The Dalai Lama, Barack Obama most popular leaders says new survey

A new pan-Atlantic survey has named Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the most popular leader in the world along with US President Barack Obama. In contrast, leaders with the least levels of popularity include China’s President Xi Jingping and Iran’s Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.



http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=33520

Tibetan NGO CHOICE HIV/AIDS to dissolve, Releases executive report

The lone Tibetan NGO in the exile community dedicated towards AIDS awareness and providing support to HIV patients, CHOICE-HIV/AIDS Initiative, today announced its dissolution at a press conference in Dharamshala. After six long years of conducting intensive outreach and awareness programmes



http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=33517

Sikyong felicitates topper student Tenzin Chokyi

The elected head of Tibetan people, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay today felicitated Tenzin Chokyi, who had topped among Tibetan students with 95.4 per cent in this year’s all-India class XII examinations conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education.



http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=33516

CTA rejects China’s allegations, Appeals Tibetans not to self-immolate

The Dharamshala based Central Tibetan Administration has once again categorically rejected China’s allegations of “outside forces” instigating the ongoing wave of self-immolation protests inside Tibet. The Kashag in a statement said China’s recent claims “don’t have a strand of truth.”



http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=33507

Thousands of Tibetans protest Chinese mining activities in Driru

Thousands of Tibetans took part in a major protest against Chinese mining activities last week in Driru region of eastern Tibet. Over 4,500 Tibetans gathered near Naglha Zamba, a sacred hill rich in mineral resources, to protest



http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=33506

TPPRC workshop on youth leadership concludes with Sikyong’s address

A nine-day long workshop for Tibetan college students concluded here today with a talk by Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the elected head of the Tibetan people. 57 Tibetan students hailing from various colleges from Delhi, Mysore, Chennai, Chandigarh, and Varanasi



http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=33502

Breaking: Tibet burns with another self-immolation, Toll reaches 118

In reports coming just in, a Tibetan man set himself on fire in Adril region of eastern Tibet protesting China’s occupation and hard-line policies in Tibet. Tenzin Sherab, 31, carried out his self-immolation protest on May 27. He succumbed to his injuries at the site of his fiery protest.



http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=33500

CTA observes International Tibet Solidarity Day, Marks Panchen Lama’s 18 years of disappearance

Tibetans marking 18 years of the 11th Panchen Lama's dissapearance at the McLeod Ganj Plaza in Dharamshala. 

DHARAMSHALA, May 17: Thousands of Tibetans and supporters all over the world today observed the “International Tibet Solidarity Day,” coinciding with the 18th anniversary of the 11th Panchen Lama’s abduction by Chinese authorities.

The solidarity day was called by the Kashag (cabinet) of Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile to symbolise the “international community’s solidarity with the aspirations of the Tibetan people who yearn for freedom and continue to stand strong in the face of great adversity.”

The day also marked 18 years since the 11th Panchen Lama Gendhun Choekyi Nyima, recognised by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, was disappeared in 1995 at the age of six along with his parents. Despite repeated appeals to meet the Panchen Lama and know his whereabouts by world leaders, China has refused to divulge any details and instead placed another boy of its choice as the 11th Panchen Lama.

Organisers said the solidarity day “symbolises his fate and many other Tibetans who continue to be imprisoned and deprived of their basic human rights.”

Speaking at the official function in the Tibetan exile headquarters of Dharamshala, Kalon Pema Chinnjor, Acting Sikyong said Tibetans and supporters are gathering all over the world to “express solidarity with the 11th Panchen Lama and the 117 known cases of Tibetan self-immolations and many other unknown cases of detentions, arrests, deaths, and long sentences under Chinese rule.”

In its official statement, the Tibetan Parliament said Tibetans “remain hopeful that as a result of this day being observed in places across the world, definite appreciable gains will be seen in the furtherance of the Tibetan cause with regard to Tibet’s both immediate and long term religious, political, an ethnic well being.”

“We hope and appeal with utmost earnestness that such support designed to show solidarity with the Tibetan people be continuously strengthened from year to year through making good use of events and occasions like today until the day our just cause is realised.”

Artistes of the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts perform at the Tsug-la Khang courtyard in Dharamshala to mark the 'International Tibet Solidarity Day' on May 17, 2013. 

In honor of the two recent Tibetan self-immolators Lobsang Dawa, 20 and Kunchok Woeser, 23, who died in their fiery protest in Amdo province of eastern Tibet on April 24, a mass prayer service was organised by the Department of Religion and Culture at the Tsug-la Khang, the main temple in Dharamshala.

Since 2009, as many as 117 Tibetans living under China’s rule have set themselves on fire calling for freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile.

Coinciding with the solidarity day events, day-long exhibitions on the ‘History of Tibet,’ ‘A Long Look Homeward,’ and a special exhibition on the wave of Tibetan self-immolations were organised by the Tibet Museum of Department of Information and International Relations.

A brief presentation on the life of the 11th Panchen Lama Gedun Choekyi Nyima was also made by Tsangtruk Topla, a teacher at the Central College for Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarah.

The Dharamshala regional chapters of the Tibetan Youth Congress and Tibetan Women’s Association also marked the day by calling upon China to release the Panchen Lama and his parents.

China secretly sentences Tibetan writer to five years

Gartse Jigme in an undated photo and a copy of his book, The Warrior's Courage. DHARAMSHALA, May 17: Chinese authorities in eastern Tibet have secretly sentenced a well-known Tibetan writer to five years in prison for expressing his viewpoints on issues considered politically sensitive by Beijing. Gartse Jigme, 36, a monk at the Gartse Monastery was sentenced on May 14 by a Chinese court in Tsekhog, Malho according to exile sources. His current condition and whereabouts remain unknown. Jigme was arrested on January 1 earlier this year following a raid on his monastic quarters. Chinese authorities searched his personal belongings, including his computer, and whisked his away to Siling. Local authorities also issued a ban on the sale of his book, ‘Tsenpoi Nyingtob’ (The Warrior’s Courage). The second volume of his book has 25-chapters focusing on issues such as the ongoing wave of self-immolations in Tibet, the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan government-in-exile and the rights of the minority in China. According to sources, the distribution of his book, The Warriors Courage, was given as a reason for his detention. Gartse Jigme was born in Gartse in Rebkong region of Malho. He started writing in 1999 and has penned hundreds of essays concerning issue related to Tibet. In 2005, Jigme published his first book ‘Bsam bzhigs nyul ba'i zin tho’ (Diary of Wandering Thoughts). Jigme was briefly detained in April 2011 and suffered brutal torture at the hands of Chinese authorities after he published the first volume of ‘The Warrior’s Courage.’ Exiled Tibetan writer Bhuchung Sonam in his book, ‘Yak Horns,’ translates Jigme’s pledge as stated in his banned book: As a Tibetan, I will never give up the struggle for the rights of my people As a religious person, I will never criticize the leader of my religion As a writer, I am committed to the power of truth and reality This is the pledge I make to my fellow Tibetans. Tibetan writers, singers, and artists promoting Tibetan national identity and culture have been the target of China’s ongoing crackdown on intellectuals, especially after the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Since 2009, as many as 117 Tibetans living under China’s rule have set themselves on fire demanding freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile.

Assam stands in support of Tibet

Tibetan Parliamentary delegation with the Honourable Governor of the State of Assam, JB Patnaik DHARAMSHALA, May 17: Political leaders from across party lines in the northeast Indian state of Assam have come out in strong support of finding a lasting resolution for Tibet following lobbying efforts by exile Tibetan parliamentarians. A three-member Tibetan parliamentary delegation, led by former speaker of the Dharamshala based Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile have been on a six-day lobby campaign which concluded yesterday. The Tibetan parliamentarians met with the Honourable Governor of Assam, JB Patnaik, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the State Assembly, senior ministers of the state cabinet, and several other national and state lawmakers in the state capital Guwahati. According to MP Dhardon Sharling, a member of the delegation, Governor Patnaik “lamented the unprecedented spate of self-immolations inside Tibet and said that it should stop as the stone- hearted Chinese leadership will not be moved by such acts.” “One must survive to struggle,” Governor Patnaik told the delegation while expressing the need for “expedient intervention of United Nations in the escalating crisis inside Tibet.” Calls for UN intervention on Tibet also came from the Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly, Pranab Kumar Gogoi. “Lone, isolated voices across the globe will not undo the atrocities in Tibet, instead a tenacious and resolute action from the United Nations will effectuate the effective addressing of the plight,” Gogoi told the Tibetan MPs. The delegation met with Members of the Indian Parliament, including, Bhubaneshwar Kalita (Congress State President and also observer for the All India Parliamentary Forum for Tibet), Raman Das (BJP), and Bijoy Chakravarty (BJP). Successive meetings were also held with leaders of the four major political parties of the State. “The Parliamentarians and party leaders concurred with the view that ‘India has a single, united voice on the Tibetan issue,’ and pledged steadfast support for the passing of an ‘All-Party Parliamentary Resolution on the Tibet crisis,’” Sharling said. Tibetan Parliamentary delegation with Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly, Pranab Kumar Gogoi The Tibetan MPs also met with state minister and Members of Legislative Assembly, including, Minister for Planning and Development, Tanka Bahadur Rai, Minister for Information and Public Relations, Basanta Das, Minister for Cooperation and Border Areas Development, Siddique Ahmed. During their meetings, the delegation appealed the State leaders for “substantial and public expressions of solidarity and support amid the unprecedented spate of self-immolations by Tibetans inside Tibet and the subsequent deepening crackdown by Chinese Government.” “The delegates also urged India to engage in urgent diplomatic actions that assert multilateral pressure on the Chinese leadership to address the true grievances of the Tibetan people inside Tibet,” Sharling said. Since 2009, as many as 117 Tibetans living under China’s rule have set themselves on fire calling for freedom and return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile. 100 Tibetans have died in the spate of fiery protests. The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile announced the all-India lobbying campaign in December last as part of the exile Tibetan administration’s attempts at garnering wider support for international intervention in the ongoing crisis inside Tibet. The Assam leg of the campaign concluded with a press conference held yesterday at the Press Club of Guwahati. Following their visit to the state, the northeast zone delegation will take their campaign to the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya. In January, the delegation had carried out lobbying campaign in West Bengal, Odisha, Chattisgarh, and Jharkhand.

After serving five-year terms, three Tibetan political prisoners released

Lama Adril Lobsang Tsultrim in an undated photo. DHARAMSHALA, May 17: In two separate incidents, a senior Tibetan lama and two other Tibetan political prisoners have been released after serving full five years of their prison terms. Speaking to Phayul, Jampa Younten, a monk living in south India said Lama Adril Lobsang Tsultrim of Wonpo Gaden Shedup Dhargyeling Monastery was released on May 15. “Lama Adril Lobsang Tsultrim was arrested from Tibet’s capital city Lhasa on March 15, 2008 on charges of sharing information with outsiders and was detained at Toelung prison for a year,” Youten said. He was later moved to a prison in Chushul. “On December 15, 2009, Lama Tsultrim’s students had appealed for his early release on medical grounds but Chinese authorities rejected the plea and instead sentenced him to five years in prison,” the source added. Lama Tsultrim was born in 1944 to Lobsang Ngodup and Lhadro. He was recognised as the reincarnation of Adril Lama Adril Taggyal at a young age. In a separate incident, two Tibetan political prisoners, Lobsang Tenpa and Lobsang Choeden, both monks at the Kardze monastery in eastern Tibet were released on May 12 at the completion of their prison terms. The two monks were arrested in connection with the peaceful protests that erupted in the Kardze region in May 2008. A large number of local Tibetans, including monks of the Kardze Monastery, had spilled out on the streets demanding an end to China’s occupation. The two monks were later sentenced to five-year prison terms by the Intermediate People’s Court in Kardze. In the spring of 2008, thousands of Tibetans rose up in protest against China’s occupation of Tibet, carrying out peaceful demonstrations on a massive and unprecedented scale all over the Tibetan plateau. Chinese authorities responded with a brutal crackdown, leading to the deaths of over 200 known Tibetans and disappearance of many. Thousands were arrested and sentenced to lengthy jail terms without due legal process.

Advertisement Tibet reports bird flu outbreak

DHARAMSHALA, May 15: An outbreak of the highly contagious H5N1 bird flu virus among chickens has been reported from the Nyingtri region of central Tibet. China’s Ministry of Agriculture on Monday said 35 chickens at a farm in a village in Nyingtri “showed symptoms of the suspected avian flu and died last Tuesday.” According to China’s state news agency, Xinhua, the National Avian Influenza Reference Laboratory confirmed that the virus was H5N1, after testing samples collected at the farm. “Local authorities have sealed off and sterilised the infected area, where a total of 372 chickens have been culled and safely disposed of in order to prevent the disease from spreading,” the report cited MOA as saying. The spread of the newly detected H7N9 virus in China has claimed 35 lives so far, while 57 infected patients have recovered according to China’s National Health and Family Planning Commission. Since the first H7N9 infections was reported in late March, China has confirmed a total of 130 cases. H5N1 is a type of influenza virus that causes a highly infectious, severe respiratory disease in birds called avian influenza (or "bird flu"). Human cases of H5N1 avian influenza occur occasionally, but it is difficult to transmit the infection from person to person. According to the World Health Organisation, when people do become infected, the mortality rate is about 60%. Last month, over 500 cattle heads were culled in the Tibetan capital region of Lhasa and another 156 cattle heads were culled in the Shigatse region after reported outbreaks of the foot-and-mouth disease.

The Dalai Lama speaks to Wisconsin lawmakers in State Assembly

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaks to the Wisconsin state Assembly Tuesday, May 14, 2013, in Madison, Wisconsin. MADISON, May 15: Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama spoke to members of the Wisconsin State Legislature and other state officials in a brief speech in the Assembly Chamber in Madison Tuesday afternoon. In his address, the Dalai Lama stressed on the oneness of humanity and said that the key to happiness is recognising the humanity of those we disagree with. "Six billion human beings are basically the same, mentally, emotionally and physically. The way we’re born, the way we die — same " said the Dalai Lama. "More important, everyone want happy successful life...Ultimately, the source of a successful life is not money, not power, but inner value. If you have inner value, that means more sense of others well-being." The 77-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader, who had earlier formally address Wisconsin lawmakers in 1998, said he was honored to be speaking to leaders in a democratic nation and reminded of their potential to make the world a healthier and happier place. He said he admired the United States and called it "the greatest democratic country and leading nation of the free world." "Despite some drawbacks and mistakes ... America is truly a democratic country and ruled by law and freedom of expression," he said. "These are great, wonderful things." He also spoke of the need to develop compassion and trust. “Trust brings friendship,” the Dalai Lama said. “Genuine friendship and not friendship of money, not friendship of power.” The Dalai Lama is currently on a four-day visit to Madison, marking his ninth visit to the state since 1979. His Holiness also met Governor Scott Walker Tuesday morning before his address to Wisconsin lawmakers. The Dalai Lama is scheduled to lead a panel discussion on Change your Mind Change the World, co-hosted by the Center for Investigating Healthy Minds at the Waisman Center and the Global Health Institute, both at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on Wednesday. The daylong discussions will bring together some of the world’s most respected thought leaders to discuss how neuroscience, environments, economics, and healthcare can combine to make the world a healthier, happier place.

Advertisement 'Unity of Tibet more sacred than our souls,' says the Dalai Lama

Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking to a gathering of over 1300 Tibetans in Madison, Wisconsin on May 14, 2013. MADISON, May 14: Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama today said that the unity of the three Cholkhas (provinces) of Tibet – Kham, Amdo, and U-Tsang – is more sacred than our souls. The Dalai Lama was speaking in Madison, Wisconsin to more than 1300 Tibetans from the Midwest region of the United States. He acknowledged Tibetans from all the three provinces of Tibet for unitedly shouldering the responsibility of preserving the language, culture, and ancient wisdom of Tibet. “Now, after spending more than 54 years in exile and having seen the growth of our second and third generation of exile Tibetans, the spirit of the people of land of snows – Ghangchenpas – is still strong,” the 77-year-old Tibetan leader said. “Most significantly, the determination and fortitude of Tibetans in Tibet continues to remain unflinching.” The Dalai Lama, who is currently on a fortnight’s visit of US, noted that more and more people around the world, especially Chinese, are realising the truth about Tibet and supporting the non-violent Tibetan struggle. “The resolution of our struggle will to a large extent depend upon the Chinese people and their support and solidarity with the Tibetan people,” His Holiness said. “The number of Chinese scholars and students that I have been in contact with have all expressed their support for the Middle Way Approach, which seeks genuine autonomy for Tibet within the constitution of the People’s Republic of China.” He emphasised that the Middle Way Approach is a pedestal on which Tibetans can build to resolve their issues with China, while questioning the existence of an international support base for demands of an independent Tibet. “When you are raising slogans for independence or taking out protests against visiting Chinese delegates, you must realise that the repercussions of your actions will be borne by Tibetans inside Tibet,” the Dalai Lama said. Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama greeting young children at a gathering of over 1300 Tibetans in Madison, Wisconsin on May 14, 2013.  The Tibetan spiritual leader also had a word of caution for the much-publicised centenary commemorations of His Holiness the 13th Dalai Lama’s ‘Proclamation of Independence,’ pointing out the political limits of the erstwhile Tibetan government when the declaration was made in 1913. “You have the freedom to express but don’t just go about propagating your own individual choices without considering the general situation and without thinking about whether you can achieve those wishes,” His Holiness said. The Dalai Lama stressed that although he has completely retired from active politics, as a Tibetan, he has the responsibility to make clarifications and the right to air his views. “I have never said that you must follow what I say,” the Tibetan spiritual leader said. “But I have the responsibility to make clarifications on the situation.” Earlier in the morning the Dalai Lama gave teachings on Je Tsongkhapa's Praise to Dependent Origination (tendrel toepa) to an audience of over 3500 devotees. All proceeds generated from the teachings was donated to the Madison based Deer Park Buddhist Centre, the organisers of the event.

'Unity of Tibet more sacred than our souls,' says the Dalai Lama

Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking to a gathering of over 1300 Tibetans in Madison, Wisconsin on May 14, 2013. MADISON, May 14: Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama today said that the unity of the three Cholkhas (provinces) of Tibet – Kham, Amdo, and U-Tsang – is more sacred than our souls. The Dalai Lama was speaking in Madison, Wisconsin to more than 1300 Tibetans from the Midwest region of the United States. He acknowledged Tibetans from all the three provinces of Tibet for unitedly shouldering the responsibility of preserving the language, culture, and ancient wisdom of Tibet. “Now, after spending more than 54 years in exile and having seen the growth of our second and third generation of exile Tibetans, the spirit of the people of land of snows – Ghangchenpas – is still strong,” the 77-year-old Tibetan leader said. “Most significantly, the determination and fortitude of Tibetans in Tibet continues to remain unflinching.” The Dalai Lama, who is currently on a fortnight’s visit of US, noted that more and more people around the world, especially Chinese, are realising the truth about Tibet and supporting the non-violent Tibetan struggle. “The resolution of our struggle will to a large extent depend upon the Chinese people and their support and solidarity with the Tibetan people,” His Holiness said. “The number of Chinese scholars and students that I have been in contact with have all expressed their support for the Middle Way Approach, which seeks genuine autonomy for Tibet within the constitution of the People’s Republic of China.” He emphasised that the Middle Way Approach is a pedestal on which Tibetans can build to resolve their issues with China, while questioning the existence of an international support base for demands of an independent Tibet. “When you are raising slogans for independence or taking out protests against visiting Chinese delegates, you must realise that the repercussions of your actions will be borne by Tibetans inside Tibet,” the Dalai Lama said. Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama greeting young children at a gathering of over 1300 Tibetans in Madison, Wisconsin on May 14, 2013. The Tibetan spiritual leader also had a word of caution for the much-publicised centenary commemorations of His Holiness the 13th Dalai Lama’s ‘Proclamation of Independence,’ pointing out the political limits of the erstwhile Tibetan government when the declaration was made in 1913. “You have the freedom to express but don’t just go about propagating your own individual choices without considering the general situation and without thinking about whether you can achieve those wishes,” His Holiness said. The Dalai Lama stressed that although he has completely retired from active politics, as a Tibetan, he has the responsibility to make clarifications and the right to air his views. “I have never said that you must follow what I say,” the Tibetan spiritual leader said. “But I have the responsibility to make clarifications on the situation.” Earlier in the morning the Dalai Lama gave teachings on Je Tsongkhapa's Praise to Dependent Origination (tendrel toepa) to an audience of over 3500 devotees. All proceeds generated from the teachings was donated to the Madison based Deer Park Buddhist Centre, the organisers of the event.

Chinese police kill Tibetan monk in custody

DHARAMSHALA, May 14: In a reported case of custodial death of a Tibetan political prisoner, Chinese police beat a monk to death for possessing recordings of speeches by Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama and for his stance on Tibet’s independence. Exile Tibetan media sources have identified the deceased monk as Kaldo, formerly a monk at the Chamdo Monastery, Tibet. Kaldo was detained from his home in Dzogang on April 21 by Chinese police for possessing speeches of the Dalai Lama. He was taken to the local police station where he was kept and severely beaten until he died on April 28. Reports suggest that the Dalai Lama’s speeches that Kaldo had kept were about the Shugden diety, the propitiation of which has been discouraged by the exile Tibetan spiritual leader. According to reports, when Chinese police told Kaldo to sign a letter saying he worships Shugden diety, he instead wrote ‘Tibet is independent’ several times on the paper. Kaldo was severely beaten and tortured until he passed away in custody. This is not the first instance of custodial death in Dzogang. In January 2009, a Tibetan youth, Pema Tsepak, succumbed to his injuries sustained from beatings by Chinese authorities. Pema Tsepak, 24 was arrested along with Thinley Ngodrub, 24, and his brother Thargyal, 23, from Punda town in Tsawa Dzogang, for carrying a white banner reading ‘Independence for Tibet,’ throwing paper fliers in the air, and shouting slogans. Chinese police brutality in Dzogang was reported earlier this year in February as well when authorities arrested six Tibetans and brutally beat them, leaving two with broken bones for carrying out an anti-China protest. Several Tibetans had carried out a protest against China’s rule in front of the local Chinese government office in Meye town on the eve of the Tibetan new year, Losar on February 10. The protesters raised slogans for religious freedom in Tibet and also pasted posters calling for Tibet’s independence.

CTA hosts ‘Development of Monastic Education’ conference

The four-day conference on Development of Monastic Education underway at the Gyutoe Monastery in Dharamshala on May 14, 2013.  DHARAMSHALA, May 14: A four-day conference on ‘Development of Monastic Education’ of the four major Tibetan Buddhist schools and Bon tradition began today at the Gyutoe Monastery in lower Dharamshala. The conference is being organised by the Department of Religion and Culture of the Dharamshala based Central Tibetan Administration. The conference was attended by former Kalon Tripa Samdhong Rinpoche, Kalon Pema Chinnjor, Deputy Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Tibetan Parliamentarians from the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon tradition and representatives from forty-seven monasteries and nunneries in exile. Speaking at the conference, Kalon Chinnjor of the Department of Religion and Culture, in his introductory remarks elaborated on the importance of Tibetan Buddhism in preserving Tibetan’s unique identity and for gaining international support. He urged the participants to thoroughly discuss ways of developing the monastic education system so that monasteries inside and outside Tibet would benefit from the conference deliberations. An eight-point agenda to improve the standard of education in study and meditation centres, as well as providing scholarships for those who want to specialise in one specific subject of Buddhist tradition was laid down by the Department of Religion and Culture. The four-day conference will also focus on introducing science in monastic education and holding of non-sectarian Monlam (prayer festivals) and non-sectarian Buddhist debates.

‘Lhasa on the verge of destruction,’ writes Woeser

The Old City district of Lhasa. DHARAMSHALA, May 11: Beijing-based Tibetan writer Woeser has made a desperate appeal to save the ancient Tibetan capital city Lhasa from what she calls “frightful ‘modernisation,’” constituting “an unpardonable and incalcuable crime against the ancient city of Lhasa’s landscape, human culture, and environment.” In a petition written earlier this month, which went viral on Wiebo and was quickly censored, the award-winning Tibetan writer noted that China is changing the face of Lhasa by building a new shopping mall in the heart of the Old City, “thoroughly clearing” the circumambulation path around the Jokhang, Tibet’s holiest shrine. The letter, ‘Our Lhasa is on the Verge of Destruction! Please, Save Lhasa!’ was reposted on her blog, Invisible Tibet, and has been translated into English. The Barkhor Shopping Mall, once completed, would cover an area of 150,000 sq m and have more than 1,000 underground parking spaces, according to its developer. The Barkhor: the circumambulation road around the Jokhang. “From the “Engineering Survey” for the “Barkhor Shopping Mall” we can see that the goal of the renovation of the Barkhor quarter is to ‘cleanse, disperse, transform and elevate,’” Woeser writes in the letter. “And the reality that is to be understood by this is that the reconstruction of the Old City is to be divided into several large parts: the heart of the Old City, the circumambulation path around the Jokhang is to be thoroughly cleared. All the street peddlers are to be moved inside the newly-built “Barkhor Shopping Mall.” All of the residents originally living along the street are to be moved to Tolung Dechen County in the western suburb of Lhasa; those households that move quickly can get a subsidy of between 20,000 and 30,000 RMB. Not moving will be a political problem.” She further states that the destruction of the ancient city of Lhasa, the oldest part of which date back to the 7th century, is taking place on other streets and allies in the Old City as well, such as the space in front of the Ramoche temple where big public squares are to be opened up and the surrounding households are to be moved to the suburbs. Woeser laments that the Old City will never again be the street of those Tibetans who circumambulate, come on pilgrimage, and prostrate themselves. “And now, the area in front of the Jokhang, which has borne witness to so much change over the ages, has no more of the pilgrims from Kham and Amdo who prostrate themselves all the way from the far borders to Lhasa; no more lamp pavilions in which thousands and tens of thousands of butter lamp offerings were lit every day,” she writes. A display image of the Barkhor Shopping Mall, currently under construction. “Only snipers poised on the roofs of Tibetans’ homes, and fully armed soldiers on patrol; only the opening of one massive government-business sector joint venture shopping mall after another, each with inflatable blood-red plastic columns before their doors, flaunting the vulgarity and invasiveness of these new upstart operations.” Woeser, in her letter, calls on UNESCO, Tibetologists, and other organisations to stop China’s frightful “modernisation” and pay close attention to the “unredeemable misfortune that is befalling the Old City of Lhasa right at this very moment.” Responding to Woeser’s appeal, nearly 1000 people have already signed a petition urging Kishore Rao, Director of UNESCO World Heritage Centre to use his position and influence to stop China's “willful destruction of the old city of Lhasa.”

Largest international youth group blames China for Tibet burnings

Tsewang Rigzin, President of Tibetan Youth Congress addressing the IUSY World Council in Dortmund, Germany May 8-9.  DHARAMSHALA, May 11: A global meet of youth leaders blamed China for the ongoing wave of self-immolations in Tibet and called on Beijing to allow international fact-finding delegations to visit Tibetan areas. Around 130 delegates, representing over 60 countries, passed a hard-hitting resolution on Tibet at the World Council of the International Union of Socialist Youth held in Dortmund, Germany from May 8-9. The world’s largest political youth group unanimously condemned China’s “continued occupation of Tibet and oppression of the Tibetan people” and cited these as the “root cause” of all the self-immolations. Since 2009, as many as 117 Tibetans living under China’s rule have set themselves on fire demanding freedom and the return of Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile. In the Tibet resolution, delegates demanded People’s Republic of China to “immediately allow an international fact-finding delegation including UN officials, foreign diplomats and media to assess the ground reality in occupied Tibet, immediately stop harassment, arbitrary arrests and imprisonment of family members, relatives and friends of self-immolators, and immediately release all political prisoners including 11th Panchen Lama, Gedun Choekyi Nyima.” Representing Tibet at the international meet, Tsewang Rigzin, President of Tibetan Youth Congress, the largest pro-independence group in exile, presented a detailed report on the unprecedented number of self-immolations inside Tibet. “Political repression, cultural assimilation, environmental destruction, and economic marginalisation of the Tibetan people by the illegal Communist Chinese regime has led the Tibetan people to resort to the only option left for them to defy the continuing occupation of Tibet and oppression of the Tibetan people,” Rigzin said in his address at the World Council. “We have delegates from world over here and I appeal you all to lobby your leaders to pressure the Chinese government to resolve the issue of Tibet.” Rigzin also introduced a resolution on “Regional Cooperation against China’s “Bullying” of its Asian neighbours,” representing the IUSY Asia Pacific Committee. The resolution, while addressing territorial disputes between China, Indonesia, Taiwan, Philippines, Vietnam, and Japan called for “regional cooperation among Asian nations as a sign of solidarity and to end all forms of colonial and imperial adventures by China.” The IUSY World Council is held every two years to determine the organisation’s policies and its implementations. IUSY was founded in 1907 and is the largest political youth organisation in the world with about 150 member organisations from more than 100 countries fighting for change all over the world for over 100 years now.

French Senate delegation visits Dharamshala, Hopes to visit Tibet

Speaker Penpa Tsering and Deputy Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel of the Tibetan Parliament addressing the press with the French Senate delegation in Dharamshala on May 10, 2013. DHARAMSHALA, May 10: A four-member French senate delegation, representing the country’s major political groups, are currently on a week-long visit to the exile Tibetan headquarters of Dharamshala. The delegation, led by Senator Jean-Francois Humbert, President of the Tibet Group and a member of the Union for a Popular Movement Party, includes senators Michel Berson, Socialist Party, Bernard Fournier, Union for a Popular Movement Party, and Andre Gattolin, Green Party. The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile is coordinating the visit. Addressing a press conference earlier today at the Department of information and International Relations, the delegation lauded the Tibetan non-violent struggle for freedom and noted that they will press China to allow a French Parliamentary delegation to visit Tibet. “We all have a common goal in our hearts and that is supporting Tibetans,” Humbert said. “So, all of us, representing all the big political groups in the French Senate are here for the same goal – supporting the Tibetan issue and the people.” “In the international context, when there is violence somewhere, it receives a lot of attention. In the Tibetan case, it would be very useful if the international community recognises the non-violent struggle of the Tibetan people.” Speaking about their ongoing visit (May 8-14), Berson said the delegation members saw and heard much more about the Tibetan issue than they were aware of. “The real meaning of freedom and resistance has such great sense in Dharamshala here,” Berson said. He added that the French senate will ask the Chinese government to allow a delegation of the French Parliamentary group to travel to Tibet. “We might not receive a favorable response to our request but it would be a positive step, which will show we are willing to support the Tibetan people in this difficult time.” Last month, the French Parliamentary Tibet support group met with Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the elected head of the Tibetan people, during his visit to the country. The French Parliamentary delegation’s visit to Dharamshala comes weeks after French President Francois Hollande met China’s new President Xi Jinping in Beijing and raised the issue of Tibet and human rights in a "frank and respectful manner" during the talks. The delegation had an audience with Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorjee and met officials of the Central Tibetan Administration. The French lawmakers will also be visiting Tibetan schools and hold meetings with leaders of various Tibetan NGOs in the coming days.

‘Without independence Tibet will be annihilated,’ a self-immolator’s last words

Tibetan self-immolator Phagmo Dhondup in an undated photo. DHARAMSHALA, May 9: More than two months after Tibetan self-immolator Phagmo Dhondup set himself on fire, details of a conversation he had with a friend before he set himself on fire, has come out. According to Kunsang Rinzin, a Tibetan living in south India, Phagmo Dhondup went to a restaurant with a friend before his self-immolation protest and left a message for Tibet’s independence and freedom. “Till now, over a hundred Tibetans in Tibet have set themselves on fire for freedom. They are the true martyrs of Tibet. If Tibet does not get its freedom and independence, China will annihilate Tibetan culture and tradition,” Phagmo Dhondup had told his friend. Phagmo Dhondup also expressed sadness over Chinese authorities’ restrictions on studying Tibetan language in his region. “This year, Chinese authorities have restricted studying Tibetan language in our Tibetan areas in Bayen and all teachers have been expelled from the region. I am really sad now,” Phagmo Dhondup told his friend. “Today on the night of the 15th day of the Tibetan New Year, I will set myself on fire in front of the debating grounds at the Jhakhyung Monastery. Today is Tibetan Independence Day.” According to the same source, an eyewitness, who confirmed the meeting between Phagmo Dhondup and his friend, recounted details of the self-immolation protest. “On February 24, at around 7 pm, Phagmo Dhondup bought two bottles of kerosene and some colored papers,” the eyewitness said. “He then drank a bottle and a half of the kerosene and burnt the paper raising slogans, ‘Tibet is independent,’ ‘Freedom in Tibet,’ and ‘May His Holiness the Dalai Lama live for thousands of aeons.’” Later, when Phagmo Dhondup reached the ancient Jhakhyung Monastery in Palung region of Tshoshar, eastern Tibet, he doused himself with the remaining kerosene and set himself on fire. The monks at the Monastery rushed Phagmo Dhondup to a nearby hospital. After undergoing treatment at a hospital in Siling for over a month, Phagmo Dhondup succumbed to his injuries on an unknown date. Phagmo Dhondup was a native of Tsaphuk town in Palung region. He is survived by father Shawo and a sibling. Since 2009, as many as 117 Tibetans living under China’s rule have set themselves on fire calling for freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile. 100 Tibetans have passed away in the wave of fiery protests while little is known about the condition of the survivors.

Tibetan MPs take lobbying campaign to Sikkim, Meet senior leaders

Tibetan MPs with Speaker of Gangtok State Assembly KT Gyaltsen (2nd L) DHARAMSHALA, May 9: Exiled Tibetan parliamentarians met with senior leaders of the Indian state of Sikkim, which shares its borders with Tibet, as part of a nation-wide lobbying campaign to highlight the ongoing crisis inside Tibet. The three-member Tibetan Parliamentary delegation, led by former speaker Pema Jugney, met state lawmakers, including the Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly KT Gyaltsen and Deputy Speaker MB Dahal. During the lobbying campaign in the state capital Gangtok, which began on May 3 and went on for six days, the Tibetan MPs also held parleys with senior ministers of the state, including NK Pradhan, Education Minister; Sonam Gyatso, Power Minister; T Tshering Bhutia, Minister of Water Security and Transport; Dawcho Lepcha, Minister of Irrigation; Bhim Prasad Dhungel, Minister of Forest and Tourism and D N Thakappa, Minister of Food and Health. Tibetan MP and member of the delegation, Dhardon Sharling told reporters that the state leaders “spoke of the historical and cultural ties between Sikkim also known as Denzong and Tibet and expressed solidarity and steadfast support for the Tibetan political movement.” Solidarity candlelight vigil in Gangtok, Sikkim. The Tibetan Parliamentary delegation also received assurances of support for the passing of ‘an all-party parliamentary resolution on the Tibet crisis’ from PD Rai, a member of the Indian parliament from the state, and SK Pradhan, General Secretary of Sikkim Democratic Front, the state’s ruling party. On May 7, members of the delegation led a mass candle light vigil in Gangtok in solidarity with the ongoing wave of self-immolation protests inside Tibet. Since 2009, as many as 117 Tibetans living under China’s rule have set themselves on fire calling for freedom and return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile. 100 Tibetans have died in the spate of fiery protests. The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile announced the all-India lobbying campaign in December last as part of the exile Tibetan administration’s attempts at garnering wider support for international intervention in the ongoing crisis inside Tibet. The Sikkim leg of the campaign concluded with a press conference held sterday at the Press Club of Sikkim. Following their visit to the state, the northeast zone delegation will take their campaign to the Indian states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya. In January, the delegation had carried out lobbying campaign in West Bengal, Odisha, Chattisgarh, and Jharkhand.

Tibetan monk released on “medical emergency”

Sonam Yingyen, 44, in an undated photo. DHARAMSHALA, May 7: Chinese authorities have released a jailed Tibetan monk of the restive Nyatso Zilkar Monastery in Tridu, eastern Tibet, before the expiration of his prison term due to “medical emergency.” Dharamshala based rights group, Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, on Tuesday said Sonam Yingyen, 44, was released “on an unknown date last month before the expiration of his prison term due to medical emergency.” According to the group, Sonam Yingyen became “seriously ill soon after he was sentenced to two-year imprisonment in October 2012” by a Chinese court in Siling city. His health had deteriorated during his detention and by the time he was sentenced, the group said, his medical condition had worsened leading to over a month’s hospitalisation in an army hospital in Siling. “When family members and friends learned that Sonam Yingyen was being held secretly in the army hospital – considered to be the largest hospital in Siling – they visited the hospital, only to be turned away by local security officials who said the army and police were there to do the job. Since then, fears for his life have grown among his family members and friends,” TCHRD said. Sonam Yingyen was among the five monks of Nyatso Zilkar Monastery arrested on September 1, 2012 in a surprise police raid on the monastery. The other four monks were Lobsang Jinpa, 30, Tsultrim Kalsang, 25, Ngawang Monlam, 30, and Sonam Sherab, 45. The group said that Sonam Yingyen was sent back to Yushu in April this year where “he will be referred to another hospital for further treatment.” “There is no information on specific ailments he suffers from,” TCHRD said. “There is no information on the possibility of the family getting visitation rights now that Sonam Yingyen is believed to be in Yushu.” On September 1, 2012, Chinese security forces had arrived in large numbers at the Nyatso Zilkar Monastery and confiscated electronic items, including computers and CDs from the quarters of the five monks. Other monks of the Monastery who pleaded for the release of those arrested were severely beaten. The arrests and sentencing is believed to have been carried out in connection with the peaceful protests that engulfed the area on February 8, 2012. Thousands of Tibetans in Tridu had taken part in a peaceful protest coinciding with the global solidarity vigil called by the exile based Central Tibetan Administration. Around 400 monks from the Zilkar monastery had led the protest march to Zatoe town with banners, written in blue and red ink, symbolic of the two protector deities of Tibet, calling for the Dalai Lama’s return, release of Tibetan political prisoners including the XIth Panchen Lama and respect for Tibetan lives. “Situation in Tridu County, where Nyatso Zilkar Monastery is located, is said to be tense, following the February 2012 protest march and the June 2012 twin self-immolation of two Tibetan youths,” TCHRD said.

UK refuses to kowtow to China’s pressure

His Holiness the Dalai Lama holding a meeting with British Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg in London on May 14, 2012.  DHARAMSHALA, May 8: Refusing to bow down to pressure from China, the United Kingdom has made it clear that the country will make its own decision on who they meet. This comes after Beijing demanded a public apology from the UK following Prime Minister David Cameron’s meeting with the Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama last year. The Downing Street has made it clear that ministers “will decide who they meet and where they meet them” while admitting that they have had difficulties arranging meetings with senior figures in the Chinese government as a result of the stand-off. According to reports, PM Cameron still has his plans intact for a visit to China before the end of this year. “On a general point the Chinese government always lobbies hard against any meetings between foreign governments and the Dalai Lama,” a spokesman for the Downing Street has been quoted as saying by reporters. “We have made clear in advance to the Chinese government that British ministers will decide who they meet and when they meet them." The spokesman added that PM Cameron “does not feel under any pressure to apologise” to the Chinese government. Richard Ottaway, chairman of the Commons foreign affairs committee, said that the British PM should “resist” any pressure from Beijing. “We are right to resist external pressures,” he told the London Evening Standard. “The Dalai Lama has always been welcome in Britain and I hope it remains that way. I think this will quickly blow over and investment will flow both ways.” PM Cameron had met the Dalai Lama in London alongside Nick Clegg, the Deputy Prime Minister, as part of the Government's approach of seeking "dialogue and discussion and gathering a wide range of viewpoints on issues of importance." Clegg has made clear that he is not willing to put concerns over human rights to one side because of China's growing economic clout. “We have a very important relationship with the Chinese authorities,” he told Sky News. “It's, self-evidently, one of the great economic superpowers of today and particularly the future. We have a very important economic relationship with them. “But that doesn't mean we should somehow give up on what we believe in when it comes to human rights and freedoms which we will continue to express in a respectful but nonetheless firm way.” Following last year’s meeting, a visit by the British PM to China last autumn was called off and a trade trip planned for last month was also cancelled. However, despite the diplomatic row lasting for over 12 months now, Chinese investment in the UK saw a four-fold increase, to the tune of $8 billion, in 2012. Also, UK exports to China grew by 13.4 per cent last year, which is more growth than any of our European partners.

Xi a ‘predator of freedom of information’

To mark World Press Freedom Day on May 3, Reporters Without Borders produced this map showing press freedom – or the lack of it – around the world. White marks the gold standard of free press, while black is the countries where journalists are at greatest peril. DHARAMSHALA, May 4: China’s new president, Xi Jinping has been named as a “predator of freedom of information” by the global press freedom group, Reporters Without Borders. Coinciding with World Press Freedom Day, May 3, the group released its updated list of 39 Predators of Freedom of Information, which include presidents, politicians, religious leaders, militias, and criminal organisations that censor, imprison, kidnap, torture and kill journalists and other news providers. “These predators of freedom of information are responsible for the worst abuses against the news media and journalists,” Reporters Without Borders secretary-general Christophe Deloire said in a statement. “They are becoming more and more effective. In 2012, the level of violence against news providers was unprecedented and a record number of journalists were killed. World Press Freedom Day, which was established on the initiative of Reporters Without Borders, must be used to pay tribute to all journalists, professional and amateur, who have paid for their commitment with their lives, their physical integrity or their freedom, and to denounce the impunity enjoyed by these predators.” Xi makes it to the notorious list along with five new “predators” including the Jihadi group Jabhat Al-Nosra from Syria, members and supporters of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, Pakistan’s Baloch armed groups, and Maldives’ religious extremists. “A predator goes and is replaced by another. It is no surprise that Xi Jinping has taken former Chinese President Hu Jintao’s place as predator. The change of person has not in any way affected the repressive system developed by China’s Communist Party,” RWF said in its statement. Also coinciding with the 20th observance of World Press Freedom Day, renowned author Salman Rushdie joined other writers including exiled Chinese author Yu Jie in appealing to China to live up to its own constitution and laws guaranteeing freedom of expression, and calling on the public to put pressure on governments that crack down on writers. The writers were on a PEN International panel Friday in New York, highlighting a report on trends of the last five years in China's crackdown on free expression. "These regimes do not like being highlighted," Rushdie, the Booker Prize winning author said while noting that when PEN focuses on a writer who has been imprisoned, 90 percent of them are freed within six months. Other writers who signed onto the appeal included Mario Vargas Llosa, J.M. Coetzee, Marjane Satrapi, Wole Soyinka, Nadine Gordimer, Andrei Bitov and Tomas Transtromer.

Another Tibetan prisoner comes out of jail in poor health

Lodoe Gyatso in an undated photo. DHARAMSHALA, May 3: A Tibetan prisoner is reported to be in poor health following his release at the completion of his 21-year prison term. Chinese authorities in Tibet released Lodoe Gyatso, 52, from the notorious Chushul prison near the Tibetan capital city Lhasa on May 2. Ngawang Tharpa, a cousin of Gyatso living in exile, confirmed the report. “Lodoe Gyatso was released yesterday on May 2 after serving 21 years in prison. He is currently in poor health condition due to the injuries sustained during his time in prison,” Tharpa said. Gyatso was initially sentenced to 15 years in prison on murder charges in 1991. On March 4, 1995, while serving his sentence in Drapchi prison, Gyatso had carried out a protest against China’s occupation, calling for Tibet’s independence, the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the unity of the Tibetan people. Following his protest, Gyatso was severely tortured for over a month with prison officials pushing for his death sentence. As a result of repeated appeals by the Amnesty International and the United Nations for clemency, Gyatso was spared the capital punishment and sentenced to an additional six years. He was formerly a dance artist and a weight lifting champion from Sog region of Nagchu. Gyatso’s release comes days after reports came of the release of one of Tibet’s longest serving political prisoners Lobsang Tenzin, who has also been described in poor health. Earlier reports had said that Lobsang Tenzin was in a critical condition, suffering from severe diabetes due to which his eyesight had weakened sharply causing blindness at times. Dharamshala based Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy earlier today said that Lobsang Tenzin’s release has “done little to gain him any measure of freedom even at his home in Lhasa. The Centre cited sources as saying that Lobsang Tenzin’s home is “heavily guarded and monitored by security personnel and other government officials who continue to turn away visitors” including his relatives and neighbours.

The Dalai Lama among FP’s 500 Most Powerful People on Planet

His Holiness the Dalai Lama answering questions from students during his visit to Dalhousie Public School in Dalhousie, HP, India, on April 28, 2013. DHARAMSHALA, May 3: Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been named by the prestigious Foreign Policy magazine in its list of the 500 most powerful people on the planet. The Dalai Lama’s name features alongside some of the most powerful and richest people in the world including US President Barack Obama, China’s new leaders, Xi Jinping and Li Keiqiang, Indian PM Manmohan Singh, and UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon among others. The magazine in its May/June issue launched the inaugural FP Power Map, representing what it calls “0.000007 per cent of the world's population.” “That's what we tried to do with the inaugural FP Power Map, our inventory of the people who control the commanding heights of the industries that run the world, from politics to high finance, media to energy, warfare to religion. Think of it as a list of all the most important other lists,” the magazine said. The list has been broken into categories indicating the source of the person's power - silos, bully pulpit, force, brains, money and good and evil. 143 Americans are featured on the list alongside 16 from India and more than 30 from China. The 77-year-old Tibetan Nobel Peace Laureate has regularly featured among varied lists and surveys of top global leaders. In 2011, His Holiness the Dalai Lama was listed by TIME magazine among its "Top 25 Political Icons" of all time, along with father of the Indian nation Mahatma Gandhi.

Speaker of Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan says ‘will welcome the Dalai Lama’

Tibetan Parliament Speaker Penpa Tsering (4th R) and DIIR Secretary Tashi Phuntsok (3rd R) during their meeting with Taiwanese Parliament Speaker Wang Jin-Pyng (5th R) and members of Taiwanese parliament in Taipei on April 30, 2013. DHARAMSHALA, May 2: Speaker of the Taiwanese parliament, the Legislative Yuan, has said he will welcome the Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Taiwan for the spiritual benefit of the Taiwanese people. Speaker Wang Jin-Pyng made the remarks while receiving Speaker Penpa Tsering of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and Secretary Tashi Phuntsok of the Department of Information and International Relations of the Dharamshala based Central Tibetan Administration in the Taiwanese Parliament’s reception hall on April 30. Members of the Taiwanese Parliament were also present at the reception. According to a report on CTA’s official website, Speaker Wang Jin-Pyng “recounted fond memories of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s earlier visit to Taiwan when he addressed the Parliament and gave public teachings” and stressed on the need to enhance contacts between Taiwan and the Tibetan people. In his remarks, Speaker Tsering expressed his gratitude for Taiwan’s support for the Tibetan people and hoped for the development of good relations between Taiwan and Tibetans in exile. Taiwanese parliamentarians were later briefed on the issue of Tibet by the Speaker and DIIR Secretary. Speaker Tsering, who is currently on an official tour of Taiwan, earlier participated in an international conference on China’s leadership transition and democracy held in Taipei from April 27 – 30. Over 80 participants from East Turkestan, Mongolia, Taiwan, Macau, and China attended the conference. As requested by the organisers, the Dalai Lama sent a message to the conference. In his remarks, Speaker Tsering spoke on the threats facing the survival of Tibet and the Tibetan people under Chinese rule, while DIIR Secretary Phuntsok briefed the audience on the efforts being made by the exile Tibetan administration to resolve the issue of Tibet. The Tibetan officials from Dharamshala also held a meeting with a group of conference attendees from mainland China. According to the CTA, during the four-hour meeting, they “discussed and agreed on steps to raise the Chinese people’s awareness and understanding about the issue of Tibet.”

Second outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Tibet

DHARAMSHALA, May 2: Over 500 cattle heads have been culled in the latest outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the Tibetan capital region of Lhasa in central Tibet. China’s state news agency Xinhua in a report today said the National Foot-and-mouth Disease Reference Laboratory confirmed the spread of the cattle epidemic in a village in Lhasa region as type A foot-and-mouth disease. China's Ministry of Agriculture on April 25 had said that 145 heads of cattle in the region were showing suspected signs of the disease. “Local authorities sealed off and sterilised the infected area, where 527 heads of cattle have been culled and safely disposed of, so as to prevent spreading the disease,” the report cited the ministry as saying. The latest confirmation of the outbreak comes days after an earlier report of the epidemic’s spread in Shigatse city, south of Lhasa. According to the World Organization for Animal Health, there were 32 cases of foot and mouth disease in Shigatse, and in total, 156 cattle, sheep and goats were culled to prevent the disease from spreading. Last year in September, the highly infectious disease was traced in livestock in the Nyingtri region of central Tibet where a total of 612 head of cattle and pigs were culled. FMD is an acute contagious febrile disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including domestic and wild bovids. The disease can potentially cost huge economic loss to farming and nomadic families who make their living from livestock.