be achieved only through mutual trust and dialogue, Mr Tsering said.

Five coffins draped in Tibetan national flag and the photos of the five deceased monks and nun who selfimmolated since 16 March were placed on top of each coffin and carried through the rally.

The rally began from Lake Geneva to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Office and later assembled in front of the UN main office in Geneva.

Tibetans from different parts of Switzerland and Liechtenstein arrived in Geneva in 11 buses. Some travelled as long as 4 hours to Geneva. Large number of Tibetans travelled by the early morning trains or arrived in private transports.

The solidarity demonstration was held on the eve of United Nations Day in Geneva and was organised by the

Five coffins draped in Tibetan national flags are carried during the rally.

Photo: Tibet Net

Tibetan community.

A Geneva based Swiss writer who travelled to Lhasa in 1999 addressed the rally. She told Tibetans "Never give up".

"I saw with my own eyes the most important movement - the strength of Tibetan resistance against Chinese occupation," she said. "We cannot accept what is happening in Tibet today."

The Tibetan Parliament in Exile's Speaker Mr Penpa Tsering arrived in Zurich on 20 October at the invitation of the Swiss Tibetan Friendship Association. On the evening of 21 October, Mr Tsering along with two other panelists spoke on the changes taking place in Tibetan democracy post His Holiness the Dalai Lama's devolution of his political authority in May 2011.

He said the Tibetan parliament and the

Tibetan public must extend support to Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay, who is now the political leader of the Tibetan people. He said Dr Sangay shall succeed and his success will be Tibet's success.

He gave a detail account of the changes leading up to and after His Holiness the Dalai Lama devolved his political authority to an elected Tibetan leadership to the members of the Tibetan community on 22 October evening in Zurich.

The speaker said great changes are taking place in the Tibetan society. He called on the Tibetans to remain united.

We must resist what is not good for the society, he said adding, the Chinese want to divide our community as much as possible.

Mr Penpa Tsering will meet with UN officials on Monday to present an appeal.

International Tibet Network meets in Dharamshala Tibetan Voices Heard in London: Peaceful Demonstration

By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post

... Continues from front Page of self-immolation by young Tibetans have occurred since March of this year, and the region has witnessed enormous human rights violations, forced reeducation campaigns, and nomadic resettlement attempts at the hands of the Chinese authorities.

The Chinese embassy in London on Saturday was surrounded on the opposite side of the road by an ocean of Tibetan flags. With the aid of a megaphone, protesters chanted: "China, China, China: Out! Out! Out!" British MP Fabian Hamilton made a rallying call outside the embassy for Tibetans suffering in Tibet, and pledgedhis part in standing up for Tibet.

Upon arrival at 10 Downing Street, the peaceful demonstrators protested opposite the entrance gate, drawing attention from hundreds of passers-by to the issue.

In one interview for the Tibet Post International, a demonstrator remarked: "We have to be vocal, we have to be visual".

Meanwhile, TYUK Director Karma Chura-Tsang and SFT UK's National coordinator Pema Yoko handed a direct letter to David Cameron to stand up for

Tibet. Earlier in the year Cameron raised the issue with visiting guest Wen Jiabo, much to the visiting Chinese Premier's embarrassment. However, many across the Tibetan and International community feel not enough is being done for Tibetans in Tibet.

As the demonstration drew to a close, many of the Tibetan community who had gathered departed for a benefit dinner and evening for the nomad rights of Tibetans. Around a hundred members of the Tibetan community in England of all ages turned up to show their support. The communal eventalso raised money for the upcoming G20 summit in Nice, France, of which Tibetans need to get their voices heard to world leaders.

Among a social club strung with prayer flags and Tibetan music, the community shared ideas with the youngsters and engaging fun games which everyone participated in. Beautiful live Tibetan music was played by a trio of musicians, and rallying calls were made by speakers. The Tibetan community in Britain stood shoulder to shoulder at the weekend with their brothers and sisters in Tibet, proving that they would stand up for Tibet.

By . Sloyan, The Tibetpost International

Dharamshala: The International Tibet Network will hold its third regional meeting from 14 - 16 October in Dharamshala, India, the home of the Tibetan exiled government and H.H. the Dalai Lama.

The meeting, which includes participants from India, Nepal, Australia, Burma, Taiwan, Thailand, Dubai, Peru, UK and USA, takes place at a critical time for Tibetans in Ngaba county, western China, which has seen a wave of self-immolations since March.

The meeting will focus on

implementing the campaign "Enough!

Global Intervention to Save Tibetan Lives". The campaign aims to lobby governments to pursue a coordinated response to the human rights crisis in Tibet. It also aims to foster international support for Tibetans and pressure China to lift the security crackdown in Ngaba.

The meeting will be addressed by Tibetan Kalon Tripa (Prime Minister), Dr. Lobsang Sangay. Minister for International Relations, Dicki Chhoyang, will also attend the opening session.

TPI TIBET IN EXILE

The Tibet Post

31 October , 2011 Dharamsala

5

Tibetan Women's Association Kalon Tripa Graces Golden Jubilee Commemorates First Woman Celebration of CST School Darjeeling to Self-immolate

By Tibetan Administration Official Media. Tibet Net

Thousands Join Tibetan Solidarity Movement To Highlight Critical Situation in Tibet, New Delhi, India, 19th October 2011. Photo: TPI

By Matthew Singh-Toor, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - The Tibetan Women's Association (TWA) and its 56 chapters worldwide are today holding solidarity actions in commemoration of Tenzin Wangmo, who died after a sevenminute self-immolation protest on October 17.

Peace rallies, candlelight vigils and prayer services are being staged to mark the first self-immolation by a Tibetan woman. In a press release, the TWA said self-immolation is considered to be the highest form of peaceful protest.

Wangmo, a nun in her early 20s, was from Ngaba Dechen Choekorling nunnery the largest nunnery in Ngaba

county, eastern Tibet.

She set her body alight and made rounds of the Sumo bridge - at a crossroads near her nunnery, 3km from Ngaba County market calling, "We want the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet,"• and "We want religious freedom in Tibet."

Wangmo"s self-immolation is the ninth such case in Tibet, and she if the fifth person to die from the act.

The TWA today urged the Chinese government to withdraw the troops from Tibet and  allow Tibetans their basic human rights: freedom of speech, movement and religious practice."

.....Show Solidarity Over Self-Immolations ... Continues from front Page Indian supporters were: MP and member of Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet, Mohan Singh; Â BJP vice-chairman, Hoshyari Bhagat Singh; and journalist and veteran Tibet supporter, Vijay Kranti.

On October 20, around 1,000 women including Tibetan MPs, Â nuns, students, professionals, mothers and activists led a rally from Ramlila ground to Jantar Mantar, in Delhi.

The final day of action, October 21, saw more than 1,500 young Tibetans lead another rally from Ramlila to Jantar Mantar, during which several participants painted their bodies with the names of the Tibetans who have self-immolated in Ngaba.

Artists from Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts performed solidarity songs at the closing session, and the event concluded with a candlelight vigil.

Prior to the rallies, a delegation of Tibet MPs lobbied Indian government officials, political party leaders and 17 foreign embassies with the following calls for action: - To strongly urge the Peopleâ•TMs Republic of China to respect the fundamental right of the Tibetans to freely practice their religion.

- To strongly urge the People's Republic of China to review its existing policies in Tibet in order to have a truly harmonious society.

- To appeal to International governments and the United Nations to call on China to genuinely uphold

international human rights standards.

- To call on China to allow international independent fact-finding delegations and media to visit Tibet and in particular Kirti Monastery.

- To call on China to completely withdraw Chinese military presence from Kirti Monastery.

- To call on China to clarify the condition and whereabouts of Lobsang Kalsang (age 18), Lobsang Konchok (19), Kelsang Wangchuk (17) and Norbu Damdul (19).

International response to recent events in Tibet has included US State Department spokesperson, Mark Toner, on October 17 saying, "We urge China and its leaders to respect the rights of Tibetans, to address some of the policies in these Tibetan areas that have created tension and to protect the Tibetans' unique religious culture and linguistic identity."

On October 21, Mr Andreas Peschke, speaker of the German foreign ministry, appealed to China to change its policy in Tibet, in order to reduce tension, saying, "The federal government is appalled at the rising number of selfimmolations in the Tibetan regions of southwest China."

Australian Green Party leader, Senator Bob Brown, also made a statement on Ocober 21, calling on the Australian government and world leaders to speak up for Tibetans.

Report submitted by: Youdon Aukatsang and Dhardon Sharling, Tibetan Solidarity Movement.

Darjeeling: Gracing the golden jubilee celebration of Central School for Tibetans at Darjeeling as the special guest, Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay said he hope to see more professionals coming out of this school in the future.

Addressing the landmark occasion, Kalon Tripa expressed his gratitude to the school and said his childhood was spent here and that he received his basic education in this school.

Moreover, as per the Central Tibetan Administration's policy of unity, innovation and self reliance, he asserted that the administration will give its wholehearted efforts for the return of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to Tibet.

At the end of the ceremony, a play in English was staged and a souvenir was presented to all the guests.

Dr. Lobsang Sangay, head of the Central Tibetan Administration, Dharamshala, India during an event being held in August, 2011. Photo: TPI/File

Kalon Tripa also visited different sections of the school on the occasion.

Mr Apurva Chandra, the joint secretary

of ministry of human resource development of India, was the chief guest at the event.

Protests Held in Wake of Self-immolation and Worsening Crisis in Tibet

By P. Sloyan, The Tibetpost

Dharamshala, India: A candlelight vigil was held in Dharamshala, India, last night in the wake of ongoing selfimmolations inside Tibet. Two young Tibetans set themselves on fire last Friday, bringing the total number of self-immolations since March to seven.

The vigil, organised by the local Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), began at the bus stop in upper Dharamshala (home to a large exiled Tibetan community) and made its way down to the town's main temple.

Speaking at the event, Mandie McKeown from the International Tibet Network, called for coordinated global intervention to stop the unprecedented atrocities being carried out in Ngaba.

"China ignores governments that speak out, even punishes them, [that's why] governments have to act together so that China is forced to listen" she said.

Earlier in the day, a large rally was held demanding the Chinese government to end its repressive policies in Ngaba county, western China. Protesters set off from the main temple in upper Dharamshala, carrying Tibetan national flags and shouting slogans

Protestors in Dharamshala demand China end repressive policies in Ngaba county, 14th October 2011. Photo" TPI/ P. Soyan

demanding Tibet's independence and international intervention in the ongoing crisis in Ngaba.

In a statement, the TYC recognised the "horror and grief" of the selfimmolations. "We in exile stand with [Tibetans living under Chinese occupation] in solidarity and honour their sacrifices by raising our voices in the freedom struggle for Tibet."

"China's systematic repression and tyrannical rule in Tibet - stationing

officials in the monasteries, disappearing monks by the hundreds, shutting down phone lines, cutting off the internet, installing surveillance cameras and military checkpoints everywhere have driven Tibetans to breaking point," said Tashi Wangden, president of the TYC in San Francisco.

Many Tibetan businesses in Dharamshala closed as a sign of solidarity with the Tibetans inside Tibet.

Indian Leaders Express Strong Support for Tibet's Cause ... Continues from front Page invitation to attend this gathering, I said I would be present in any form whenever it concerns the issue of Tibet."

Major Mankotia, who was a former cabinet minister of Himachal Pradesh, said "large influx of Chinese population into Tibet threatens the survival of the Tibetan as a distinct people and their identity and heritage."

He prayed that may His Holiness the Dalai Lama live long and fulfill the dream of every Tibetan and Indian. May His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his people would be back in their homeland one day, he added.

In his remarks, Indresh Kumar, a senior Indian leader, expressed deep concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in Tibet and paid homage to the nine young Tibetans who selfimmolated for freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet.

He evinced optimism that His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his people would one day return to his homeland with dignity and freedom.

He also said that the world governments should keep aside vested interests and work unitedly towards securing a durable solution to the problem of Tibet.

An inter-faith prayer service, the first of its kind in Dharamsala, was also organised during the symposium. Priests from different faiths such as Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism and Buddhism offered prayers for peace and harmony in the world.

Mrs Dolma Gyari, Kalon for the Department of Home and Mr Tenzin Phuntsok Atisha, Secretary for International Relations of the Central Tibetan Administration, attended the symposium. Members from both the Indian and Tibetan communities joined in large numbers.

6

31 October , 2011 Dharamsala

Prayers and Protests: Tibetans mourn following immolations

TPI TIBET

The Tibet Post

Thousands Join Solidarity Movement To Highlight Tibet's Critical Situation

By Tibetan Administration Official Media: Tibet Net

Armed Chinese paramilitary force deployed in Ngaba county, eastern Tibet, 19th October 2011. Photo: TPI/File

By P. Sloyan, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala, India: The Tibet Post has received reports that large demonstrations were held in Ngaba county, eastern Tibet, on Wednesday 19 October. Ngaba has witnessed eight selfimmolation incidents since March.

Large numbers of Tibetans, dressed in traditional clothing, gathered in the streets of Ngaba reciting Mani mantra (Buddhist prayer) in a demonstration of solidarity.

Tibetans in surrounding villages also took part by wearing traditional Tibetan clothing, reciting prayers and fasting.

It is reported that on two occasions, protests were attempted however neither were successful. Police and soldiers wielding firearms managed to disperse the crowd.

In India, demonstrations were held in Dharamsala, home to HH the Dalai Lama, and the capital, Delhi.

Thousands of local Tibetans and supporters gathered in Dharamsala's main temple for a day long prayer service. HH the Dalai Lama attended as did Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay.

In Delhi, over 3000 Tibetans marched from Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi's memorial site) to the Jantar Mantar under the banner of the Tibet Solidarity Movement yesterday.

The demonstrations come after the ninth self-immolation in Tibet this year. 20 yearold Buddhist nun, Tenzin Wangmo, set herself on fire on October 17 while

shouting for the freedom of Tibet. She died immediately. The Chinese government has so far failed to acknowledged that the incident took place.

In the past few days, meetings held across Ngaba county have ruled that monks and nuns are prohibited from saying prayers for those who have died as a result of anti-government protests. Local leaders and family members of any deceased have been told they will be held responsible for any protests. The compulsory meetings were attended by individuals from each village and each household.

In seemingly related incidences, on October 17, Kirti monk Puntsok, age 28, of the Siriktsang house in Naktsangma village, Cha township, was arrested during the night. He was taken from his room at the monastery by policemen who beat him as they took him away.

His room was thoroughly searched. His present whereabouts are unknown.

On October 15, Kirti monk Jigme Choepel of Soruma village, Choeje township, was also arrested. His present whereabouts is unknown.

Several laypeople were reportedly arrested on October 15th following the self-immolation protest by Norbu Dramdul, but their names and other details are not known.

The motives behind the recent wave of arrests remain unclear.

Dharamshala: - The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile under the banner of Tibet Solidarity Movement is organising a series of activities in New Delhi to express solidarity with plight of the Tibetan people inside Tibet and to highlight the grim situation prevailing there.

A Tibetan Parliamentary delegation and Tibetans from different parts of India and Nepal have gathered in the Indian capital to carry out the activities.

The Tibetan parliamentarians are also visiting various embassies and prominent Indian leaders to apprise them of the situation in Tibet.

The repression in Tibet, particularly in Ngaba and Karze in northeastern and eastern Tibet this year, has pushed nine young Tibetans to commit selfimmolation in protest. Five of these young Tibetans died and the fate of other four remain unknown. All of them raised slogans demanding freedom in Tibet and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to his people and homeland.

Speaking to the media during a 24-hour fast at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi yesterday, Mr Penpa Tsering, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament, said "The Tibetan Solidarity Movement is deeply saddened and moved by the recent tragic acts of self-immolation by monks of Kirti Monastery in Ngaba District, northeastern Tibet. We are gravely concerned about the deteriorating situation inside Tibet that has driven the Tibetans to such desperate acts."

"We strongly urge the People's Republic of China to respect the fundamental right of the Tibetans to freely practice their religion and to review its existing policies in Tibet in order to fulfill the aspirations of the Tibetan people for a truly harmonious society ," he said.

An Indian dignitary addresses a 24-hour fasting as part of the Tibetan Solidarity Movement organised by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile to garner international community's support to press China to end its repressive policies in Tibet, especially in Ngaba, Tawu and Serthar, which has been witnessing tragic self-immolations by young Tibetans and firing by security forces on peaceful Tibetan protesters/Photos: TPiE

He further called on China to allow international independent fact-finding delegations and media to visit Tibet and in particular Kirti Monastery. He urged China withdraw Chinese military from the Kirti Monastery and clarify the condition and whereabouts of Lobsang Kalsang (age 18), Lobsang Konchok (19), Kelsang Wangchuk (17) and Norbu Damdul (19), who have selfimmolated in protest against it's repressive measures. (Fact sheet on self-immolation incidents in Tibet).

He appealed to governments and the United Nations to call on China to genuinely uphold the international human rights standards.

The situation inside Tibet has been deteriorating since the 2008 uprising.

It has become even more urgent with increasing cases of self-immolation by young Tibetans who are using this extreme method of protest to raise their voice against the oppressive Chinese regime. Tibetans in Tibet are driven to these drastic acts to resist political repression, cultural assimilation, economic marginalization and

environmental destruction.

The Kirti monastery in Ngaba District in northeastern Tibet is the site of seven self-immolations this year. The monastery witnessed large scale nonviolent protests, many of whom were subsequently detained.

The movement of the monks is strictly controlled and the monks are being subjected to "Patriotic Re-education campaign". Reportedly, there is a huge Chinese military presence inside the Monastery where they have outnumbered the monks. This appears to be a long-term strategy as residential quarters are being constructed within the premises of the monastery.

On 19 October, over 3,000 Tibetans from all over India and Nepal will take part in the Global Solidarity Fast at Rajghat followed by peace march led

by Tibetan monks and nuns.

On 20 October, Tibetan women will lead a peace march from Samta Sthal to Jantar Mantar followed by a day-long prayer service. Young Tibetans will carry out a similar activity the next day.

Ninth Self-immolation Protest in Tibet, Woman Dies for Freedom Protests Continue in Eastern Tibet: 10th Self-Immolation

By The Tibet Post International

... Continues from front Page Dharamshala: - Reports coming from Tibet say a monk of Karze monastery in Karze in eastern Tibet has set himself on fire this morning. Dawa Tsering, a young Tibetan monk, self-immolated at 9:30 am during a ritual dance event in Karze. He was taken to a hospital, but his condition and whereabouts remain unknown.

While on fire, monk Dawa Tsering raised slogans demanding the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet, equality, and freedom in Tibet. Other monks who were gathered there for the religious ceremony tried to extinguish the flames and then immediately took the injured monk to Kandze People’s Hospital in the monastery car.

A Kandze monastery monk, Dawa Tsering, aged around 38, is son of father

Delek and mother Dontso.

Monk Dawa’s health is described critical. Latest reports fear that the chances of his survival are very slim.

Monks of Kandze monastery have brought him back to the monastery.A Tibetan Monk Self-Immolates in Eastern Tibet.

A total of ten Tibetans have selfimmolated within Tibet in protest against Chinese rule and continued repression in the Himalayan region.

Several events, including mass prayers, rallies and candlelight vigils, organised

by Tibetans and supporters around the world, have highlighted the situation and urged the governments around the world including UN and EU to condemn the Chinese government's oppression of Tibetans and to continue to raise with China in the strongest diplomatic terms.

... Continues from front Page

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

"Tenzin Wangmo, a 20-year-old Buddhist nun from Dechen Choekor Ling Nunnery in Jakorma, Ngaba county, staged a self-immolation protest at the Sumdo bridge below the nunnery, about 3 km from the county town. " She shouted ‘Let His Holiness the Dalai Lama return to Tibet!', and ‘We Want Religious freedom in Tibet!,' then set herself on fire and marched for about eight minutes."

Wangmo is the first Tibetan woman from the region to self-immolate in protest against Chinese atrocities against the Tibetan people.

Witnesses say other nuns from Dechen Choekor Ling refused to hand over Wangmo's body to the Chinese authorities.

"Since no armed military forces and police personnel were present at the protest site," said Ven. Tsering, "her body was taken back by nuns."

"Local Chinese authorities demanded

that the nun's body either be handed over or buried the same day," he continued, "but we have not been able to learn what happened after that. " Shortly afterwards, soldiers and police deployed, and sealed off the nunnery and surrounding villages."

Dechen Choekor Ling nunnery, also known as Mama nunnery, is situated around 4km northwest of Ngaba county town. It belongs to the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism and is the largest nunnery in Ngaba, with a community of 350 nuns.

Prior to Wangmo's death, the last selfimmolation attempt took place on Saturday when a 19-year-old man set himself alight in the central market in Ngaba town.

According to sources inside Tibet, another Tibetan man who committed a self-immolation protest on October 15 has been removed from Ngaba county, but details of his present whereabouts

and state of health are unknown.

Tibetan shops and restaurants in the county remained closed on October 16 in solidarity with the protest.

In a separate incident on Sunday, two Tibetans, Gonga and Druklo, were shot and wounded by security forces during a peaceful protest outside a police station at Tseshul in Serthar, Karze, eastern Tibet.

During the protest, five other Tibetans were arrested: Rindhoe (age 26), Choega (23) Bori (19) Rigzoe (18) and Tsewang Kyi (19).

The Chinese government has now deployed heavy armed forces in Tseshul.

A total of nine Tibetans have selfimmolated within Tibet in protest against Chinese rule and continued repression in the Himalayan region.

Several events, including mass prayers, rallies and candlelight vigils, organised

by Tibetans and supporters around the world, have highlighted the situation.

TPI INTERNATIONAL

The Tibet Post

Tibetans and Supporters Show Solidarity with Oppressed People of Tibet

His Holiness the Dalai Lama's representative, Mr Dawa Tsering, addressing the special prayer service and fast in Taipei on Wednesday, 19th October 2011 for Tibetans suffering in Tibet. Photo: TPI

By Tibetan Administration Official Media. Tibet Net

Taipei, Taiwan: - Tibetans and Taiwanese supporters gathered to offer prayers and observed a 12-hour fast in Liberty Square in Taipei City on 19 October to mourn and remember the young Tibetans, who have protested Chinese government's repressive police in Tibet through selfimmolation. The Tibetan community in Taiwan organised the event with support from Tibet support groups of Taiwan.

The prayer service began from 9am

with the recitation of scriptures led by 25 Tibetans monks sitting in front of placards, bearing the names and pictures of those who sacrificed themselves for freedom in Tibet.

Tibetans and Taiwanese alike joined internationally co-ordinated action for "International Solidarity Day on Supporting Tibet".

Another event of the day was shaving of heads by 8 Tibetans, one Taiwanese and one Thai national to mourn the death and unknown conditions of

young Tibetans who have chosen to sacrifice their lives for freedom and return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to his people and homeland.

The former deputy secretary-general of the President's Office, Ms Yen Chulan, attended the event and expressed her admiration for those who had sacrificed their lives for freedom and human rights in Tibet. She said: "I known how hard it must be for their families and friends, since my husband, Deng Nan-jung also fought for the freedom of speech in Taiwan through self-immolation in 1989. Everyone who cares about human rights should show our support and concern for the nine Tibetan Tibetans, as well as for their families and friends."

The other speakers include Lin, JiaFan, chairperson of Taiwan Association for Human Rights; Mr Chou, Mei-Li, chairperson of Taiwan Friends of Tibet; Ms Chien Yu-Yan, Taipei city councilor; Prof. Chen Ta and Prof. Sun Che-Pan are both members of Chinese Tibetan Association of Taiwan.

Mr Dawa Tsering, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Taiwan, told the gathering that people have chosen to sacrifice their lives to call for freedom and justice in Tibet, and for us who are alive, it is our inevitable responsibility to carry on their hopes and aspirations.

He has also urged Buddhists in Taiwan to lend their helping hands to fellow Buddhists who are suffering to maintain their identity and faith in Tibet.

Mr Dachompa, president of Tibetan Association, thanked the participants for their support.

Germany calls on China to act against self-immolations over Tibet

Exiled Tibetans take to the streets to pay their respects to the dead monks.

Photo: Deutsche Welle

By Deutsche Welle

Bonn, Germnay: - There is rising concern about a spate of self-immolations among Tibetans monks and nuns protesting against Beijing's policies in Tibet.

Germany and the US have called on China to respect religious and cultural identity.

Just a few days ago, a young nun set herself on fire in protest against China's policies in Tibet. Tenzin Wangmo, who was 20 years old, died of her injuries shortly afterwards. She became the ninth Tibetan in Sichuan province to commit self-immolation this year and the first woman. According to the organization Free Tibet and the International Campaign for Tibet, five of them at least have died.

"There have been calls for the return of the Dalai Lama, for religious freedom and for freedom for Tibetans in Tibet," Kai M端ller from the International Campaign for Tibet told Deutsche Welle, adding that five of the self-immolations occurred in

October alone.

Free Tibet said in a press release this week that Tenzin Wangmo had killed herself in protest against two Tibetans being shot

by Chinese security forces. It pointed out that the incident was not isolated and that self-immolations were being used increasingly to protest against Chinese policies in Tibet.

International concern On Friday, a German foreign ministry spokesman told reporters that the German government was appealing "to China to change its policy in Tibet to reduce tensions." Berlin has already called on Beijing to ensure greater transparency over the situation at the Kirti monastery in the city of Ngaba, which has been under virtual lockdown since a young monk named Phuntsog set himself on fire in March. The incident sparked mass protests and led to a police crackdown. There is now a

significant police presence in the area and according to Free Tibet and the International Campaign for Tibet several monks from the monastery have been detained by the authorities.

On Wednesday, the US State Department expressed similar concerns about the reports that a Tibetan nun had set herself on fire. "These acts clearly represent anger and frustration with regard to Tibetan human rights, including religious freedom, inside China," its statement read.

China blames Dalai Lama The Chinese government has accused exiled Tibetans of encouraging the selfimmolations, and said they are "terrorism in disguise." It says the "Dalai group" has "played up such issues to incite more people to follow suit," beatifying instead of criticizing the protests.

"We don't encourage these really drastic and desperate acts, but at the same time we understand the motivation behind them," responded Thubten Samphel, a spokesman for the Tibetan governmentin-exile.

Meanwhile, Lobsang Sangay, the prime minister of the government-in-exile, paid tribute to the "courage" of the nine protestors and said exiled Tibetans "stand in solidarity with their indomitable spirit."

Tsegyam, the head of the China Desk at the Private Office of the Dalai Lama, told Deutsche Welle that the Tibetan spiritual leader, who has condemned self-immolations in the past, would not hold a public speech about the incidents, and would instead call on Tibetans to fast for a day in solidarity and protest.

Author: Christoph Ricking (act) Editor: Manasi Gopalakrishnan

31 October , 2011 Dharamsala

7

US 2011 Annual Report Paints a Grim Picture of Tibet

On Wednesday, 12nd October 2011, United States Congressman Chris Smith introduced the bipartisan annual report of the Congressional-Executive Commission on how human rights and the rule of law have been playing out in China. Photo: TPI

By P. Sloyan, The Tibet Post

RELIGIOUS REPRESSION Dharamshala, India: Despite its galloping economy and increasing influence in global affairs, a report released last week paints a grim picture of the underbelly of the world's newest superpower, communist China.

The United States CongressionalExecutive Commission on China released its annual report on October 10 monitoring human rights and the development of the rule of law in China. The report documents a disheartening state of affairs inside China where religious intolerance and political persecution persist.

Chairman of the commission and United State's congressman Chris Smith said "China's leaders have actually tightened their grip on Chinese society, and grown more aggressive in disregarding the very laws and international standards that they claim to uphold."

The portrayal of the situation inside Tibet was particularly grim.

THE TIBET-BEIJING DIALOGUE The report urged the Chinese government to engage in substantive discussions with the Dalai Lama or his representatives on protecting Tibetan culture, language, religion and heritage.

Referring to the stalled dialogue between the Tibetan exiled government and Beijing, the Commission noted that "the Dalai Lama's withdrawal from exiled Tibetan administrative affairs has the potential to alter dialogue dynamics by eliminating the basis for the [Chinese] government and Party to characterise him as a 'political' figure."

However such calls appear to be falling on deaf ears. Attacks on the Dalai Lama in Chinese media and by Chinese government representatives continued during the past year.

China portrays the exiled spiritual leader as "the boss of splittism" and a "double dealer" who, "under the signboard of religion," seeks to "deceive religious believers' simple feelings" according to Zhang Qingli, Secretary of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) Party Committee.

China considers the Dalai Lama a subversive threat to its control of Tibet, which the Chinese invaded in the 1950s forcing him into exile, and it bans acts of homage to him in Tibet and adjoining areas of China populated by ethnic Tibetans.

Freedom of religious expression has become increasingly reduced and regulated, according to the report.

Control over "Tibetan Buddhist affairs" has been further enforced through Chinese Communist Party policy.

Buddhist monasteries also appear to be suffocating in red tape. As of August this year, the Chinese government and 9 out of 10 Tibetan autonomous prefectural governments had created "regulatory measures" that substantially increase "the state's infringement of freedom of religion in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and nunneries" the report noted. In one province, regulations had been introduced on "Tibetan Buddhist affairs" to conform with Communist Party objectives. The new regulations impose greater supervision and monitoring of the monasteries.

Other measures require Tibetan Buddhist institutions to: * Promote patriotism toward China and adhere to socialism; * Seek government approval for the designation of monks and nuns; * Conduct classes educating monks and nuns on patriotism toward China and adapting Tibetan Buddhism to socialism; * Adhere to government regulations to recognise and approve trulkus ( reincarnations of lamas); * Place restrictions on ''religious personnel'' who wish to travel.

China also continued to assert the government's intention to control the selection of the next Dalai Lama. The TAR Party Committee rejected the Dalai Lama's claim that he had sole legitimate authority over his own rebirth. In July 2011, the Dalai Lama rejected Chinese government's intrusion into the matter of Tibetan Buddhist reincarnation as a "disgrace."

TIBETAN CULTURE UNDER THREAT Cultural expression continues to be severely punished according to the report. Writing essays on ''the situation inside Tibet'', downloading banned songs, and possessing an image of the Dalai Lama were all grounds for arrest or imprisonment.

The use of the Tibetan language, which has already being reduced under Chinese policies, looks to be ... Continues On Page 10

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31 October , 2011 Dharamsala

TPI ARTS & CULTURE

Tibetan Artist Transports Twenty Tonnes of soil from Tibet to India

Kalon tripa, Dr. Lobsang Sangay walks on Tibetan soil at TCV, near Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala, India, 26th October 2011. Photo: TPI

By Matthew Singh-Toor, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - The Tibetan contemporary artist Tenzing Rigdol has transported 20,000 kg of soil from Tibet to Dharamshala, northern India, to build a site-specific installation.

Constructed as a raised platform, the installation Our People, Our Land allows people to stand and walk on Tibetan soil. A microphone is also provided for visitors to express their feelings.

The work’s design was inspired by the Tibetan national flag and the history of Tibet. It was inaugurated this morning

by Kalon Tripa (political leader) Lobgsang Sangay.

Prior to the opening ceremony, Rigdol offered a sample of the soil to His Holiness the Dalai Lama at his residence. He reported that his Holiness was delighted to touch the soil, and that he used his finger to write in it Tibetan letters for ‘Tibet’ At TCV, a crowd of monks, nuns, teachers, staff and other Tibetans touched and walked on the installation and made prostrations. They also prayed tearfully and spoke about their feelings for their homeland.

On 18 September 2008, Rigdol’s father, Norbu Wangdu – a refugee in the United

States - passed away. His dearest wish was to visit Tibet before he died.

Unfortunately, this did not come to pass.

Rigdol took inspiration from his father’s wish, his own sense of helplessness and the longing of Tibetans in exile to return to their country.

The installation’s location is significant to the artist, as Dharamshala - also known as Little Tibet - is the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile and home to the largest Tibetan population outside of Tibet.

In a press release, the organization Face of Tibet said, “The dangerous journey taken to transport the soil, which encompasses the borders of many countries and their numerous checkpoints, is in itself significant and raises questions about border control and the nature of sovereignty.

“Rigdol’s installation provides a form of resistance against authoritarian power, by giving voice to those who have been uprooted from their land. In many ways, it enables the displaced to return home.

Tenzing Rigdol was born in 1982 in Kathmandu, Nepal, to a Tibetan refugee family. His work encompasses many media, including painting, sculpture and video. He is trained both in Tibetan and Western art traditions. He currently lives and works in New York.

When asked, at the press conference which concluded the event, where the soil came from and how it was transported, Rigdol said a documentary has been made of the process, which will be screened at a later date.

The installation will remain at TCV for three days, after which the Tibetan public will be welcome to take samples

The Tibet Post

Felicitation Event in Honor of Tibetan Doctor, T. Wangdi

Thanks Giving Program in honor of Dr. T. Wangdi M.B.B.S (Cal) former Chief Medical Officer of the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre (TRSHC) was held on Sunday, the 16th October 2011 at the Centre in Darjeeling. Photo: TPI

By The Tibet Post International

Dharjeeling: - The much awaited Thanks Giving Program in honor of Dr. T. Wangdi M.B.B.S (Cal) former Chief Medical Officer of the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre (TRSHC) was held on Sunday, the 16th October 2011 at the Centre in Darjeeling. The Program

of the soil.

At the press conference, Lobsang Yeshe, a monk from Kirti monastery in Dharamsala, suggested that it would be fitting to distribute the soil to Tibetan settlements across India. At present, there are no arrangements to do so, but Yeshe suggested that more soil could be brought and distributed in the future.

began at 10:15am with Doctor-la lighting a butter lamp in front of the portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

A video message for Dr. T. Wangdi from Trisur Gyalo Thondup (elder brother of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and husband of late President Mrs. Gyalo Thondup of the TRSHC) was screened congratulating and thanking him for his services to the people of Centre and the region as a whole. This was followed by an introductory speech by Mr. Tsultrim Dorjee Chunang, Program Organizer, outlining the purpose for the occasion and giving a brief synopsis of Doctor-la's life and work.

Dr. T. Wangdi-la was then presented a Thangka of Buddha Shakyamuni Continues On Page 9...

Tibet’s Reign of Fire: The Symbolism of Self-Immolation

Clockwise: Lobsang Phuntsok, 20, of Kirti monastery in Ngaba; Tsewang Norbu, 29, of Nyitso monastery in Karze, Lobsang Kelsang, 18 and Lobsang Kunchok, 19, of Kirti monastery; Norbu Damdul, 19, former monk of Kirti monastery; Choephel, 19 and Khaying, 18, former monks of Kirti monastery and Kelsang Wangchuk, 19, of Kirti monastery; Out of these, Lobsang Phuntsok, Tsewang Norbu, Khaying and Choephel died. Photo: FIle

By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post

London: A wave of protest has fanned across the Tibetan region recently: the self-immolation of Buddhist Monks.

Five Tibetan teenagers have selfimmolated in just one week, and a further three self-immolated and died since March of this year. The cases of protest are occurring in Tibetan ethnic regions of China's Sichuan province, largely around Kirti Monastery of Eastern Tibet, which has witnessed a large security crackdown by Chinese forces since the immolations began in March, and a forced exodus and ‘patriotic reeducation programme' of around threehundred Tibetan monks.

The protesters, all reportedly monks or ex-monks, are calling out in the most powerful manner they can without harming others, highlighting the growing discontent and need to address the situation in Tibet, for an international intervention for basic human and religious freedoms, and for Tibetan freedom.

Through the act of burning themselves to death, by going against the very wishes of their spiritual leader the Dalai Lama- and by performing violence against themselves, the monks sin against Buddhism itself - what is the symbolism of their desperate actions.

And why immolation?

The notion of a devout Buddhist monk considering taking a life is inconceivable to many, and Tibetan Buddhists particularly are renowned for their pacifist, mild manner. This is a view that aligns with their spiritual leader the Dalai Lama. Yet with mounting suppression of cultural and religious identity, Tibetans remain vigilantly unwilling to hurt the very people that harm them, a stance that, in other situations, remains alarmingly rare in the 21st century.

The act of immolation does not intend to hurt anyone but the perpetrator. It is both solemn and macabre.

The young monks who take their lives, all of whom are aged below 30, have turned to themselves as a means of expressing their anguish, to their own bodies as a tablet on which to write their message to the world.

The symbolism of the body being destroyed in such a public, excruciating manner, highlights the need for a voice among the voiceless, an identity among the masses. It ties in symbolically with the Buddhist belief, that one should be the selfless, and the impermanent nature of one's body. It reflects the deep seated belief of the revered Bodhisattva Medicine King, who repeatedly set his body ablaze for twelve hundred years, in an effort to spread the light of Dharma, according to the Lotus Sutra.

Reports from the region highlight that the monks, who self-immolate both alone and in pairs, have often shout slogans of ‘Free Tibet', and commonly hold images of the exiled spiritual leader

of Tibet, the Dalai Lama.

Death by fire is surely an agonising, violent and drawn out method of taking one's own life in the hope that it improves the situation for their countrymen. It is conducted in public, under the gaze of onlookers, and it is a slow lengthy process. It does not guarantee death at all, it only assures pain.

The fact that the monks burn themselves to death is a pattern that has emerged in Tibet that was carried over from Southeast Asian protests, similarly by Buddhist monks. It also occurred occasionally during the Arab spring, and is more common across India's history. Burning to death is simultaneously violent and passive, deafening and silent. In a sense it is culturally resonant of cremation, a baptism of fire as the protesters step into the next life, yet among Buddhists, a markedly spiritual taboo.

If the hugely revered, exiled spiritual leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama, is unable to quell the reign of fire that is sweeping across the region, then what hope do his successors in exile have? Recently appointed Prime Minister in exile Kalon Tripa Lobsang Sangay must be feeling the pressure, since becoming the sole political leader of Tibetans in exile during the bloodiest year for Tibetans in Tibet since the 2008 uprisings.

The knee-jerk reaction from Chinese authorities, and of police who attend to the self-immolations, is immediately to extinguish the flames and remove the protesters from the public gaze as soon as possible. A sense of embarrassment

is arising from China that harmony has not occurred between them and the Tibetans. After decades of suppression and attempted integration Tibetans are still highlighting the desperate need for independence and respect.

The most recent immolations have not even made it onto Chinese news agency websites, and when they do, they often conflict with reports coming directly from Tibet.Reports that emerge highlight that many of the monks do not die immediately; for those who do it is often days later in the custody of the authorities. They are jarred out of their agonising final act, and their message smothered by the very people they wish to be rid of.

Meanwhile, the Tibetan community in exile mark the sacrifice of the monks with a mixture of horror and admiration, as incident after incident surfaces from Tibet. Dharamshala, the North Indian community of Tibetans in-exile, hosts prayer vigils and peaceful demonstrations every time a monk selfimmolates. Enormous banners with grainy images of the deceased monks faces hang from the temple gates, sat on a backdrop of photo-shopped flames.

The warning signs are rising from Tibet.

China needs to address the issue, and the international community need to wake up to the fact that Tibetans in Tibet are crying out for their culture, their identity, and their religious freedom.

They are turning away from the advice of Chinese authorities, the Tibetan government in exile, and their own religious beliefs, to send an incredibly powerful and symbolic final message.

The Tibet Post ... Continues from Page 8 (especially blessed and signed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama) and a Citation by the Tibetan Settlement Officer, Mr. Tsewang Tashi as a mark of appreciation and gratitude on behalf of all ex-TRC members worldwide.

A brief bi-lingual inspirational biography of Dr. T. Wangdi entitled 'Our Beloved Doctor' was released on the occasion. Brief speeches devoted to the good doctor were presented by the Tibetan Settlement Officer, Mr. Tsewang Tashi, the Manager of the Centre Mr. Dorjee Tseten and the Principal of the CST Darjeeling Mr. Tashi Dhondup. Dr. Wangdi then presented a very emotional speech outlining his life's work and mentioning many incidents.

Tears flowed freely from all the assembled people during his talk including from Doctor-la himself.

A short cultural interlude of songs and dances from the Centre's staff, workers, senior and junior boys and girls were presented which was thoroughly enjoyed by one and all. The short program came to an end with a Vote of Thanks by Mr. Phuntsok, program organizer. Many photo sessions with Doctor-la and his gracious wife Mrs. Dorjee Lhamo took place as a remembrance for posterity.

Gifts were presented to Dr. Wangdi by the monasteries, the CST Darjeeling and ex-TRC members. Scarves from all the Centre people, local Tibetan Associations etc. were presented to Doctor-la and his wife including Centre's first lady Doctor Mrs. L. Wangdi.

"It is a great pleasure to be here today; I feel highly honored to stand here and address all the TRCians, Ex and present.

Thank you for remembering me and arranging this Thanks Giving Programme," said Dr. T. Wangdi.

"I am very happy to accept the award given to me. I dedicate this award to our ex-president Mrs. Thondup-la and the incumbent president, Sey Kusho Khedroop-la, without the uidance and management of whom, the hospital would not have survived for so long," he added.

"Year 1959 saw an influx of lots of Tibetan Refugees to Darjeeling and along with them, came the problems of

TPI INTERVIEWS & RECAP health. A hospital especially for Tibetans was essential to meet the health challenges and in 1963, with the help from American Emergency Committee, this hospital was established," he said.

'My long term relationship with the Centre was very enriching, and over a period of time the Centre with many fond memories of an association that was both stimulating and inspiring. I worked for the Centre for almost 42 years of my life and this has given me immense satisfaction and happiness for being able to serve the Tibetan community and today," said Dr. Wangdi.

Members of all the government and non-governmental organizations like the Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement, Associations from UTsang, Do-toe and Do-med, RTWA, RTYC, Manjushree Centre of Tibetan Culture (MCTC), Parents Teachers Association, monasteries like Druk Sangag Choeling, Guru Sakya monastery, Ogyan Kunzang Chokhorling monastery, Tsechu Association Nyingmapa monastery and Bokar Ngedon Choekhorling monastery, Chagpori Tibetan Medical Institute and Men-Tsee-Khang.

Others honoured in the event were Centre's first nurses such as Sister Kunchok Lhamo, Sister Philip, Sister Pema Dechen and Dr. (Mrs.) L. Wangdi.

Mentions were also made of those Sisters not present such as Sister Margaret, Sister Namgyal, Sister Pemba and Sister Shobha. Mrs. Deoki Philip, Head Mistress of Centre's Nursery School was also honoured during the event. After the program all those assembled numbering more than three hundred people were provided a simple yet sumptuous lunch.

The organizers Sonam Dorjee, Phuntsok, Tsultrim Dorjee (Bhai) and Tsultrim Dorjee Chunang thanked all field coordinators Sonam Choezom, Kunchok Tashi and Rinchen Dorjee (USA), Phuntsok Tashi (Canada), Kunga Tashi (Holland), Passang Dolma, Lhakpa Bhuti (India) and all the ex-TRC members in India and abroad for their generous donations and cooperation for the event as well as the TRC staff and workers for what turned out to be a most successful program.

and which are key to successful flying to their destination.

Meanwhile, the earth in Dharamsala glowed with a celestial star of Hollywood. And for the Tibetan community, Richard Gere brings message of encouragement and support towards their struggle. It was a double delight for the staff members of the Tibetan administration as Mr Gere interacted with them on a range of Tibetan issues.

The staff members gave a thunderous applause as he walked into Gangkyi auditorium accompanied by Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay.

Dr Sangay described Mr Gere as a weather-tested friend, who though born as an American, is very much Tibetan in heart. His passion for Tibet is wellknown to the extent that it jeopardizes his film career with a semi-ban on his visit to China. Dr Sangay said the Tibetans have always been very grateful to him for putting his Hollywood career at risk.

Recounting how he came into contact with the Tibetan cause, Mr Gere said

By Brionie Pereira, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - On October 23rd, The Prime Minister of the Tibetan Government in exile, Lobsang Sangay sat down for an interview with Sanjay Thapar of CNN IBN, on The Devil's Advocate. They discussed two main issues- the cause of Tibet in the face of China's steadily augmenting economic and political power, along with the recently flared debate on how His Holiness the Dalai Lama's successor is to be elected.

It has been 60 years since the Chinese occupation of Tibet and the His Holiness, the Dalai Lama was forced into exile. With China emerging as the second most powerful country in the world, is Tibet today a lost cause?' asked Mr. Thapar.

Tibet's issues with China today The Prime Minister, indomitably optimistic, insisted that the Tibetan spirit is strong and this will be the key to their victory. Only recently, Tibetan solidarity was displayed to the world when Tibetans in 30 countries participated in the election and jubilation of the Kalon Tripa. The skilled guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and the resilient spirit of the Tibetans is what will keep the issue alive, even after His Holiness' passing away.

The reality that must be faced, irregardless, is that although the philosophical debate is easily won by the Tibetans, the political realities are at odds with their cause. The international community must tiptoe around China, who wields power by virtue of having become an economic heavyweight, underwriting American debt and supporting large European investments. Thapar's argument is that Tibet's issues with China today are much more powerful than they ever were; with the Western world in recession, who will stand up for Tibet and risk the annoyance of Hu Jintao

By Tibetan Administration Official Media. Tibet Net

his curiosity and quest for happiness landed him at a small Tibet hamlet in Kathmandu in 1970.

Later, noted writer John F Avedon who wrote "In Exile from the Land of Snows" raised my passion to go to Dharamsala to know more about Tibet, he reminisced.

"It struck me very deeply when His Holiness the Dalai Lama told during our first meeting that the Tibetans need help and that especially from the Western friends," he said.

He said the Tibetan people have won deep and heartfelt friends across the world for contributing greatly through their rich culture and religion. "We consider you as the best of who you are. We can never repay what Tibetans have contributed to the world," he said solemnity in his voice.

On asked if he is seeing any changes in forward movement of the Tibetan issue, he said it is of paramount importance to keep the community united. The hearts of the Tibetan people have remained unchanged. The three generations of Tibetans have done very well,

9

Resistance through Resilience: Tibet's PM on the Tibetan Struggle

Richard Gere Brings Message of Strong Support to People of Tibet ... Continues from front Page

31 October , 2011 Dharamsala

especially in education and health, he added.

Responding to a question on the previous performances, Mr Gere applauded the administration for making great strides in the fields of micro finance, education, health and communications.

He, however, said the failure is in Tibet.

So we should to improve the lives of Tibetans in Tibet, he added.

To another query on what is the Tibetan movement's strength, he said "every staff of the administration has to step up to offer their strength and work together with the Kashag. All of you have a heavy responsibility to shoulder."

In conclusion, Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay said Mr Gere saw the preciousness of Tibet, acted on it and became a foremost Western friend to play a pivotal role in internationalizing the Tibetan freedom struggle.

"In the time of crisis, the Tibetan people have a man to bank on," said Dr Sangay as the auditorium once again reverberated with thunderous applause.

On October 23rd, The Prime Minister of the Tibetan Government in exile, Lobsang Sangay sat down for an interview with Sanjay Thapar of CNN IBN, on The Devil’s Advocate. Photo: TPI/File

and Wen Jiabao? One is reminded of the most recent debacle that sparked outrage around the global Tibetan diaspora- the denial of a visa to His Holiness to visit South Africa for Archbishop Desmond Tutu's birthday. Even Barack Obama, the most powerful political leader in the world, treads lightly around the TibetBeijing issue. "Even when he meets the Dalai Lama, he won't do it in the Oval Office, but in an inconsequential room called the Map Room", for fear of antagonizing Chinese sentiment and thus jeopardizing their economic interests.

Sangay says that he understands the ambiguity and subsequent apprehension of the world over China, but Tibet and China have shared a torrid history spanning over 2000 years, and thus the Tibetans are ‘genetically disposed' to understanding their intricacies. He claims that although the horizon seems to be darkening in regards to Tibet's freedom, the Tibetans will work hard to make it possible, just as they did in 1913, when they secured the Dalai Lama's return to Tibet after 3 years of exile. Moreover, the Prime Minister calmly states, "There will be ups and downs- that's why we call it the ‘Tibetan struggle',but we are persistent....it is high time the international community rally with us'.

Echoing the Dalai Lama's past comments on India's timidity, he also expressed his wish that the Indian government speak up more for the cause of Tibet, but maintained that India had done the heaviest lifting in regards to the situation and the Tibetans were extremely grateful to be ‘humble guests' of the country.

China Profiting From Its Alliances Mr. Thapar, not convinced of his optimism, persisted that even although public sentiment and strategic sensibility point in the direction of India having a stronger stance towards Tibet, the government still does not do so. "Although there are a variety of issues", agreed Sangay, "it is for Indian leaders to debate, discuss and formulate a longterm policy regarding Tibet". He compared the struggle to that of Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, and stated that the long term goal and struggle of Tibet is based on Buddhist philosophy, which is around 2,600 years old, surely capable of outliving communism's meagre 100 year stint.

The Kalon Tripa claims that global diplomatic immunity is validated by the argument that each country must protect its economic interests, ‘But China itself is profiting from its

alliances with India and America- so you help China profit, compromise your morals, and remain scared and anxious of them! In which case, who is really losing?' he asks, beckoning for the international community to stand up for the imperative democratic principles of freedom, dignity and identity, that they all enjoy in their own countries. Nonetheless, no one seems to be listening. Since becoming Prime Minister in August, Lohsang Sangay has repeatedly expressed his willingness to open up a peaceful dialogue with China, but they have not heeded to his requests. Sangay declares that if Communist China propogates the principles of rule of law, harmony and peace, then they should fulfill these principles in action and reciprocate the sincerity of the Tibetans in resolving the issue nonviolently.

Thapar then expressed concern over diminishing hope and an unequal struggle between super-power China and Tibet. The hardlining Chinese successor, Xi Jinping, waiting in the wings to take Jintao's position, will not make the situation much easier.Xi Jinping, addressing an audience in Lhasa this July, declared "We will thoroughly fight against separatist activities by the Dalai clique and work to smash any plot to destroy stability and jeopardize national unity in Tibet".

China Treats Religion as Poison Thapar and Sangay also discussed the issue of the succession of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, sparked by a comprehensive statement made by His Holiness on the 24th of September, suggesting that the next Dalai Lama could be recognized and chosen during his lifetime and not necessarily by reincarnation. According to Thapar, the statement was a strategy to prevent the Chinese from appointing a successor after His Holiness' death and taking over authority of this religious office.

The Chinese almost immediately rejected the statement, claiming veto on the issue of succession. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesmen, Hong Lei, the Dalai lama in his own lifetime cannot identify his successor, and the title of Dalai Lama can be conferred by the Central Government alone. Sangay's response to this is that the Chinese government has no basis to reject His Holiness' statement; as a Communist government, they ‘treat religion as poison' and have no credibility or legitimacy in such spiritual matters.

Sangay is sure that despite the Chinese verdict, Tibetan Buddhists worldwide- even the 200 million Chinese Buddhists residing in Chinawill abide by His Holiness' decision, whatever it may be.

Sanjay Thapar posited relevant questions to the Tibetan issue, each answered by the Tibetan Prime Minister with undettering positivity.

The Kalon Tripa says that they are banking on the resilience of Tibetan spirit and their fundamental beliefs.

Even despite darkening horizons, diplomatic immunity and the unweildly Chinese opposition, ‘miracles can happen'.

10

31 October , 2011 Dharamsala

French Parliamentarian Express Strong Concern on Human Rights in Tibet

TPI TIBET Respect Tibetans' Rights, Address Wrong Policy: US Tells China The Tibet Post

By Tibetan Administration Official Media. Tibet Net

Mr Jean-Louis Bianco, a Deputy in the French National Assembly and the Vice President of Parliamentary Group for Tibet/File photo

By Tibetan Administration Official Media. Tibet Net

Dharamshala: Expressing shock at the spate of tragic self-immolations by young Tibetans in Tibet, a French lawmaker said "France's voice must be heard on the international stage and urged the government to implement a policy which would ensure enforcement of human rights in China."

"I have been closely following the tragic events that have been occurring in the Ngaba Region and I am greatly shocked. I have also read the letter sent by the president of the association Emergency Tibet to French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, urging him to publicly condemn the repression against Tibetans and to rally the heads of democratic states to issue a joint declaration of protest," Mr Jean-Louis Bianco, a Deputy in the French National Assembly and the Vice President of Parliamentary Group for Tibet, said in a statement.

"On June 1st 2011, I joined forces with my socialist comrade, Patrick Bloche, in addressing the government by putting the question concerning the treatment of Tibetan monks and of minorities in China to the Minister of State and to

the Ministers of foreign and European affairs," he said.

"This question actually allowed us to call on the French government to implement a policy which would ensure enforcement of human rights in China.

This followed the self-immolation of a young Buddhist monk from the Kirti Monastery on March 16th 2011 and the wave of repression ordered by the Chinese Communist Party in that region."

"The Minister assured us that French political leaders in charge of various functions regularly and openly addressed their Chinese counterparts on the subjects of human rights and the need for bilateral talks," he added.

"The self-immolation of five young monks in the Sichuan Province within three weeks clearly shows the deterioration of the situation and points to the failure of such a policy (if such a policy ever existed at all) and the absolute necessity of reacting by making France's voice heard on the international scene.

"I will continue to do my part for the Tibetan cause," Mr Bianco said.

Dharamshala: - Expressing their serious concern over recent spate of self-immolations by Tibetans inside Tibet, the US government urged Beijing to address counterproductive policies in Tibetan areas that have created tensions, and to protect Tibet's unique religious, cultural, and linguistic identity.

Asked if the US have raised the issue of Tibetan self-immolations with the Chinese government, a State Department spokesperson said: "Yes, we have, and we remain seriously concerned by reports, since April, of eight Tibetan Buddhist monks and one nun self-immolating at or near the Ngaba Kirti monastery."

"These acts clearly represent anger and frustration with regard to Tibetan human rights, including religious freedom, inside China," the spokesperson said during a daily press briefing in Washington, DC, on 18 October.

Armed Chinese paramilitary force deployed in Ngaba county, eastern Tibet, 19th October 2011. Photo: TPI/File

"We again call on the Chinese Government to respect the rights of all Chinese citizens who peacefully express their desire for internationally recognized freedoms, particularly to respect the rights of Tibetans, and to resolve the underlying grievances of

China's Tibetan population."

"We urge Chinese leaders to address counterproductive policies in Tibetan areas that have created tensions; and to protect Tibet's unique religious, cultural, and linguistic identity," the spokesperson said.

Tibetans in Australia Strike Outside Chinese Consulate

The Tibetan community in Melbourne, Australia has 19th October joined the global Hunger Strike of October 19th called for by HH the Dalai Lama in response to the recent stream of selfimmolations in Tibet, gathering outside the Chinese consulate in the state's capital.

Photo: TPI/Carly Selby-James

By Carly Selby-James, The Tibet Post International

Melbourne: The Tibetan community in Melbourne, Australia has today, 19 October joined the global Hunger Strike of October 19th called for by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in response to the recent stream of self-immolations in Tibet, gathering outside the Chinese consulate in the state's capital.

The group chanted slogans and held several minutes' silence in honour of the young martyrs who have given their lives in the struggle for greater freedom for Tibetans under Chinese rule.

Several speakers addressed the gathering including Robert Perry, of the Australia Tibet Council (ATC); Sonam Dolker from the Tibetan Women's Association; the President of the Chinese Democratic Party and Tian An Men Times Managing Director Frank

Ruanjie; as well as the head of the China-Tibet Friendship Association in Australia and Mr Tenzin Lobsang Khangsar.

During the evening a candle-light vigil was held in Federation Square, the busiest part of the city, where The event was covered by members of Chinese and Australian press and the day's proceedings were also filmed as part of a documentary.

Similar Hunger Strikes were held today in cities around the world to show solidarity with the Tibetan cause, and another is to be held this Friday in Sydney in honour of the growing number of Tibetans sacrificing themselves for freedom, a trend which is sadly showing no signs of relenting anytime soon.

...Annual Report Paints a Grim Picture of Tibet ..... Continues from Page 7 threatened further. A series of statements by government officials revealed plans "to reduce the status and level of use of Tibetan language during the period from 2010 to 2020."

Government projects have also been announced that many Tibetans believe threaten their culture and identity. Nearly two thirds of the Tibetan rural population -1.43 million farmers and herdsmen - had been moved into new housing, according to the TAR government, to make way for new development projects including a number of railway projects.

Economic development that place government priorities above respecting or protecting the Tibetan culture and environment incited protests and subsequent detentions in many Tibetan regions during 20102011.

The report noted that the economic and technological progress in China failed to lead to commensurate gains

in the area of human rights and rule of law.

According to the Commission's Political Prisoner Database contained 1,134 records of Tibetan political prisoners detained on or after March 10, 2008. It noted that this figure was "certain to be far from complete." Lack of information and lack of accountability made political prisoners inside China difficult to accurately monitor.

In response to the report, China on Wednesday lashed out at the Commission saying it interfered with China's internal affairs.

"The so-called commission always watches China through colored lens, distorts facts and interferes in China's internal affairs. China is firmly opposed to such moves," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jiang Yu. "We urge the commission to stop releasing such kind of reports and stop erroneous acts that interfere with and harm the Sino-US relations."

Special Prayer Service Held in Tokyo for Tibetans in Tibet

Japanese and Tibetans Observe Prayer Gathering for Tsewang Norbu, Tokyo, Japan. Photo: TPI

By The Tibet Post International

Tokyo: Tibetan Community in Japan held a special prayer service at Joenji Buddhist Temple for the monks who committed self-immolation to raise voice against the Chinese repressive rule, and to call for freedom and justice in Tibet. The prayer service is in tandem with the major prayer gathering being held in India, and

throughout the world on the day to pay homage and respect to those brave souls who gave their lives for the country.

Mr. Lhakpa Tshoko, Representative of Liaison Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for Japan & East Asia, briefed the gathering on critical situation unfolding in Tibet, and the repressive measures adopted by the Chinese authorities, which has led to the desperate attempts by the monks and a nun to get their voice heard by international community. He described the situation in Tibet akin to martial law state, wherein people live under constant fear of being arrested and tortured.

Rev. Kobayashi of Federation Buddhist monks for Tibet, lamented the Japanese media's regrettable attitude in not highlighting the gross

human rights violation taking place in Tibet. He said that Japanese media as well as the public should express their support for Tibetans' struggle for freedom and justice. He announced that the Federation is going to held a press conference at Tokyo Foreign Correspondent club next week to brief the media about what really is happening in Tibet.

Despite being a regular working day, Japanese and Tibetans filled the Buddhist prayer hall. Heart sutra prayer was recited both in Tibetan and Japanese languages. Dolma, guru prayer and dentsig monlam were also recited. Members of Students for free Tibet Japan chapter organized signature campaign to call for global diplomatic intervention in resolving Tibet issue.

At the end of the prayer gathering, Mr. Lobsang Yeshe, President of Tibetan community in Japan thanked the participants and requested for their continued support for freedom and justice in Tibet.

The Tibet Post

TPI INTERVIEWS & RECAP

Tibetan Freedom and the 'Day After'... ..... Continues from Page 2 Police is largely ethnically Chinese, and under the direct authority of the Chinese Ministry Public Security. Therefore, it could be recalled to China. Lower-level police forces in Tibet are more ethnically Tibetan. These officials would have to make up the backbone of the new Tibetan police.

An Amnesty?

On a related note, the new Tibetan administration would have to decide whether to prosecute or forgive any rights violations that occurred under the old Chinese regime. His Holiness is clear that he feels there is “no purpose…seeking retribution for their past deeds.”

We agree, on pragmatic grounds, that even the topmost collaborators, like Pema Choling, should be able to retire in peace or move to China if they wish. However, this is a decision that would have to be made by the entire Tibetan population.

Economic Restructuring How would the economy be transitioned?

Tibet’s current economy depends on massive, consistent infusions of Chinese capital to pay for large-scale infrastructure and most urban salaries.

This system is economically untenable because it is not self-sustaining. In part, this is an outcome of official Chinese policy, which is to make Tibet dependent upon – and thus tied to – China.

This system has been described by development economist Andrew Fisher as 'boomerang aid', since any funds invested in Tibet by China go right back to China (the companies and workers who are hired are almost entirely Chinese).

Tibetans are left with infrastructure projects that they may or may not want, as well as a legacy of increased Chinese immigration.

Clearly, Tibet the 'day after' will have to move to a new economic system, in part because the withdrawal of massive infusions of cash from Beijing would be an economic shock.

Economic change is never easy, and sometimes it involves painful measures.

Tibetans should be prepared for this, and should be warned that the economic transition may be difficult. However, if there is an identified goal, temporary pain may be worth bearing.

Again, Tibetans will be starting from a low baseline. In 2010, the annual per capita GDP of Tibet was $2,300 for urban residents and $639 for farmers and herders.

It is the urban residents whose income would be most threatened by a political transition. A high percentage of urban residents get their income or pensions from various Chinese state-controlled bodies, whereas rural Tibetans largely survive on self-derived subsistence income.

Therefore, the new administration would have to pay special attention to ensure that it retained the loyalty of urban Tibetans, whose personal economic situation may (if temporarily) decline in the transition to a new Tibetan order.

On the subject of property rights, legal scholars such as Michael Heller of Columbia Law School have studied postcommunist societies like Hungary, where the fall of communism left property rights unclear or even conflicting. One of the tasks of the new administration would be to ensure that any uncertainty over property rights was resolved quickly and equitably.

In the longer term, if we were to make a recommendation on how the economy

should be reshaped, we would suggest that the goal is a Tibetan economy that is diversified and grounded on free competition and equal opportunity.

We believe that the government should stick mainly to governing - it should help establish a fair playing field for the private sector, but should not generally run businesses itself. Property rights should be protected, including intellectual property. Regulation should be kept to a minimum.

There should be a strong antitrust enforcer, to ensure that monopolies do not choke off innovation. There should also be an independent anti-corruption watchdog to ensure that any state assets that are privatized are done so transparently, to avoid the 'crony capitalism' of many former communist states.

It is likely that significant sectors of the Tibetan economy may continue to be dominated by Chinese migrants who have settled in Tibet. This is something the government would have to deal with in a fair way that respects the human rights of all people living in Tibet.

It is also a fact that Tibet's economy would be deeply linked with the Chinese economy. The infrastructure and current development in Tibet are both geared to providing China with raw materials, and depending on China for basically all capital and manufactured goods and much of its human resources. This is a truth that would have to be addressed.

Overall, it is likely that the private sector would focus on agriculture, livestock, tourism and manufacturing, and in industries where Tibetans have a comparative advantage, such as carpet weaving. But this would not be enough to provide a better life for all.

Additionally, Tibet would need to develop capital-intensive sectors such as mining and hydropower. Although environmental protection would be critical, it should not be the only factor - the people’s right to a decent livelihood must also be weighed in.

Citizens of countries like Norway benefit from carefully managed resource extraction. The Asian Development Bank recently funded a $200m public-private hydropower project in Bhutan that will generate 114 megawatts annually for sale to India.

Tibet should explore similar deals for the benefit of its people.

Funding the government How would government expenses be met? According to official Chinese reports, the projected TAR government budget from 2011-2016 is RMB 300 billion, or about $9.4 billion per year. This figure is not very informative, however, as the vast majority of these funds will be spent on the massive infrastructure projects the Chinese government is building.

For the five-year period from 2006 to 2010, the TAR government spent approximately $258m on healthcare. By comparison, the total revenue for tourism in Tibet in one year - 2010 - was about $1.05 billion.

Of the above figures, the one that stands out most is the $258m spent for healthcare over a five-year period, which works out to $51.6 million per annum. With a TAR population of three million, that comes out to a miserly $17 per person annually. Our suspicion is that education spending is similarly abysmal.

Clearly, a new government in Tibet would be starting from a very low baseline. Even such a low baseline, however, would be expensive to achieve. The 2010-2011

budget of the exile CTA was only Rs 916 million, or $19.2 million. The question would be how much is needed for the 'day after' in Tibet, and how to raise this money.

First, some reasonable projections are needed of just how much would be needed in the first few years. Then, the Tibetan people should consider how much could reasonably come through internal revenue, international loans, and other sources - for example, holding international tenders for mining rights in certain carefully controlled areas of Tibet.

Utilities How would utilities be maintained?

Currently, utilities in Tibet, such as power, urban water supply, sewerage, and telecommunications are state-controlled, meaning that they are controlled by the government or government-owned companies like China Telecom and China Mobile.

In the case of electricity supply, Tibet for now remains disconnected from the Chinese power grid. Much of Lhasa’s power comes from the awful Yamdrok Tso hydropower plant and the geothermal plant at Yangbachen.

Other cities in Tibet get power from other renewable and non-renewable sources. It is ikely that almost all power plants are run by Chinese managers and engineers.

Would these workers stay on, or would the new Tibetan administration be prepared to take over the operation of these plants?

Tibet’s telecommunications are also provided by Chinese state-owned companies. In theory, there is nothing preventing these companies from remaining, but Tibetans should be wary of having all telecommunication at the mercy of China.

Telecommunications connections between Tibet and the outside world are all currently routed through China, meaning that, regardless of whom the provider is, China controls Tibet’s links to the world. These connections are provided through a Lhasa-Gormo fibreoptic line that was laid in 1999, and supplemented by satellite teleports in Lhasa and probably other cities.

There are solutions to this. It is technologically simple to re-orient a satellite antenna to point toward any satellite above the horizon. A new Tibetan telecommunications provider could contract with a global satellite company like Intelsat or SES for transponder space to connect to the world without going through China.

In the longer term, Tibetans would also probably want to look at laying a fibreoptic line to India.

Conclusion The above discussion is just a start and represents some preliminary thoughts of the Tibetan Political Review editorial board. We claim no more (or less) right to discuss these issues than any of the other six million Tibetans.

Moreover, we firmly believe that the final decisions cannot be made except with the full consent of the vast majority of Tibetans who live in Tibet.

Tibetans in exile should lay down suggestions for Tibetans as a whole to consider, and discuss and debate when they are free to do so, in preparation for the 'day after', when they have to make the decisions.

We believe the day will come when all Tibetans will be able to freely decide their destiny. And it will help immensely to have

31 October , 2011 Dharamsala

11

Kalon Tripa: China Practices Systematic Destruction of Tibetan Culture

Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay addressing the day-long special prayer service and fasting held as a gesture of solidarity with Tibetans inside Tibet. His Holiness the Dalai Lama joined the prayer and fasting organised at the main Tibetan temple, in Dharamshala, on 19 October 2011.

Photo: TPI/YC. Dhardhowa

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - Dr Lobsang Sangay, the political head of the Central Tibetan Administration, this morning said the Tibetan people have been undergoing untold suffering for the 60 years since communist China's occupation of Tibet.

Speaking during a 24-hour mass prayer and fasting event in Dharamshala, northern India, Dr Sangay said that, although China masks its activities with propaganda, it actually practices colonialism and the systematic destruction of Tibetan culture, religion, language and the environment.

The prayers and fasting are being held as a gesture of solidarity with the nine Tibetans who have self-immolated since last year, and with those suffering incarceration for speaking up for the rights of the Tibetan people.

The event is also being attended Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, and Kirti Rinpoche, head of Kirti Monastery in India.

Below is a transcript of Dr Sangay's speech: "For the last 60 years since communist China's occupation of Tibet, the Tibetan people have been undergoing untold suffering.

"Through its propaganda, Beijing shows a different image, but in reality China practices colonialism and the systematic destruction of the unique Tibetan culture, religion, language and environment and, because of this, Tibetans have peacefully demonstrated time and again.

"Particularly in 2008, Tibetans from all walks of life and from all three provinces of Tibet rose against Chinese rule by calling for freedom for Tibet and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet.

"These demands were made clear not only to the Chinese leadership but to the international community as well.

"Sadly, the Chinese government, instead of seeking truth from facts, continues to hold a hard-line position and has driven the Tibetan people to a desperate situation.

"The Tibetan religious community is already begun grappling with the difficult issues that will be forthcoming.

We believe that a think tank, established by the CTA and tasked with this question, would go a long way towards meeting this goal, but that this is a discussion in which all Tibetans should participate in any way they can.

The views expressed are those of the author or authors, and do not necessarily represent the views of The Tibet Post International (TPI).

particularly hard hit, as so-called work teams have been sent into monasteries and nunneries to promote political indoctrination.

"As a result of these repressive measures, since March this year the situation in Ngaba, Tawu and Serthar, etc, has turned critical as many people have either been detained, arrested or imprisoned.

"To date, nine young Tibetans have self-immolated in protest against the hard-line policies of the Chinese government, and to demand freedom for Tibet and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

"They are: Lobsang Phuntsok, 21, from Kirti monastery, Ngaba, who set himself on fire on March 16; Tsewang Norbu, 29, from Nyatso monastery in Tawu, who self-immolated on August 15; Lobsang Kalsang and Lobsang Konchok, both from Kirti monastery, who set themselves on fire on September 26; Kelsang Wangchuk, 17, also from Kirti monastery, who set himself on fire on October 3; Khaying, 20, and Choephel, 19, former monks of Kirti monastery, who self-immolated on October 7.

"On October 15, another former monk of Kirti monastery, Norbu Damdul, set himself on fire. On October 17, Tenzin Wangmo, 20, from Dechen Choekhorling Nunnery, Ngaba selfimmolated to protest against Chinese rule."

"Five of these young Tibetans have died. The condition and whereabouts of the other four are unknown.

"Therefore, the Kashag [cabinet] is holding a day-long special prayer service, coinciding with Lhakar [‘White Wednesday,' or His Holiness the Dalai Lama's ‘soul day'], in solidarity with those Tibetans who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of Tibet, and particularly those who self-immolated, their families and those suffering repression in Tibet.

"Therefore we pay homage to their courage and stand in solidarity with their indomitable spirit.

"As requested by the Central Tibetan Administration, Tibetans in exile are organising activities in their respective places. The Kashag would like to request every Tibetan and Tibet supporter to carry out their activities peacefully and in accordance with local law.

"We would like to appeal to the Chinese government to immediately stop its repressive policies in Tibet, and to resolve the issue of Tibet through peaceful means.

"We would like to appeal to the United Nations to send fact-finding delegations into Tibet.

"We would also like to request [China] to allow free access to the media so that the international community could know the real situation in Tibet.

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for leading this special prayer service and for taking part in the fast.

"We would also like to extend our gratitude to His Eminence Gyalwang Karmapa and His Eminence Kasur Kirti Rinpoche, and thank everyone present here today.

"Finally, we stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Tibet and pray for the earliest resolution of the issue of Tibet."

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31 October , 2011 Dharamsala

TPI TIBET

The Tibet Post

Rights Group Urges China to Asia Regional Meeting of Tibet Support Groups in Dharamshala End Crackdown on Tibetan Monasteries

Clockwise: Lobsang Phuntsok, 20, of Kirti monastery in Ngaba; Tsewang Norbu, 29, of Nyitso monastery in Karze, Lobsang Kelsang, 18 and Lobsang Kunchok, 19, of Kirti monastery; Norbu Damdul, 19, former monk of Kirti monastery; Choephel, 19 and Khaying, 18, former monks of Kirti monastery and Kelsang Wangchuk, 19, of Kirti monastery; Out of these, Lobsang Phuntsok, Tsewang Norbu, Khaying and Choephel died. Photo: FIle

By Tibetan Administration Official Media: Tibet Net

Dharamshala, India: - Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged the Chinese government to immediately remove excessive security measures imposed on Tibetans in Tibet, particularly in Ngaba and Karze counties in northeastern and eastern Tibet, where seven Tibetans have self-immolated in protest against the repressive measures.

In a report on October 12, HRW said that, since the 2008 uprising in Tibet, the Chinese government has imposed drastic restrictions on Tibetan monasteries in Ngaba, which include security raids, arbitrary detentions of monks, increased surveillance within monasteries, and a permanent police presence inside monasteries to monitor religious activities.

"These measures appear to have fueled tensions between Tibetans and Chinese

authorities in the region," the report said, "contributing to desperate acts of protest by individuals, including selfimmolations, the latest two on 7 October 2011.

HRW's China director, Sophie Richardson said, "Security measures designed to curtail the right to free expression, association, and religious belief in Tibetan monasteries are not legitimate. Even worse, those measures are exacerbating the tensions. Instead, the government should address the region's underlying grievances."

In its assessment of Chinese government statistics, HRW said, "The increase in government spending on security in Ngaba and Karze in eastern Tibet since 2002 has contributed to provocative policing techniques such as monastery blockades and the mass detentions of monks that have repeatedly contributed

Dharamshala, India: Around 50 Tibet supporters from Asia, Europe and America are taking part in the third Asia regional meeting convened by the International Tibet Network, which began this morning at the TCV school in upper Dharamsala.

The meeting aims to generate new strategies, strengthen unity and coordination among the Tibet Support Groups across the globe towards restoring freedom for Tibetans inside Tibet. Participants from Nepal, England, Peru, Australia, Belgium, Spain, the US, Taiwan and India have gathered for the meeting.

The meeting of Tibet supporters at this moment is significant in view of the grim situation prevailing in Ngaba in northeastern Tibet and other Tibetan areas. Since this March, six young Tibetans in Ngaba in northeastern Tibet and one from Tawu in Karze in eastern Tibet have set themselves on fire in protest against China's occupation and repression of Tibet.

In his address, Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay said the meeting is an indication of Tibet supporters' strong commitment to the Tibetan people and Tibet. He appealed to the supporters across world to keep their support stronger in the years to come.

Speaking on the devolution of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's political authority to the elected Tibetan leadership, Kalon Tripa said "His Holiness has transferred his political powers to the

to local discontent and unrest.

"The increased security measures appear to have been a major factor in the escalation of tensions that have led to several protests in which monks tried to set themselves on fire to bring attention to the situation in Ngaba."

HRW urged the Chinese government to release information about the whereabouts and well-being of all the

Melbourne Tibetans Hold Vigil for Kirti Monastery in Tibet

A candlelight vigil was held here in Melbourne, Australia, 14th October 2011.

Photo: TPI

By Carly Selby-James, The Tibet Post

Melbourne: Members of the Tibetan community in Melbourne, Australia and their supporters have come together this Thursday and Friday night (13th and 14th October) to join in the urgent global call for restraint in Tibet's Ngaba region, where a series of self-immolations carried out by monks and lay-people have recently incurred the brutal wrath of the Chinese authorities.

The congregation drew the attention and curiosity of passers by, particularly on the Friday when the second part of the vigil was held in Federation Square, the heart of the city. Many who passed the demonstration clapped or shouted proTibet slogans, while Flyers handed out

by volunteers heralded an 'Urgent Call for Restraint in Ngaba'.

It is also worth noting that many Chinese also stopped to photograph the spectacle and ask some questions. The crowddrawing vigil had been called in memory of the five Tibetans who gave their lives over the past ten days in tragic protest to Chinese oppression in their homeland. In attendance were members of the Melbourne Tibetan community, including representatives of the Australia-Tibet Council.

During the immolation protests, those who are now being called the Tibetan martyrs waved the Tibetan flag while calling for religious freedom, shouting slogans and holding up pictures of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the possession of which is considered illegal by the Chinese inside Tibet.

The three young monks who gave their lives are Lobsang Kalsang and Lobsang Kunchok, on September 26nd; and Kalsang Wangchuk, October 3rd. All three were aged between 17 and 19 years old, and are believed to have been relatives of the young Phuntsok, the 21-year-old monk from Kirti monastery who set himself alght in protest in March of this year. On October 7th, just a few days ago, two former Kirti monks Choephel, 19, and

Kanyang, 18, also set fire to themselves.

In each case Chinese authorities were quick to act and surrounded the burning figure before viciously beating the body and putting out the flames. Whisked away by security personnel, the cause of death is not certain. Paramilitary Armed Police have held Kirti under heavy guard since March, hundreds of monks have been removed and 'patriotic re-education' has been reinforced. Roads and tourism have been blocked and rumours have circulated of a violent crackdown and starvation within the monastery.

Rich in natural resources including valuable mineral deposits and the source of much of Asia's water supply, Tibet is a region the Chinese are likely to hold onto tooth-and-nail. It is undoubtedlty attention to incidents such as these that is making the communist regime feel uncomfortable and threatened, and causing them to go to desperate lengths in an attempt to control the suffering population of a land it invaded more than half a century ago.

For the Tibetans, as recent events clearly show, life in Tibet has become unbearable and unless China heeds the warnings of international state observers and changes its policy on Tibet, there will be much more tragic unrest to come.

would fairly remain accessible to TSGs to share their thoughts and exchange information, so that we could maintain transparency in our relationship. We will try that what we do will not undermine the TSGs and hopefully the latter will extend its co-operation in the same way," Kalon Tripa said.

Describing the prevailing situation in Ngaba county in northeastern as "urgent" following the self-immolations by six monks of the Kirti monastery, Kalon Tripa called on Tibetans and supporters around the world to join a day-long prayer and fasting on next Wednesday, 19 October, to express and show our solidarity with Tibetans inside Tibet.

"Kirti Rinpoche would partake in the prayer service at our invitation and all the CTA staff would attend the day-long event," Dr Sangay added.

He said the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile would also hold a series of campaigns in Delhi from 18 - 21 October, which include a day-long hunger strike on 18 October.

In her brief remark, Ms Dicki Chhoyang, Kalon for the Department of Information & International Relations, said she was very happy to join the first TSG meeting since taking charge as Kalon. As the meeting coincides with the beginning my term, hopefully it augurs very well for the building of our relationship over the next five years, she added.

"We believe in keeping an open channels of communication with TSGs across the world, respecting the fact that we are mutually autonomous," Kalon Dicki Chhoyang said.

"As the situation unfolds in Tibet, I hope we would work together to keep the existing initiatives going and find news ways so as to take the movement forward to improve the situation inside Tibet," she said.

Responding to questions from members of TSGs, Kalon Tripa reaffirmed the Kashag's commitment to pursue the Middle-Way Policy towards resolving the issue of Tibet.

He stressed that the negotiations with the Chinese government should be based on the reality in Tibet.

On being asked about the Kashag's efforts to reach out to the Indian community, Kalon Tripa said "we would be travelling to different parts of India to reach out to Indian youths including students to garner their support."

He said the Tibet Policy Institute is being set up and the institute's secretary or director would announce its completion and launch next week.

Around 50 Tibet supporters from Asia, Europe and America are taking part in the third Asia regional meeting convened by the International Tibet Network, which began this morning at the TCV school in upper Dharamsala. Photo: by Sangay Kyab/TibetNet

By Tibetan Administration Official Media. Tibet Net

elected leaders". Dr Sangay said he deliberately used the word "transfer" instead of "devolve" in view of the different interpretation in the media that an old chapter has closed and a new chapter has begun. "Rather the transfer of political powers to the elected leaders is the continuation of the Tibetan political leadership and its legitimacy since 1642," he said.

Kalon Tripa said: "the Tibet Support Groups must come up with productive and result-oriented action plans, adding that the Central Tibetan Administration will not influence their agendas and dominate their actions. TSGs have to formulate their own action plans and execute it autonomously," he added.

"The CTA has to conduct its work autonomously. But the administration monks forcibly removed from Kirti monastery, to ensure that its maintenance of public security does not encroach on internationally guaranteed rights, and to address Tibetans' fundamental grievances.

It also urged all governments concerned with human rights in China to articulate publicly their concerns about the deteriorating environment, and to press the Chinese government to address Tibetans' rights.

"Recent developments in and around Kirti monastery show the terrible human cost of ongoing repression," said Ms Richardson. "Clearly the Chinese government can't spend its way out of this problem. Genuine stability is the result of protecting - not denying people their rights."

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Advicer Advicer Editor in Chief Chinese Editor Project Manager Tibetan Editor Assistant Editor Circular Publisher Editor, Tibet Post Europe Designer

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Mr. Thomas Keimel Dr. Vincent Brucel Mr. YC. Dhardhowa Ms. Keary Huang Mathew Singh Toor Mr. Sangay Dorjee Ms. Pema Tso Ven Phuntsok Dhondup Mr. Sonam Sangay Mr. James Dunn Mr. Sangay Dorjee

Contributors for this Editon Keary Huang Mathew Singh Toor Patrick Sloyan Carly Selby-James Samuel Ivo Colleen McKown Brionie Pereira Dennis Barbion Dolkar Tso YC. Dhardhowa Sangay Dorjee Pema Tso The Tibet Post International Himalayan Literacy Trust (Head Office) 1st Floor, Exile House Road, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamsala, Distt.

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