The Tibet Post International Online Newspaper

Flame of Truth' Torch relay function being held in the Himalayan town of McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, India.

Kalon Tripa has expressed his deep sorrow at the passing away of Kasur Alak Jigme Lhundup.

I n t e r n a t i o n a l

See Page 5.....

See Page 2 .....

Vol. 02, Issue 70, 31 July 2012

A Message For The Voiceless

B o d - K y i - Cha- Trin

Bi-Monthly

www.thetibetpost.com

Rs.5

Prayer Ceremony Held for Lozin

Kalon Tripa Meets Broadcasting Board of Governors in Washington By: Amanda peters, The Tibet Post International.

Abbot of Namgyal Monastery Tromgthok Rinpoche and the heads of the Central Tibetan Administartion at the prayer service at the main Tibetan temple, Dharamshala, India, July 19 2012. Photo: TPI By: The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: A mass prayer service was held at the main Tibetan temple Thursday, July 19 to mourn the demise of Lobsang Lozin, Tibetan Buddhist monk who set himself on fire to protest against Chinese repressive policies in Tibet.It was organised by the Department of Religion and Culture, Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) based in Dharamshala, India.On 17 July 2012, Lobsang Lozin (18), a monk from the Tsodun Kirti monastery, set himself on fire in Barkham, Ngaba in Northeastern Tibet protesting against the unjust policies of the Chinese government in Tibet.Kalon Dicki Chhoyang read out the the Kashag's message of condolence to the gathering of over two thousand Tibetans and supporters including almost all of officials and staff of CTA. "He is the 44th Tibetan to self-immolate in tibet against the Chinese government since 2009," she told the prayer gathering.The prayer service was presided over by Tromthok Rinpoche, the abbot of Namgyal monastery and attended.

‘Meaningful’ Talks With China

Dr Lobsang Sangay, the political leader of Tibet addressing Indian Tibet Support groups' summit being held in Dharamshala, India in June 2012. Photo: TPI

Dharamshala: Tibetan Prime Minister, Dr Lobsang Sangay, met with Michael Meehan, governor of BBG, and Richard M Lobo, International Broadcasting Bureau Director, in Washington this week. During discussions, the board members reiterated their ongoing commitment and support to Tibetan democracy through various international media.

The BBG's website describes the organization as an independent entity which is responsible for 'all U.S. Government and government-sponsored, non-military, international broadcasting'. The board funds the Voice of Asia and Radio Free Asia, amongst other broadcasting services around the globe.

The one hour meeting took place at the organization's headquarters in Washington and Mr Sangay was joined by various members of his delegation including: Lobsang Nyandak, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the Americas; Kelsang Aukatsang, senior advisor to the Kalon Tripa; and Jigme Namgyal, private secretary to the Kalon Tripa; and Todd Stein, director of government relations for the International Campaign for Tibet.

BBG have been instrumental in recent years in covering the worsening political situation in Tibet. They have diligently covered issues such as violations of human rights within Tibet and the Chinese government's crackdown, in particular after the 2008 uprising and during the self-immolations of the last few months.

The BBG offers around-the-clock coverage of events of interest to Tibetans, including short-wave services seven days a week and a constant audio signal by satellite, television broadcasts, plus an Internet presence that can be

Kalon Tripa meeting with Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), the body that oversees VOA and Radio Free Asia news services. Governor Michael Meehan on the left and International Broadcasting Bureau Director Richard M. Lobo on the right. The meeting took place on 18 July 2012 at the BBG headquarters/Photo/Tibet Net

viewed anywhere in the world.Next week on the 26th of July, the organization will release a report on Tibetan's media use.

The research report was carried out in conjunction with Gallup,

US Calls On China To Address It's Human Rights ‘Deteriorating’

Washington DC: Tibetans will continue to press for freedom of their homeland, now ruled by Beijing, even if their struggle takes "another 50 years," Tibet's exile prime minister said Friday as he expressed readiness to resume talks with Chinese authorities on the status of the troubled region.

Lobsang Sangay, who was elected last year as prime minister, or kalon tripa, of Tibet's India-based exile government, said that he still hopes for "meaningful" talks even though Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama's envoys to the dialogue with Beijing quit a month ago after talks stalled.

See Page 4 ...

and the data was collected from Tibetan travelers who recently visited India to hear His Holiness the Dalai Lama's recent Kalachakra teachings.

Another Tibetan Dies After Self-immolation

18-year old Lobsang Lonzin ,a monk from Gyarong Tsodun, a Buddhist monastery called 'Kirti Geden Tashi Choeling of Bakham County of Nagba region of north-eastern Tibet self-immolating to protest against Chinese repressive policies. Photo: TPI By: The Tibet Post International

Worldwide Online Signature Campaign

Dharamshala: A latest sources from inside Tibet said, a Tibetan Buddhist protesting against Chinese rule set himself on fire in the tightly controlled Ngaba region of eastern Tibet on Tuesday, July 17, (10:30 AM Tibet time).

An 18-year old Tibetan monk, Lobsang Lonzin from Gyarong Tsodun, a monastery called 'Kirti Geden Tashi Choeling' of See Page 3 ...

Constant Threat To Human Rights

Global Flame of Truth Relay. Photo: VOA Kunleng

Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Michael Posner presents a read out of the 17th U.S.-China Human Rights Dialogue in the U.S. Department of State Press Briefing Room, White House, Washington DC, on July 24, 2012. Photo: File

By: The Tibet Post International

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post International

Dharamsala: July 24, 2012: -- Through Worldwide "Flame of Truth" relay, Tibetan Parliament-in-exile appeal international community and people of the world to support the issue of Tibet through this signature campaign. We are going to submit signed petition to UN Headquarters in New York, UN Human Rights Council in Geneva and UN Information Centre in New Delhi on December 10, 2012 with following) demands: 1. The United Nations must discuss the issue of Tibet based on the resolutions that it has passed in 1959, 1961 and 1965, and continuously make efforts to fulfil the substance of these resolutions 2. An independent international fact-finding delegations must immediately be sent to investigate the ongoing crisis in Tibet 3. The United Nations must take special responsibility to ensure that the basic aspirations of the Tibetans inside Tibet are fulfilled Log on to following link for your online signature: http:// www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/198/920/082/ Report filed by TPiE's Committee on Flame of Truth Relay, Dharamsala.

Dharamshala: A top US official has said that the US government called on China to address its "deteriorating" human rights situation and it was time for its authoritarian government to allow dissent, following an annual dialogue.

Michael Posner, US Assistant Secretary of State was speaking after the annual US-China human rights dialogue that ended in Washington on Tuesday, July 24, 2012. He said the U.S.-China dialogue this week also included reports of self-immolations by Tibetans and forced abortions under China's "one-child" policy.

The annual U.S.-China human rights meeting has become a fixture on the diplomatic calendar, but has yielded few concrete results.

This year the United States focused on charges that Beijing is restricting freedom of expression and Internet freedom, curbing the rights of religious and ethnic minorities and failing to implement internationally recognized labor rights, Posner said.

"There was growing frustration among many Chinese people that they do not have the ability to express their differences with the government, said Posner, who is the Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor.

"Our message to the Chinese government is you've made progress on the economic front, this is the moment to open up the space to allow people to dissent, to question government actions and to do so without fear of retribution," he told reporters.

He also told the reporters that the United States saw Beijing moving in the wrong direction on human rights.

"The US raised with the Chinese delegation dozens of individual cases of those persecuted that included lawyers, bloggers, nongovernment group activists, journalists and religious leaders," Posner added.

He declined to characterize China's responses. He said the visiting delegation had questioned the US' own human rights record, asking about discrimination and prison conditions. "We take our lead from those within China who are advocating for human rights and who were on the receiving end of improper actions," Posner said. "We're amplifying their voices."

Skeptics, including in the US Congress, have questioned whether the formal talks that China holds with Western powers on human rights have any use and may help it fend off critics without taking action.

See Page 7...

lhasa, Photo: kailashtrek.com Tibet. Photo: File By: Garima Sharma, Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: Tibetans, from three different regions have come forward to talk about the situation in Tibet. One man, from Chamdo in Kham, spoke of the difficult situation faced by Tibetans under the increasing Chinese autocracy.

On July 15, a Tibetan from Chamdho county, eastern Tibet who did not want to give his name told The Tibet Post International (TPI) that the locals as well as monks are being denied access to various counties and provinces and being arrested without reason. Sometimes, when people are just walking on the road, See Page 6 ...

2

The Tibet Post International

TPI NEWS

Taiwanese University Students Explore Tibet's Struggle In Exile

SELF-IMMOLATION?

31 July, 2012 Dharamshala

What Are The Causes of Tibetan Self-immolations? Repression

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post International

Taiwanese students visiting Dharamshala meeting with the political leader of Tibet, Dr Lobsang Sangay, in Dharamshala, India on July 24 2012. Photo: TPI

Dharamsala: - On July 24, 2012 , Students for a Free Tibet, India in coordination with Taiwan Friends of Tibet organized the second Tibet awareness program in Dharamsala for students from Taiwan universities. The initiative started last year with the aim of introducing Tibetan culture, Tibetan political movement, Tibetan religion and Tibetan community in exile to the young Taiwanese students.

This year sixteen students along with two professors have come from five different Taiwan universities: Shih Hsin University, Providence University, National Chengchi University, Taipei National University of Arts and Soochow University.

The program include two week of intensive learning, where the first week mainly comprised of acquainting oneself with the administration of the various NGO's, Tibetan Govt-in-Exile, Tibetan school, Men Tse Khang, Monasteries and cultural centers followed by second week of individual reporting and research through interaction with various Tibetan political prisoners.

"Before I came to Dharamsala I thought Tibetans in exile would be going through hard time and unfavorable condition but I then realized Tibetans are strong, organized and committed to Tibetan freedom struggle, which inspired me a lot," said Meng-huan, a student of Taipei National University of Arts, most prestigious University in Taiwan. "I am looking forward to work for the Tibet movement by joining Taiwan Friends of Tibet and Students

for a Free Tibet-Taiwan."The students also had an opportunity to briefly interact with the Prime Minister and the Minister of Information and International Relations of the the Tibetan Govt-inExile "I am very inspired to see the energy and commitment of Tibetan people towards their nonviolent struggle despite five decades of tribulations," said Chen Chien Fu, a student from National Taiwan University. "I strongly support Tibetan people's fight for their independence and express my solidarity and prayers for those Tibetans who have sacrificed their life for Tibet through numbers of self-immolation.""I had the opportunity to interact and discover the extensive support people of Taiwan have toward the struggle of Tibet through the Free Tibet Festival in Taiwan organized

by Taiwan Friends of Tibet this year," said Dorjee Tseten, National Director of Students for a Free Tibet, India. "Program such as this which we are organizing, I believe, is very helpful and important in understanding the parallels we share with each other in our struggle and strengthening ties in building global force against the despotism of Communist China"The program began on 18th July and will conclude with an audience with His Holiness the Karmapa at the Gyuto Monastery on 30th July. Besides their interaction with various Tibetan Government officials including the speaker, they also met with several activists, writers such as Tenzin Tsundue and Bhuchung D Sonam.

Dharamshala: The self-immolation protest has a long history of being used as a political tool around the world, today's realities in Tibet because there is no room for freedom of speech and conventional forms of protest, said the political leader of Tibet, Dr Lobsang Sangay during the 'flame of truth' torch relay function being held in the Himalayan town of Dharamshala, India on Thursday, July 26 2012.

Hundreds of Tibetans and supporters living in Dharamshala wore upbeat expressions on their faces on Thursday after witnessing the Northern India zone 'flame of truth' for Tibet, a symbol of their struggle for freedom which toured a long way from Ladakh to other Himalayan towns and cities and arrived here in Dharamshala, the Heart of Tibet in Exile today.

Dharamshala Tibetan settlement office has organised an official function at the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala, H.P, India, hundreds of Tibetans and supporters, including top officials; Chief Justice Commission Ngawang Phelgye, Tibetan Parliament Speaker Penpa Tsering, Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay and Dharamshala Tibetan welfare officer Sonam Dorjee, and other top officials, representatives of Tibetan NGOs were attended the Dharamshala leg 'Flame of Truth' Torch relay function being held in the Himalayan town of McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, India.

Kalon Tripa, Dr. Lobsang Sangay said his administration will be continued full support for the 'Flame Of Truth' torch relay and also urged fellow Tibetans from all over the world to participate in the global torch relay campaign for justice. "The Tibetans in Tibet are giving up even their lives, because of the injustice and repressive policies of the Chinese government," it is unacceptable and We should never forget those who have sacrificed their lives," Dr. Sangay said.

Chinese authorities always try to blame the selfimmolations on His Holiness the Dalai Lama without giving any single sufficient reason, however baseless allegations. What are the causes and reasons behind the self-immolations in Tibet? Kalon Tripa formally asked the world and China to answer under an international independent investigation panel. "Because of the severe repression in Tibet by the government of China, at least 44 Tibetans have set fire to themselves in Tibet in protest against the policies adopted by the Chinese government in Tibet," he added during the function.

"We are all humans and life is precious and important to every human being on this earth. Nobody wants

“Flame of Truth� For Tibet Reaches Outskirts of Dharamshala

North India zone leg Torch "Flame of Truch" has been passed through long way from Ladakh to Dalhousie, now it has been passed on to Dharamshala settlement office on 24 July 2012. Photo: TPI

By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: One of the three 'flame of truth' torches has reached the outskirts of the community of Dharamshala, arriving in the College of Higher Tibetan Studies (CHTS) on July 24th, to a jubilant audience of students and staff. The North India zone leg of torch has been passed through long way from Ladakh, J.K to Dalhousie, it is being now passed on to Dharamshala Tibetan settlement office by Tibetan Settlement Office Dalhousie, Chamba District in Nurpur, H.P.On Tuesday, July 24, Dharamshala Tibetan settlement office has organised an official opening function at the Nurpur Town Press Club, around 62 kms from Dharamshala, over hundred Tibetans and supporters, including chief guest, Mr. Rakesh Pathania (MLA of Nurpur) and Dharamshala Tibetan welfare officer Sonam Dorjee, and representatives of Tibetan NGOs were attended the first leg of Dharamshala of Flame of Truth Torch opening ceremony being held in the town."The flame of truth torch relay is an important event to highlight the current human rights

violation inside Tibet that taking place by the people's republic of China, it is also one of activities which conducted by the standing committee of Tibetan Parliament in exile," said Sonam Dorjee, Dharamshala Tibetan welfare officer gesturing while addressing the event in Nurpur..Throughout its history, the Nurpur represented as a symbol of freedom from Britain. The current city in district kangra of Himachal Pradesh. It is famous for its Ancient Nurpur where the Indian freedom fighter Ram Singh Pathania was born. He was also known as the first freedom fighter of India who stood against the British might and fought bravely against British rulers."Nurpur has being land of brave worriers, in fact the first worrier who fought against British as Tibetans against China now, Pathania was the first man at very young age to pickup the sword against enemy, this area known as for long face battles and lots of bloodshed which took place for the movements of independence of this country, we have very proud people who belong to

this area," said Mr. Rakesh Pathania, chief guest of the opening function.On behalf of Himachal State and all representatives of every villages in Nurpur who are gathering here today, I welcome all our Tibetan friends in this city, as being a long term friend of Tibet, we also welcome the flame of truth for Tibet in the city in order to spread the peace and nonviolence messages all over the world," said Mr. Rakesh Pathania.The symbolic torch relay, which was organized by the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, is to appeal to the international community to support the issue of Tibet with a signature campaign. The petition will appeal to the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the U.N Human Rights Council in Geneva and the U.N Information Centre in New Delhi on December 10, 2012. The three demands of the petition are:1. The United Nations must discuss the issue of Tibet based on the resolutions that it has passed in 1959, 1961 and 1965, and continuously make efforts to fulfill the substance of these resolutions2. An independent international fact-finding delegations must immediately be sent to investigate the ongoing crisis in Tibet3. The United Nations must take special responsibility to ensure that the basic aspirations of the Tibetans inside Tibet are fulfilled.Arriving at the Language Institution to an envoy of Tibetan officials and Parliamentarians, the torch served as a symbolic reminder to the community of young students the duty each Tibetan must observe for their homeland, amid a year and a half of unrest across the country.Having begun its journey in Ladakh to a glittering ceremony on the occasion of 77th Birthday Anniversary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the flame has travelled through Kashmir and Northern India, inspiring interest and action on the worsening situation in Tibet with a delegation of engaging speakers.Students at the Sarah College were able to have photographs taken individually with the torch, and listened eagerly to the inspiring words of the delegation. The recognition of those who had sacrificed their lives in self-immolation against Chinese rule, and for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to return to Tibet, was emphasised. The appeal was also made to 'put pressure on governments, to take a firm stand for Freeom, Truth and Justice in support of Tibetan struggle'.The creative relay has until December 10th to engage the action of supporters globally. To add your support to the 'flame of truth' relay, and to sign the petition, please follow: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/198/920/082/

Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay, Chief Justice Commission Ngawang Phelgye, Tibetan Parliament Speaker Penpa Tsering holding the the flame of truth torch at the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala, India, on Thursday, July 26, 2012. Photo: TPI to die that way. So how does such a situation arise in Tibet? The only reason is that they want to highlight the awareness of the grave situation in Tibet to the outside world," he said.

"It's important movement and every Tibetans should show their support to the Flame of Truth torch relay, without forgetting our self-determination and unite to make our voices heard all over the world," Kalon Tripa told the Tibetans both inside and outside occupied Tibet.

"The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile is a legislative organisation, however, when we are concentrating on the current urgent situation inside Tibet and when we are thinking the reasons why we became refugee, the parliament has decided to continue various movements in every exile settlements and all over world, until we have victory for the Tibetan struggle," Penpa Tsering, the speaker of Tibetan Parliament In exile told the gathering, crowd.

"There are always many talks behind in our society, whether staging a movement or not, some people say, they are doing this and they are doing it, if not staging movement, many say they are not staging any movement. Whatever others may say, the Tibetan people have to take responsibility for their

own political destiny, therefore the current movement of 'Flame of Truth came after months of discussing and planning," he said.

"I think the 'Flame of Truth' torch relay is the first major movement conducted by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and an approach to create opportunity, it is to be the longest chain of the Tibetan movement, connecting all Tibetans living in exile," Mr. Penpa Tsering added.

The global torch relay was organized by the Tibetan Parliament in Exile to appeal to the international community to support the issue of Tibet. The relay is strongly appealing the United Nations. There are three demands as follows: 1. The United Nations must discuss the issue of Tibet based on the resolutions that it has passed in 1959, 1961 and 1965, and continuously make efforts to fulfill the substance of these resolutions.

2. An independent international fact-finding delegations must immediately be sent to investigate the ongoing crisis in Tibet.

3. The United Nations must take special responsibility to ensure that the basic aspirations of the Tibetans inside Tibet are fulfilled.

Vancouver Tibet Festival To Help Hundreds of Displaced Tibetans

YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post International

Vancouver, July 27, 2012 - An aannual Tibet festival of Vancouver will focus on hundreds of displaced Tibetans from India and the upcoming event will be used as a new 'Tibetan Canadian resettlement project,' according to festival organiser.

The Tibetan Cultural Society of BC and Tsengdok Monastery announced on Friday, July 27 that proceeds from the third annual Tibet Festival of Vancouver will benefit the Tibetan Canadian Resettlement Project, an unprecedented humanitarian initiative by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Canadian government.

Currently living in the dire conditions of northern India's refugee camps, 1,000 displaced Tibetans will be supported by this project in their resettlement to Canada, where they are provided with the opportunity to be educated, employed and to begin a new life.

"These Tibetans have been uprooted from everything they have known in life-they've left their homes, livelihood, and often their families. As Canadians, it's our duty to help those in need. In celebrating this beautiful and ancient culture, we are also preparing to help integrate those migrants

who are selected to resettle in the Greater Vancouver region," said festival organizer April Liu. Bringing the sounds, colours, and flavours of the Himalayas to Canada, the festival promises an exciting day of live music by Jamyang Yeshi, traditional cuisine, a lively marketplace, art workshops, sand mandala, and more. The cost of the event is free but a $5 donation is suggested in support of the Tibetan Canadian Resettlement Project.

Tibetans have lived in the Vancouver region since 1971 and have since flourished as contributing members to the community. The cities of Vancouver, Surrey and recently Burnaby have designated March 10 as Tibet Day in recognition of the contributions of the Tibetan communities to their host cities.

The Tibetan Cultural Society of British Columbia (TCSBC) was incorporated in 1981 by Tibetans living in the Greater Vancouver region as a non-sectarian and charitable organization under the B.C. Societies Act. The main aim of the society is to help promote and preserve Tibetan culture and heritage in our jurisdiction. For more information, please visit: www.tcsofbc.org

TPI NEWS

31 Julyx, 2012 Dharamshala

H.H the Dalai Lama visits the Tibetan Muslim community in Kashmir

DEMOCRACY

The Tibet Post International

3

Tibetan Prime Minister: Tibet Is The Key To Democratizing China

By Josh Rogin

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with a group of young Tibetan Muslims after their meeting in Srinagar, J&K state, India on July 14, 2012. Photo/Jeremy Russell/OHHDL

By Amanda Peters, Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: The major priority of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Kashmir visit was to meet the Tibetan Muslim community living in Srinagar. His Holiness previously visited this community in 1975 and 1988.

He was welcomed by Chief Minister Mr Omar Abdullah, along with his Ministers of Tourism, Revenue, Power and others.

On the morning of July 14, His Holiness along with Mr Omar Abdullah and other ministers visited the Tibetan Public School in Srinagar. The Principal welcomed His Holiness with a few kind words and then invited some students to sing an invocation prayer and a song in Hindi at the morning assembly.

A female student then came forth to introduce His Holiness, explaining the three commitments. She then called on all the students to take a pledge to work for happiness in the world, avoid doing harm to others and to promote harmony between religious traditions.

The Chairman of the Tibetan Public School then expressed his gratitude to His Holiness, Sheikh Abdullah, Farooq Abdullah for helping set up the school. The school has 515 students at present and a mixed staff of Tibetans and Kashmiris. He also acknowledged that the school has made much progress since the Youth Association took an interest in running it.

Tourism & Culture Minister, Mr Nawang Rinzin Jora, expressed his admiration that despite living away in exile from his own country, His Holiness has been a tireless champion of peace and non-violence throughout the world. He said that although the school is called the Tibetan Public School, its students and staff include both Tibetans and Kashmiris- a model of harmonious existence.

Speaking in Tibetan, His Holiness stated that he was pleased to see the progress the school has made, remarking on the importance of good education for all human beings, it's benefits that are felt in the family, community and nation. He also spoke about how education is too

materialistic in the current times and thus, does not lead to inner peace.

His Holiness talked about the need for secular ethics. He said, "We need to explore how to incorporate such values into our education systems so that as well as training our brains we also learn to train our hearts."

After lunch, His Holiness addressed a delegation of Tibetan Muslim Youth and said that he was happy to be meeting members of a community that had settled in Tibet since the time of the 5th Dalai Lama. He appreciated the fact that the two Muslim communities in Tibet stood by their Tibetan brothers and sisters and continued to use the Tibetan language.

He recalled that in the past there had been Tibetan Muslims working in the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in Dharamsala, which had been a matter of mutual benefit. In his interactions with some of the Tibetan Muslim Elders, His Holiness was effusive in his praise for their continued usage of the Tibetan language along with raising their children to speak it so well.

On his pilgrimage to the local Tibetan mosque, His Holiness recalled that although Tibet was primarily a Buddhist country, its people had respect for all religions, and that the 5th Dalai Lama had provided asylum to Muslims within Tibet. He said that it was only after coming into exile, that he learned about religious conflict in the world.

Consequently, he decided in 1975 to make pilgrimages to the places of worship and sacred sites of other religions as part of his effort to foster inter-religious harmony and respect.Later in the afternoon, His Holiness paid a courtesy call on the Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, His Excellency NN Vohra and his wife.

On July 15 His Holiness met with a group of students and government employees from Ladakh.

In the coming days he plans to make pilgrimages to Muslim, Hindu and Sikh places of worship in Srinagar before he departs for Leh on July 18.

Exile Administration Calls For Worldwide Vigil In Solidarity With Tibet

Washington: China's oppression of Tibetans and their culture is preventing China from becoming a modern, pluralistic, free, and democratic nation, according to Lobsang Sangay, the prime minister of Tibet's government in exile, who added that the current Chinese system and policy in Tibet is destined to fail.

"If Tibet is granted autonomy, that could be a catalyst for moderation of China because if the Chinese government grants autonomy to Tibetans, for the first time they are accepting diversity within and accepting a distinct if not different people," Sangay, who is also known as the Kalon Tripa, told The Cable in an exclusive interview during his visit to Washington last week.

"I think no system which is authoritarian, or oneparty rule, can last long. Ultimately, other people have to be taken into consideration, have to be empowered and respected by the system, because universality of freedom is established now," he said. "In that sense I do believe the universality of freedom will prevail and justice will prevail in Tibet as well."

For now, Chinese repressive and violent treatment of Tibetans inside China is increasing and tensions between Tibetans and Han Chinese are reaching new and dangerous levels, Sangay said. The Tibetan people, dedicated to nonviolence, have resorted to self-immolations in record numbers this year to protest their treatment at the hands of the Chinese government, he said. Forty-four Tibetans have self-immolated over the last 18 months and 34 of those have died.

Meanwhile, Tibet has been closed off to foreign tourists, Tibetan visitors are being expelled from the Tibetan capital Lhasa, and thousands of Han Chinese are being brought into Tibet to artificially alter the demographic balance there.

"That means the Chinese government is really cutting off Tibet and Lhasa from the rest of the world," said Sangay, who came to Washington to meet with administration officials and lawmakers to rally support for the region's plight.

Unlike his first visit to Washington since becoming Tibet's first ever competitively elected prime minister last year, when no U.S. officials would meet with him, this year Sangay was able to meet with two top Obama administration officials. The White House confirmed that Sangay met with NSC Senior Director for Asia Daniel Russel and the State Department confirmed he met with Under Secretary of State Maria Otero.

Both meetings happened in non-U.S. government buildings, however, in a likely effort to stave off a diplomatic blast from Beijing. Sangay also met with several lawmakers, including Sens. John Kerry (D-MA), John McCain (R-AZ), Joe Lieberman (I-CT), and House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH).

Sangay said there's no reason for U.S. officials to be wary of meeting Tibetans."Meeting Tibetans and receiving his Holiness the Dalai Lama is not zero-sum," he said. "Some have this mindset that if I meet a Tibetan I'll be in trouble with the Chinese government, but the Chinese will meet with you and do business with you because they get a good deal. Tomorrow if they get a better deal from some other country, they'll do that too.""And at the larger level, if Tibetans are ignored, essentially what you're ignoring is

nonviolence and democracy," he said. "So in that sense I think from a democratic point of view, from a nonviolent point of view, supporting Tibet is vital because we are trying to be and we have proven in the last five decades to be a torchbearer of nonviolence and democracy."

During his meetings with officials and lawmakers, Sangay updated them on what he sees as a ramping up of Chinese government persecution of Tibetans, which included the arrest and detention of thousands of Tibetans who traveled to India in January to hear a teaching from the Dalai Lama, Tibet's spiritual leader, and violence against Tibetans who protested in February during the Chinese New Year that resulted in at least 6 deaths. " U n f o r t u n a t e l y, i n s t e a d o f t h e C h i n e s e government addressing the issues, they're resorting to the blame game and saying these protests are instigated from outside, that selfimmolations are happening because of influence from the outside," he said. "But even the generation of Tibetans who grew up under the Chinese system who have not met outside Tibetans and the Dalai Lama are protesting against the Chinese government, which clearly indicates the failures of Chinese government policies."

Chinese repression of Tibetans is not just a human rights issue, he said. The Tibetan plateau houses 10 major rivers that provide water for over a third of the world's population and the Chinese government is damning those rivers in ways that are sure to alter the environment unpredictably. The Chinese government has built the second-largest mine in Asia in Tibet, he complained, destroying historical and also sacred mountains.

"Some experts say that wars were fought over land before, now wars are fought over energy and soon wars will be fought over water, and Tibet constitutes if not the largest than one of the largest sources of freshwater," Sangay said.

Sangay's message to U.S. officials and lawmakers was to ask for a fact-finding mission to b sent to Tibet to investigate the situation there.

He also repeated his call for limited Tibetan autonomy within the Chinese system, similar to how China treats Hong Kong, a former British colony that was returned to China in

1997 but still enjoys some control over its own affairs.

"We are asking for genuine autonomy within China, within the framework of the Chinese constitution. We are not challenging Chinese sovereignty or territorial integrity so we are willing to accept the One China concept," he said.

Chinese officials are in Washington Monday and Tuesday for the semi-regular U.S.-China Human Rights Dialogue, a set of talks Washington insists are productive but that critics see as routine and light on deliverables. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reportedly urged the Chinese government to reopen a dialogue with the Tibetan people last week during a meeting in Cambodia.

"The secretary's been forthright, the president has been forthright, that we have serious, ongoing concerns about a variety of human rights issues and rule-of-law issues in China, and we are always open and clear about those with Chinese officials," said State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland at Monday's press briefing.

Sangay wrote in a July 13 Washington Post oped that such statements are welcome but not nearly enough to help the Tibetan people.

"The time has come for the world to shut out the noise of China's influence and to hear the Tibetan cries: that repression is unbearable and unacceptable," he wrote. "Because we know that the democracies of the world recognize basic human rights and freedoms to be universal values, we ask the international community to intervene before our situation deteriorates even further."

In his interview with The Cable, Sangay also noted the irony of the Chinese government's attempts to choose the next reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, even though the Chinese government denies the validity of organized religion.

"The communist party thinks of religion as poison, and his Holiness is called the Devil, so why are the Chinese so interested in the reincarnation of the Devil?" he said. "So we think they have no business in reincarnation because they don't believe in it to begin with, and even if they try to intervene, Tibetans will not believe it.

It's like Fidel Castro saying I'll select the next Pope and Catholics should believe it. That's not going to happen, so the Chinese government might try, but it's bound to fail."

...Dies After Self-immolation Protest For Freedom ... From Front Page

Dr. Lobsang Sangay had assumed the Office of the Chief on the Tibetan Exile Cabinet on August 08, 2011. Photo: TPI/File

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post Internationa

Dharamshala: On July 29, a press statement issued by the Kashag, the executive body of the Central Tibetan Administration(CTA), said that a worldwide vigil for Tibet will be held onAugust 8, 2012 to express prayers, sympathy, support and solidarity with Tibetans in Tibet.

The mass solidarity vigil which aimed to bring a great attention to the current situation in Tibet and the continuing wave of self-immolations in Tibet to protest against Chinese repressive policies in the Himalayan region.

"To demonstrate solidarity with Tibetans in Tibet and mark the first anniversary of Kalon Tripa Lobsang Sangay swearing into Office, the Kashag calls upon all Tibetans and Tibet supporters living in the free world to organize a worldwide vigil on 8 August 2012," the statement said.

"The Kashag invites Tibetans to wear traditional dress on that day and offer Dentsik Monlam (Prayer of Truth) along with other prayers as a sign of respect and condolence," the statement further added.

The statement has urged Tibetans and Tibet supporters all over the world to take part in a global vigil in a peaceful and dignified manner. "The vigils should take place peacefully, in accordance with the laws of your country, and with dignity," it continued.

Since 2009, at least 44 people have set themselves on fire in Tibet in protest at the totalitarian regime of China, according to CTA statistics. This tragic event in Tibet becomes the largest in the history of the self-immolation protests. "The wave of self-immolations is one of the biggest in modern history to fight their freedom," said Mr. Nyima T.J. a Tibetan political analyst.

Bakham County of Nagba, north-eastern Tibet self-immolated in front of the monastery and then walked towards the local Chinese government buildings and shouted free Tibet slogans.

"The momentum from his run is said to have created an intensified conflagration because of which Lobsang sustained very severe burns and passed away," Kanyak Tsering, a, the media coordinator of Kirti Monastery based in Dharamshala, India told TPI. According to eye-witnesses, as Lobsang selfimmolated himself, he continued to shout a string of protests, which were unintelligible due to his worsening condition.

Lobsang walked around 100 steps toward the Chinese official building in the area, according to sources, after the incident, monks from the monastery immediately took away his corpse.

They prayed over his body and performed ritualistic cremation. Many Chinese police as well as military personnel from Bakham county came to investigate the episode but people of Tsodun village tried to halt the forces at the bridge

By Garima, Tibet Post International

resulting in an altercation between the police and the locals.Lobsang Tenzin is from Sholajiang village, Tsodun township of Bakham county. His father's name is Jorgye and mother's name is Tse Popo. He joined Tsodun Monastery when he was very young and is survived by 5 other members of the family.

The Kirti Geden Tashi Choeling monastery is 85 kilometers away from Bakham county and currently resides 300 monks. It is the biggest monastery of the Gyarong area.The sources from inside Tibet said Lobsang "died on the spot" after setting himself on fire at noon local time as he shouted slogans and marched around 100 steps toward the Chinese government office. "He was one of the best students at the monastery, said Lobsang Yeshe, media coordinator of India based Kirti monastery, adding local Tibetans blocked a bridge to prevent a large Chinese police and armed forces from moving in.

Two other monks from the same monastery self immolated themselves On the 30th of March this year. They were Chime Palden and Tenpa

Dhargye.Since 27 February 2009, there have been confirmed reports of 46 self-immolations in all three traditional provinces of Tibet.

"The Central Tibetan Administration has learnt with deep concern the latest self-immolation and death of an 18-year-old Tibetan monk in Ngaba in northeastern Tibet," said Tibetan government in exile on Tuesday. Delhi on December 10, 2012 with following demands:1. The United Nations must discuss the issue of Tibet based on the resolutions that it has passed in 1959, 1961 and 1965, and continuously make efforts to fulfil the substance of these resolutions 2. An independent international fact-finding delegations must immediately be sent to investigate the ongoing crisis in Tibet 3. The United Nations must take special responsibility to ensure that the basic aspirations of the Tibetans inside Tibet are fulfilled Log on to following link for your online signature: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/198/ 920/082/Report filed by TPiE's Committee on Flame of Truth Relay, Dharamsala.

4

The Tibet Post International

TPI NEWS

China Bars Citizens From Four Countries From Entering Tibet

TIBET

31 July, 2012 Dharamshala

A Higlhly Respected Monk Was Arrrested in Sangchu, Tibet YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post International

Buddhist Monks offering prayers in Lhasa in December 2011. Photo: TPI/file

By The Tibet Post International

Berlin, July 26, 2012: The Chinese authorities apparently imposed an entry ban on Tibet for tourists coming from Austria, Great Britain, Norway and South Korea as is shown in the correspondence of Austrian and German travel agencies with their Chinese counterparts.

"In E-Mail correspondence examined by Tibet Initiative Germany (TID) the Chinese side discloses that certain nationals currently don't get the necessary visas for Tibet", said Wolfgang Grader, TID-chairman.

"This is a way for the Chinese government to punish citizens of countries whose governments they believe have recently shown political misconduct."

One message read that no visas were being issued for Austrian nationals because the Austrian government had received the Dalai Lama in late May. "We can confirm that lately there have been restrictions on entry permits for Austrian nationals", said a representative of the Austrian Foreign Ministry. "The problem has already been presented to the Chinese authorities and the embassy, but as of now there has been no official response.

Therefore the media is increasingly speculating about a political motivation behind the nonapproval of entry applications." On request by Tibet Initiative

Germany the Chinese embassy in Vienna retained that there were no irregularities in the visa granting process, but said that during the main tourist season not all applications could be considered.

"This is not the first time Tibet is closed off to western tourists", said TID-chairman Wolfgang Grader. "This happens at least once every year when Tibetans observe the anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising in March 1959."

Due to the accelerating number of self-immolations and protests there had been more and more blockings in recent months. "The fact that there now seems to be a red-list with countries not welcome to Tibet shines a bad light on Chinese diplomacy."The Tibet Initiative Deutschland (TID), founded in 1989, advocates for the Tibetan people's right to self-determination and the protection of human rights in occupied Tibet. With almost 60 regional groups and nearly 2,000 members throughout Germany, the TID is a strong voice for Tibet.This is not for the first time Beijing has prohibited travel to Tibet for foreign nationals. After Two young men set themselves on fire in Lhasa outside the Jokhang Temple on 27 May this year, the authorities limited foreign passport holders from entering the Himalayan region.

More Instances of China’s Crackdown in Tibet; One Arrested

21 years old, Lobsang Tsering from kirti Monastery in Ngaba County in earthen Tibet.

Dharamshala: A highly respected Tibetan Buddhist monk from Sangchu County, north-eastern Tibet has disappeared after being detained by Chinese authorities, according to an information received

by The Tibet Post International (TPI News). Gedun Gyatso who escaped to India in 1990, then returned to Tibet after three years in India for Tibetan studies.

Gyatso, a monk of Ganja Dragkar Sang-ngak Mengyeling Monastery in Ganja Township of Sangchu County, Amdho Province, North-eastern Tibet, (Ch: Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Region), was disappeared after arrested for third time by Chinese authorities in July 2011.

Gyatso was arrested immediately after returned to Tibet, then second time in 2011, during Tibetan new year after meeting with a friend, who was from a foreign country. But, released after he has being questioned and beaten by Chinese authorities for around 20 days, according to the information. His father's name is Wangpo and his mother is Lhakho, he has two sisters; elder sister Lhamo Tsering and young sister Dorjee Kyid.

He was one of the most highly respected monks of both monastic and lay community in the county, who took responsibility of the monastery in different fields.

The Buddhist monk was detained and taken away by the Chinese authorities. No one knows where he is now, the sources from inside Tibet said. However, following the mass protest in 2008 and the wave of self-immolations in all parts of Tibet, the Chinese authorities imposed tight surveillance on every monasteries, institutions and nunneries and their surrounding areas, the sources added.

His family and relatives have repeatedly tried to find out where he is being held and why. They have

Hu Jintao’s Harmony society? Armed Chinese military personels in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa, central Tibet.

Photo: File

inquired at Chinese authority offices a number of times but have not been given any information over his arrest. They are extremely worried about his well-being and urging international community for justice, according to the source.

Tibetan people in their homeland Tibet still live with the daily realities of hardship and suppression under China's military invasion since 1959, as well as the threat of imprisonment, torture. However, they have never stopped their

struggles, in the past four years, at least 44 Tibetans have set themselves on fire in eastern Tibet to call for freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. "What China did to Tibet is, much worse than what Japan did to people in China during second wold war. A much larger percentage of the Tibetan population was wiped out per the Chinese invasion, Tibetans were scattered across the globe," said Mr. Nyima T.J. a Tibetan political analyst.

CCP Top Official Visits Tibetan Temple in Lhasa Destroyed By CCP

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: - The war against separatism should be stepped up in Tibet where so called "ethnic unity, social harmony and stability is the lifeline," a top leader of the Chinese Communist Party has said.

The communist leader called on Chinese authorities in Tibet to crackdown on Tibetans under the name of separatist movements.

Li Changchun, ranked fifth in the hierarchy of the communist Party, ordered for the hardline campaign during an inspection tour of Tibet capital Lhasa, where the China's propaganda chief visited the acient Jokhang Temple, the centre of Tibetan Buddhism, according to the state controlled newspaper People's Daily.

"Ethnic unity, social harmony and stability is the lifeline for Tibet," he said, adding that the ethnic unity education and the anti-separatism battle should be deepened. He was on a five-day visit to Nyitri county in Kongpo (Ch: Nyingchi) and Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, according to another state controlled news agency 'Xinhua'.

Recently, "Zhu Weiqun, who was a head of the CCP United Front, has boldly proposed abolishing all reference to nationality on the identity cards all Chinese citizens must carry, and frequently produce for inspection. This latest step towards erasing Tibetan identity as a category with legal meaning, did not come from nowhere. It has a lineage and is best understood in the context of a steady, deliberate, two-sided strategy that has been

Li Changchun, ranked fifth in the hierarchy of the communist Party acompanied by the so called Party Secretary of Tibet Autonomous Region, Chen Quanguo visiting Kongpo Nyitri county, Tibet on 22nd July 2012. Photo: Tibet.cn

implemented over the past 20 years," said Prof Gabriel Lafitte, an Australuan Tibet expert.

Li stressed on 'ethnic unity and cultural development' in so called Tibet autonomous region (TAR) which formed in 1965, after complete occupation of Tibet by the communist red army forces led by Chairman Mao, as well as building an "ideological basis" for anti-secession and stability maintenance, he said. At Lhasa's Potala Palace, Li praised its role in safeguarding national unification and ethnic unity. The Potala Palace was the residence of Dalai Lamas until the His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet fled to India during the 1959 Tibetan National Uprising.

At the ancient Jokhang Temple, Li gave offerings to the monastery, encouraging the monks there to be patriotic and devout and make contributions to ethnic unity and the ethnic cultural development.

He also visited the headquarters of the Tibet Daily

and its news website, asking the staff to "introduce a real and changing Tibet to the whole world."

"However, the same totalitarian state of China killed over 1.3 million Tibetans and destroyed more than six thousand monasteries including the ancient jokhang temple 50 years ago. I am not suprised by CCP authorities' visit to the occupied region, but Beijing is embracing itself once again showing double faces of the same old party who carry out destructive campaigns in Tibet in 1966 eradicate the so called "Four Olds" -- old customs, old habits, old culture and old thinking," said Nyima, a Tibetan analyst.

"During past 60-years, the Chinese authoriities were pretending to modernise Tibet using every possible tools to fool the world, but, If we look carefully at the past 60-year development including so called western development strategy in Tibet, most of these economy and social developments benefit to the Han Chinese to encourage them to resettle to Tibet," he added.

Tibet should seize the opportunity of the implementation of the western development strategy, and innovative efforts should be made to promote the region's leapfrog development and lasting stability, Li was quoted as saying.

According to the exile Tibetan officials, atleast 44 Buddhist monks, nuns and Tibetan lay people have set themselves on fire in Tibet accusing totalitarian regime of China pursuing repressive policies on Tibetan religion and culture.

......Call for ‘Meaningful’ Talks With China

By Amanda Peters,The Tibet Post International.

Dharamshala: On July 17, 18 year old Tibetan monk, Lobsang Lonzin set himself ablaze in front of Kirti monastery and then walked towards the local Chinese government buildings shouting slogans for a?Free Tibet. Soon after he succumbed to his injuries, monks from the monastery came to take his corpse away.Although the Chinese authorities have increased their crackdown efforts in Tibet, more Tibetans are setting themselves on fire in protest against the Chinese rule.That very afternoon Lobsang had a traditional Tibetan water burial at a near-by river. The police from Bharkham County of Amdo region came to the monastery to investigate.

However, the local Tibetan people stopped them from entering Kirti monastery. The police thus exercised their drill outside the monastery, on the opposite side of the river.

The local Tibetan shops and restaurants closed up for the day on July 18, in solidarity of the incident.

They went to the monastery for a vigil and to offer their prayers for Lobsang’s sacrifice.

On the night of June 26, Lobsang Tsering (21), another monk from Kirti monastery was arrested by Chinese officials.After the arrest his relatives went to the police station to find out why he was taken away, what his condition was and where was he held? However, the officials refused to provide any answers about his “disappearance”.Lobsang Tsering became a monk when he was very young. He came from Lota village of lower Ngaba County in Amdo region, eastern Tibet.

He was the son of Tashi Tsering and Chungko.

A 36 year old monk from Kirti monastery named Lodhu was arrested on 20 October 2011. Only recently, at the beginning of July, did his relatives get news that he was held in a prison in Bharkham County of Amdo region. He was sentenced to three years jail time.At the time of the arrest, his family was not informed about the criminal charges brought against him and the term of his sentence.

Kanyak Tserng and Lobsang Yeshi from Kirti monastery in Dharamshala provided TPI the details of these incidents.

...... Continues From Front Page "We are always ready to appoint special envoys for dialogue with the Chinese leadership whenever we receive the right signals," Sangay said in an interview with RFA's Tibetan service in Washington, where he met with U.S. officials and lawmakers.

China has ruled Tibet since 1950, and the Chinese government has repeatedly accused exiled Tibetans, including the Dalai Lama, of stoking dissent against its rule. The Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 after a failed uprising.

Lodi Gyari and Kelsang Gyaltsen, who served as the Dalai Lama's personal representatives in nine rounds of discussions with China beginning in 2002, resigned their posts in June.

The Dalai Lama last year stepped down as political leader of the Tibetan people, devolving his responsibilities to Lobsang Sangay.

And though China insists it will speak only with the Dalai Lama's representatives, refusing to speak

directly to the exile government, "we are more concerned with the substance of the dialogue than with the title of the envoys who consult with China," Sangay said.

"We are not discouraged by anything the Chinese government says or does ... but we are unwavering on the path of the Middle Way," Sangay said, referring to the Dalai Lama's policy of seeking only greater autonomy, and not independence from China, for Tibet.

"The ball is now in China's court. Tibetan exiles are prepared to sustain our struggle even if it takes another 50 years," Sangay said.

Growing challenge In a growing wave of challenge to China's rule, 44 Tibetans have set themselves ablaze in selfimmolation protests so far in a bid to push for greater freedom and the Dalai Lama's return.

Though China has repeatedly claimed that Tibet's exile government has incited the fiery protests, "we have made it very clear in numerous official statements that we appeal to Tibetans not to resort

to drastic forms of protest, including selfimmolation," Sangay said."At the same time, we need to highlight the underlying causes of [these protests] and the purpose for which they gave up their lives.""Self-immolation is a political protest; there is no other way for Tibetans to protest," he said. "As compatriots, we urge Tibetans to show solidarity with the goal of these sacrifices."

Lobsang Sangay met on Thursday with Senator John Kerry, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and with Speaker of the House of Representatives John Boehner.

In this visit and during previous visits, Sangay said, "we have interacted constructively with all key U.S. officials who are responsible for issues related to Asia, Tibet, and China, and particularly with Maria Otero, the State Department's Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues."

"Our impression is that U.S. support for Tibetan concerns has remained steadfast and strong," Sangay said.

TPI NEWS

31 Julyx, 2012 Dharamshala

Another Tibetan Man “Disappears” After Staging Protest

CENSORSHIP

The Tibet Post International

5

Writers Arrested, China Attempt To Seal off Tibet From Outside Media

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post International

New recent photo shows, Tibetan harshly beaten by the armed Chinese security forces in Serta county eastern Tibet.

Photo: TPI/file

By Amanda Peters, Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: On July 22, a high ranking Chinese official from Chamdo prefecture visited Gojon County of Kham region in eastern Tibet. During the visit a man named Ngawang staged a protest on the street through which the official passed.

At the protest he waved the Tibetan flag as well as distributed prayer flags. Ngawang also shouted out slogans for “A long life for His Holiness the Dalai Lama” and “Immediately putting an end to torturing Tibetans”. He urged Tibetans to stop fighting amongst themselves and courageously stand with him to protest.

Soon after the incident the local Chinese police a r r e s t e d N g a w a n g a n d t o o k h i m a w a y.

Wi t n e s s e s b e l i e v e h o w e v e r, t h a t t h e consequences to the incident should be decided not by the local police but by the officials from Chamdo prefecture or Lhasa.

Ngawang health condition or whereabouts still remain unknown. He came from Tekar Village of Bholo Township in Gojon County and his family name is Lonagtsang.The current situation in Tibet has been worsening on a

daily basis with a series of tragic selfimmolations followed by a Chinese crack down on basic freedoms. "On the present tragedy situation of Tibet, the Chinese people always keep silent, because we are Tibetans from Tibet, not Chinese from China,” said Mr. Nyima T.J. a Tibetan political analyst.

The deadly crackdowns that followed Tibetwide uprisings in 2008, have killed hundreds of Tibetans, and thousands of others were arrrested or disappeared after demanding more cultural and religious freedom. "Tibetans face under Hu's repressive policies in what amounted to “cultural genocide” have led to the series of tragic self-immolations," he stressed.Hu Jintao's call for the creation of a 'harmonious society' has became "empty promises of political reforms in China" and what he could brought was the "worst to violences and bloodshed" in Tibet. "Beijing will never sucessed and win over the hearts and minds of Tibetan people under machine guns' control, until their demands are met," Mr. Nyima added.

Obituary: Kasur Alak Jigme Thinley Phuntsok

Kasur Alak Jigme Thinley Phuntsok. Photo: tibet.net By ibetan Administration Official Media: tibet.net

Dharamshala: Kasur Alak Jigme Thinley Phuntsok, who worked prominently as a Kalon and Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, passed away on 26 July 2012. He breathed his last at Shri Balaji Hospital at Kangra due to illness.

He was 72.

Kasur Alak Jigme was born in 1939 at Rebkong in north-eastern Tibet's Amdo province. At the age of 7, he was recognised as the reincarnation of Jigme Tulku of Rebkong Ringpo monastery.

In 1955, he went to Lhasa for pilgrimage and to seek audiences with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the 10th Panchen Lama. On the advice of His Holiness during the audience, he joined Gaden Jangtse Monastery as a novice monk.

He came into exile in 1959 and received numerous teachings from various teachers including from the abbots of Sera, Gaden and Drepung monasteries at the Tibetan transit camp in Buxar, West Bengal.

In 1966, he was elected as a member of the 3rd Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile from Domey. He served as the deputy speaker and the speaker of

the 5th and 6th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile respectively.

In 1980, he was appointed as the director of the Audit General of the Central Tibetan Administration. At the same time, he served as the chairman of the Public Service Commission.

In 1985, he visited Tibet as Vice-chairman of the 4th fact-finding Tibetan delegation.

In 1986, he was appointed as an advisor to the Kalon and later appointed as Kalon for the Department of Home till 1990. From 1990 to 1996, he served as the chairman of the research and analysis section of the Central Tibetan Administration.

In 1996, he was directly appointed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the Auditor General. He retired from the post in 2004 at the age of 65.

Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay has expressed his condolences and deep sorrow at the passing away of Kasur Alak Jigme Lhundup. As a mark of respect and mourning, a prayer service was held and all the offices of the Central Tibetan Administration remained closed in the afternoon.

Dharamshala: Two Tibetan monks who wrote books critical of Chinese policies in Tibet arrested

by Chinese security officers in eastern Tibet (Ch: China's Sichuan province) and they are currently being detained by the officials in an undisclosed location where they may face torture, according to Tibet sources.

RFA's south India correspondent, Kunsang has reported the latest arrests, he said "Tashi Dhondup and Kelsang Gyatso, known also by the pen-names 'Mewod and Gomkul,' were taken into custody on July 14 at Palyul monastery in the Karze county, Kham, eastern Tibet (in Chinese, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture).

"Tashi Dhondup is from Yulshog in the Samkha subdivision of Riwoche county in the Chamdo prefecture [of the Tibet Autonomous Region], and is the president of a literary group called The State of our Snow Mountains," the report said.

Kelsang Gyatso, a prominent member of the same group and chant leader at the monastery, comes originally from the Nangchen region of Kham region, eastern Tibet, (Ch: Qinghai province), the source told RFA. Students and family members of the two men are deeply worried about their welfare, the source said, adding, "All those arrested in the area are subject to torture by the Chinese authorities."

The source further informed about the detentions, "Nobody knows why they were detained. But two years ago, Mewod wrote a book called Painful Hope, and Gomkul published a book called My Pitiful World."Buddhist monks and nuns, often in the forefront of protests challenging Chinese rule in Tibet, have also been jailed in large numbers. In Tashi Dhondup's home county of Chamdho, "every single monastery is under surveillance by Chinese forces," one source said.

Undated photos of Kelsang Gyatso (L) and Tashi Dhondup (R). Photo: RFA

"Tibetan hermitages in the mountains are also being watched, these kinds of strict restrictions on the daily activities of the monasteries have compelled many monks to leave their monasteries and go back to their villages," sources added.

China is increasingly jailing Tibetan writers, senior Buddhist monks, artists, singers, and educators for asserting Tibetan cultural and national identity since widespread protests swept all parts of Tibet in 2008.

The new restrictions, described in the official Renmin Wang media outlet on May 31, 2012, as key to maintaining stability and national security,

aim to "ensure the absolute security of Tibet's ideological and cultural realm," according to Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) Party Secretary Chen Quanguo in a June 27 interview.

"The measures involve significantly increased controls, particularly in the TAR, on internet use, text messages, phone ownership, music publishing, and photocopying, as well as intensified government propaganda through new TV channels, village education sessions, film showings, distribution of books, and the provision of satellite television receivers with fixed reception to government channels," said a latest report by Human Rights Watch/IFEX.

Thousands Welcome Flame of Truth Torch Relay for Tibet

By Tibetan Administration Official Media: tibet.net

Bylakuppe, Mysore, Karnataka: July 20 2012, thousands of Tibetans and supporters welcome "Flame of Truth" Torch Relay in the Biggest exile Tibetan Settlement of Bylakuppe. The "Flame of Truth" Torch Relay launched in the Kochi city in Kerala on July of 6 reached the biggest exile Tibetan settlement of Bylakuppe on the morning of the 20th to a grand reception.

Escorted from Chennai by the two representatives of TSAM students, Mr. Tsewang Dorjee and Mr. Tenzin Dalha, the "Flame of Truth" Torch arrived to a rousing reception of slogan shouting and cheers from the Tibetan delegates at the Main Gate of the Bylakuppe settlement around 10. Am. The frenzied reception group comprising of Tibetan MPs Mr. Jigme Jungney and Mr. Lobsang Yeshi, Settlement Officers Mr. Tsewang Ngodup and Mr. Jampa Phuntsok, President of the Tibetan Cooperative Society Mr. Pema Delek and Secretary Mr. Chime Dorjee, RTYC President Mr. Tsering Lhakyap, RTWA President Mrs. Tenzin Dolma, ITFS President Mr. Sadha Shivappa, Vice President Mr. Jawara Gowda, Secretary Dr. A.A. Chengappa, executive member Mr. Rajendra and ITFS Coordinator Mr. Gelek Jungney etc received the Torch at the Settlement Gate.

The reception group at the gate also consists of over 50 representatives and camp leaders brandishing Tibetan National Flags and attiring a makeshift jackets with slogans of "The "Flame of Truth" Torch Relay.

Later the procession of the Reception group led by the local Police and convoy of scores of cars and bikes escorted the Torch through the settlement to the Palace where the main Reception is scheduled.

Hundreds of local Tibetans lined up the streets to greet the Torch with scarf and cheers of delight and excitement.

Amidst rapturous applause, cheers and raising slogans of Bod Gyalo and Long Live His Holiness the Dalai Lama from the several thousand Tibetans, the Torch arrived at the Palace to a grand reception.

Mr. J.P. Urs, the chief guest of the Reception Function & Convenor, South Zone, Tibet Support Group escorted the "Flame of Truth" Torch to the Podium. Meanwhile hundreds of cheering Tibetans crowded around the Torch to offer scarf, touch and feel the spirit of the Torch etc.. Indeed the spirit of celebration and homage, jubilation and anticipation engulf the Palace as slogans of ‘Glory to Tibet' rents the air.

The reception function begin with the welcoming of the Torch by the chief Guest and the singing of Tibetan and Indian National Anthem, one minutes silence in mourning of the Tibetan martyrs and recitation of Prayer of Truth etc. Later Lugsam

Tibetans from the beggest exile settlement in Bylakuppe join the flame of truth torch relay on July 20 2012.

Photo: TPI

Settlement Officer Mr. Tsewang Ngodup delivered an introductory speech explaining the detail of the campaigns to be held in the settlement and the nearby towns etc.

Following this, Mr. Jigme Jungney, member of Tibetan Parliament addressed the gathering by elaborating in detail about the origin of the "Flame of Truth" torch campaign during a Discussion Meeting at the 3rd Session of the 15th Tibetan Parliament as an effort by the Tibetan Parliament to launch more concrete political actions to highlight the Tibetan issue at this critical stage of Tibetan Freedom Struggle.

Mr. Jigme, while expressing his immense appreciation and respect for the bravery and sacrifices of the Tibetan brothers and sister inside Tibet and offering solidarity with the families of the martyrs, pledge to make efforts to realize their sacred aspirations. He further urged the Tibetans to make consorted effort to contribute towards Tibetan freedom struggle and suggested that its time for the Tibetans to spare a certain amount from one's earning to be contributed directly for the Tibet Actions. Before concluding, he emphasizes that the onus lies on the China's shoulder to end the ongoing spree of Self Immolations by the Tibetans in Tibet by fulfilling their aspirations and ending the causes for these supreme sacrifices.

In his address to the gathering, Chief guest, Mr J. P. Urs, Convenor, South Zone Tibet Support Group while expressing his support for the "Flame of Truth" torch relay, further urged "the friends and supporters of Tibet and Tibetans to launch Solidarity Movements throughout the world and the citizens of all nations and Non governmental Organizations to put pressure on their governments to take firm stand for Freedom, Truth and Justice in support of Tibetan struggle. He further "hoped that the Flame of Truth" relay will serve as useful campaign to understand the reality of the Tibetan problem and appeal the Office of the United Nations

to take firm actions and deliver Justice to Tibet and its people." Later Mr. Jampa Phuntsok, Settlement Officer of Dekyi Larsoe gave a vote of Thanks. Before the Reception function concludes, the crowd once again joined for a final spirited sloganeering shouting of Bod Gyalo and Long Live His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Earlier on 17th of July, a press conference to brief about the campaign of " Flame of Truth " Torch Relay in Bylakuppe etc. was held in Lugsam Community Hall. Over 45 press reporters and media personnel from around the towns attended the Conference. The Press conference was addressed by Mr. Sadha Shivappa, President of ITFS Bylakuppe, Mr. Jigme Jungney and Mr. Lobsang Yeshi, members of Tibetan Parliament.

In the following weeks, The Torch is schedule to tour the entire Tibetan camps, schools and monasteries in the Bylakuppe Tibetan Settlement and is also scheduled to tour and rally through the major neighbouring towns of Periyapatna, Medikeri and Kushal Nagar on the 26th, 27th and 28th respectively. Public talk, signature campaign, Press conference and Public rally will be organized in each of the towns with the participation of students from local schools and colleges and the local dignitaries and supporters. The ITFS Kushal Nagar etc jointly organizes the "Flame of Truth" Torch Relay in Bylakuppe and the nearby towns of Medikeri, Kushal Nagar and Periyapatna.

The South India leg of "Flame of Truth" relay, which was launched from the city of Kochi on July 6, had so far travelled to Coimbatore, Pondicherry, Auroville and Chennai before arriving in Bylakuppe in Karnataka state. During the past relay in South Indian cities and towns, many eminent individuals had shown their support towards the cause of Tibet by signing Tibet petition to be submitted to the UN on December 10, 2012.

Followings are the three demands of the relay: 1. The United Nations must discuss the issue of Tibet based on the resolutions that it has passed in 1959, 1961 and 1965, and continuously make efforts to fulfil the substance of these resolutions.

2. An independent international fact-finding delegations must immediately be sent to investigate the ongoing crisis in Tibet.

3. The United Nations must take special responsibility to ensure that the basic aspirations of the Tibetans inside Tibet are fulfilled.

Report and photo contributed by Lobsang Yeshi, Member of Tibetan Parliament in Exile, Bylakuppe Tibetan Settlement, Mysore, Karnataka State, South India.

6

The Tibet Post International

TPI NEWS FREEDOM

Tibetan Flemish Circle Of Friends (Belgium) Helps Mainpat Tibetan Settlement

31 July, 2012 Dharamshala

“Flame of Truth” For Tibet Enters Karnataka State, South India

By The Tibet Post International

Belgian Tibetan Flemish Circle Of Friends Helping the Manpat Tibetan Settlement. Photo: TPI

By The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: - The Belgian association Tibetan Flemish Circle of Friends is based in the Dutch (Flemish) part of Belgium and was founded in March 2007. The group works for Tibet in different kind of ways: on social, cultural and educational level.

Since the beginning of 2012 there is a new board of this organisation. Dennis Barbion is the new President and his wife Marijke Reynaert is the Secretary. In the past they have set up shoe projects for the Tibetans in Dharamsala. Recently, from the 3rd till the 12th July, Dennis Barbion has visited the Tibetan settlement in Mainpat, for the water filter project that was organised there.

The association was able to buy 114 water filters for Mainpat in total. This settlement consists of 7 different camps, and all the families in the camps no. 4, 5, 6 and 7 have received a water purifier. Water filters were also donated to the Tibetan School in Mainpat and the School Hostels, the Kindergarten, the Coorperative Society, the Tibetan Settlement Office, the office of the Regional Tibetan Women's Association etc.

Mainpat is situated in Central India and it's one the poorest Tibetan villages in whole India. Mainpat was the first Tibetan settlement that was established by the government of India in 1962 to rehabilitate 1,400 Tibetan refugees who came to India in the aftermath of the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1959. Mainpat is very remote, the nearest town is Ambikapur and is situated at 50 km from Mainpat. The living conditions for the Tibetans in Mainpat are very hard.At present, around 850 Tibetan refugees are living in Mainpat. The settlement has much problems because of the impurity of the water. This is due to the bauxite mining in the region that has affected the purity of groundwater thoroughly, and to the annual monsoon rains that last a long time and that causes diseases like malaria. Special water filters purify the water of all bacteria and they are completely ecological, without the use of chemicals. All the money that the Tibetan Flemish Circle of Friends raised for this project was entirely spent to the purchase of water filters, 100%.For this initiative, the Belgian organisation has worked very closely together with the Tibetan Settlement Office in Mainpat (the local representation of the Central Tibetan Administration, the

Settlement Officer Mr. Tsering Wangchuk and his staff) and with Chime Youngdung, the former President of the National Democratic Party of Tibet who is from Mainpat.

Chime Youngdung grew up in Mainpat and he still has family there, so he knows the situation on the spot very well.It was Chime Youngdung who suggested the water filter project to Dennis Barbion and his wife when they were in Dharamsala in April last year. He has also accompanied Dennis Barbion on his trip to Mainpat. It was the first visit of Dennis Barbion to a Tibetan settlement in India other than Dharamsala. Dennis Barbion: "Before I came to Mainpat I had no idea what to expect. When I arrived there, I was so surprised by the beauty and purity of the nature and the environment, and this reflectsin the people clearly. I was touched by the love, kindness and openness of the Tibetan people there. Although the living conditions are very hard and they all suffer a very difficult life, they have close contact with each other and try to help each other out, and this was so good to see."

Dennis Barbion: "Apart from our water filter project, our association has also financed the repainting of the outside of a Nyingma temple in camp nr. 1 in Mainpat and the purchase of a solar light for the central square in camp nr.

1 where the Community Hall, the Coorperative Society, the Guest House and the Tibetan Settlement Office are situated. A new basketball court is made there too now very recently and in the center a stupa is going to be built, so that people also can do circumambulations (kora). This central square should be a meeting place for all the people, young and old. As there is no light yet, the people should also be able to meet in the late afternoon and evening. In this way, a more vivid and thriving community can be established."After visiting Mainpat and witnessing the life for the Tibetan refugees there with lots of needs on different levels, Dennis Barbion calls upon people and fellow Tibet organisations for more interest and support for the Tibetan settlements, especially the most poor like Mainpat, Bandara and Orissa.The Tibetan Flemish Circle of Friends is going to launch more projects for the Tibetan Settlement in Mainpat in the future.Article emailed by Dennis Barbion & Chime Youngdung, Dharamshala (India), 18th July 2012.

Aung San Suu Kyi to Receive America’s Highest Civilian Honour

Chennai July 19, 2012: The South India leg of "Flame of Truth" relay concluded in Chennai on July 18 to begin its next journey to Karnataka state, South India. The relay concluded at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi situated at the seaside in front of the Madras University.

At the conclusion function, Tibetan students and supporters recited prayer of truth and sang Tibetan national anthem. The concluding function was attended by cabinet members of Tibetan Students Association, Madras (TSAM), long time Tibet supporter Aunty Aasha Reddy, Smt. Padma, renowned educationist and one student each from Canada, Poland and Hongkong studying in Chennai. Few other Indian supporters also attended the programme.

Later today, two representatives of TSAM left Chennai with the "Flame of Truth" torch for its next destination to South Indian state of Karnataka. The torch will reach tomorrow on July 20 at Tibetan settlement, Bylakuppee.

The South India leg of "Flame of Truth" relay, which was launched from city of Kochi on July 6, had so far travelled to Coimbatire, Pondicherry, Auroville and Chennai. During the past relay in South Indian cities and towns, many eminent individuals had shown their support towards the cause of Tibet by signing Tibet petition to be submitted to the UN on

July 19, 2012: The South India leg of “Flame of Truth” relay concluded in Chennai on July 18 to begin its next journey to Karnataka state, South India. Photo: TPI

December 10, 2012. The supporters include former Judge, former Police Officer, former Senior Civil Servants, Sportsman, Artists, Professors and Academicians.

Followings are three demands of the relay:1. The United Nations must discuss the issue of Tibet based on the resolutions that it has passed in 1959,

1961 and 1965, and continuously make efforts to fulfil the substance of these resolutions2. An independent international fact-finding delegations must immediately be sent to investigate the ongoing crisis in Tibet3. The United Nations must take special responsibility to ensure that the basic aspirations of the Tibetans inside Tibet are fulfilled

TYC Launches Book In Response To China’s 2007 Directive, Order No. 5

By Amanda Peters,The Tibet Post International.

Dharamshala: The largest NGO in exile, 'Tibetan Youth Congress' organized a press conference on Wednesday, July 18, at their Conference room.

Mr. Dhondup Lhadhar, TYC Vice President presided over the press conference which was attend by a group of Tibetan journalists based in Dharamshala.

He told the reporters that the new book (True Words Clear Ignorance) written by TYC culture secretary Mr. Jigmey Sholpa explores how Chinese authorities are trying to erase and rewrite Tibet's political history. "Stop interfering in Tibet's internal affairs, said Dhondup. "Not only rewriting history of reincarnation process, but politically motivated in Tibet history and misleading it."

In 2007, the so called China’s State Administration of Religious Affairs announced a directive, Order No. 5. This was a law covering “the management measures for the reincarnation of living Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism.” This law basically “prohibits” people like Buddhist monks from being reborn without communist government permission.

Since only state-sanctioned monasteries in China can apply for permission to reincarnate, the 2007 law effectively prohibits anyone outside China from “influencing” reincarnation-based leadership roles within China.

This new ruling came shortly after His Holiness the Dalai Lama stated that his successor to the role could, perhaps, be chosen democratically.

However, the question still remains; How can China, a Communist state committed to materialism and atheism, still control a decision that is based on religion?

His Holiness stated that for China to decide on his reincarnation, the communist government must become religious first. He also said that China considers him to be a “demon”, and

TYC Vice President Dhondup Lhadhar and his Culture Secretary Jigmey Holding the Press Conference in Dharamshala, India On 18th July 2012. Photo: TPI

therefore it would be ironic for China to find his reincarnation."The Dalai Lama not only is attempting to bury long established historical tenets of Tibetan Buddhism with him when he dies, but is adding another criminal charge to his teachings of separatism, which damages Tibet and Buddhism," the Communist Party-backed People's Daily said in one of its editorials.

Officially, Chinese authorities state that the order was passed to preserve an important and ancient tradition. China’s governor in Tibet, Padma Choling, has even stated that the Dalai Lama has no right to stop reincarnating.In response to the 2007 directive the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) released a book entitled "Dhentam Mongmun Selwai Donme", which roughly translates to “True Words Clear Ignorance as a Lamp Clears Darkness.""The Chinese occupation has created

dark days ahead for Tibet and this has resulted in the largest number of self-immolations in human history", said Nyima, a Tibetan analyst.

Historically, Tibetan dynasties often conflicted with Chinese dynasties. Tibet has been an independent country throughout the historical periods, it is supported by the country's geography, history, language, culture, religion, and race. Except for a few border regions in the Far East of Tibet, there was almost no Chinese population in high plateau Tibet until the People's Republic of China (PRC) invasion between 1949 and 1951.During the military invasion, China killed more than 1.3 million Tibetans, and continues to carry out a policy of apartheid, the communist authorities led by Chairman Mao Zedong completely destroyed over 6000 monasteries and historical sites in 1959.

......Constant Threat To Human Rights

Aung San Suu Kyi, Political Leader (Freedom Fighter) of Myanmar and Nobel Peace Prize Winner (1991). Photo: thefamouspeople.com

By Mark Kernan, Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese opposition politician and world famous human rights leader, is to receive the Congressional Gold Medal in Washington this coming September.

The medal is given to people who have performed outstanding acts of service; in the case of Aung San Suu Kyi, her bravery and courage in remaining under house arrest as a political prisoner for almost fifteen years, and for her unstinting promotion of democratic values and ideals.The ceremony will take place in Washington on September 19th and will coincide

with the Burmese leader's visit to the United States.In addition to the congressional award, Suu Kyi will also be presented with the Atlantic Council's Global Citizen Award on Sept. 21 in New York.Aung San Suu Kyi was eventually released from house arrest in 2010 and has since visited Thailand, where she was greeted wildly by thousands of Burmese migrants, and also in Europe, in particular Ireland, where she received Amnesty International's highest honour-the Ambassador of Conscience award- from U2's lead singer Bono in Dublin.

...... Continues From Front Page

By Garima Sharma, Tibet Post International

the Chinese police subjects them to interrogations and physical inspections in a humiliating manner.

"According to me, as I have given this information to outsiders, I will be deemed a traitor and a criminal and my life could be in danger", he added.

Meanwhile, another Tibetan from Quing Hai province in Amdho explains that there are many difficulties in Tibet, however, one of the most alarming situations is being faced by schools.

Tibetan schools have had their subjects changed to Chinese and thus are systematically losing their language and forms of communication. Tibetan students are finding it increasingly difficult to pass examinations not only because of the language change, but because of the fees as well, which is exorbitant and unaffordable, especially in High Schools.In monasteries as well, the situation is worsening. Tibetan monks who have taken their

vow since they were very young, and have matured to 18 years of age are sent back home where they are forced to live as regular people. This situation leads to them being unemployed with no sustainable skills to support themselves or their families. As they are no longer allowed to live in the monastery, life becomes very hard for them.

Apart from this, those who are already 18 years of age, and wish to become monks must take permission from the Chinese government which is very difficult to obtain. Even though, monasteries allow the undertaking of the ascetic vow at any age, the Chinese bureaucratic procedures make it challenging for Tibetans to claim such a basic right and choice of life.

Also, another worrisome development that has been plaguing Tibetans, is the domestication of nomads that live in the grasslands and the

mountains. The Chinese government's resettlement policy has been methodically confining the indigenous nomads to government housing systems where they are paid a paltry initial settlement of 1000 yuan and left to fend for themselves afterwards within the cramped housing settlements.

A Monk from Kirti Monastery, Nagba county came forward to say that since a few years there has been a gradual and concentrated increase in the number of army establishments around the monastery and nearby towns. The area is under constant surveillance, night and day. Monks who live in the monastery, have had their mobile phones confiscated by the Chinese govt. Along with this, the locals in the area have also lost their right to go anywhere and do anything without the consent and interference of the government-appointed army personnel.

TPI NEWS

31 Julyx, 2012 Dharamshala

Australian MPs Visit Dharamshala, Pledge Support For Tibet

SCIENCE & BUDDHISM

The Tibet Post International

7

School Receives Funds From His Holiness The Dalai Lama

By Amanda Peters,The Tibet Post

Aung San Suu Kyi, Political Leader (Freedom Fighter) of Myanmar and Nobel Peace Prize Winner (1991). Photo: thefamouspeople.com

By Central Tibetan Administration Media: Tibet Net

Dharamshala: A two-member Australian Parliamentary delegation visited the Tibetan community in Dharamsala from 10 - 13 July. The delegation said they strongly support the peaceful Tibetan movemen, and would urge the Australian government officials to engage with their Chinese counterparts in resolving Tibet problems.Senators Lisa Singh-MP, Labour Party and Larissa Waters-MP, Green Party, met the standing committee of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. Speaker Penpa Tsering briefed the two senators about the critical situation inside Tibet and appealed to them to support the just cause of Tibet.The Tibetan Parliament hosted a dinner reception and a cultural performance at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts in their honour, the Tibetan Parliament said in a statement on its website.The senators also met Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay and Dicki Chhoyang, Kalon for the Department of Information & International Relations of the Central Tibetan

Administration.

They visited Tibetan cultural, religious and educational institutions, and all spectrum of Tibetan civil society in and around Dharamsala.

The senators said they would impress upon the Australian government and their allies to engage the Chinese government in resolving the issue of Tibet.

Senator Lisa Singh is a Labor party MP from Tasmania.

She is the first person of South Asian decent to be elected to the Australian Parliament in 2010. She is a member of the Australian All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet.

She met His Holiness the Dalai Lama in her home state of Tasmania. In March 2012 she met a group of Tibetan representatives in her office as part of the Tibet Advocacy Project, and has recently joined the Australian All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet.Senator Larissa Waters is a Greens party senator from Queensland since 2010. She has met local Tibetans in her office in Brisbane.

His Holiness The Dalai Lama Leads Talks On Science and Buddhism

His Holiness the Dalai Lama listening to a student describe an electrical resistance experiment in the physics lab during the inauguration of a new science building funded by The Dalai Lama Trust at Lamdon Model Senior Secondary School in Leh, Ladakh, J&K, India, on July 27, 2012. Photo: Dalai Lama Office

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post International

Leh, Ladakh, J&K, India: The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama arrived in Ladak on July 18 for a 20-day visit to the region, during which he is scheduled to Zanskar, Durbuk and other places in J&K, India. During last couple of weeks, His Holiness met with hundreds of top and senior officials of J&K, religious heads of the region, MLCs, students and staff of schools and other dignitaries.

On 27 July, 2012, during a talk to students and staff of Lamdon Model School in Leh, the capital of Ladakh, His Holiness stressed the need to take a holistic approach to education. Modern education is very good at developing the brain but this should not be at the expense of traditional values that are important for developing a good heart.

He also commended the use of traditional dialectical debate and reasoning, not only in the study of religion, but also in the study of science and other modern topics. He explained the necessity of examining what you learn from teachers or read in books carefully and repeatedly in a logical way that really deepens and reinforces your understanding.

His Holiness went on to say, "Of course education is essential for Buddhists too. The proper way to practise the Buddha's teaching is to investigate reality.

We must make fullest use of our human intelligence, and in that context, a scientific approach, which is primarily concerned with examining the external world, is helpful. However, the Buddhist approach does not rely on external instruments, but employs the human

mind to investigate reality through concentration and analytical meditation."

His Holiness referred to the dialogues he has engaged in with contemporary western scientists for more than thirty years. As a consequence a number of scientists have begun to take an interest in the workings of the mind and emotions, which are explained in great detail in the works of the great India masters of the Nalanda tradition, such as Nagarjuna.At the Lamdon school, he concluded by expressing the hope that in the remaining 80 years or so of the 21st century students from Lamdon Model School will make a significant contribution to the cause of peace and happiness in Ladakh, India and the world at large.

On 26 July, 2012, His Holiness gave a short talk to about 300, mostly people who are from Ladakh. He stressed the importance of relating to other people on a basic human level, considering other people to be human beings like ourselves, with the same kind of positive and negative emotions.

His Holiness said that placing too much emphasis on secondary attributes like race, faith, social status, nationality and so on is a cause of division amongst human beings. Both religion and contemporary science recognize that destructive emotions cause us suffering, while positive emotions bring us happiness.

And as human beings we have a marvellous intelligence that enables us to differentiate between them so we can cultivate our positive emotions and reduce our negative emotions.

Dharamshala: On July 19, San Diego’s Monarch School received a cheque for $51,000 from a representative of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet. These funds come from the surplus money that was raised during His Holiness’s April 2012 visit to the city.

During his two-day visit, the spiritual leader of Tibet received a celebrity’s welcome. The audience, which ranged from college students in backwards caps to men in blazers, stood and cheered as His Holiness took the stage. He spoke to a crowd of more than 20,000 about global warming, cultivating peace and justice and upholding ethical standards.In an announcement, an official from the University of San Diego said the gift aligns “with the Dalai Lama’s ongoing message of peace and compassion, especially toward children.”Chief Executive Officer of Monarch School, Erin Spiewak said, “This generous contribution allows Monarch to continue to support our students growth and learning with the intention that they will follow in the example of significant leaders such as His Holiness.”

The Honorable Lama Tenzin Dhonden, Personal Peace Emissary for His Holiness also spoke on behalf of the 14th Dalai Lama on July 19. The Monarch School is a school dedicated to looking

In this April 18, 2012 file photo, the Dalai Lama speaks at a news conference, in San Diego. China accused the Dalai Lama of being deceitful Monday, May 14, 2012, after he reportedly alleged that Chinese agents trained Tibetan women to assassinate him by planting poison in their hair for him to touch during blessings. Photo: Lenny Ignelzi / AP

after the needs of homeless students.This donation will go a long way and help fund a new student leadership program currently in development. The

focus of the program would involve teaching students about the importance of civic engagement, leadership, and community participation.

Tibetan Self-Immolations: The Repercussion Of China’s Oppression

By Amanda Peters,The Tibet Post International.

Dharamshala: A global human rights group said that China has decided to further intensify restrictions on news, media, and communications in Tibet. Despite the whole world fundamentally changing from a totalitarian regime to a democratic state, China has once again cut off the whole of Tibet from the outside world with a ban on foreign media and tourists.

A report released by Human Rights Watch (HRW) said, "The measures appear to be an effort to cut off Tibetans in China from news and also to prevent the views of the Tibetan leader, the Dalai Lama and his followers from reaching Tibetans inside China, particularly those living in rural areas."

The steps taken involve further control, especially in the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR), on internet usage , text messages, phone ownership, music publishing, and photocopying, as well as intensified government propaganda through new TV channels, village education sessions, film showings, distribution of books, and the provision of satellite television receivers with fixed reception to government channels.

"Under the guise of combating 'separatism' the Chinese government is constantly violating Tibetans' rights to the freedom of expression, religion, culture, and movement," said Sophie Richardson, China director at HRW. "The authorities have a responsibility to uphold public order, but that cannot be used as a blanket justification for the kinds of measures to limit communications that the Chinese authorities are imposing in Tibet."

Last month Party Secretary Chen Quanguo, of the TAR urged officials in Tibet to "make sure that the Central Party's voices and images can be heard across 120 thousand square kilometers," and that "no voices and images of enemy forces and Dalai clique can be heard and seen."The self-immolation count has now increased to 46 since 2009. These tragic events inside Tibet mark the largest ever group of self-immolation protests for one cause in history, said analysts.Yet their actions remain

His Holiness praised over the traditional logic and debate at the Jamyang school in Leh from class five onwards.

"Because it helps us sharpen our intelligence and develop a more penetrative understanding of whatever we are studying," he told students and staff.

"Wisdom and intelligence don't come about merely by reciting Manjushri's mantra and other prayers, although they may help. Real wisdom and understanding comes about through study and analysis of what you have learned from teachers or read in books. And you will deepen your understanding by thinking it over again and again, and examining it with reason."His Holiness also pointed out that happiness does not come from money, power and social status alone. He said, "the ultimate source of happiness is here," as he touched his heart. Our sense of caring for the well-being and happiness of others hinges on our being able to cultivate peace of mind within ourselves.His Holiness is going to Padum, Zanskar 29th - 31st July, where he will teach the Thirtyseven Practices of a Bodhisattva and the Eight Verses for Training the Mind.

unheard and fail to gather the necessary support required to get China to take responsibility and ensure Tibetans their rights.In response to this the Chinese government deems these as "terrorist acts" and refuses to examine the root cause of their actions. Instead, they also decide to tighten restrictions on media and travel in Tibet.

Although the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) appeals to Tibetans to refrain from taking such drastic steps, Tibetans persist in self-immolations as their loudest form of protest to be heard.

The Chinese authorities define them as "Violent acts of Terrorism". Complexities exist in Buddhist philosophy about whether harming oneself is considered violent, as well as, the motivation for the act, rather than the act itself, can only determine if it is to be regarded as violent or not.

However, what remains clear is that these protesters intended to avoid harming anyone other than themselves.To understand why Tibetans would take such a drastic step, it becomes necessary to examine their motivations. In China there is no room for

freedom of any kind; speech or other conventional forms of protest. Taking part in a simple peace demonstration can get one arrested, tortured or even put to death.

Denied the general, simple forms of protest, Tibetans are driven to take up more extreme ways to be noticed and heard. In recent light of the twin self-immolations in the capital city of Lhasa, the Chinese authorities have completely banned foreign tourists and journalists from visiting Tibet.

Foreign journalists have been prevented by the police from covering peaceful protests and demonstrations by the Tibetans against the Chinese rule. Aware that such restrictions are unlawful, the authorities regularly cite bad weather or the poor state of the roads to restrict access to the autonomous region.

Throughout history people have set themselves ablaze as a form of protest, but what makes Tibetan self-immolations unique is the extremely high number of instances. Although so many have resorted to this form of protest, the response from foreign officials and media remains relatively mild.

The concerns expressed over the Tibet issue fail to translate into concrete action.

...... To Address It's Human Rights ‘Deteriorating’ ...... Continues From Front Page "A human rights dialogue with the communist regime in Beijing matters for little until the rule of law is genuinely rooted in Chinese soil," said US Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, chairwoman of the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Posner said that activists in China, including family members of detainees, want the US to speak in public and private with Beijing and pointed to growing attention rights issues draw among Chinese on the Internet and in blogs.

The US said it raised the conditions of ethnic and religious minorities in Tibet and

eastern Turkistan (Ch: Xinjiang); the cases of imprisoned democracy activists Chen Wei and Chen Xi; Nobel Peace laureate Liu Xiaobo; jailed lawyers Gao Zhisheng and Ni Yulan; and Feng Jianmei, a woman forced to have an abortion at seven months.

The Chinese delegation was led by Ministry o f F o r e i g n A ff a i r s D i r e c t o r G e n e r a l f o r International Organizations and Conferences Chen Xu. The communist regime in Beijing said it was willing to continue talks "on the basis of equality and mutual respect", the state controlled news agency 'Xinhua' reported.

8 TPI NEWS TIBET WORLD Tibetan Chamber of Commerce Kalon Tripa Dr. Sangay Meets With Under Member Hails British Support Secretary Maria Otero For Tibet The Tibet Post International

31 July, 2012 Dharamshala

Thupten Jampa(Middle)with Paul Glding (of Tibet Society; Menica Lee, Diane Hackney and Tsering Passang ( of Tibet Relief Fund). Photo: TPI

By The Tibet Post International

London, 18 July 2012: During a private UK visit, Thupten Jampa, Joint Secretary of the Tibetan Chamber of Commerce (TCC), paid a courtesy call to the offices of Tibet Society and Tibet Relief Fund in north London on Monday, 16th July.

Jampa, who runs a very successful travel company in India - EarthLink Tours & Travels, expressed his deep admiration for the world's first Tibet support groups and their continued assistance for Tibetan refugees in the Indian sub-continent. Tibet Society and Tibet Relief Fund were both established within months of His Holiness the Dalai Lama fleeing across the Himalayas into India, with some 87,000 Tibetans, in March 1959, as a result of the failed Tibetan national uprising against the Communist Chinese in Lhasa.

Jampa urged the two British organisations to continue their support for the Tibetan people.

Jampa, a native of Mรถn Tawang in Arunachal

Pradesh, north-eastern India, was a key organizer of the 32nd Kalachakra Teaching, conferred by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Bodhgaya, Bihar (from 31st December 2011 to 10th January 2012) which attracted over 200,000 Buddhist pilgrims from 63 countries.

He also shared his ideas on possible cooperation between different Tibetan social and political groups and Tibetan business ventures, whilst helping with the generation of vital funds for Tibetan people.

The Tibetan Chamber of Commerce Founded in 2005, it not only undertakes activities to increase and benefit the business interests of the Chamber's members but also give support to Himalayan regional business interests and the wider Tibetan community as a whole. They also aim to support new and emerging Tibetan and Himalayan region entrepreneurs, through interaction and cooperation both within and outside the Chamber.

US Calls On China To Hold Serious Dialogue On Tibet

Students for Free A Tibet at Grand Central Terminal in New York in 2008. Photo: TPI

By The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has called on Chinese government to hold a "serious dialogue" on the issue of Tibet during her meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi at the ASEAN Summit in Cambodia.

At a special briefing in Phnom Penh on 12 July, a senior US administrative official stated: "...And the Secretary, as is the case in all circumstances, raised both human rights issues, specific cases, and called on the Chinese to continue a serious dialogue with the Dalai Lama.

I think the meeting was productive, very candid, and I think there is a clear determination that China wants to be able to find common cause with the United States on

a host of issues. And I think the Secretary reciprocated."

"I think, as befitting an increasingly global relationship, the two ministers talked about every specific matter before us: Iran, Syria, cyber issues, the DPRK, all the Asia Pacific Region - they welcomed upcoming high-level diplomacy," the official said.

Clinton said that the US is committed to developing a positive, cooperative and comprehensive relationship with China, adding that the US-China relationship is very important.

Beijing was ready to work with Washington "to expand our common ground, respect each other, properly handle differences on sensitive issues and push forward" relations, said Yang.

Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the prime minister of Tibet and Maria Otero, US under secretary of State. Photo: File/desinged

By The Tibet Post International

Washington, DC, 19 July: The political leader of Tibet Dr Lobsang Sangay met with Maria Otero, Under Secretary Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights and Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues. The two leaders discussed humanitarian and human rights issues, according to the Tibetan Administration here in Dharamshala.

Under Secretary Otero was appointed Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues on October 1, 2009

by U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton and after confirmation by the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Among her responsibilities as the Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues as outlined in the Tibet Policy Act of 2002, Under Secretary Otero works to promote "substantive dialogue" between

By Amanda peters,The Tibet Post International.

Dharamshala: On July 15, exiled Tibetan writer Bhuchung D Sonam launched his latest book titled "Yak Horns" at Jimmy's Italian Restaurant in Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala.

Bhuchung D. Sonam is a poet/writer born in Tibet.

In exile, he studied at the Tibetan Children's Village School in Dharamshala. After graduating from St. Xavier's College, he received an MA from M. S. University of Baroda.

"Dandelions of Tibet" was his first book of poetry that was published in 2002 and "Muses in Exile: An Anthology of Tibetan Poetry" was published in 2005.

The guest of honour at the event was well known Tibetan historian Tashi Tserng. Also attending the event were other famous Tibetan writers and poets.

Author of "Dragon in the Land of Snow" Tsering Shakya, expresses that in Yak Horns "'Bhuchung D. Sonam articulates the voice of a new generation of Tibetans in exile - voiceless and stateless - longing for a space to call home. He eloquently describes the hopes and aspirations of young Tibetans. He is perhaps one of the very best spokespeople for the youth of his generation.'

The book published by Tibet Writes, brings together a collection of essays on contemporary Tibetan arts and social issues, expressed through the eyes of Bhuchung.

Bhuchung spoke about the reason behind publishing the book in English. He stated that there are many poets who write in Tibetan. However, their writings are not publicly known due to the lack of use of the language (outside Tibet) and thus their messages remain unheard. As a result Bhuchung decided to write in English as it is a universal language and his message would be understood by a larger audience and more people would come to know about the issues that Tibet has come to face.

At the launch of the book were Tibetan writer/poet Tsering Wangmo Dhompa, writer/poet Tenzin Dickyi, writer/blogger Dechen Pemba and activist/ poet Tenzin Tsundue. All of the writers staged readings of their poems in English.

Bhuchung explained that at launches like these, there were generally two readings in Tibetan and two in English. However, this time there was a break from the usual as Tenzin Dickyi and Tsering Wangmo Dhompa were from the U.S. Tibet Writes was launched in 2003 as a non - profit site dedicated to Tibet and Tibetan people. It is now also a publishing house, as well as a library of poems and articles for and by Tibetans.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama or his representatives and the government of the People's Republic of China, as well as coordinate United States government policies, programs and projects related to Tibet.

According to a report of Washington Post, the U.S. and China began their annual human rights dialogue Monday that gives Washington a chance to press China over a crackdown on rights lawyers and activists and repression in Tibet where atleast 44 of Tibetans have set themselves on fire in the past year to protest Beijing's authoritarian rule.

State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland told reporters the U.S. would raise the rule of law, justice for individuals, equality and Tibet.

She said Washington's ability to broach such issues with Beijing "speaks to the maturing of our relationship." The U.S. also seeks "appropriate handling and no reprisals" against Chen's family members and supporters who remain in China.

In late April, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai told reporters that China is willing to engage with the U.S. on human rights as long as the talks are done "on the basis of equality and mutual respect. We hope such discussions can help our American friends have a more accurate understanding of China."

Human Rights Watch said the U.S. should demand public and verifiable changes in policies and practices as a condition for holding the human rights dialogue.

Bhuchung D. Sonam launches his latest book: "Yak Horns"

I

n

t

e

r

n

a

t

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

i

o

n

a

l

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. pema tso

Contributors for this Editon Keary Huang Mathew Singh Toor Amanda Peters Mark Kernan Samuel Ivo Garima Sharma YC. Dhardhowa Sangay Dorjee Pema Tso

The Tibet Post International Himalayan Literacy Trust (Head Office) 1st Floor, Exile House Road, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamsala, Distt.

Kangra H.P 176219 India

Taiwan India India Ireland UK India India India India

Tele: 0091-1892-224641 Moble:+91-9882423566 E-mail: editor@thetibetpost.com www.thetibetpost.com