The Tibet Post International

Page1 Tibetan Parliamentary Statement Page 3 H.H The Dhalai lama Page 4 Respond to Google’s Censorship Stance

Page 7 Two Tibetan monks Arrested

Prime Minister of Tibet Front page.....

Vol. 01, Issue 14, 31 March 2010

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Speaker of Tibetan Parliarment

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Bi-Monthly

Page 8 China Jails Senior Tibetan Monk

Front page..... www.thetibetpost.com

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Tibetan Government in Exle

Sideline Session Clears Up Issues with His Holiness' Parliamentary Statement His Holiness the Dalai Lama (R) administers the oath of office to Mr Tsering Dhondup Namey Lahkhang (L) as Justice Commissioner of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission, on 24 March 2010. Photo: Tibet Net

Dharamshala: Earlier today His Holiness the Dalai Lama administered the oath of office to Mr. Tsering Dhondup Namey Lahkhang, instating him as the Justice Commissioner of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission. Mr. Dhondup, a former Secretary of the Department of Religion and Culture of ...See page 6

Arrest and Protest

Dharamshala: A Parliamentary sideline session to discuss His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama's statement issued to the 9th Tibetan Parliament Budget Session concluded today in the mess hall of Tibetan Government in exile, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala, India.

The sideline session gave Tibetan Members of Parliament the opportunity to pose questions to Tibetan Prime Minister Samdhong Rinpoche, Senior Cabinet Members, Former Ministers and His Holiness' personal envoys regarding His Holiness' statement.

A major issue was fears of further Tibetan concessions in an effort to reach agreement with China after the latter's outright rejection of His Holiness' Memorandum on Genuine Autonomy for the Tibetan People. "We have already made all necessary and possible compromise that could have been made, and there is nothing left to concede any further," Prof Samdhong Rinpoche said.

Centarl Tibetan Government Administration in Exle. Dhramsala, India Photo: TPI

"We have reached a stage where to concede for anything less than that would be totally irrational on our part."

In the statement His Holiness relayed doubts and confusion raised by some Members of .........See page 5

Condolence Message At Least 50 Tibetans Convicted for Sending Information Abroad. Photo: TPI

Paris: March, 22-Since the March 2008 unrest in Tibet, at least 50 Tibetans have been arrested - and in some cases sentenced to long jail terms - for sending reports, photos or videos abroad.

The latest to be convicted is a netizen called Dasher who has been given a 10-year prison sentence on a charge of "separatism" for sending reports and photos of the March 2008

Miami kicks off Tibetan Culture Week with ceremony "I thought it was a lot different than anything I'd been to before," said Rachel Howell, a sophomore at Miami, who attended the ceremony for her anthropology class.

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Miami sophomore Thea Peterson said she saw prayer flags hanging in temples in India while living there as a child. She also visited her father in Tibet last year while he was living there.

Tibet - China

A crowd, including many students, watch as Tibetan monk, Geshe Kalsang Damdul, assistant director for Institute of Buddhist Dialectics performs a Prayer Flag ceremony outside Upham Hall on the campus of Miami University Oxford, Monday, March 22, 2010. The ceremony marks the start of Tibetan Culture Week, which is in preparation of the Dalai Lama's visit in October. Photo: The Oxford Press Hu Jintao, the most welknown dictatorship who is behind the Harshest Ever Mass Censorship Campaign in world. Photo: FIle

Paris: Reporters Without Borders has obtained a copy of a questionnaire that has been circulated within the organizations of Chinese citizens living abroad. It canvasses views on Tibet and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Presented by Beijing's Communication University, this very detailed questionnaire was in fact prepared at the behest of the government department responsible for overseas Chinese.

Intended to gauge "the attitude of Chinese citizens and foreigners of Chinese origin about ......See page 4

OXFORD - With a pinch of flour thrown into the air with a Buddhist prayer, Miami University students and faculty kicked of Tibetan Culture Week. About 75 people gathered for a Tibetan prayer flag ceremony outside Upham Hall Monday, March 22.

They stood quietly, some holding burning incenses, in the frigid misting rain as a Geshe Kalsang Damdul, a Tibetan monk, chanted prayers and rang a bell.

Each person then took a pinch of flour and held it above their heads saying together "sooo" three times before tossing it in the air.

"I just really like the culture," said Peterson, who attended the ceremony with friends from her Hindi class at Miami.

Ms Dolma Gyari, the deputy speaker of Tibetan Parliament in exile, Dharamshala, India.

Photo: TPI/File

Dharamshala: The Tibetan Parliament in Exile (TPIE) on Tuesday sent a condolence message to the family members of Girija Prasad Koirala, on sharing their sadness with ............ See detail on page 2

Social Service

The ceremony was the first event in a week that will include a meditation session, lecture and others with Geshe Kalsang Damdul. The activities are conducted ahead of the October visit by the Dalai Lama.

On March 24, Geshe Kalsang Damdul will present "An Introduction to Tibetan Meditation" from 9 to 10 a.m. and a lecture "Toward a Compassionate World in the 21st Century" from 3 to 4 p.m. in 212 McMillan.

On March 25, "Global Women's Day: Tibetan Women" will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Shriver Center and a showing of the film "Kundun" will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. in 101 Bachelor Hall.

Mr Lobsang Yeshi, vice-president of Tibetan Youth Congress speaking during training session, Dhoueling Tibetan setlement, mundgod, South India on 20 March.

Photo: TPI

Dharamshala: CHOICE HIV/AIDS Initiative, since its inception in April 2007, had conducted over 11O workshops in various Tibetan settlements and dwellings including Tibetan refugee camps, schools, colleges, .....Detail on page 6

TPI TIBET IN EXILE 2 21st Meeting of Task Force for Sino- Exiled Tibetan Parliament Sends Condolence Message Tibetan Negotiations Begins 31 March , 2010 Dharamsala

The Tibet Post

to G.P Koirala's Family

Dharamshala: The 21st meeting of the Task Force on Negotiations (TFN) began today in Dharamshala, under the leadership of Kalon Tripa Professor Samdong Rinpoche. The Task Force was established in 1999 in order to aid the Envoys of Tibetan delegation with Sino-Tibetan dialogue.

......continued from frontpage the demise of Nepali Congress president and former Prime Minister of Nepal.

The meeting begins after the conclusion of the ninth session of the XIV Tibetan Parliament in Exile (TPIE), during which the TPIE unanimously reaffirmed its support for His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Middle Way Policy.

The Middle Way Policy was introduced by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in his address to the United States Congressional Human Rights Caucus on September 21, 1987, when he announced his Five Point

Tibetan prime minister of Tibetan government in exile, speaking during the 51st Anniversary of Tibetan national Uprising in Dharamshala, india. Photo: TPI

Peace Plan for Tibet. The Policy implies that the TPIE is willing to negotiate for a solution not entailing the complete restoration of Tibetan independence, as long as cooperation

and understanding in Sino-Tibetan relations are established.

Tibetan Parliament Resolves Rumours over 2008 Memorandum and it's Note

Memorandum on Genuine Autonomy for the Tibetan People and the Note on the Memorandum, which were submitted to the Chinese government in 2008 and 2009 namely that they did not reflect His Holiness' views or that they had not been tabled or approved by parliament.

The meeting will last three days, concluding on March 25.

"The departure of H E Girija Prasad Koirala to the heavenly abode, is a great loss not only to Nepal but also for all those who believe in democracy. He was not only the national guardian of Nepal but also a source of inspiration for many of us, str ug gling for our democratic and natural rights," Mrs Dolma Gyari of the Tibetan Parliament in exile said in the letter.

"At this sad hour, I, on behalf of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile extend to the august family of Koirala, the Nepali Congress Party and the people of Nepal, our sincere condolences and solidarity."

"The love and affection of Girija Babu for the poor, deprived and the Tibetan refugees in Nepal shall be always remembered.

May the triple Gem - the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha bless you and your party to carry forward the legacy of the veteran leader," Dolma Gyari went on to say.

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Tibetan Refugees in Nepal Mourn Death of Girija Prasad Koirala

The resolution, amongst other things, stated that the parliament was fully convinced that the two documents were in accordance with the wishes of His Holiness and that they needed no parliamentary discussion, as they were recognised as representing earlier unanimous resolutions.

The parliament extended sincere apologies to His Holiness for any pain or distress caused by the controversy and misconceptions.

Speaker and deputy speaker holding a press brief in Dharamshala, india on 20 March 2010.

Photo: TPI/Yangyal Sham

Dharamshala: On the concluding day of its ninth session, the 14th Tibetan Parliament-in-exile today unanimously passed a set of resolutions reaffirming its faith in His Holiness the Dalai Lama's ability to use his wisdom to resolve the Tibet issue, in pursuance of the unanimous resolutions passed by the parliament on September 18 1997.

At a press briefing, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker said the resolution was passed after two days of extensive deliberation over the Statement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the

parliamentary session, including discussions with ministers, former ministers and His Holiness' envoys.

The statement had expressed His Holiness' pride in the development of democracy by the Tibetan government-in-exile over the past 50 years.

It had also directed the parliament to conduct a thorough discussion with the administration, to resolve rumours and confusion in parliament, the media and amongst the Tibetan public over the

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It further resolved that, in future, members of parliament will strive sincerely to improve standards and proceedings in the house, that it will work for the public good, and that it will avoid partisan disagreements.

The Speaker said the resolution and press briefing should be of reassurance to Tibetans living in Tibet, and added that Tibetans living in exile must be aware that, within a democratic government that has been developing for 50 years, differences of opinion will arise.

However, he said that does not mean the Tibetan people are disunited or at loggerheads.

www.tibetexpress.com

Nepal's former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala inspects a guard of honour during the democracy day celebrations in Kathmandu in this April 24, 2007. Photo: Reuters

Dharamshala: Tibetan refugees in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal today mourned death of Girija Prasad Koirala, for mer Prime Minister of Nepal by holding a special mass prayer at Boudha-nath Stupa, lighting hundreds of butter lamps in his honor. Speaking about Mr. Koirala, Thinley Gyatso, the Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Nepal said "He was always kind and generous to all the people, irrespective of their political and religious faith."

The late former prime minister

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played a key part in orchestrating the development of peace in Nepal, ending a decade of civil war and armed revolts waged by Maoist rebels. As president of the Nepali Congress Party, he led mass demonstrations that resulted in the abolition of the Nepalese monarchy and the end of the authoritarian rule of then- King Gyanendra.

Mr. Koirala passed away on Saturday afternoon at age 85 at his daughters home in Kathmandu, Nepal. He had reportedly been suffering from heart ailments.

www.outlooktibet.com

TPI DALAI LAMA

The Tibet Post

His Holiness to Grace Dharamshala Cricket Match in April

31 March , 2010 Dharamsala

His Holiness Optimistic about Return to Tibet and Spread of Buddhist Ideas Worldwide Dharamshala: In a televised interview Saturday (20, March), Tibetan spiritual leader and the 74year-old Tibetan Nobel laureate, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama expressed optimism that he may some day visit China and return to his birthplace in Tibet.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Tibetan main temple in Dharamshala. Photo: TPI

Dharamshala: Given the pressures of running a government in exile, lecturing around the world, and standing up to the Chinese government, His Holiness the Dalai Lama deserves a day off. On April 18th, his chance to relax will come in the form of an IPL (Indian Premier League) cricket match at the newly built Dharamshala cricket stadium. The office of His Holiness confirmed Tuesday that the 74 yearold political and spiritual leader of the Tibetan community has accepted an invitation from the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) to attend the match as a special guest.

HPCA spokesperson Sanjay Sharma said that the organization "sent the invite as a goodwill gesture.

He (His Holiness) is the inspirational head of a sizeable community of the hill town and we would be privileged to have his presence here when a new chapter begins in the history of Dharamsala."

Tibetan leader will preside over a ceremony inaugurating the new building, which holds 20,000 spectators. Afterwards, the Kings XI Punjab and the Chennai Super Kings will take the field for an epic and enjoyable match.

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“So much has changed in the last 50 years” said His Holiness, the political and spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, “ China is no longer run by genuine communists, but by capitalist communists, and this is bringing more big change to the region.” His Holiness expressed hope that these changes would lead to his being allowed to return to his birthplace.

Despite wanting to return to Lhasa, and feeling occasional homesickness for Potala Palace, His Holiness said he felt happy with the freedom he felt in India. He remarked that “as a Buddhist monk, this (India) is actually my original home… and I describe myself as a son of India.”

humanity’s well-being depends on the environment and this leads us to respect all forms of life to develop a broader more holistic view of the world.”

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet blessing his fellow Tibetans during the 51st Anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising in Dharamshala, India.

Photo: TPI/YC. Dhardhowa

that different people with different beliefs should keep their own religions.” Buddhist concepts, however, can help people worldwide appreciate the value of different religions. By hearing the message of interdependence, we understand that “one’s happy life depends on other’s well-being and

When asked about the Chinese response to his meeting with President Barack Obama, his Holiness joked that it made sense for the Chinese to discourage world leaders from meeting with the man they view as “not only a separatist, but also a demon.” Despite this unfavorable labeling, His Holiness concluded the interview by encouraging Tibetans to maintain their “determination and their optimism”. He said that if India, China and Tibetans continue to communicate, they will certainly “find a good solution.”

His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Slovenia Visit Brought Forward

When asked his opinion about the spread of Buddhism among young people around the world, His Holiness remarked that he “does not intend to propagate the Buddhist religion” citing a “strong conviction

China Should be More Transparent in Order to Build Trust With India: His Holiness brotherhood) relations. I think sooner or later it must develop.

Because Tibet is next to the border, India, with that trust with Chinese leaders, can help to reduce the problem."

His Holiness continued that China's construction of road and railway links, and its building up of military bases inside Tibet naturally creates suspicion amongst some of his Indian friends, particularly in the Indian army

His Holiness the Dalai Lama bleessing public during 51st Anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising in Dharamshala, india. Photo: TPI

Dharamshala: Tibet's political and spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Saturday told NDTV that Indian and Chinese leaders can only address the Tibet issue if they build mutual trust, and that China should become more transparent in order to build that trust.

"India is democratic country," he said in a televised interview. "Other (Chinese) side, every level remains still secret and unpredictable. That

automatically creates some sort of suspicion."

When asked how India should address disagreements between China and Tibet, His Holiness said, "This is quite difficult, but firstly SinoIndian relations must improve. It should not be just a diplomatic smile but real sort of good friendship on the basis of mutual trust "We can build the genuine 'HindiChini bhai-bhai' (Indian-Chinese

He added that talking "is the only way forward" to solve the issue but described the current Chinese policy on Tibet as unrealistic.

"We are not against the Chinese people (but) the Chinese policy. We are simply campaigning against some of the Chinese unrealistic policies (which are) due to ignorance or short-sightedness."

His Holiness concluded that, "A number of Chinese writers and intellectuals are now showing their concern, out of better awareness about Tibet. So they are critical about their own government policy."

His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing during the 51st Anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising in Dharamshala, India. Photo: TPI

Dharamshala: Tibet's political and spiritual leader, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama will commence his threeday visit to Slovenia's second-largest city on April 5, a week earlier than initially scheduled, said organizers of the event in Maribor on Tuesday.

Life Center in Maribor.

During his earlier visit in 2002, the Buddhist monk met unofficially with several high-ranking Slovenian politicians, including the prime minister.

The 74-year-old Tibetan Nobel laureate was expected to visit Slovenia between April 12-14 with a scheduled a trip to the capitol Ljubljana, but Maribor Municipal authorities announced that the visit had been moved forward.

China, which labels His Holiness the Dalai Lama as a “separatist”, has routinely warned world leaders against meeting with him. It has regularly opposed countries that agree to a visit with the Tibetan leader, in some cases expressing its disagreement through economic and diplomatic overtures.

They said the Buddhist monk would not travel to Ljubljana, nor would he meet with government officials.

His visit would now be limited to meetings with city mayor and students.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s visit to Slovenia comes ahead of his three-day visit to Switzerland, where he will participate in the “XX Mind and Life Conference” from April 9 to 11 at the Congress Center Zurich.

His Holiness will be going to Slovenia at an invitation from the Maribor University, the city's authorities and a secondary school to deliver a lecture to young people on humanitarian issues. He will also deliver a public talk on ‘Ethics for the New Millennium’ at the Daily

While in Zurich, the Tibetan leader will also address the First European Tibetan Youth Parliament during a onehour session. Organizers have announced that the Tibetan leader will address the conference and will respond to questions from the participants.

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31 March , 2010 Dharamsala

TPI INTERNATIONAL

China Daily, Free Tibet Campaign Respond to Google’s Censorship Stance

The Tibet Post

GoDaddy Internet Company stops registering Chinese domain names Dharamshala: In the wake of the showdown between Google and China over censorship and information control, United States internet company GoDaddy has announced that it will cease registering Chinese domain names. The decision may bear good tidings for Tibetans hoping to use the internet to communicate with the outside world, potentially leading to increased personal protection and freedom of speech for domain owners.

There are search engines, and then there's Google. With an estimated 300 million searches going through the site every day, Google was one of the most recognisable brands of the decade. And thanks to facitilies such as Google Maps and Google Earth, the brand's popularity looks set to keep growing. Photo: Gulf News Archive

Dharamshala: Since Google’s announcement on March 22nd that they will no longer censor their search services on google.cn, those in support and opposition of a free Tibet have been quick to offer their opinions on the matter.

Stephanie Brigden, the director of the Free Tibet campaign, praised Google’s decision. She is quoted as calling the move a “victory against censorship,” adding, “We hope that it [Google’s decision] will encourage Internet users throughout China and Tibet to demand” an end to “China’s ‘great firewall’.” Brigden said that China would ultimately benefit from increased freedom of expression among its people, because “Freedom of expression and access to information are cornerstones of any developed nation and economy.”

In the past, the Chinese response to Tibetans using the Internet to inform the outside world of circumstances within their country has been harsh.

Most notably, in November 2008, two Tibetans were served substantial

jail time (a life sentence in one case and five years in the other) for sending accounts of Chinese human rights violations to people outside of Tibet.

An article published earlier today in state controlled news agency "China Daily", or the governmentsanctioned Chinese news agency, claimed that Google’s move to shut down their mainland servers in China was motivated in part by the United States and Obama’s political agenda. “The incident has from the beginning been implicated in Washington’s political games with China,” stated the article.

The article goes on to say that Google’s exit to Hong Kong citing the reasons of “internet censorship” and “hacker attacks” is a “deliberate plot” to antagonize the Western public towards the Chinese government. “Google’s case is in essence part of the US’ Internet intrusive strategy worldwide under the excuse that it advocates a free Internet,” reported the article.

Questionnaire about Tibet Distributed to Overseas Chinese ......continued from frontpage the Tibet problem" and the poll has been distributed to thousands of Chinese around the world, especially in Europe. This questionnaire will enable the Chinese authorities to understand how the Tibet situation is perceived be overseas nationals.

The poll asks questions such as: "What is your attitude to the view that Tibet has been an indivisible part of Chinese territory since ancient times? and "In your view, what role did the Dalai Lama play in the incident of 14 March?" The questionnaire also tries to establish how overseas Chinese obtain news and information about Tibet.

This poll comes days after Reporters

Without Borders International, Paris based freedom of press watchdog, reported that 50 Tibetans had been charged or detained for sending information abroad since 10 March 2008. Earlier this week, a monk from Larung Gar Buddhist Institute of Sertar county was reportedly sentenced to 7 years in prison for sending information out of Tibet during the 2008 uprising. This information came just as Google announced it would move to Hong Kong after violating Chinese censorship and freedom of information laws.

Please download: Questionnaire Tibet-Chinese (1) Questionnaire Tibet-Chinese (2) Questionnaire Tibet-Chinese (3)

Christine Jones, general counsel of GoDaddy, said that the decision to stop registering new domain names in China came after the Chinese announced a new government policy that required the company to provide extensive personal information about their customers. Along with the standard name, address, telephone number and email address that most domain name registries require, the new Chinese government policy also asked that new users provide a fully color head and shoulders photo of themselves, a business registration number, and physical signed registration forms.

Logo of Godaddy internet company. Photo: file

Said Jones, "We were immediately concerned about the motives behind the increased level of registrant verification being required. The intent of the procedures appeared, to us, to be based on a desire by the Chinese authorities to exercise increased control over the subject matter of domain name registrations

by Chinese nationals." She added that the company did not want to assist the Chinese government with

censorship and monitoring of internet users, saying, "We decided we didn't want to be agents of China."

If internet companies continue to follow in the footsteps of GoDaddy and Google by tabling commercial success for the sake of user security and freedom, it could be the catalyst to increased freedom of speech for internet users in Tibet and China.

Members of German Parliament held Discussion on Tibet Issue

Members of the Mr. Holger Haibach, Christian Democratic Party – Co-Chair of the Tibet Discussion Group of the German Bundestag (first first left). From right: Kai Müller (Managing Director International Campaign for Tibet Germany), Tseten S Chhoekyapa (Representative of the Dalai Lama in Geneva), Mr. Volker Beck MP, Chief Whip of the Green Party and Spokesman for human rights of the Green Party and Mr. Manuel Sarrazin, MP, Vice-Chairman of the Tibetan discussion group of the German Bundestag) Photo: www.tibet.net

Dharamshala: On March 16, the Tibet Discussion Group of the German Parliament held its first meeting in Berlin. His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Representative Mr. Tseten Samdup Chhoekyapa was the guest during the meeting. The meeting was held inside the German Parliament building, Tibetan official media reported Wednesday.

Six German Members of Parliament attended the meeting with staffers from other MPs. Due to German Parliament's budget session many MPs were not able to attend the meeting. The new German Parliament was elected last

September.

Mr. Chhoekyapa informed the discussion group about a letter from the Mr. Penpa Tsering, the Speaker of the Assmebly of Tibetan People's Deputies addressed to the four Cochairs of the group.

The Tibet Discussion Group is a bipartisan group. The four Co-Chairs are from the two governing Parties - Mr. Holger Haibach, Christian Democratic Party and Mr. Harald Leibrecht, Free Democratic Party and opposition parties, Mr. Johannes Pflug, Social Democratic Party and Mr. Manuel Sarrazin, Green Party.

Nepalese Supreme Court Orders Three Tibetans freed from Jail earlier today. The 3 had been jailed earlier in March due to a public security law after they, along with around 20 other Tibetan exiles, rushed the Chinese Embassy's visa office in Kathmandu.

Nepalese Polices standing on Tibetan national flags during the 51st Anniversary of Tibetan national Uprising in Kathmandu, Nepal. Photo: TPI/Lhuboom

Dharamsala: The Nepalese Supreme Court ordered on Monday that 3 Tibetan exiles be released from jail, the AP reported

The 23 protesters were held for 90 days under the public security act, which gives the government per mission to detain those determined to pose a public threat.

In the court ruling on Monday, the judges found that there was no evidence that any of the 3 in question were a public threat and ordered

that they be immediately released by the government.

The other 20 remain jailed, the report added. In our previous report, around 25 Tibetan refugees jailed in Nepal for protesting against the Chinese occupation of their homeland began a hunger strike on 15 March to demand their immediate release.

The Nepalese government has banned any form of anti-China demonstrations due to a desire for ease in relations with Beijing.

TPISTRUGGLE

The Tibet Post

The Longest Running Tibetan Vigil in the World

The Longest Running Tibetan Vigil in the World at Harvard Square: At 6pm on March 17th, 2010. Photo: TPI

Har vard Square: At 6pm on March 17th, 2010, Tsering Dongshi, also known as Vigil Pala with a feather jacket and hat emblazoned with a bold FREE TIBET unfurls his Tibetan National flag, lifts it high and quietly begins to recite a Mani mantra. For the last two years, incredibly he has never failed to be the first person to arrive at the Tibetan vigil, and the last to leave.

Students, tourists, regular bystanders with creative hairdos and tattooed bodies, homeless people waiting for their evening meals, musicians singing their last song for the day, all nod convivially in his direction.

It is Wednesday and the evening belongs to Tibetans at the heart of Harvard Square, a popular tourist place known for its proximity to Harvard University.

An old Toyota pick-up makes a quick stop and parks illegally nearby.

Ngawang Jorden, still in his day job outfit having come straight from work, opens the back door and throws out banners, posters and deftly assembles the sound system.

The recitations echo through the square as a group of 10-20 Tibetans and Americans (on special occasions up to 100 are present) follow Vigil Pala through Mani, Benza Guru recitation, three recitations of the Doma prayer, melodious Tsemey Yonten, and conclude with a loud Gyalu and louder Longsho. The vigil continues with readings of painful stories of those executed in Tibet, a short speech by Dhondup, Tsepak or Jampa (young cofounders of the vigil) and concludes with a few minutes of slogans startling passersby at the busy intersection.

The above scene, repeated every Wednesday since March 10th 2008, is the longest running Tibetan vigil in the world (Ama Grace or Rangzen Amala in Washington DC and a Tibetan in Europe held solo protests for few years). This effort is no small feat for Tibetans in Boston. There is no Chinese Consulate or Embassy to congregate around, and Boston

winters with a foot or two of snow (Jan-March) can be cruel even for the hardiest people. But for Tibetans in Boston, the inconvenience is a small price they are determined to pay and show their humility and solidarity for their fellow Tibetans inside Tibet.

This dynamic and continuing protest, fully supported by the public and the Tibetan Association of Boston, parallels the Lhakar movement in Tibet, where Tibetans celebrate everything Tibetan: dress, language, food and religious tradition (White Wednesday, referencing to the day when His Holiness was born). Unbeknownst to each other, this tango of nonviolent resistance in Tibet and the vigil in Boston send an exciting message of unity and perseverance.

Interestingly, this year March 10th and 17th (the night His Holiness fled Lhasa) fell on Wednesday as well, perhaps an unmistakable call from our deities to get our act together. Movements often start small with a catalyst and gain wings to cumulatively turn into a powerful force. It was Otpor, a student organization in Serbia, few women picketing in front of the White House, the beating of utensils in Chile, turning lights off and on in Mexico, and the mother tongue movement in Bangladesh that ser ved as catalyst which resulted in their freedoms. The Lhakar movement and the Boston vigil should inspire Tibetans everywhere to observe Wednesday as a Tibetan day.

Such action like vigils may seem small but they are necessary to empower and invigorate our efforts towards making change.

Small actions are our chance to replace cynicism with optimism, inaction with solidarity so that Tibetans from Singapore to Switzerland to San Francisco can share a positive, creative and productive ACTION. Action not based on prejudice but on pride,

not on dare devil destruction but demonstration of defiant dignity, and not with introvert victim mindset but as extrovert defenders of justice.

Vigil Pala, a blithe-spirited man known to electrify the dance floor with his 60s disco moves and mesmerize audiences with his not so melodious voice - states matter of factly: Look how hard our beloved leader His Holiness is working and how harshly Chinese government is treating Tibetans in Tibet. We need to support our leader and our people. We came to the US, not simply to earn dollars but to fight for our sacred cause. Given my limited capacity, this vigil is what I can do and pledge to participate till Tibet becomes free or I die.

Ngawang Jorden from Mon Tawang, and a co-founder of the vigil, nods approvingly. His perpetual smile hides his stubbornness and his quiet demeanor masks his passion: the latter expressed in the vivid posters, colorful banners, postcard paintings and the beautiful traditional gate he created during His Holinesss visit to Boston in May 2009. Jorden shaved his head along with 108 others to mourn for those who were in prison, and died in Tibet in an event organized by the Tibetan Association of Boston in response to the call by the Solidarity Committee in Dharamsala, in April 2008.

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people are too weary to lift their eyes towards the protestors, making Tibetans feel chilled to the bone, physically and politically.

When the first batch of Tibetans were re-settled in North America in the early 1990s there was some fear of the American melting pot swallowing the movement, in particular, the young. The enduring vigil, launched by young Bostonian Tibetans, many of whom were toddlers when they first arrived, indicates their emotional bond to their countrymen remains as strong as that of the older generation.

Having interacted with students, youth and professionals in Australia, Austria, Bangalore, Belgium, Chennai, Darjeeling, Delhi, Dharamsala, France, Italy, London, Los Angeles, Minnesota, Nepal, New York, San Francisco, Switzerland, Taiwan, and Washington DC, I truly believe and remain perennially optimistic that our younger generation will provide dynamic leadership to survive, strengthen, and sustain our movement for another fifty years, if need be.

Let me conclude with a reminder

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that a Wednesday just passed by on March 17th, how many Wednesdays do you want to pass by before you take action for your countrymen?

Isnt it time to join the Lhakar Movement? If you are a student, hit the books on Tibets past, present and future, become an informed and successful professional to serve the movement more effectively. In the spirit of Lhakar Movement, lets all pledge to set aside one day a week (Wednesday) where we truly both feel and act Tibetan.

If we act collectively, organically and creatively; if we take one step at a time; one event at a time; if we plan strategically and execute with discipline, it is conceivable we will come to a fantastically powerful idea that will unite us and fulfill our shared dream to free Tibet. Then the day will come, when Tibetans inside and outside Tibet, will witness the unfurling of our national flag, not just at Harvard Square with Vigil Pala, but on the rooftop of the Potala Palace.

Dr. Lobsang Sangay is a Senior Fellow at Harvard Law School. You can reach him by e-mail at: losangsengye@gmail.com

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Sideline Session Clears Up Issues with His Holiness' Parliamentary Statement ......continued from frontpage

Jorden felt one protest a year was insufficient and explains: The Chinese government does not mistreat Tibetan prisoners once a year but throughout the year, and for the last fifty years. The 2008 uprisings made it clear that Tibetans in Tibet are willing to sacrifice their lives for our freedom and the question we asked was, will we stand with them? We decided to hold this vigil to send a message to Tibet that we will consistently give voice to their sufferings and not let the world forget them.

Such perseverance is paying dividends with the vigil area infor mally earning a distinct landmark status. Often a young girl/boy is heard talking on their cell phone, perhaps to their evening dates, stating they are waiting next to the Tibetan vigil. Hundreds and thousands of people have witnessed the vigil. Chinese students, scholars, tourists and locals from China-town regularly pass through; some walk pretending not to see the vigil; some whisper with uncomfortable glances around them; some make u-t to take pictures and even ask questions and engage in energetic debates, while some youths occasionally shout One China, once they are at a comfortable distance. This scene is repeated throughout the year, except on bitter winter snowstorms when

Parliament, "There are rumours that the memorandum and note were not shown to parliament, or were not agreed by it, or ran counter to my opinions. These rumours should be thoroughly discussed during this session, in the name of transparency, as the issues involved are fundamental to the Tibetan cause."

Tibetan population within Tibet.

Prime Minister Rinpoche insisted that the consent of the Tibetan people would always be first priority. Quoting His Holiness, the Prime Minister said, "The day the Tibetan issue is resolved, the support of the Tibetan people will still be needed."

His Holiness has sought to dispel such rumours, assuring the documents did indeed meet his approval: "I worked hard on the above-mentioned issues, and all decisions were agreed by resolutions passed by the Tibetan parliament."

One Former Minister proposed a resolution to prohibit Members of the Tibetan Parliament from unnecessarily interfering in His Holiness' efforts in the Tibet-China dialogue process.

Some MPs noted that the Memorandum brought forward by His Holiness' envoys does not specify that decisions should be made in line with the wishes of the

In his concluding speech, Prime Minister Rinpoche stressed that, above even the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the representative of Tibetans inside and outside of Tibet.

The Tibet P st I n t e r n a t i o n a l

Advicer Advicer Editor Sub Editor Reporter Reporter Circular Publisher The Tibet Post International Press of Tibet (Head Office) 1st Floor, Dolkhang House, Jogiwara Road, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamsala, Distt.

Kangra H.P 176219 India

Mr. Thomas Keimel Dr. Vincent Brucel Mr. YC. Dhardhowa Mrs. Yangyal Sham Mr. Sangay Dorjee Ms. Keary Huang Ven Phuntsok Dhondup Mr. Tenzin Kunga Tele: 0091-1892-224641 Moble: +91-9882423566 E-mail: editor@thetibetpost.com www.thetibetpost.com

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31 March , 2010 Dharamsala

Tibetan Delegation to United Nations Council on Human Rights reports on Harmful Chinese Practices

from left: Mr. Ngawang C. Drakmargyapon, Ms. Tsering Jampa and Mr. Tenzin Samphel Kayta. Photo: www.tibetoffice.ch

Geneva- The United Nations Council on Human Rights, now in its third week of sessions, heard from the Tibetan delegation yesterday on the issues of torture, religious freedom, disappearances and forced resettlement of nomads in Tibet. Mr. Tenzin Samphel Kayta, on behalf of the Society for Threatened Peoples, drew the Council's attention to the Chinese government's repeated failure to accurately account for thousands of Tibetans detained since 2008 and to end the practices of routine torture and illegal imprisonment.

Mr. Kayta also reported that since the uprising and crackdown of March 2008, 228 Tibetans have died, 1,294 have been injured, 4,657 arbitrarily detained, 371 sentenced and 990 disappeared, according to Tibetan sources. Four Tibetans were executed in Lhasa on 20 October 2009 (though China confirmed only two) and 11 Tibetans were sentenced to life imprisonment. In the majority of these cases the defendants either had no independent legal counsel or authorities blocked representation through intimidation or manipulated procedures.

Mr. Kayta also addressed violations of religious freedom in Tibet, citing His Holiness the Dalai Lama's account of a Chinese 'patriotic re-education campaign' underway in many monasteries in Tibet. Under this campaign, monks and nuns are put in 'prison-like conditions, depriving them the opportunity to study and practice in peace.' According to His Holiness, these conditions are intended to 'annihilate Buddhism.'

He also cited a Chinese official's report on 4 March that the police raided a total of 4,115 rented accommodations ...more than 70 guest houses, internet cafes, entertainment Centers and bars detaining a total of 435 people.

Mr. Kayta urged the Chinese authorities to fully implement the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur on Torture and also of the Committee on Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination by providing a credible clarification on the

use of torture against Tibetan detainees who today number in the thousands.

He also urged the Chinese authority to fulfill its pledge by receiving the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to conduct an independent mission to all affected Tibetan areas and Xinjiang.

The following day, Mrs. Tsering Jampa on behalf of Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights, reported on 28 unresolved disappearance cases with China including Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, XIth Panchen Lama of Tibet who disappeared at the age of 6 in May 1995. She said China has failed to support its claim that Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his family are fine but simply wish not be disturbed by outsiders. China also prohibited an independent expert from the UN Committee of Rights of the Child from visiting the Panchen Lama to confirm his well-being.

Mrs. Jampa also reported on China's resettlement policy, which forcibly relocates thousands of Tibetan nomads from their ancestral lands without consent of the Tibetan people, threatening an ancient and cherished way of life. She urged the Chinese government to immediately impose a moratorium on all resettlement programmes until independent experts carry out a review of the policies.

Following Mrs. Jampa's comments, the Chinese delegation in the plenary session reported that Tibet witnessed a 12.3% growth in GDP and that the Chinese government had respected the rights of ethnic minorities. The delegation also announced that China would receive a Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food for an official mission which could include visits to Tibet, Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia. The Tibetan delegation welcomed this announcement though the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights remarked that Special Rapporteurs have been promised and refused by China before.

Despite the limited time slot officially allocated for NGOs, the Tibetan delegates were able to raise some of the key human rights issues of concern at this session.

TPI

The Tibet Post

Jailed Tibetan Refugees Start Hunger Strike in Nepal Dharamshala: Around 25 Tibetan refugees jailed in Nepal for protesting against the Chinese occupation of their homeland began a hunger strike on Monday to demand their immediate release.

Embassy's visa office. They were ordered to be held for 90 days under the public security act, allowing the authorities to take action against protesters determined to be a public threat.

Pressure is mounting on the Nepalese Government to prevent Tibetan refugees from staging any anti-China protests. Despite increasing criticism of its weakened regard for Tibetan refugees' human rights in Nepal, the authorities have said protests against friendly nations such as China will not be tolerated.

Tibetan refugees in Nepal have been protesting regularly against China since 2008 - a source of embarrassment to the Nepalese Maoist government, which wishes to strengthen ties with China despite its record of human rights violations in Tibet.

Police are on alert to rush the hunger strikers to hospital should their health deteriorate, said Kathmandu's Chief of Police Ganesh Chettri. There is growing concern among the international community about the

Tibetan refugees are surrounding by arm forces of Nepal during 51st Anniversary of Tibetan National Uparising at Boudha, Kathmandu, nepal. Photo: TPI/Lhuboom

economic relationship between Nepal and China, and the increasing disregard of human rights and fundamental freedoms of Tibetan refugees in Nepal.

More than twenty-five Tibetan protesters were arrested during the 51st Anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising (on March 10 and 14) for trying to storm the Chinese

Thousands of Tibetan exiles live in Nepal, and hundreds more are allowed to pass through the country on their way to Dharamshala, India, where the Tibetans' spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, lives in exile.

New Exiled Tibetan Chief Justice Commissioner Sworn in ......continued from frontpage Central Tibetan Administration, was recommended for the position by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and unanimously approved for the job by the Tibetan Parliament in Exile (TPIE) during its ninth session.

The swearing in took place this

morning at the Office of His Holiness. Notable people in attendance were the Chief Justice Commissioner and Justice Commissioner, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile and members of the Kashag. After the swearing in ceremony, the official ceremony was perfor med at the Kashag

Secretariat.

Mr. Dhondup also ser ved as Additional Secretary at the Kashag Secretariat in 2000 and as the officiating Cabinet Secretary in 2005. In 2006 he was promoted to Secretary at the Department of Religion and Culture. He retired from that position in 2008.

Comprehensive Workshop on HIV/AIDS for Tibetan Settlement in South India ......continued from frontpage Institutions, Non-Governmental Organizations(NGOs), monasteries, nunneries, sweater sellers, hospitals, CTA staff, SFF army personnel and the PLHA (People living with HIV/ AIDS).

In recent years, CHOICE had also launched networking and caring of PLHA in various Tibetan settlements.

It has successfully created networks of PLHA in Bylakuppe last year and Mundgod this year. These networks are supported and coordinated by the regional hospital administrators, nurses, staff and the CHOICE members.

At present CHOICE have over 45 HIV+ patients under its care and network. Some are provided stipends, medical care and guidance, support in admission of children of PLHA in residential schools and also finding sponsors etc. It also endeavors to find sponsors and financial supports to all the poor and needy PLHA by launching a project, "Adopt an HIV Family" (families affected by HIV/AIDS).

In addition, it also aims to provide further training on HIV/AIDS to various nurses and social activists through reputed Indian Institutions on HIV/AIDS. Beginning 11th of this month, CHOICE conducted its first ever comprehensive 9 daylong workshop/training/networking and

caring of PLHA in Mundgod Tibetan Settlement.

The present workshop was hosted, arranged and coordinated by the Doeguling Welfare Officer Mr. Palden Dondup and Administrator Mr. Penpa Labrang of DTR Hospital. The resource persons and the trainers conducting the entire workshop included CHOICE Project Officer Mr. Phuntsok Chomphel, HIV+ patient and activist Mr. Norbu Damdul, CHOICE Board member and former TYC Vice President Mr. Lobsang Yeshi, DTR Hospital Administrator Mr. Penpa Labrang and nurse Ms. Dondup Tsomo.

The present workshop was comprehensive in the sense that CHOICE conducted over 18 workshops on HIV/AIDS in the entire 9 camps, 3 school/hostels, nurses, monasteries and PLHA. At the same time, training/orientation on HIV testing with the latest one minute HIV testing INSTI kit to nurses from Hunsur, Kollegal, Bylakuppe and Mundgod was also conducted.

Meeting and creating a network of PLHA was carried out successfully with several HIV patients and their families being taken under CHOICE care, withcases for admission of PLHA children in residential schools and finding sponsors for the same

also undertaken. Besides several camps, HIV Testing was also carried out amongst nurses, Representative office staff, volunteers and PLHA family members. Several new HIV cases were also revealed among the PLHA families.

The present workshop received overwhelming appreciation and feedback from the participants, the PLHA as well as local collaborating organizers. CHOICE also received numerous suggestions on hosting follow up workshops in the settlement in the near future.

CHOICE extends its gratitude and appreciation to the Representative Mr. Palden Dondup and Administrator Mr. Penpa Labrang of DTR Hospital of Doeguling Tibetan Settlement in Mundgod for the support and hosting of this successful workshop.

We also acknowledge the all-round support being provided by the Private Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Dept of Health, CTA especially Health Minister Chope Paljor Tsering. We also appeal for the support of our Tibetan brothers in New York for the success of our fundraising event there tonight. CHOICE's next comprehensive workshop will be organized in Mainpat Tibetan settlement in the coming months.

TPI TIBET

The Tibet Post

Chinese Court Sentences Tibetan Monk to Lengthy Prison Term

15 March , 2010 Dharamsala

Two Monks from Zighar Monastery in Jodha County, eastern Tibet Arrested

contact or receive visits from his family.

Ngagchung of Larung Gar Buddhist Institute of Sertha. Photo: TCHRD

DharamshalaA Chinese Intermediate People's court in Sichuan Province has sentenced a Tibetan monk to seven years in prison and deprivation of political rights for one year, according to the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD). The monk, called Ngagchung, has been incommunicado since his arrest in 2008.

He and two other monks from Larung Gar Buddhist Institute of Serthar were taken into custody on suspicion of leaking information to Tibetan ‘separatist forces' outside during the height of the antioccupation protests in 2008.

Ngagchung’s two companions, Taphun and Gudrak, were released after interrogation, but Ngagchung has remained in captivity at various locations outside Chengdu since his arrest. He has not been allowed to

TCHRD, an internationally recognized human rights group, has expressed public concern about the legality and fairness of Ngagchung’s trial and incarceration. Chinese authorities have released no information about the exact date of the trial, the evidence against Ngagchung or the charges under which he was convicted. It remains unclear whether he received any of the legal rights guaranteed under the Chinese constitution and international laws. TCHRD has urged the international community to act on Ngagchung’s behalf since the right to fair trial is one of the principles recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the UN in 1948, a document with remains the cornerstone of the international human rights system.

Ngagchung is currently being held at Ya'An, a prison on the periphery of Chengdu city. He is the nephew of the late Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok, a highly -respected Tibetan Buddhist teacher who founded the Larung Gar Buddhist Institute in Sertha County, Kardze, where Ngagchung studied Buddhist philosophy for more than 20 years before his arrest.

At Least 50 Tibetans Convicted for Sending Information Abroad ......continued from frontpage protests.

"The repression has never stopped since the March 2008 uprising in the Tibetan regions," Reporters Without Borders said. "This persecution of Tibetans who take risks to send evidence of the human situation abroad is a tragic illustration of the state of exception that reigns in Tibet.

We call for their immediate release."

Dasher was convicted and sentenced by an intermediate court in Lhasa in late February. The exact date of his trial is not known. He is currently been held in Lhasa's Chushur prison.

He has been detained ever since his arrest on 13 March 2008. In other words, nearly two years elapsed between his arrest and trial. It was a representative of the National Democrat Party, a Tibetan exile organisation, who revealed that the real reason for his arrest and conviction was his reports and photos of the protests.

Dasher lived in Nepal before returning to his country of origin.

He is the son of Adri Rinpoche, the

head of a Tibetan Buddhist monastery who is also being held by the Chinese authorities.

According to the infor mation gathered by Reporters Without Borders and verified with the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights And Democracy (which is based in India), at least 50 Tibetans have been arrested for sending information out of China. Most of this material was sent via the Internet, which is under very close surveillance in Tibet.

One of the latest detainees is Tashi, a 24-year-old Tibetan from Rata (a village in the district of Sog, in eastern Tibet), who was arrested in midFebruary. A Tibetan from the same village told Reporters Without Borders he is accused of having contact with people abroad and watching political videos online. He is currently held in the district of Napchu.

Gyaslang, a resident of Sog who was sentenced to three years in prison in December on a charge of "communicating information to contacts outside China" after downloading photos of the Dalai

7

tortured, beaten, and publicly denounced and punished in the street for their alleged crime.

In 2009, local Tibetans in Jodha County protested against Chinese oppression by boycotting farming.

The Chinese government responded to the boycott by attempting to donate vehicles to the townships containing boycotters, in hopes that the farmers would return to work. However, after being refused by the townships, the cars were given to Chinese government officials. The car that was burned was one such vehicle.

Quote: Soldiers from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) 6th Armored Division, carrying the Chinese type 97 semi-auto machine guns, march at their military base on the outskirts of Beijing, Tuesday, March 31, 2009. Photo: File

Dharamshala: On the night of March 10th, the 51st anniversary of the Tibetan uprising, several monks from Zighar Monastery of Jodha County in eastern Tibet protested the Chinese occupation of Tibet by setting a Chinese official's car on fire, two monks confirmed arrested, Geshe Monlam Tharchin, a member of Tibetan Parliament today told The Tibet Post International.

According to Geshe Monlam Tharchin, Chinese authorities and police arrested Kama Palden, age 24, Mepham Gelek, age 20 and two other Tibetan monks for the arson.

The two monks have since been released from police custody, but Kama Palden and Mepham Gelek were taken from their home into government detainment in Jodha County. The two were brutally

There is no concrete evidence that Kama Palden and Mepham Gelek are guilty of setting the official's car on fire, yet they remain in police custody and continue to be subjected to torture.

Among the counties in Chamdho region, the situation in Jodha County has escalated drastically towards hostility. The Chinese have greatly increased security measures in the county, claiming it is home to serious separatist activity.

Two Earthquakes Rattle Nyanrong, Nagchu Tibet Dharamshala: Two earthquakes measuring 5.7 and 5.5 magnitudes on the Richter scale hit southwest Tibet earlier today, according to China's Earthquake Networks Center. Both of the earthquakes occurred in the Nyanrong County (Ch: Nyainrong) in Nagchu (Ch: Nagqu) Prefecture less than an hour apart, at 10:06 and 10:44 AM local time.

The Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported that the epicenter of the first quake was at 32.4

epicenter of the second was 32.5 degrees North latitude and 92.8 degrees East longitude at a depth of approximately 7 kilometers.

Nyairong County in Nagchu, Tibet

degrees North latitude and 93.0 degrees East longitude, at a depth of approximately 8 kilometers. The

According to Zhu Quan, the director of the seismological bureau of Chinese-occupied Tibet, the Nyanrong region has suffered frequent quakes in recent years. The region is sparsely inhabited and mountainous with an altitude of more than 4,000 meters. No reports of casualties or damages were immediately available.

Huge Forest Fire Raging Kongpo, Eastern Tibet: Report Dharamshala: Forest fires have broken out in the so-called Tibet Autonomous Region, reported state controlled media, China Daily News earlier today.

One fire has been raging since Sunday noon in southwest Tibet, Lama (http://www.rsf.org/MoreTibetans-arrested-in.html), is able to receive family visits but is interrogated every week and is often given beatings.

Tibetan journalists say a campaign of reeducation in Sog has led to the arrest of several Tibetans for refusing to comply with the "Love your religion, love your country" campaign.

reportedly only 500 meters away from a school in Dzayul (Ch: Chayou) County in Kongpo (Ch: Nyingchi Prefecture) eastern Tibet. According to the report, about 1,000 Chinese soldiers and civilians have been mobilized to the region for firefighting efforts.

The fire has reportedly already spread over 26 hectares in the forest, and is continuing to spread due to windy and dry local weather conditions.

The other fire, also started at Sunday noon, was in Chongqing Municpality in the north of Tibet and was put out with the aid of 2,000 policemen and firefighters by Sunday midnight. The fire reportedly destroyed at least 20 hectares of forest in Dadukou District.

In this photo taken Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009, a firefighter demonstrate how to use a fire extinguisher during a campaign to promote fire safety at the Tsubu Monastery in Lhasa, Tibet. Photo: AP

No casualties have yet been reported, as local residents were evacuated in time to avoid the fire, reported Xinhua. No other information was given by the report, including the cause of the fire, which the report said was still being investigated by officials.

TPI TIBET

The Tibet Post

China Jails Senior Tibetan Monk For 5 Years In Prison

Adri Rinpoche, spiritual leader of Vonpo Monastery, Dzachukha, eastern Tibet.

Photo: TPI

Dharamshala: Chinese authorities recently sentenced Adri Rinpoche, a respected senior Tibetan Buddhist monk, and his son Dasher, both claimed to have received serious charges linked to the March 2008 protests in Tibet, the Dharamshalabased National Democrat Party of Tibet told The Tibet Post International on Monday.

Adri Rinpoche is the highly respected chief spiritual preceptor and head of the Ohnpo Monastery, in Dzachukha, Eastern Tibet. He was arrested on March 15, 2008, just five days after more than eight monks from his monastery held a demonstration against the Chinese military

occupation and suppression in Tibet.Chinese officials refused the requests of his Chinese Buddhist followers—a Chinese court denied their several pleas regarding the Rinpoche's bad health. The Chinese authorities adamantly accuse both him and his son of involvement of the protests lead by monks from the Ohnpo monastery.

In late February of this year, the socalled Intermediate People’s Court in Lhasa sentenced Adri Rinpoche to

Mr Dasher, son of Adri Rinpoche.

Photo: TPI

five years in prison. The Rinpoche's son, Dasher has received 10 years in prison on charges of separatism for sending Tibet information and photos abroad. They are currently being detained in the Chushur jail in the capital of Lhasa, Tibet.

Chinese Question Students, Parents After Peaceful Protest in Eastern Tibet

8 China Forcibly Shuts Down School, Later Arrests Three Monks 31 March , 2010 Dharamsala

Dharamshala: According to a press release from the Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD), three monks from Ditsa Monastery in Qinghai Province, including a reincarnated lama, were arrested and detained under suspicion of involvement in pasting political pamphlets around the monastery. A school run by the monastery was also forcibly shut down, for unknown reasons.

On 8 March 2010, the Sherig Rinchen Norling School was ordered to cease operations. The school, established and run by the Ditsa Monastery since 1992, taught Buddhist philosophy, and Chinese and English language to young monks. At the time of closure there were approximately 70 students, whose educational fate is now unknown. No reasons were given for the school closure.

On 14 March 2010, just days after the school closing, pamphlets calling for the "swift return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet" and "end to repression in Tibet" were found pasted around the Monastery. Local governmental staff, along with Public Security Bureau (PSB) officials and People's Armed Police (PAP) arrived at the monastery and blocked off the entire premises. The security forces then detained Tulku Woeser,

Chinese Riot policemen patrol the main street in Sangchu in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu province February 7, 2009 during the Monlam celebration, or the Great Prayer Festival, one of the most important festivals in Tibetan Buddhism. Photo: Reuters

Yeshi, 20, and Jamyang, 19 for questioning at the local PSB office.

According to the TCHRD's source, Yeshi and Jamyang remain in detention but Tulku Woeser was released after two days.

PSB and PAB forces remain stationed at the monastery, calling off daily religious practices and interfering with the gathering of the monks.

The monastery is located in Ditsa Township, Bayan (Ch: Hualong) County in Haidong Prefecture, Qinghai Province.

Yeshi and Jamyang were born at

Lobha Gyatsa Village, Tsigorthang County (Ch: Xinghai), Tsolho (Ch: Hainan) "Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (‘TAP'), Qinghai Province.

In their press release the TCHRD expresses concern for the well being and safety of the detained monks, and calls on the Chinese government to release them, immediately and unconditionally, as their detention is arbitrary. They argue that "freedom of expression, opinion and assembly are fundamental human rights enshrined in the Chinese constitution and in international human rights instruments ratified by the PRC government".

ANNOUNCEMENT Tibetan Assistant for a Rinpoche We are looking for a Tibetan Assistant from Dharamshala who understands Tibetan traditions to work in a Healing Centre in the UK which offers Buddhist Pujas. The person will be assisting the Director of the Healing Centre who has the equivalent position of a Rinpoche in Tibetan culture.

The person should have the following skills:

Chinese armed military Truck Drives Through Lithang 12.23.2008. Photo: TPI

Dharamshala- A source from Tibet said around 20 students from a primary school in Driry County, Eastern Tibet staged a protest against communist regime of China's occupation earlier this week.

Mr. Ngawang Tharpa, a Tibetan from Sog County currently living in Dharamshala, India told the Tibet Post International today (22nd March) that the students from the central primary school in Tsala Township shouted slogans such as "Chinese out of Tibet", "Tibet is fully independent" and "Let His Holiness come back to Tibet." Later, the student protestors were surrounded by armed Chinese soldiers and police. Some parents and students were hauled in for interrogation. Due

to heavy restrictions on information, it is unclear whether any arrests were made.

Thapa said, "We are unsure whether students were arrested or simply detained."

Over the past month, many peaceful protests have been similarly suppressed under China's "Hard Strike" policy of routine intimidation. As part of the campaign, Chinese officials have raided hotels and restaurants checking for IDs, set up numerous security check-points and arrested scores of Tibetans. A similar protest involving students was forcefully disbanded last week in Machu County. Around 40 people from that rally were detained.

1. Speak good English 2. Have a good understanding of Buddhism and native Tibetan traditions 3. Be able to cook and clean hygienically 4. Be able to take care of the general running of a healing centre.

5. Be able to assist the Rinpoche when healing people around the world.

To apply, please contact ancestorswork@myway.com

Announcement The Tibet Post is unaffiliated with any particular political or social viewpoint. We welcome feedback from our readers and advertisements requests at tibetpost@gmail.com.