འབྲེལ་གཏུགས་གསར་འཕྲིན།
Contact
A Digest of Tibetan Issues and News from Inside and Outside Tibet RGD No. HPENG/2013/51798 | Volume: XXIV Issue:02| February-March 2022
Tsewang Norbu Self-Immolates in Lhasa by Staff Writer Tsewang Norbu, 25, a popular contemporary Tibetan singer who attempted selfimmolation in front of the Potala Palace in Lhasa on February 25, has died, reports Radio Free Asia. Their initial report said that his attempt was thwarted by police, however their update has confirmed his death although there are no details of where, and the exact date. Norbu becomes the 158th Tibetan who has died by selfimmolation in protest against the Chinese government’s rule of Tibet. Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet, is one of the most restricted regions within Continued on page 3
Political Prisoner Released After 13 years
by Staff Writer Kunchok Tsephel, 52, a prominent Tibetan writer, teacher and environmentalist who was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2009 by the Chinese authorities, was released on March 18 after serving more than 13 years in prison, reports the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) based in Dharamshala. According to their report, Kunchok served his 13 year sentence in two different prisons, one of which was Dingxi Prison near Lanzhou city in Gansu Province; it is Continued on page 3
His Holiness Teaches after Two Years by Staff Writer His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave a short teaching to more than a thousand people gathered in and around the courtyard of Tsuglakhang, the main temple in Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala, on March 18. The teaching from the Jataka Tales, was followed by the ceremony for Generating the Awakening Mind [Tib:Semkye] and was His Holiness’s first teaching to a live audience since before the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown two years ago. Continued on page 4
Focus on Tibet at Human Rights Council by Staff Writer Concern over the human rights situation inside Tibet was raised by several members of the United Nations during the 49th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) which took place in Geneva from February 28 to April 1. Representatives of the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom all expressed their concerns and called on China to respect fundamental human rights in Tibet, said a report published by Continued on page 5 www.contactmagazine.net
Contact News
Contact News
Contact magazine
CONTACT IS PUBLISHED BY LHA CHARITABLE TRUST
Lha is an award-winning, grassroot and non-profit institute for social work and education based in Dharamshala, India. It is one of the largest social work organisations providing vital resources for Tibetan refugees, the local Indian population and people from the Himalayan regions. Lha offers free language classes, livelihood skill trainings and many other programmes and activities. For more information about Lha, please visit: www.lhasocialwork.org Lha Charitable Trust, Institute for Social Work & Education Lha Charitable Trust Lha contacts: office@lhasocialwork.org (0) 98823-23455 / 1892-220992 Please also see Lha’s additional websites: www.tibetnature.net www.samdhongrinpoche.com www.contactmagazine.net Contact Newsletter is published monthly by Lha Charitable Trust. It has been a popular source of news and information on Tibetan issues, and the Dharamshala community, for 22 years and is acknowledged in Lonely Planet and other international travel resources. It is available free of charge and distributed around Dharamshala, Delhi and various diplomatic missions in India. Copies are sent to Tibetan schools, settlements, offices and NGOs in India and abroad. Contact is updated daily on our website www.contactmagazine.net and Facebook page. Contact is registered under the Registrar Office of the Newspaper, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India; registration number HPENG/2013/51798. Please Note: The articles, stories and other material in Contact represent the views of the authors and are not necessarily the views of the Contact staff or Lha Charitable Trust. If you would like to contribute to Contact magazine please email us at editor@contactmagazine.net Contact reserves the right to edit all articles and contributions. www.contactmagazine.net Contact News Contact Magazine
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Editor’s Word The news this month makes difficult reading: another bright young Tibetan has died after he self-immolated in front of the Potala in Lhasa. Such a tragic loss of life, and a tragedy that this is the only way open to the people in Tibet to show their deep unhappiness and frustrations at their lack of basic human rights - things that we in the west take for granted - under their Chinese rulers. There is more news of religious repression in Tibet as the Chinese authorities demolish sacred statues and close schools which teach Tibetan Buddhism and culture, and repression of basic freedoms as online activities of ordinary people are constantly monitored. As we read of arrests taking place it is shocking to see that schoolchildren are among those detained, and that numbers of people, once released, suffer severe ill health resulting from their treatment while in prison. The focus of the world is on Ukraine under Russian bombardment and one cannot help but wonder if Ukrainians are to face a future living under Russian rule, similar to that of Tibetans under China? Russia restricts what its own people hear about the invasion, closing access to the internet, controlling what is reported in the media and detaining people who are protesting against the invasion - actions so familiar to anyone who is aware of the way China treats its people. And in Dharamshala there was joy as His Holiness the Dalai Lama gave his first teaching to a live audience in more than two years. Welcome back Your Holiness!
Contact Magazine Managing Director : Dorji Kyi Editor-in-Chief : Jenny James Editor : Tenzin Samten Circulation Manager : Tsering Wangdue Designed by : Karma Ringzin Topgyal Published by Lha Charitable Trust
Contact newsletter is sponsored by the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD). TFD’s kind contribution has made this publication possible. We thank TFD for their continuous support.
Contact magazine | February- March 2022 | Page No 2
Email:editor@contactmagazine.net Facebook: ContactNews Instagram : tibetan_news_brief Printed at Imperial Printing, Dharamshala Phone:01892 -222390 Email: ippdsala@gmail.com
News Features Tsewang Norbu Self-Immolates in Lhasa imposed by the Chinese, there are very limited exchanges Tibet, with a heavy police presence and no access for of information between Tibetans living in Tibet and those international visitors and journalists without a Chinese in exile, so that apart from his career as a singer, there are permit. The Potala Palace, the former winter residence no details about Tsewang Norbu’s family or whether they of the lineage of the Dalai Lamas until the Chinese have faced any consequences following his death, families invasion of Tibet in 1959, is one of the most sacred places of people who self-imolate are often subject to harassment for pilgrimage in Tibet and has now become a tourist by the authorities. According to the Central Tibetan Administration’s destination as a museum and world heritage site. The Potala Palace and its surrounding area is subject to heavily (CTA) Human Rights desk, Norbu was the son of “a monitored surveillance with both police presence and popular and award winning female singer, Sonam Wangmo, who was later recruited to online cameras. the Chinese government’s ‘Song and Tsewang Norbu shouted slogans Dance Troupe’”. Their report further as he attempted to set himself alight confirmed that the last known selfand timed his protest to coincide immolation protest before Norbu’s was with the runup to March 10, Tibetan Yonten, aged around 24, from Ngaba, Uprising Day. The initial reports said Tibet’s traditional province of Amdo that following the singer’s attempted on November 26, 2019. self-immolation, the police removed Tibetans in Dharamshala, the him from the spot and blockaded the seat of CTA, which is also known as surrounding streets, deploying extra Sikyong Penpa Tsering addressing the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, soldiers. the prayer service Photo: tibet.net mourned the death of the singer and Tsewang Norbu was a multigenre singer and composer within Tibet and abroad, expressed solidarity with his suffering with prayers and participating in Chinese national level reality singing a candle-lit vigil in the streets of McLeod Ganj. The CTA competitions. His hit songs include Tsampa, Dress Up and held an official prayer service on the evening of March 14 to mourn the death of the singer. The prayer service was Except You. Owing to the strict restrictions on communication attended by Sikyong Penpa Tsering and other leaders. Continued from page 1
Political Prisoner Released After 13 years Continued from page 1
understood that he was released two years early for saving the life of a fellow prisoner and for his good behaviour while in prison. Details about his wellbeing and health are currently unavailable, however, while in prison it was reported that he had health issues with his waist and one of his knees. Although the writer is freed from prison, “Tsephel and his family members are under close surveillance given the fact that Tsephel still has to serve the four years’ supplementary sentence of ‘deprivation of political rights’, which allows the police discretionary power to impose extreme restrictions on his movement and activities,” reported TCHRD. Tsephel founded a Tibetan literary website called Chomei [Eng : Lamp] with Kyabchen Dedrol, another influential Tibetan poet; the website promotes Tibetan classical and contemporary writings. He was arrested on February 26, 2009 after Chinese officials raided his house and his computer, camera and mobile phone were seized. For about nine months there was no information as to his
whereabouts. On November 12 of the same year he was charged for “leaking state secrets” and sentenced to “15 years of imprisonment in a closed-door proceeding by the Kanlho Intermediate People’s Court,” said TCHRD’s report. At the time of his detention, he was working as an environmentalist for the Chinese government. “Tsephel’s charges were connected to the content of his website and for sharing information outside Tibet regarding the brutality committed by the Chinese People’s Armed Police against Tibetans during the 2008 Uprising,” the report continued. Kunchok Tsephel is a resident of Ngulra Township, Machu (Ch: Maqu) County, Kanlho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. He was born into a nomadic family and in 1989 came to India and studied at the Tibetan school in Suja, Bir. After completing his studies, he returned to Tibet in 1994. TCHRD has appealed to the Chinese authorities to “refrain from imposing arbitrary restrictions on Tsephel and his family members and allow them to seek proper medical care in other places”.
Contact magazine | February- March 2022 | Page No 3
News Features His Holiness Teaches after Two Years Continued from page 1
His Holiness assured the public that he feels healthy and there is no need to worry. He requested everyone to be at ease and stay happy. “Initially I planned to go to Delhi to do a medical checkup. Though this was the initial plan, I don’t feel unhealthy. […] I decided not to go to Delhi today but to stay in Dharamshala and rest. […] This lama from Kumbum feels very healthy, therefore, everyone please be at ease and stay happy,” said His Holiness before starting the teaching. His Holiness started the teaching by saying that Buddhas do not wash away or remove the sufferings of sentient beings with their hands, nor do they transfer their own realisation to others. But by helping sentient beings to deal with their sufferings and anxiety, showing the reality as it is from his own experience – which is showing the means to discipline the unruly mind. The teaching briefly covered Buddha’s teachings of The Four Noble Truths and the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra. His Holiness said that reflecting on the teachings of emptiness helps greatly in dealing with negative emotions, “It is our negative emotions; the mental afflictions or
destructive emotions which cause us unhappiness so when you are able to decrease these destructive emotions such as attachment, anger, hatred, etc, naturally you will feel more at peace.” The Tibetan spiritual leader also reminded his audience that, as Tibetans, we say that we are followers of Avalokiteshvara [Tib: Chenrezig] who is the deity of compassion, and that Tibetans have a natural tendency towards love and compassion because of the blessing of Avalokiteshvara. Despite the difficulties faced by Tibetans because of the political situation, the nature of Chenrezig, love and compassion, can never be erased from Tibetans. Speaking of Tibetans living in exile, His Holiness said that although we are not physically in Tibet, we are very much connected to Tibet by practising and preserving its religion and culture. He urged Tibetans, especially students, to study and preserve Tibetan religion and culture. “I am getting older but I will live at least ten more years,” he added. During the past two years of the Covid-19 pandemic His Holiness has taken part in online teachings and discussions only.
Former Political Prisoner’s Health Deteriorating by Staff Reporter recording her phone conversations. Reports have emerged from Tibet that former political Dolkar was arrested and sentenced in connection with prisoner Dolkar’s health is deteriorating from the injuries the detention of her nephew Wangchen and his friends and torture she sustained during her one year and three Lobsang and Yonten on April 29, 2019. Wangchen and months in prison between 2019 and friends were arrested for praying at 2020. She was arrested in Kham a hilltop near Sershul Monastery in Kardze’s Sershul County on May 3, Kardze and calling for the immediate 2019; during her imprisonment, she release of Tibetan spiritual leader His was severely beaten and subjected to Holiness the Panchen Lama, and the long hours of forced labour, leaving her reunion of the Panchen Lama and Dalai with damaged hips and unable to move Lama in Tibet. her body. Despite prolonged stays in Wangchen, who was then a 20 hospital for treatment, her condition has year old, was sentenced to four and a not shown any improvement and she half years in prison while his friends has returned home. A source close to her Lobsang and Yonten were each fined has written to Radio Free Asia’s Tibetan 15,000 yuan (US$2,200 / £1,700) and service with an update on her condition, ordered to attend political re-education sources in Tibet maintain anonymity for classes on “issues of national security” their own safety. for six months. Dolkar was accused of RFA’s source reported that since sharing the news of Wangchen’s protest her release from the prison her overall outside the region and sentenced to a Dolkar (left) with her nephew Wangchen health has been failing drastically and, one year and three month prison term. Photo : RFA now home, it is uncertain whether she Wangchen is still in prison, none of will survive or not. The authorities continue to make her his family have been able to visit him. Dolkar herself is life difficult with surveillance on her daily life, including bedridden but says she hopes and longs to see her nephew spying on her to identify any contacts outside Tibet and Wangchen one day.
Contact magazine | February- March 2022 | Page No 4
News Features Focus on Tibet at Human Rights Council Continued from page 1
Tibet Bureau Geneva on tibet.net. The report continued by saying that other countries, including the United States, Finland, Australia, Norway and Ireland, called on China to respect the rights of “ethnic minorities”. Members stressed that the High Commissioner’s forthcoming visit to China and other regions must include “meaningful and unfettered” access. HRC members called the Council’s attention to “widespread violations” by China. In specific reference to the situation inside Tibet, delegations from the United Kingdom, Switerzerland and France drew attention to the deteriorating human rights situation in Tibet. “The situation in Tibet remains of deep international concern, including new reports of boarding schools being used to further erode cultural, linguistic and religious identity,” said the United Kingdom representative, as quoted by tibet.net. The UK delegation also called on China to allow “journalists to report without fear of arrest, harassment or reprisal”. Representatives from Switzerland, France, Denmark and Germany demanded that China give “unrestricted access” to those regions suffering human rights abuses, with special mention of Tibet and East Turkestan [Ch: Xinjiang] during the High Commissioner’s visit. The Czech Republic delegate raised concerns over freedom of expression and religion in China, calling on China to release all human rights defenders, reporters or journalists, and lawyers who are currently detained arbitrarily for exercising their fundamental rights. Kalden Tsomo, UN Advocacy Officer at the Tibet Bureau, Geneva, spoke of the grievances of the Tibetan people living under the Chinese régime, recalling this year’s Tibetan national uprising day which took place on March 10, the 63rd since the Chinese occupation of Tibet and which was marked around the world during the current HRC session. With regard to the forthcoming visit of the High
Commissioner to Tibet, Kalden Tsomo said that “action to protect the fundamental rights in regions under China’s control is long overdue”. She reminded delegates that Tibet has been yet again ranked the least free country in the world in which to live, according to this year’s Freedom House report – Freedom House is an independent watchdog organisation dedicated to the development of freedom around the world. “We urge the High Commissioner to call upon China to address the underlying grievances of the Tibetan people by entering into a meaningful dialogue with the exiled Tibetan Administration’s leadership rather than resorting to intimidation and persecution of Tibetan rights defenders and social rights advocates,” said Kalden Tsomo, as quoted by tibet.net. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet is preparing to visit China later this year. The main focus of the visit will be East Turkestan [Ch: Xinjiang], with the aim of forming a report on the allegations of violations of human rights taking place there by the Chinese authorities and targeting the Muslim ethnic minority Uyghur population and other Turkic communities. There is concern among Tibetans and rights groups that Tibet is not on the agenda for the visit and they are lobbying the Council to rectify this and ensure that Tibet is included. Speaking on behalf of the Society for Threatened Peoples, Kalden welcomed the High Commissioner’s visit to China and regions under its control this year, “however, no assessment of human rights violations by China can be complete without a visit to Tibetan regions” she added. Kalden also mentioned the self-immolation of Tsewang Norbu in front of the Potala Palace on February 25 in protest against the regressive Chinese policies in Tibet. Drawing attention to the repression of religion occurring in Tibet, Kalden spoke of the destruction of Tibetan religious sites in Kham Dragko and Kardze, and the closing, without reason, of the monastery school there, and of other schools that focus on Tibetan language and identity.
Surveillance and Detentions in Drag-yab County and Chamdo by Mary Trewartha People living in Drag-yab County [Ch: Zhag’yab County] and Chamdo who have family living outside Tibet are now required to install an app on their phones, giving the Chinese authorities access to all their phone data. Anyone found with “politically sensitive” content, or evidence of contact with Tibetans living outside Tibet, is likely to be detained for two to three months; following their release offenders are subject to surveillance and restrictions on their movements. Tibet Watch has reported on the situation in Drag-yab and Chamdo, citing the case of Lobsang Tsomo, a Tibetan nun from Drag-yab County who was arrested in mid-November.
Tibet Watch says the report of this arrest was delayed. She was arrested on suspicion of contacting Tibetans living outside Tibet, detained for three months and severely beaten. Since her release she is under constant surveillance and prevented from traveling outside her home county. Tibet Watch’s local source has suggested that several other nuns have been arrested along with Lobsang Tsomo, but gathering further confirmation is difficult due to surveillance on communication, and risks of similar detentions. Their source commented, “The restrictions on people’s movement and online censorship are becoming a serious concern and getting worse day by day in Drag-yab and Chamdo.”
Contact magazine | February- March 2022 | Page No 5
News Features Lithium Discovered Near Mount Everest by Staff Reporter Lithium has been discovered in the vicinity of Mount Everest in Tibet, reports Chinese state media globatimes. cn. A Chinese scientific research team has announced that this new find could be China’s third-largest deposit of the metal after “the Bailong Mountain site, in Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, and the Jiajika lithium deposit, in Southwest China’s Sichuan Province,” reports globatimes.cn on February 15, quoting China Science Daily. Qin Kezhang, head of the research team, said they estimate that there is 1.01 million tonnes of lithium oxide in the mine, saying this is according to “quite conservative” calculations and that, “The average content rate of lithium oxide was about 1.3 percent.” The globatimes.cn report continues, saying that according to Qin, if the content of “lithium oxide exceeds 0.8 percent, the lithium ore has industrial value. Of the 59 samples they collected from the site, 44 met the standards for industrial exploitation.” Qin Kezhang continued, “The Qiongjiagang lithium has good mining conditions – it has high-quality ore, transportation to it is convenient considering the mining area is connected to rural cement roads … the ore body is exposed, and no deep excavation
is required.” According to a separate report by Sixth Tone, Chinese Researchers Uncover Massive Lithium Mine in the Himalayas, under the subtitle Experts say the recent finding could help reduce China’s over-dependency on imported lithium resources, the newly discovered source is located 5,000 metres above sea level on the Tibet Plateau, also known as the Qinghai – Tibet Plateau. Sixth Tone’s report says that lithium ore is an essential element in the manufacturing of electric vehicle batteries, and that although China has the sixth-largest lithium reserves in the world, the country still imports 75% of its lithium requirement to meet its demand. The researchers say the project is still in its initial stages and that further detailing and planning is required. This area is in Tibet, but it is not expected that Tibetans in the region will have a say in whether or not this resource will be exploited – since the Chinese occupation, China regularly opens mines against the wishes of the local people who do not benefit in any way, and have to watch the exploitation of their traditional sacred places. The Chinese Communist Party’s mining activities in Tibet have drawn criticism from environmentalists and rights groups around the world.
China Ramps Up Religious Restrictions by Staff Reporter The Chinese authorities have added another imposition on Tibetans as they increase their tactics to prevent communications between Tibetans inside Tibet and those in exile across the world. This latest move is to warn Tibetans in Tibet against the printing of photos or production of videos of Tibetan lamas (spiritual leaders) living in exile, reported Voice of America (VOA) Tibetan service on February 4. According to the VOA report, Chinese officials visited all print and video editing shops in Ngaba prefecture in Amdo [Ch: Qinghai] in person by the end of 2021, warning shop proprietors against printing images or making videos of Tibetan lamas living outside Tibet, declaring that such acts are illegal and deemed to be punishable. VOA’s source, speaking on condition of anonymity for their own security, confirmed that it was made very clear to people that this was an order that they must follow. Photos and records of the teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama have been banned in Tibet for decades. This new order is targeted towards Tibetan spiritual leaders living in exile. The source continued, saying that in addition to Ngaba and neighbouring regions, they understand that it will be implemented in other regions, adding to the existing restriction on communication, and
Contact magazine | February- March 2022 | Page No 6
indeed, any relationship between Tibetans inside Tibet and those living outside. This new order is particularly targeted towards the prohibition of financial and other offerings made from within Tibet to Tibetan monasteries in exile, such as Sera, Drepung and Gaden monasteries, and the other leading Lamas and monasteries in exile which have become the focus for preserving the Tibetan language and religion. The source added that in the recent times, the activities of Tibetans on the internet is closely monitored, especially for those who are in touch with Tibetans living in exile and there have been many cases where people have been summoned for their contacts outside Tibet. Tibetans are regularly warned and reminded to be mindful of their activities on the internet or face the consequences. VOA’s source went on to say that in China, there is an app, the Baidu app, that is similar to Google. This app monitors for searches such as Tibetan independence, Tibetan freedom, and other related terms; the user will get a warning message asking them to pay attention as their search is illegal. The report said that the Chinese government is restricting all forms of communication, with constant surveillance of internet activity which makes it difficult for people to maintain contact with people outside Tibet.
News Features Tibetans in Drago County: More Arrests by Staff Reporter RFA’s report quoted their source as saying, “The police Tibetans in Drago county in Kham [Ch: Sichuan] continue looked into all the group chat apps on their cellphones and to face monitoring and surveillance, with the authorities charged them for keeping videos and pictures of the recent on the lookout for any sharing of information regarding destruction of the Buddhist statue in Drago and also using the destruction of the 99-foot tall Buddha, along with other those images as their screensaver wallpaper.” The three major religious structures, over the last two months. The arrested have been charged with being “in possession of update on their situation, reported by Radio Free Asia on ‘politically sensitive information’ as they returned from a February 4, confirmed the news that eleven Tibetans were pilgrimage,” said RFA’s report. They were reported as being arrested and beaten by the Chinese authorities in January held at Chamdo Police Station. for spreading news and photographs of the demolitions, News of these arrests has been picked up in Japan and then sent to labour camps in the region. where representatives of the Super Samgha Association of Those arrested were monks Tashi Dorjee; Tsering Japanese monks have submitted a written statement to the Samdup; Nyima Lhamo and Abbot Pelga, along with Office of Tibet in Japan expressing their “shock and dismay his assistant Nyima and six other unidentified Tibetans. over the violent destruction” of the Buddha statues and RFA’s source reported other religious figures by the news of their the Chinese authorities. arrests and detentions Tibet.net, the official in labour camps. The website of the Central source confirmed that Tibetan Administration, some of them have reports that the sustained beatings Association “submitted and torture, but is a written statement unable to provide any […] expressing their information about solidarity with the their current condition. Tibetans in Tibet The statues, suffering under the prayer flags and other brutal Chinese regime”. structures which Tibet.net’s report were demolished continued, saying by the Chinese that the Japanese authorities had been Super Samgha monks built at the expense “joined the protest and of local Tibetans; demonstrations with 99-foot tall Buddha statue in Kham Drago before its destruction despite having full the Tibetans, Uyghurs, by the Chinese authorities documentation they South Mongolian, and Photo: Tibet Watch were demolished by Hongkongers at the the authorities. Currently, the activities of monks and Chinese embassy in Tokyo on February 4, the opening day laypeople in Drago monastery are being closely watched of the Beijing Olympics”. and their activities restricted. RFA reports that a police A third large Buddhist statue has been destroyed by station has been set up near the prayer wheel which was Chinese authorities in Drago, this time a 45-foot tall bronze destroyed along with the first statue of the Buddha to be statue gilded with gold and silver of eighth-century Indian demolished, and quotes their source as saying, “A few Tantric master Guru Padmasambhava which stood outside monks from the monastery and a few other individuals Chanang Monastery in Nyimo Township. It took four are stationed in this police station to keep an eye on the months for news of this demolition to reach the West due to daily activities of local Tibetans and the monks of Drago the communications clampdown in the region. Monastery.” The destruction of the giant Buddha statue, another In a separate update published on February 2, it was one from Drago Monastery and other religious structures reported that three more Tibetans, Asang, Dodra and in Drago county, and also the forced demolition of Nortso, were arrested and interrogated by Chinese police Drago Monastery’s Gaden Namgyal Monastic School in on January 10 while returning home from a pilgrimage November, has caused unrest among the Tibetans leading to to Larung Gar Tibetan Buddhist Academy in Kardze. arrests and surveillances in the region.
Contact magazine | February- March 2022 | Page No 7
News Features Tibetan Uprising Day Marked Around the World by Mary Trewartha Tibetan Uprising Day 2022 was marked around the world, the 63rd anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising which took place on March 10, 1959 in Lhasa as the people of Tibet protested against the Chinese invasion of their country. Thousands of Tibetans were killed in Lhasa at that time by Chinese forces and today this day is remembered with events, demonstrations and expressions of solidarity with the Tibetan people taking place around the world. The Tibetan Government-in-Exile (CTA) held the formal event in Dharamsala, India, with invited guests from the Czech Senate and Indian Parliamentarians.Tibet support groups across India held events and protests and in Dharamshala, where store shutters had been painted with “Free Tibet” slogans and murals, the five locallybased NGOs held a march, while in New Delhi, around 70 young Tibetans stormed the Chinese Embassy and were detained by police and later released. There were events and high-level statements of solidarity across Europe, the Tibetan Review reported, “The Tibetan national flag, banned by China, fluttered over more than 1,400 buildings and compounds of
municipal governments and other institutions in six countries in Europe”, and that for the first time, the Tibetan flag was flown in Geneva. They continued, saying that the anniversary was commemorated in nine central and eastern European countries. Several events were held in Taiwan, while in the United States, which also saw events held around the country, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, “Congress is proud to stand with the people of Tibet.” The crisis in Ukraine was highlighted in messages from around the world; the International Campaign for Tibet said, “Like the Tibetans, a smaller community is facing direct attack and threats to its survival from a larger, more powerful neighbour.” For the first time in many years a protest rally was held in Nepal’s capital Kathmandu, reported Nepali news outlet the english.khabarhub.com, saying that Nepali supporters expressed solidarity with Tibetan refugees and demanding protection of human rights in Tibet. The report continued, saying “The participants conveyed the message that they support the establishment of human rights for Tibetans along with friendly relations between Nepal and China.”
Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile: Budget Session by Staff Reporter The second and third session of the 17th Tibetan Parliamentin-Exile convened from March 14 in Dharamshala, the seat of Tibetan Government-in-Exile. The second session saw discussions on the situation inside Tibet, citing the recent self-immolation of popular Tibetan singer Tsewang Norbu. There were proposals of official mournings, discussion, approval of the budgets, clarifications and question and answer sessions. The session reviewed and examined reports of the previous Kashag’s [Cabinet] activities during the year 2020-2021. The deteriorating human rights situation inside Tibet was discussed, with particular reference to the relentless detention of people who object to the Chinese authorities’ destruction of religious figures, including the giant statue of Buddha and the prayer wheels in Kham Drango, and also the forced closure of monastic schools. Parliamentarians passed a resolution to extend solidarity to Tibetans living inside Tibet under the regressive Chinese policies.
Contact magazine | February- March 2022 | Page No 8
The Speaker spoke of the arbitrary detention and sentencing of Tibetans who are involved with preserving the Tibetan language, religion and culture. He drew attention to the detention of Go Sherab Gyatso who was given a ten-year prison sentence in a secret trial for his advocacy and activism on behalf of the protection and preservation of Tibet’s environment, religion, language and culture. The second session was completed on March 18. The third session commenced on March 21, with discussion on an emergency resolution on the critical environmental situation in Tibet, calling on China to stop its “mass mining operations and deforestation” there. The ten-day session saw the budgets set for the fiscal year 2022-23 by the different departments of the Central Tibetan Administration, under the Kashag and led by Sikyong Penpa Tsering. Parliamentarians raised questions and discussions relating to each department’s responsibilities, while the kalons [ministers] provided clarifications and updates to Parliament. The third session was concluded on March 31.
News Features Arrests and Releases inside Tibet this Month Feb 23: Teacher Arrested Choedon, a student at Southwest Minzu University in Chengdu, has been detained in Riwoche County in central Tibet and not seen since. Her family say they believe it was because she taught the Tibetan language to children in Yamda during school holidays. Tibet Watch, the UK-based research and advocacy organisation, reported their local source as saying that she is “active in the preservation and teaching of the Tibetan language”. Mar 16: Three School Students Arrested Three middle school students; Palsang, 16, Sermo, 15 and Yangkyi, 11 were arrested in October 2021 in the Tibetan Autonomous Region
for showing displeasure over lack of Tibetan language classes. They are believed to have been taken into reeducation centres in Markham county in Chamdo, reports Tibet Watch. China announced a policy in July 2021 requiring all schools in Tibet to be taught through the medium of Mandarin Chinese. Mar 15: Tour Guide Detained Passang Norbu, in his 20s and a resident of Shigatse’s Gampa county in the Tibet Autonomous Region, was detained and beaten by Chinese officials who accused him of running an illegal business. Norbu is a bike tour guide owning seven tour bikes, and his family depends on his business. Sources confirm that his business is legally registered and his permit paid. His current whereabouts are unknown.
Nobel Peace Prize Laureates’ Open Letter Against War and Nuclear Weapons His Holiness the Dalai Lama, together with fifteen other Nobel Peace Prize laureates, has written an open letter rejecting war and nuclear weapons via the international press agency Pressenza Athens. The letter is reproduced here in full: We call on all our fellow citizens of the world to join us in protecting our planet, home for all of us, from those who threaten to destroy it. The invasion of Ukraine has created a humanitarian disaster for its people. The entire world is facing the greatest threat in history: a large-scale nuclear war, capable of destroying our civilization and causing vast ecological damage across the Earth. We call for an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of all Russian military forces from Ukraine, and for all possible efforts at dialogue to prevent this ultimate disaster. We call on Russia and NATO to explicitly renounce any use of nuclear weapons in this conflict, and we call on all countries to support the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons to ensure that we never again face a similar moment of nuclear danger. The time to ban and eliminate nuclear weapons is now. It is the only way to guarantee that the inhabitants of the planet will be safe from this existential threat.
It is either the end of nuclear weapons, or the end of us. We reject governance through imposition and threats, and we advocate for dialogue, coexistence and justice. A world without nuclear weapons is necessary and possible, and together we will build it. It is urgent that we give peace a chance. Nobel Peace Prize laureates signatories: • His Holiness The Dalai Lama (1989) • International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (1985) • International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (2017) • Juan Manuel Santos (2016) • Kailash Satyarthi (2014) • Leymah Gbowee (2011) • Tawakkul Karman (2011) • Muhammad Yunus (2006) • David Trimble (1998) • Jody Williams (1997) • Jose Ramos-Horta (1996) • Pugwash Conference on Science and World Affairs (1995) • Óscar Arias Sánchez (1987) • Lech Walesa (1983) • American Friends Service Committee (1947 • International Peace Bureau (1910)
Contact magazine | February- March 2022 | Page No 9
News Features “Genocide Games”: News Roundup by Mary Trewartha The Winter Olympics was opened by Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Friday 4 February with fireworks and a light show, in the absence of many of the world’s leaders who boycotted the event in protest against China’s human rights abuses which are seen as contrary to the spirit and ethos of the Olympics. Around the world protestors drew attention to China’s genocide and human rights abuses, and the inappropriateness of China being allowed to host the Games. China rejects the genocide charge which is driving the diplomatic boycott of the games by most Western nations. India announced their boycott of the opening ceremony at the eleventh hour when China’s domestic torch relay ceremony featured a Galwan People’s Liberation Army soldier as one of the torchbearers; India called the move “regrettable”, saying that China was choosing to “politicise the Olympics”. The recent Tibet-India border clash in Galwan against the Chinese incursion there resulted in the loss of 20 Indian soldiers and clashes along the border continue. Cross-country skier Dilnigar Ilhamjan, 20, a Uyghur from East Turkestan [Ch: Dilnigar Ilhamjan Xinjiang] was the Photo: Twitter last athlete to carry the flame, along with her Chinese teammate Zhao Jiawen. Normally regarded as an honour, this gesture has sparked anger in the Uyghur exile community. People in East Turkestan, like Tibetans, suffer under the Chinese régime there. There are reports from China that dissidents and rights activists are being held by security police in locations away from their homes to prevent them from speaking out during the event, others have been effectively placed under house arrest and are under close surveillance. In Tibet, Radio Free Asia reports that the authorities have “ramped up security controls […] with police monitoring residents closely to block communications”. Their local source reports “Tibetans who have been to India […] are being summoned each day for questioning”,
Contact magazine | February- March 2022 | Page No 10
and continued, “Local Tibetans are terrified”. The day of the opening ceremony was marked by protests around the world with Tibetans joining Uyghurs, Hong Kongers, Taiwanese, Southern Mongolians and human rights activists, all accusing the International Olympics Committee (IOC) of complicity in covering up mass human rights abuses by China. The protests follow months of campaigning to the international community to boycott or postpone the Olympics. In Dharamshala all the Tibet support and advocacy organisations jointly held a protest calling February 4 a “black day”. Ten activists in Dharamshala held a day-long hunger strike, while in New Delhi hundreds of Tibetans gathered with messages, “No Rights, No Games” and “Say No To Genocide Games”. Three were detained in prison for several hours before being released. Virtual alternative Olympics opening ceremonies were held by rights groups advocating independence for their countries from China, and activists launched the #IWillNotWatch campaign which urges people to switch off and not watch the “Genocide Games”. Protestors have been urging the world not to watch the “Genocide Games”, with a protest outside NBC headquarters urging them not to broadcast the Games. The Drum reported on February 8: “Record low BBC and NBC ratings as Winter Olympics audience dwindles […] Beijing’s Winter Olympics Ceremony now holds the lowest record for views in the US since NBC started broadcasting in 1988. In the UK meanwhile, the BBC’s coverage peaked at 1.3 million viewers, compared with 2.4 million for Pyeong Chang.” The Drum comments, “Viewing of the Games is becoming increasingly fragmented across multiple platforms.” The New York Times has reported that officials have warned Olympians that protest could bring prosecution. Hu Jia, a prominent human rights activist, who is confined to his apartment for the duration of the Games says the authorities were determined to quash any overt criticisms of the Games online. Their report also said that the Olympic events will take place in front of a “limited audience of screened spectators of China’s choosing” and that fences have been erected to keep people out of venues. Incoming athletes and their teams were advised not to bring their own phones but to use temporary ones. As the Games progressed, reports emerged of a clampdown on athletes whose social media postings do not comply with China’s wishes. The Tibetan Review reports that skier Katri Lylynpera was one of a number of Finnish athletes ordered to delete photos they had shared on social media showing water flooding the athlete’s village and flowing out of light fittings. Katri shared a Continued on page 11
News Features Continued from page 10
screenshot of a message she had received telling her to remove her posts from social media. China has cited the Covid-19 pandemic as the reason why no spectator tickets were on sale and the public were kept separate from all Olympic events and activities. In the United States, on the day before the opening ceremony, the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) held a hearing on the Olympics where, reports tibet.net, the website of the Tibetan Parliament-inExile, Speaker Nancy Pelosi declared “it was the urgent moral duty to shine a bright light on the many human rights violations being perpetrated by the Chinese government, yet cautioned the US athletes to refrain from the risk of angering the ‘ruthless China’”. She continued, “We cannot and will not be silent on human rights in China […] If we do not speak out against the human rights violations in China because of commercial interest we lose all moral authority to speak out against human rights violations anywhere.” Alongside Nancy Pelosi, Tibetan former political prisoner Nyima Lhamo testified; she is the niece of revered Tibetan lama Tenzin Nyima Lhamo holding a photo of Delek Rinpoche Tenzin Delek Rinpoche who died under suspicious circumstances in a Chinese prison in 2015. Nyima Lhamo said it is “urgent that we raise our voices today for those who have been silenced by the Chinese Communist Party […] Beijing is putting on a friendly face for the Olympics, but that isn’t their real face. The Tibetan people have seen who they really are”. There is great concern for the safety and well being of top Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai who some months ago made an allegation of sexual assault against a former senior politician on the Chinese social media site Weibo. She disappeared in the wake of her allegation and subsequently made public appearances retracting her statement. The events have caused an outcry of concern for her, and for the implications for other Chinese athletes and her fans are wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the words “Where is Peng Shuai?”. The Japanese parliament passed a resolution in its lower chamber on the “serious human rights situation” in China just days ahead of the opening ceremony, which read, “Human rights issues cannot just be domestic
issues, because human rights hold universal values and are a rightful matter of concern for the international community”. The resolution is reported to have highlighted the concerns expressed by “the international community over issues such as internment and the violation of religious freedom in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Tibet and Hong Kong”, and calls for the Japanese government to work with the international community in addressing the issue. Reporting restrictions for journalists working in China are well documented, but the Tibetan Review reports that “in the runup to the Games foreign journalists working in China complained of a sharp rise in intimidation, and other abuses”; the BBC has said that media freedom in China is “now declining further at breakneck speed”, citing the Foreign Correspondents Club of China (FCCC) who report that journalists face physical assaults, hacking, online trolling and visa denials. The FCCC report continues, saying that foreign journalists were being harassed so severely by the communist party state that some had to leave the country. Chinese journalists face harassment of their families and even detention in prison. And in Greece, the trial of three activists who interrupted the Olympic torch-lighting ceremony in October, and which was due to be held the day before the opening ceremony, has been postponed until the end of this year. Human rights lawyers and activists have accused the Greek court of trying to “avoid embarrassing China” on the eve of the Games.The three activists unfurled a Tibetan flag and “No Genocide Games” banner at the torch-lighting ceremony, saying that the International Olympics Committee was complicit in human rights violations by giving the Winter Olympics to China, and to call for a total boycott of the Beijing Olympics, citing China’s ongoing “crimes against humanity”, cultural repression of Tibetans and political crackdown. They face charges of attempting to “pollute, damage, and distort” a historical monument, a charge punishable up to five years imprisonment under Greek law. Since the Games, Double Olympic gold medalist Nils van der Poel, speaking of awarding this year’s Winter Olympics to Beijing, said “it’s terrible [...] I think it is extremely irresponsible to give it to a country that violates human rights as blatantly as the Chinese régime is doing”.
Contact magazine | February- March 2022 | Page No 11
Tibetan Headlines Mar 30: Danish Authorities Slammed The government-appointed Tibet Commission in Denmark has released a report accusing Denmark’s Foreign Ministry and the intelligence and security service of pressurising the Copenhagen police to “be heavyhanded when facing China-critical protesters during official visits of Chinese officials”, and says the Ministry has placed the avoidance of offending China “above the [Danish] Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights.” Mar 29: Keanu Reeves Censored China is censoring Canadian actor Keanu Reeves, star of the Matrix film trilogy, following his participation in an online Tibet House benefit concert earlier this month. Nearly all his movies have been removed from China’s streaming sites, and his name deleted from search engines. Other Western celebrities who have been censored for openly supporting Tibet include Richard Gere, Selena Gomez, Lady Gaga and international basketball player Enes Kanter. Mar 28: China Celebrates China has marked “Serfs Emancipation Day”, which they say celebrates the 1959 events in Lhasa - including the dissolution of the Kashag [Tibetan Cabinet] and their (China’s) introduction of democratic reforms, and referring to the “emancipation from serfdom” in Tibet. China declared “Serfs Emancipation Day” in 2009, a move seen by Tibetans as an attempt to subvert Tibetan Uprising Day which is marked every year on March 10. Mar 28: Prevented From Mourning Devotees have been prevented from attending religious services to honour and mourn popular Tibetan lama Choktrul Dawa Rinpoche, 86, who died in Lhasa, immediately entering the state of thukdam in which the consciousness remains in the body for a period of time after death. Radio Free Asia reports that the Chinese authorities tried to keep Rinpoche’s demise a secret, and warned people against sharing the news online. Mar 28: Least Free Tibet is one of the three least free countries in the world according to Freedom House, the independent watchdog organisation dedicated to the development of freedom around the world. This year’s report, The Global Expansion of Authoritarian Rule which assesses levels of civil liberties and political rights across the world, gives Tibet the “worst” rating mentioning “arrest and heavy criminal penalties”, “censorship and monitoring systems” and “security centres”. Mar 25: Not Welcome! Students for a Free Tibet staged a peaceful demonstration for Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on his arrival at Delhi airport for an unannounced visit to India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. The demonstrators’ message was “Wang Yi, you are NOT welcome in India!” Mar 24: More Online Restrictions Further restrictions are now in place affecting video services and other online platforms in Tibet and the Muslim ethnic minority East Turkestan [Ch: Xinjiang]. Under China’s new directive, the Tibetan and Uyghur languages have been removed from the Chinese language learning app Talkmate and video streaming service Bilibili. In addition, reports Radio Free Asia, “foreign organisations and individuals can no longer spread “religious content’ online without a special licence”. Mar 24: World Cup! The Tibetan National Sports Association (TNSA) is to host the first CONIFA Women’s World Football Cup which will take place this
Contact magazine | February- March 2022 | Page No 12
summer in the Ponta Cholsum Tibetan Settlement in north India. CONIFA’s President said, “It’s an honour for CONIFA to contribute to the celebration of the Tibetan people and educate the world about your beauty, history, culture, traditions and by this also contribute to a better world for all.” Mar 24: Gold Medal! Choeyang Kyi, 31, has been recognised as an Olympic gold medal winner, making her the first ever Tibetan Olympic gold medalist. She represented China in the women’s 20k race walk in London in 2012, winning the bronze medal, but the two Russians who came in ahead of her have since been disqualified for failing drugs tests. Chinese state media the global times reported these results. Mar 22: Research Centre Launch The new High Asia Research Centre at Jackson Heights, New York, has been launched by Tibetan author and activist Jamyang Norbu. He says he sees the centre as a reference library and meeting point, particularly aimed at young Tibetans, for “civilised and informed debate on issues relating to Tibet” and other issues relating to “high Asia, including Mustang, Sikkim, Bhutan, Xinjiang and [...] Kazakhstan.” Mar 4: Sacred Mountain Breached Tunnels being dug out for the construction of a new railway line are destroying the sacred Asal Dzari mountain near Toe township in Kardze; minerals are being extracted alongside the railway construction. The new railway will connect Nyakchu with Lhasa. Feb 24: Former Political Prisoner Dies Ngawang Gyaltsen, 58, also known as Ngodup Gyaltsen, a monk who spent over 20 years in Chinese prisons, has died in a Lhasa hospital. He was one of 21 monks from Drepung Monastery who staged the first significant pro-independence demonstration in 1987. Following his release he has spent his life working for the human rights for Tibetans and was one of the “Group of Ten” nonviolent political activists. Feb 22: Tibetan Soldier Honoured Tenzin Norbu, a former Special Frontier Force (SFF) Deputy leader who went missing, presumed dead, in an avalanche in 1988, has received a posthumous award, signed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for his service. The SFF was an elite paramilitary force of Tibetan refugee recruits created in 1962 by the Indian army. Tenzin was an exceptional leader serving in the first Vikas unit of the SFF. Feb 22: Mother Language Day International Mother Language day, which celebrates linguistic diversity and promotes differences in culture and language to develop respect and tolerance for each other, was observed in Canberra, Australia by the Tibetan community who interacted with members of other communities such as Bangladesh, Ukraine, India, China and Mon, focussing on the importance of mother language as the bedrock of a people’s culture and identity. Feb 22: Venerable Sampho Jigme Wangchen Rimpoche Venerable Sampho Jigme Wangchen Rimpoche passed away earlier this month at his home in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Born in Lhasa, he was a direct descendent of the 7th Dalai Lama. He was recognised as the reincarnation of Drubwang Tokden Shakya Shri, the Chagchen and Dzogchen Master from Kham. He served in the Tibetan Government-in-Exile as well as volunteering for Tibetan Buddhist causes and was known for his musical ability.
Tibetan Headlines Feb 21: Monks Warned Wang Junzheng, the Communist Party Secretary for the Tibet Autonomous Region is reported by Chinese state media to have visited monasteries around Lhasa in the runup to Tibet Uprising Day next month, a time when protests against Chinese rule traditionally take place. Monks were reminded to be “patriotic and law-abiding” and remain loyal to the party, and to enforce the rules against “separatist” assertions of Tibetan cultural and national identity. Feb 18: Failing Health
Three senior monks from Drago Monastery are still severely ill after their release from prison four years ago reports Tibet Watch, the UKbased research and advocacy group. Tsewang Namgyal, Dalha and Tengya, served sixyear prison sentences and are now in failing health resulting from the forced labour and torture they underwent in prison. They were detained following mass protests which erupted in Drago County in 2012. Feb 18: Surveillance in Monastery A Chinese police surveillance unit has been installed at the Palyul Thartang Gonchen Monastery in Golog, Amdo [Ch: Qinghai] reports Radio Free Asia, saying this is “apparently for the first time” this has happened inside a Buddhist monastery. A surveillance police unit had previously been operating outside the monastery. Monks are now being “scrutinised” in their “daily activities” and a tracking app has been installed on their mobile phones. Feb 18: Nobel Peace Prize Enes Kanter Freedom, the National Basketball Association player, has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. A Norwegian parliamentarian has nominated him for bringing global attention to China’s human rights abuses in Tibet, East Turkestan [Ch: Xinjiang] and Hong Kong. Freedom tweeted that he is “honoured” and said, “Sometimes taking a stand is more important than your next pay cheque” - he risks losing his job because of his outspoken criticisms. Feb 12: Independence Day The 109th anniversary of Tibetan Independence Day, the day declared by HH the 13th Dalai Lama on February 12, 1913, was celebrated in Dharamshala with Tibetan activists and supporters joining Students for a Free Tibet. SFT Director Rinzin Choedon said that the day is to “commemorate Tibetan Independence’s past in order to shape our future, for a free and independent Tibet” and that it is celebrated around the world. Feb 12: Forced Apology The Dean of Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications in New York, Mark Lodato, has been forced to retract his Lunar New Year email in which he mentioned Tibet as a country separate from China in his Lunar New Year celebrations email. It is reported that Chinese students at the school “forced” him to apologise, this despite a Tibetan student’s public confirmation that Tibetans do not consider themselves part of China. Feb 10: Indian Support Tibet supporters from UK-based Tibet advocacy group Free Tibet met Indian supporters on the bank of the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, Assam. Free Tibet – A Voice from Assam launched its bilingual newsletter Tsangpo – Siang – Brahmaputra. The newsletter in English
and Assamese reports on mobilising a people’s movement in northeast India which supports freedom for Tibetans. Plans to strengthen the Tibetan freedom movement in northeast India were discussed at the meeting. Feb 10: Cycling for Tibet In Taiwan, Tibet supporters have launched “Cycling for a Free Tibet” events in the runup to Tibetan Uprising Day on March 10. The annual “Cycling for a Free Tibet” campaign started in 2011 to “give a voice to those who are victims of Chinese state brutality and persecution”. Today’s bike ride is in Taipei, others will be located in Taipei and elsewhere. Feb 10: Free Go Sherab Gyatso Human Rights Watch, under the heading Imprisoned Tibetan Monk’s Health in Peril has called for the release of imprisoned Tibetan monk and religious philosopher Go Sherab Gyatso. HRW says that he suffers from a chronic lung condition and may not be receiving adequate medical treatment in prison. “Once again the Chinese government’s wrongful imprisonment of a Tibetan risks becoming a death sentence,” said Sophie Richardson, HRWQ’s China director. Feb 10: US Support The United States has passed a bill to boost US competitiveness with China; this will also expand US support for Tibetans facing repression under the Chinese government. The America COMPETES Act reaffirms US policy rejecting China’s interference in the selection of Tibetan Buddhist leaders, elevates the role of the special coordinator for Tibetan issues in the State Department, creates a Tibet desk at the US Embassy in Beijing, and more. Feb 9: Tibet Museum The new Tibet Museum, located in Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala, was opened today. The museum aims to enable the Tibetan people to “reclaim the right to tell their own stories” and to highlight Tibet’s historical, cultural, political, environmental and international importance through archives, photographs and personal testimonies. The museum, a Central Tibetan Administration project, is seen as an “essential medium to garner international attention to the political concerns of Tibet”. Feb 8: Illustrators of the Future Contest Winner Tenzin Rangdol, a teenage Tibetan student from Maryland, USA has won the prestigious Illustrators of the Future Contest for his artwork. He said he has drawn for as long as he can remember but started taking it more seriously in high school, speaking in a special interview for Fox 5. Tenzin immigrated to the US from India with his parents; they had fled Tibet as refugees. Feb 7: Tibetan Town Twinning Ms Rigzin Genkhang, the Tibetan European Union Advocacy Officer, participated in a video conference to discuss reviving and expanding the existing Town Adoption Campaign to other parts of Europe and the world. The conference was initiated by France-Tibet, a group supported by 189 French MPs and 67 French Senators. To date more than 76 European communes have adopted Tibetan towns and villages, in a similar way to town-twinning. Feb 7: Indian Parliament Shri Amarendra Dhari Singh, an Indian parliamentarian, spoke of the Tibetan issue in a speech to Parliament saying that India risks “repeating the historical mistake of once again letting down our friendly people of Tibet. It is well documented that Tibetans never accepted the sovereignty and suzerainty of the Chinese” and, still speaking of Tibet, that India “faces long term consequences of both action and inaction.”
Contact magazine | February- March 2022 | Page No 13
People Story Blessings and Inspiration
by Phurbu Lhamo I remember one day when I was about six, my teacher showed us documentary films relevant to the Tibetan situation, showing that Tibetans in Tibet don’t have any right to practice religion or the right to freedom of speech and expression nor, in fact, the right to live as humans with basic dignity. It was a pivotal moment; I was shaken the core and it was the time when I heard my inner hunger and voice of aiming to be a human rights advocate. As a kid, I was always good at studies and “always a good student”. Back then, I used to feel good about that, but looking back from now, I feel that I was trapped in a “good student” tag restricting me from venturing out into different activities or experimentations as freely as other kids. Perhaps because I was the eldest sibling, I used to be burdened down with the weight of expectation and responsibilities, including looking after my younger siblings. After joining college, I was able to focus on my own interests and future goals. I completed my primary education in Upper Tibetan Childrens Village (TCV) School in 2013, after that, I went to TCV Suja for my secondary education. Personally, having the courage to pursue Law as my subject wouldn’t have been possible without the blessing of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, my beloved TCV schools, family, and others who have uplifted and motivated me to achieve a five-year intensive course of Bachelor of Law from JSS Law College in Mysore, Karnataka where I went in 2015, and where I was able to learn theoretical aspects of a wide range of Indian Law and the Indian judicial system. In our community, there are not many advocates or lawyers to look up to as a role model. Fortunately, when I was in class eight, I was first introduced to a Tibetan advocate who came to school to give a talk; this was the first time I had met anybody like this and I set my mind, “I want to become a lawyer too”. With time, and as I grew up, my fellow Tibetans can see that the reason is obvious, why I should focus on law and human rights, given the situation that Tibetans inside Tibet are fighting for their basic rights while Tibetans in exile are facing the everyday challenges of a refugee life. While pursuing my bachelors degree, I took on the role of Secretary of Mysore Tibetan Students Association. My idea of participating as a secretary was to provide awareness about Tibet as a country and how Tibet’s cause is indispensable to the understanding by outsiders of
Contact magazine | February- March 2022 | Page No 14
the global implications of Tibet’s situation. On March 10, Tibetan Uprising Day, we held an event to mark solidarity between Tibetans in exile and those living in Tibet; information about Tibetan history, culture, and tradition was presented to international students and we interacted with them and exchanged knowledge about Tibet. In 2018, I took on a role in the Mysore Regional Tibetan Legal Association and engaged with them in different activities and programmes. The following year I became an active member of the All India Student Association Meet and organised a programme where Indian and Tibetan students gathered to participate in different competitions such as English and Tibetan debates, cultural competitions and sports competitions. Organising all these events was tough but the experience was worth it. Our main goal was always to promote unity among all Tibetan students around the globe. I firmly believe that even when things become hard, it is significant to grab an opportunity and have different kinds of experiences in life. I have the privilege of serving my community in my own capacity; it gives me ultimate satisfaction and hope. I graduated in 2020 and went on to pursue my Masters in International and Comparative Law from IMS UNISON University in Dehradun. It was a traumatic year, the year of the global Covid-19 pandemic and I was diagnosed with Covid. This meant studying both offline and online which requires mental preparation in advance of the situation. I worked hard to challenge that adversity, and received a gold medal in 2021. I can feel proud, more than ever, that I’m now following in the footsteps of the young Tibetan women who have inspired me so much as I have seen them bring change to our community. I am planning to do further studies abroad and want to accomplish my aim to be a human rights advocate. It is important for me to grab any opportunity and to think positively and bigger in life. Meanwhile I am working at Lha Charitable Trust, one of the largest Tibetan social work NGOs based in Dharamshala. I have a close association with Lha: as a kid, I have memories of attending language classes here during my college days, I accompanied international student groups visiting Lha as part time assistant group leader. I see my work with Lha as valuable experience towards fulfilling my ambitions to work in the field of human rights.
Tibet-Related Websites News:
tibet.net - official website of the Central Tibetan Administration in exile phayul.com -Phayul is published in Dharamshala, has opinion, reviews, photos, etc contactmagazine.net - Contact magazine online news rfa.org/english/news/tibet - Radio Free Asia’s mission is to provide accurate and timely news and information to Asian countries whose governments prohibit access to a free press thetibetpost.com - Tibet Post International online news tibetexpress.net - Tibet Express online news guardian.co.uk/world/tibet - the UK Guardian newspaper’s Tibet pages scmp.com/news/china - the South China Morning Post – one of the more independent news sources in China tibetanreview.net - Tibetan Review online news
News, information and campaigning:
dalailama.com - for broadcasts of His Holiness’s teachings, his schedule and information about Tibet and the Dalai Lama tchrd.org - Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy - a non-governmental organisation and a research centre to protect the human rights of Tibetan people and promote the principles of democracy tibetanyouthcongress.org - an international non-governmental organisation that advocates full independence for Tibet from China studentsforafreetibet.org - a global grassroots group campaigning for full Tibetan independence freetibet.org: - UK-based campaigning organisation, also a good news source tibetwatch.org - Tibet Watch works with Free Tibet to promote the human rights of the Tibetan people through monitoring, research and advocacy. savetibet.org - Website of the International Campaign for Tibet and a good resource for news, campaigns, fundraising and projects tibetnetwork.org/home - a coalition of more than 190 Tibet organisations dedicated to campaigning to end human rights violations in Tibet and restoring rights to the Tibetan people tibetanjournal.com - Tibetan Journal - news, reviews and opinions rukor.org - a discussion site on Tibetan nomads and their fate bitterwinter.org - A magazine on religious liberty and human rights in China www.facebook.com/tsundue - Tenzin Tsundue’s website for up to date information on activists’ campaigns, demonstrations and activities
Writings:
highpeakspureearth.com/category/woeser - occasional translations of Woeser’s enormously popular blog – Woeser lives in Beijing and is continually harassed by the Chinese government for her courageous writings.
Contact is published by Lha Charitable Trust Institute for Social Work and Education We have moved! (see map on next page)
Lha Charitable Trust
Lha’s Language Classes
Contact magazine | February- March 2022 | Page No 15
DHARAMSHALA CONTACTS Delek Hospital Gangkyi, Central Tibetan Administration Hours: Outpatient services: 9am-1pm, Mon-Sat Specialist clinics: 2-4:30pm Emergencies: 24-hrs, daily Phone: 222 053,223 381
Mcleod Ganj Police Station: 01892 221 483 Kangra Airport: 01892 232374 Bhagsu Taxi Union: 01892 221034 Tourism Office: 01892 224430 223325 Rail Booking & Enquiry: 01892 265026 Police Superintendent: 01892 222244
McLeod Ganj Post Office Location: Jogiwara Rd Before the Peace Cafe Hours: 9:30am-1pm and 2-5pm Mon-Fri; 9:30am-noon, Sat Parcels and money orders can be sent in the mornings only Phone: 01892-221 924
Follow Contact on website, Facebook and Instagram, using QR scan codes below
www.contactmagazine.net
Contact News
Contact Magazine