Dalai Lama talks about self-immolation

A screen grab from Timesnow.tv March 25: Speaking about the on-going self-immolation protest in Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that “the ultimate factor is their (self-immolators) individual motivation.” The Dalai Lama spoke to TIMES NOW, a major Indian news channel. “Actually, suicide is basically (a) type of violence but then question of good or bad actually depend on the motivation and goal. I think (as) goal is concern, these (self-immolators) people (are) not drunk, (do) not (have) family problem, this (self-immolation) is for Buddha dharma, for Tibetan National interest but then I think the ultimate factor is their individual motivation,” the 77-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader said. “If motivation (consists) too much anger, hatred, then it is negative (but) if the motivation (is) more compassionate, calm mind then such acts also can be positive. That is strictly speaking from Buddhist view of point. Any action whether violence or non violence, is ultimately depend on motivation.” Since 2009 there have been 111 Tibetans self-immolations against China’s occupation. Overwhelming majority of them demanded freedom and return of the Dalai Lama from exile. Thousands of Tibetans have carried out mass protests even as Chinese authorities have increased their repressive policies and tightened the noose around self-immolations. Responding to the question of China’s blame on the Tibetan spiritual leader for self-immolation and crisis ins Tibet, the Dalai Lama welcomed Chinese officials to “do thorough check” at his exile residence in Dharamshala. “I am very good, please come here and (do) thorough check. Since 2008 crisis, even the former Prime minister Wen Jiabao (who) looks (as a) very nice (and) sensible person, he also accused (me) for the crisis that, it starts from India, I think he also mentioned my name, then immediately I responded, now please some Chinese officials, or international media, please come to Dharamshala (to do) through check,” the Tibetan spiritual leader said. “Come to here instead of saying from distant. Come here, you will be our guest ... most important guest (and) check everything.” On China’s new leadership and hopes to resolve the Tibetan issue with new leadership, the Tibetan Nobel Laureate said, “China is a another totalitarian and closed society. So the system as such, (a) few individuals cannot do much, but overall picture of China is changing. Today’s China, (as) compared to 30 to 40 years ago, much changed." “China can do much more constructive role on global level or (in) Asia, for that trust (and) respect from the rest of the world is highly necessary in order to carry some constructive role. That is lacking now.” On China’s restriction in allowing international and its lack of transparency in politics, the Dalai Lama pointed out that China should carry all political activities transparently, and promote rule of law and freedom for media. “1.3 billions Chinese people have every right to know the reality and once 1.3 billion of Chinese people know the reality, they also have the ability to judge what is right or wrong.” “Therefore censorship is immoral,” the Tibetan spiritual leader added.

Advertisement “Dismantle this Orwellian ‘grid’ system”: Human Rights Watch

DHARAMSHALA, March 23: Adding to the already tight security, the Chinese government is said to expand a new security system throughout the so-called Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). According to Human Rights Watch, the annual TAR work report released on February 7 announced a new system known as the ‘grid’ management that is designed reportedly to improve public access to basic services. This system will increase surveillance and monitoring capacity over “special groups” in the region such as former prisoners and those who have returned from exile among others. HRW said that the expansion of the grid system, alongside the construction across Tibet of over 600 “convenience police-posts” with high-tech equipment will monitor daily lives and increase already active volunteer security groups called ‘Red Armband Patrols’ (Tib: dpung rtags dmar po). “The surveillance is now a pervasive part of life across the region,” HRW added. On February 17, Yu Zhengsheng, Standing Committee member of the Politburo of CPC said that the system should be put into effect throughout the region to form “nets in the sky and traps on the ground.” “Chinese authorities should dismantle this Orwellian ‘grid’ system, which has been imposed while the government continues to avoid addressing popular grievances,” said Sophie Richardson, the China director at HRW. “China’s effort to impose pervasive surveillance on every street is not likely to make Tibet safer, but the increased surveillance will surely increase pressure in an already tense region, even while the Tibetan people are still waiting for Chinese attention to rampant violations of their rights,” Richardson further said. The grid management system grows out of “social stability maintenance”, a China-wide drive to prevent protest and unrest. It is a part of the Communist Party’s objective to carry out “social management” alongside “stability maintenance”, which is usually presented as a way to provide ‘better services’ to residents.

A solitary cycle rally across Europe

DHARAMSHALA, March 19: A Tibetan man has embarked on a solitary cycle rally across Europe to appeal for Tibetans inside Tibet and in solidarity with their sacrifices. Rinpo, a Tibetan man from Minnesota in US will appeal to the leaders of the European Union and the people of Europe during his cycle rally to “support the young and ordinary Tibetans inside Tibet who are sacrificing their lives for the freedom of Tibetan people and return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet.” “The repressions do not seem to show any signs of improvement,” said Rinpo. “The overall situation inside Tibet is becoming increasingly tense and urgent. The Chinese government is hell bent upon suppressing the unrests while totally overlooking the causes of these drastic acts of protests.” Rinpo further called upon international community to stop the repressions and pressurize the Chinese government to resolve the issue of Tibet once and for all. “The Tibetans are living under constant fear of arrests, persecutions, tortures and even deaths,” he said. On behalf of the Tibetans inside Tibet, Rinpo plans to appeal leaders, intellectuals, students and citizens of Europe to urge China to review its failed hard-line policies in Tibet; address the genuine grievances of the Tibetan people by resolving the issue of Tibet through dialogue; and allow world media and international fact-finding delegations to investigate the real cause of self-immolations. The rally began in Brussels on March 17 and will travel to over 150 towns and cities in 13 European countries. At the end of this campaign, Rinpo will submit a signed petition to the leaders of EU and its member states.

Karmapa to Grace Khampa Gar Tsechu Festival

Khampa Gar traditional ritual dance (cham).  DHARAMSHALA, March 20: His Eminence the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorjee will be the Chief Guest at the Annual Traditional Tsechu Chenmo Cham in Khampa Gar at Tashijong, a Tibetan refugee camp in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The weeklong festival (March 22-27) begins on the 10th day of the 2nd Tibetan lunar month and will ends on 15th. Jagat Singh Negi, Deputy Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly, Ravi Thakur, Member of Legislative Assembly from Lahaul Spiti and Kishori Lal, Member of State Legislative Assembly, will also attend the festival. According to Roshan Lal Negi, over a thousand of disciples from Ladakh, Kullu, Manali, Lahaul and other areas will come for the religious festival, and about four hundred foreign disciples are also expected to attend the ceremony. This year’s annual Tsechu Cham or religious dance marks the 300th years since this Khampa Gar traditional sacred dance began in 1712. The sacred dance or cham will depict the manifestations of Guru Padmasambhava, the great Indian Buddhist teacher who taught Buddhism in Tibet, and his deeds. As a part of the weeklong festival, the Government of Himachal Pradesh will facilitate Tashi Jong Tibetan Settlement and some of the people involved in its initiative to make it the only tobacco-free camp in the state. Khampa Gar Monastery has around 400 monks and was founded by the Eighth Khamtrul Rinpoche Dongyu Nyima (1931-1980) in the late 1950s after his coming into exile. Tashi Jong, where the monastery is located, is about 40 km from Dharamshala

Harsher regulations won't ease tension in Tibet: US Congressional panel

DHARAMSHALA, March 19: The United States Congressional-Executive Commission on China urged the Chinese government to end repressive policies in Tibet, saying that “harsher regulations and heavier security” will not ease tension in the region. In a statement issued by the bipartisan CECC on Monday, the chairmen called on China to resume dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives without preconditions. “We hope for an end to these tragic self-immolations soon. The Chinese government can reduce tension, but not through its current policy of harsher regulations and heavier security," said Senator Sherrod Brown, Chairman of the Commission. "Ending policies that deny Tibetans their freedoms of expression, association, and religion, while showing greater tolerance for cultural diversity, and resuming a dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives without preconditions would go a long way toward easing tensions." Since 2009, as many as 109 Tibetans living under China’s rule have set themselves on fire demanding freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama from exile. Scores of Tibetans have been sentenced to harsh prison terms, including a death sentence with a two year reprieve, by Chinese courts for their alleged roles in the fiery protests. CECC further told China that reversing its policies and allowing international observers into Tibet would help in alleviating the situation. "In recent years, Chinese officials have tightened controls on Tibetan Buddhism and monastic institutions, used excessive force against peaceful demonstrators, promoted resettlement and educational policies that have threatened and disrupted Tibetan culture and language, and closed Tibetan areas off to the outside world," said Congressman Chris Smith, Cochairman of the Commission. "Reversing these policies and allowing international observers into the region would do much to alleviate the situation." The CECC, in a special report released last August titled, ‘Tibetan Self-Immolation Rising Frequency, Wider Spread, Greater Diversity,’ had said the Chinese government is unwilling to address the grievances of the Tibetan people and has refrained from admitting policy failure in Tibet. “The Party and government have not indicated any willingness to consider Tibetan grievances in a more constructive manner and to hold themselves accountable for Tibetan rejection of Chinese policies,” the report said. “The Party and government have handled the crisis as a threat to state security and social stability instead of a policy failure.”

Breaking: Kirti monk marks March 16 with self-immolation, Toll rises to 108

Tibetan self-immolator Lobsang Thokmey. March 16: A Tibetan monk in Ngaba region of eastern Tibet has become the 108th Tibetan living under China’s rule to self-immolate, marking five years since the 2008 peaceful protests in the region. Lobsang Thokmey, 28, a monk at the Kirti Monastety set himself on fire today at around 2:40 pm (local time). He passed away in his protest. According to the Dharamshala based Kirti Monastery, Lobsang Thokmey doused his body with kerosene in front of his monastic quarters in the west of the Kirti Monastery and started running towards the east. “Lobsang Thokmey was in flames as he began running with the Buddhist flag in his hands,” the Kirti Monastery said in a release. “Before he could reach the main gate, he fell on the ground.” Monks and people gathered at the scene of the protest carried Lobsang Thokmey to the local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. “A large number of Chinese security personnel arrived at the hospital soon after Lobsang Thokmey was admitted and later forcibly took away the deceased’s body to the regional headquarters of Barkham,” the same source said. It is not yet known what slogans Lobsang Thokmey raised during his self-immolation protest. He is survived by his parents Rogtrug and Depo and one sister and three brothers. Lobsang Thokmey became a monk at the Kirti Monastery at a young age and was currently enrolled in the pharchin class. “His conduct was excellent and he was very diligent in his studies,” the Kirti Monastery recalled contacts as saying. On March 16, 2008, around 28 Tibetans were shot dead on a single day by Chinese security forces during the peaceful protest in Ngaba as part of the wider uprisings that engulfed the entire Tibetan plateau. On the third anniversary of the 2008 killings, Kirti monk Lobsang Phuntsok set himself on fire at a busy market place in Ngaba on March 16, 2011, triggering in earnest the continuing wave of self-immolations. A year later on March 16, 2012, another Kirti monk Lobsang Tsultrim torched his body, marking the anniversary of the March 16 killings and protests in the Ngaba region. Since Kirti monk Tabey’s self-immolation protest in 2009, as many as 108 Tibetans living under China’s rule have set themselves on fire protesting China’s occupation and demanding freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama from exile. The exile Tibetan administration earlier called the unprecedented number of self-immolations “ultimate acts of civil disobedience against China’s failed rule in Tibet.” “Concrete steps that the leaders of the world need to take immediately are to send Ms Navi Pillay of UNHCR on a visit to Tibet and investigate the real causes of self immolations, and convene a meeting to discuss and address the crisis in Tibet,” Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the elected head of the Tibetan people said last month.

150 UK MPs urged to raise Tibet with PM Cameron

Lobbyists taking part in Tibet Lobby, in Westminster Hall, Houses of Parliament, London March 13 2013.  March 16: Tibetans and supporters in the United Kingdom took part in the fifth annual Tibet Lobby this week at the Houses of Parliament and in local constituencies around the UK. About 300 supporters, either in face-to-face meetings or through letters, lobbied at least 150 MPs on Wednesday. Organisers said the focus of this year's lobby was “to call on MPs to ask David Cameron to make a public statement of concern on Tibet and to urge the UK government to work with other governments to find a solution to the Tibet crisis.” At Westminster, about 60 Tibetans and supporters met with their MPs in Central Lobby and raised their concerns and called on them to take action for Tibet. Organisers said the response was “positive” with most MPs “committing to take the recommended actions.” The MPs agreed it was time for another debate on Tibet in the House of Commons, given that the last debate was in December 2011. The same day, representatives of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet laid a wreath at Westminster Abbey “to mark the Tibetan National Uprising anniversary and remember all the victims of China's 63-year occupation.” The wreath-laying, at the Memorial to Innocent Victims of Oppression, Violence and War, was accompanied by a short multi-faith service. Fabian Hamilton MP (Lab, Leeds North East and chair of the APPGT), gave a short address drawing particular attention to those who have died due to China's occupation of Tibet and been imprisoned for defending the freedoms and human rights of the Tibetan people. The wreath-laying ceremony was organised by Tibet Society and APPGT. Earlier on March 10, the 54th Tibetan National Uprising Day, approximately 600 Tibetans and Tibet supporters took to the streets in central London to call for an end to China's occupation of Tibet, for the Chinese government to respect the rights of the Tibetan people and for the UK government to stand up and take action. Tibet Freedom March heading along Whitehall, London on March 10, 2013, the 54th Tibetan National Uprising Day. Gathered opposite Downing Street, representatives from the organising coalition of UK-based Tibet groups delivered a letter the Prime Minister urging him to “publicly speak out on the Tibet issue and to work with other governments to urge China to end the repression in Tibet.” Demonstrators carried placards, waved Tibet flags, and raised slogans for "Free Tibet," "Human Rights for Tibet," and "Long Live the Dalai Lama." Upon reaching the Chinese Embassy, Member of Parliament and long-time Tibet supporter, Tim Loughton MP, addressed the rally, calling on the free world to "draw attention to the liberties that are denied to [Tibetans] by China in their own country." "We offer an olive branch to China if they really mean what it says in their constitution about respecting the autonomy of regions within the borders of China," said Loughton. "Start a new dialogue and if you do, if you really are serious about respecting the rights, identity, and culture of the Tibetan people inside and outside your boundaries, then the world will be behind you. We will be behind you." Thubten Samdup, the Dalai Lama's Representative for Northern Europe and the UK, read out the March 10 statement from Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the elected head of the Tibetan people.

Tibetan women shout out to Xi Jinping

200 Tibetan women activists take part in Shout out to Chinese leaders campaign organised by the Tibetan Women's Association in New Delhi on March 14, 2013. March 15: Tibetan Women’s Association, the largest women’s group in exile, staged a ‘shout out to Chinese leaders campaign’ in the Indian capital New Delhi Thursday coinciding with formal selection of Xi Jinping as China’s new President. TWA, on the final day of their three-day mass campaign ‘Tibetans stand together in joy and sorrow’ raised slogans at Xi’s figurine at Jantar Mantar. 200 Tibetan women activists representing 33 chapters from across India and Nepal directly called on China’s new president to ‘end the repression in Tibet, resolve the Tibet crisis now, and face the Tibet Challenge.’ “Today, as Xi Jinping formally assumes the title of president and as we commemorate the 5th anniversary of the ‘2008 spring uprising in Tibet,’ we are shouting out to the Chinese leaders to review their failed policies in Tibet, to end the crisis inside Tibet and significantly to fulfill the genuine aspirations of the Tibetan people who sacrificed their lives calling for ‘freedom for Tibetans inside Tibet’ and for ‘the dignified return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama back to Tibet’,” said Tashi Dolma, president of TWA. TWA in a release noted that the situation in Tibet is “exacerbated by a deepening crackdown by the Chinese government on any forms of peaceful expressions for freedom by the Tibetan people, thus deepening the anguish Tibetans feel.” “The Chinese leaders have time and again deliberately mishandled the crisis in Tibet,” the group said. The final day’s sit-in event at Jantar Mantar was addressed by Nitin Gadkari, former President of Bharatiya Janata Party, who said that he is ‘aware of the grim situation inside Tibet and remain saddened over the heightened repression.’ Women peach march from Samta Sthal to Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. “I have and will always stand by the Tibetan people and their unwavering struggle for freedom,” said the BJP leader. Jaya Jaitley, prominent social activist, lauded the spirit of Tibetan women and assured that the ‘impeccable tenets of the Tibetan non-violent struggle and the powerful role of Tibetan women will persevere and bring triumph to the Tibetan freedom movement.’ Other speakers included Kamla Bhasin, Women empowerment activist, Radha Bhatt, Gandhian and social activist, Dr.Alana Golmie, Burmese democracy activist and members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. The TWA organised three-day mass solidarity campaign in New Delhi included sit-in protest, lobbying Indian leaders, peace march, prayer meetings, and signature campaign. Since 2009, as many as 107 Tibetans living under China’s rule, including 14 women, have set themselves on fire protesting China’s occupation and demanding freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama from exile.

Popular Tibetan singer Lo Lo sentenced to six years

Popular Tibetan singer Lo Lo sentenced to six years for singing politically charged songs. DHARAMSHALA, March 13: A Chinese court in eastern Tibet has sentenced a popular Tibetan singer Lo Lo, 30, to six years in prison for his ‘crimes’ of singing politically charged songs calling for Tibet’s independence. According to Lobsang Sangyal, an exiled monk in south India, the court sentencing came days after the singer was re-arrested on February 23. “Lo Lo’s current condition and his whereabouts are not yet known,” Sangyal told Phayul. The popular Tibetan singer was first arrested on April 19, 2012 following the release of his album titled “Raise the flag of Tibet, sons of the snow.” However, he was released after a short detention. The title song of the singer’s album calls for independence of Tibet, the “return of the saviour” and reunion of the Tibetan people – messages that are common to the slogans raised by the 107 Tibetans who have self-immolated since 2009. “To promote loyalty to the Land of Snows, For the complete independence of Tibet, With a realised understanding of our objectives, Raise the flag of Tibet- sons of the snow,” a portion of the lyrics reads. Lo Lo is a native of Dragkar in Keygudo region of eastern Tibet. He is son of Jamyang Choegyal and Choekyi Dolma. Tibetan singers, writers, 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. In February last year, Tibetan singer, Ugyen Tenzin was arrested by Chinese authorities for praising His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the elected leader of the Tibetan people Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay. Another singer, Chogsel, was also arrested and banned from singing on charges of threatening social stability. In August last year, the exile Tibetan administration submitted a detailed profile of 64 Tibetan intellectuals to the UN Special Rapporteur in Geneva and urged for necessary inquiry into their cases. Calling the ongoing crackdown on Tibetan artists and intellectuals the “harshest” since the Cultural Revolution, the Central Tibetan Administration said that at least 24 Tibetans intellectuals have been given sentences ranging from few months to life imprisonment for exercising their freedom of expression. “This new generation of young Tibetans born and educated under Chinese Communist rule have edited banned magazines and are tech-savvy bloggers imprisoned for gathering, expressing and sharing information about conditions in Tibet especially after the March 2008 demonstrations across Tibet,” CTA said. The exile Tibetan administration noted that the whereabouts of about 37 Tibetan intellectuals remain unknown, while 12 intellectuals were released on fear of custodial death after excessive torture during detention by the Chinese authorities.

Three Tibetan monks stage protest in Bathang, One arrested, two on the run

DHARAMSHALA, March 12: Three Tibetan monks of the Yaso monastery in Bathang region of eastern Tibet staged a peaceful protest against China’s rule on March 8, raising slogans for the Dalai Lama’s long life and Tibet’s independence.

Chinese security personnel arrested one of the monks, while the two others managed to escape and are currently on the run.

According to Bawa Kalsang Gyaltsen, a member of the Dharamshala based Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, the three monks paraded the ‘banned in Tibet’ Tibetan national flag as they carried out their protest in Bathang.

“The monks shouted slogans for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tibet’s independence, and language rights,” Gyaltsen said citing sources in the region.

“While the monks were carrying out their protest, several Chinese security personnel arrived at the scene and arrested one of the monks. The two others managed to escape arrest and are currently on the run.”

The arrested monk has been identified as Tashi Dorjee, while the names of the two other monks have not been revealed.

The protest on March 8 followed rising tensions in the region after Chinese authorities barred local Tibetans from carrying out a consecration (rabney) ceremony of a statue of the Dalai Lama commissioned by a local monastery, the same source said.

Prevailing tensions over a Chinese mining site near the Yaso Monastery, in addition to the protests, has ensured that the region remains under strict surveillance and heavy lockdown.

Chinese leaders of Tibetan areas, last week renewed their pledge to fight against the “Dalai clique resolutely” and crackdown on “all secessionist forces and sabotage activities.”

Tibetan college girls storm Chinese Embassy

A group of 13 Tibetan college girls protesting outside the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi on the 54th Tibetan Women's Uprising Day on March 12, 2013. NEW DELHI, March 12: A group of 13 Tibetan girls, all studying at the Delhi University, stormed the Chinese Embassy today shouting slogans demanding China “to get out of Tibet.” The protest was carried out to mark the 54th Tibetan Women’s Uprising Day. On March 12, 1959, thousands of Tibetan women gathered in front of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, peacefully protesting China’s occupation of Tibet. Chinese authorities responded by restoring to brute force, resulting in the deaths, torture, and arrests of a large number of women. The girls, member the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Rohini, carried out their protest outside the gates of the Chinese Embassy at around 11:45 am. With their faces painted in Tibetan national flags and wearing t-shirts carrying pictures of Tibetan self-immolators, the girls locked themselves together and shouted slogans calling for Tibet’s independence and demanding China to “get out of Tibet.” Organisers said today’s protest was especially dedicated to the 107 Tibetans who have set themselves on fire protesting China’s occupation and demanding freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama from exile. Indian police have arrested the protester and the girls are currently under detention at the Chanakya Puri Police Station.

Over 1200 German towns raise Tibet flag, France working on Tibet resolution

Tibetans and supporters mark the 54th Tibetan National Uprising Day near the Eiffel Tower in Paris on March 10, 2013. DHARAMSHALA, March 11: The Tibetan national flag was raised in more than 1200 German cities and towns on Sunday to mark the 54th Tibetan National Uprising Day. Tibet advocacy group, Tibet Initiative Deutschland, in a release today said that Tibet demonstrations were also carried out in more than 20 cities all over Germany. 1236 German cities, municipalities and counties, including the regional capitals Bremen, Hannover, Magdeburg, Potsdam Saarbrücken, Stuttgart, and Wiesbaden raised the Tibetan Flag at town halls, public buildings and on their websites, the group said. In the national capital Berlin, a demonstration and a ‘Tibetan Flag-Performance’ was held in front of the Chinese embassy. “All over the world the Tibetan flag stands as a symbol for the Tibetan right of self-determination,” said TID-Executive Director Nadine Baumann. “In Tibet even owning the flag is prohibited and will be punished.” In Paris, the capital city of France, hundreds of Tibetans and supporters, including French, Chinese, Japanese, and Taiwanese, together marked the 54th anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day. The event began at the Place de Trocadero, where homage was paid to all those Tibetans who have sacrificed their lives for Tibet, including the 107 self-immolators who set themselves on fire protesting China’s rule. In his address, Jean Patrcik Gilles, a member of the French National Assembly and a co-president of the Tibet Group in the assembly, reiterated his support for the cause of Tibet and underlined the importance of dialogue for a durable solution of the Tibetan issue. Tibetans and supporters raise the Tibetan flag outside the Chinese embassy in Berlin, Germany on March 10, 2013. He told the gathering that the Tibet Group would be meeting French President Francois Hollande before the President’s scheduled visit to China to urge him to press the Chinese leadership to enter into constructive dialogue with the Tibetan leadership. Gilles also said the Group is working on a parliamentary resolution on Tibet and a possibility to send a parliamentary delegation to Dharamshala, the exile Tibetan headquarters in India. Later, a protest march was held in front of the Chinese embassy during which demonstrators called for resumption of the Sino-Tibetan dialogue process and demanded unfettered access to international media and diplomats to assess the ground situation inside Tibet.

Russian Federation joins Tibetans for March 10 anniversary

Representative Dr Nawang Rabgyal during the 54th Tibetan National Uprising Day event in Moscow, Russia, on March 10, 2013. DHARAMSHALA, March 11: The 54th Tibetan National Uprising Day was observed in the Russian Federation Sunday with prayers, protests, and movie screenings. In the Russian capital city of Moscow, the commemorations began with a prayer service in honour of Tibetans who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of Tibet. In his address, Nawang Rabgyal, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Russia and Commonwealth of Independent States, spoke on the “main causes of the uprising in occupied-Tibet and the nature of the Tibetan struggle for freedom.” The official statement of Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay was read out in Russian. Two documentary films made by the exile Tibetan administration, dubbed into Russian was screened, followed by an interactive session with Representative Rabgyal. A photo exhibition on pre-1959 Tibet was also organised at the White Cloud Culture Center in Moscow. In the afternoon, a prayer service for Tibetans inside Tibet was held at the Open World Center in the city. Later in the evening a vigil was organised in the center of Moscow, near Russian President Administration Office, by a group of Russian human right activists. The protesters carried posters which read, "Tibet is Burning" and "Down with China's policy in Tibet." In the Kalmyk Republic, Tibetans and supporters observed the March 10 anniversary with a prayer service in the morning and a mass meeting later in the day. A number of people gathered at center square of Elista, capital of Kalmyk Republic, carrying the photos of the 107 Tibetan self-immolators who have set themselves on fire protesting China’s occupation. The Chairwoman of Kalmyk Friends of Tibet Society, Antonina Kookueva, spoke on the current situation in Tibet and read out the official statement of Sikyong Dr Sangay. A signature campaign was also held to express solidarity with Tibetans inside Tibet. The 54th Tibetan National Uprising Day was also observed in the Tuva Republic and Buryat Republic with prayers and protests. Sikyong Sangay in his official statement called on Tibetans to “re-dedicate ourselves to the brave struggle started by the selfless elder generation” and paid tribute to all those who have sacrificed their lives for Tibet." “The occupation and repression in Tibet by the government of the People’s Republic of China are the primary conditions driving Tibetans to self-immolation. Tibetans witness and experience China’s constant assault on Tibetan Buddhist civilisation, their very identity and dignity,” the de facto Tibetan prime minister said. “The prohibitions of peaceful protest and harsh punishments compel Tibetans to resort to self-immolation. They choose death rather than silence and submission to the Chinese authorities.”

Nepali police arrest 11 for ‘anti-China activities’

DHARAMSHALA, March 11: Police in Nepal arrested 11 people on suspicion of “anti-China activities” on March 10, the day marked world over as the 54th Tibetan National Uprising Day. “Some of the people we arrested were Tibetan but we have not interrogated all of them yet,” police spokesman Uttam Subedi was quoted as saying by reporters. Nepal, which is home to some 20,000 Tibetans, has accommodated Tibetan exiles for decades, but has come under increasing pressure from China to crack down on political protests in recent years. Home ministry spokesman Shanker Koirala told local journalists last week that the government was making “necessary security arrangements in areas deemed sensitive, to foil any untoward incidents.” There have also been reports of a letter being issued to Tibetans activists in the valley by the chief of Kathmandu’s district administration asking them not to publicly observe the March 10 anniversary. However, talking to reporters, the district administration chief neither confirmed nor denied the letter, but said he gave the Tibetans a verbal warning last week against organising a protest “because activities against China violate Nepal’s law.” Nepali officials are yet to return the body of Tibetan self-immolator Drupchen Tsering who set himself of fire protesting China’s occupation of Tibet on February 13 near the Boudha stupa. A senior police official, who refused to give his name, had earlier confirmed to the Nepali newspaper The Himalayan that the body of Druptse was still at the hospital and authorities were waiting for the kin of the monk to receive the body. “Some four Tibetan organisations operating from the Kathmandu Valley came to us to claim the body. But, we did not hand over the body to them after their authenticity and kinship with the monk were not established,” the paper quoted his as saying. Speaking at the March 10 rally in New Delhi, senior Indian political leader and President of the Janata Dal United, Sharad Yadav said that he has written a letter to Nepali PM Dr Baburam Bhattarai, urging him to hand over Druptse body to Tibetan representatives. Since 2009, as many as 107 Tibetans living under China’s rule have set themselves on fire demanding freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama from exile.

Tibetan attempts self-immolation in Dharamshala, Thousands march for Tibet

Thousands of Tibetans and supporters rally in Dharamshala to mark the 54th Tibetan National Uprising Day on March 10, 2013.

DHARAMSHALA, March 10: A Tibetan man attempted to set himself on fire today in the exile headquarters of Dharamshala during a mass protest rally marking the 54th Tibetan National Uprising Day.

Dawa, in his 30s, reportedly consumed and poured kerosene over himself.

Speaking to Phayul, Sangchu Dugbey, an eye witness said: “When I saw him, he was carrying a bottle of kerosene and some girls were requesting, ‘Please, don’t do it.”

“We snatched the bottle of kerosene from his hand after which he pleaded with us to let him self-immolate,” Dugbey said. “He further said that he had decided to set himself on fire after thinking it over many times.”

Dawa was later taken to a local hospital.

Over a thousand Tibetans and supporters marched downhill from Tsug-la Khang to Lower Dharamshala carrying Tibetan flags and photos of Tibetan self-immolators.

Since 2009, as many as 107 Tibetans living under China’s rule have set themselves on fire demanding freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama from exile.

The protestors, wearing black-cloth around their foreheads, raised slogans for freedom in Tibet and international intervention in the ongoing crisis in Tibet.

Speaking at the rally, Ravi Thakur, Member of Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly from Lahaul Spiti called on Tibetans to stay united and continue their non-violent struggle under the Dalai Lama, “the only gem in the word.”

Tibetans and supporters in Taipei, Taiwan take part in the 54th Tibetan National Uprising Day demonstration carrying photos of Tibetan self-immolators on March 10, 2013.

“Over the past centuries, many outsiders have come and settled in India who have now lost their identity but you people have kept your identity alive and you should never lose your identity. I hope and pray that you will cherish your Tibetanness for many generations to come,” Thakur said.

“I have always stood up for the Tibetan people and will always stand up for you in the future as well.”

Tenzin Jigdel of Students For a Free Tibet said the dynamic of the Tibetan movement has changed and Tibetan resistance has never been stronger.

“There is a new revolution we are seeing inside Tibet … Tibetans inside Tibet are re-asserting their identity and their aspiration has never been stronger,” Jigdal said.

The protest march was jointly organised by the five major Tibetan NGO’s, Tibetan Youth Congress, Tibetan Women’s Association, Gu-Chu-Sum Movement of Tibet, National Democratic Party of Tibet, and Students For a Free Tibet.

Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the elected head of the Tibetan people, in his March 10 statement blamed China’s occupation and repression in Tibet for driving Tibetans to self-immolation.

“The prohibitions of peaceful protest and harsh punishments compel Tibetans to resort to self-immolation. They choose death rather than silence and submission to the Chinese authorities,” Sikyong Sangay said.

Tibet increasingly identified with self-immolations: Secretary Kerry

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Tibetan writer and activist Tsering Woeser waving from the balcony of her home in Beijing on Friday. DHARAMSHALA, March 9: Tsering Woeser, the Tibetan writer and activist, was awarded in absentia the 2013 International Women of Courage Award by the First Lady Michelle Obama and US Secretary of State John Kerry in a formal function held at the State Department on Friday. Woeser is currently under house arrest and has been repeatedly denied passport by the Chinese government. Secretary John Kerry, while awarding the prize to Woeser, said, “for courageously striving to improve human rights conditions for China’s Tibetan citizens by illuminating their plight through her writings, and thus giving eloquent voice to those whose stories might otherwise never be heard, Tsering Woeser is a woman of courage.” Secretary Kerry noted that Tibet has become “increasingly identified with self-immolations and protests against the deteriorating human rights condition” of Tibetans. “Against this backdrop, Tsering Woeser has emerged as a clarion voice of the people, even as the Chinese Government has worked to curtail the flow of information from Tibet. Through her website, called Invisible Tibet, her poetry, her nonfiction works, her savvy use of communication networks like Twitter, Tsering has bravely documented the situation around her,” Secretary Kerry said. “She says that “to bear witness is to give voice,” and that is what she is doing for the millions of Tibetans who cannot speak for themselves. And she has vowed to never give up or compromise.” In her remarks, First Lady Michelle Obama said, "This is not an honor bestowed on a few but a call for action to all of us." "These honorees ... have shown the potential to stand up and demand action for the next generation." "With every blog post these women have inspired millions," she added. Woeser had earlier dedicated the award to the Tibetan self-immolators, numbering 107, who have set themselves on fire protesting China’s occupation and demanding freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama from exile. Beijing reacted sharply to the honour bestowed on Woeser, accusing her of distorting facts about Tibet. "Woeser has frequently published articles distorting facts about Tibet that vilify China's ethnic policies, incite ethnic separatist feelings, and destroy China's ethnic unity," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a daily news briefing Friday. "The United States giving this kind of person an award is the same as public support for her separatist speech, and clearly violates its frequent promises to recognise Tibet as part of China." Since 2007, the International Women of Courage Award has been presented in recognition of women around the globe who have demonstrated courage and leadership, often at great personal risk, to promote justice and rights. Tsering Woeser is among ten awardees this year.

Breaking: Another Tibetan self-immolates, Seven deaths in seven days

 In more alarming reports coming out of Tibet, another Tibetan set himself on fire in an apparent protest against Chinese rule on Friday, November 23 in Tsekhog (Ch: Zeku) region of eastern Tibet.

Tamding Dorjee, 29, set himself ablaze near the entrance of the local Chinese administrative office of Dokarmo town in Tsekhog region of Malho at around 6:30 pm (local time).

According to exile sources, Tamding Dorjee raised slogans for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama with folded hands while engulfed in flames. He passed away at the site of his protest.

Following the self-immolation protest, thousands of local Tibetans gathered to offer prayers and attend the funeral which was carried out later in the night.

Latest reports indicate that local Chinese authorities have cut off Internet and phone lines in an attempt to contain the spread of the news.

With Tamding Dorjee’ self-immolation protest, 81 Tibetans have now set themselves on fire in Tibet since 2009 demanding freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile.

The alarming escalation in the fiery protests has already witnessed 19 Tibetans burn themselves in the month of November alone with seven self-immolations in the last seven days.

The protests continue even as Chinese authorities announced heightened restrictions and the implementation of a five-point notification giving stern orders to punish self-immolators, their families, their villages and even those who had offered condolences and prayers to the bereaved family members and relatives.”

Prayer service in Dharamshala

Yesterday, thousands of Tibetans and supporters including the Tibetan Chief Justice Commissioners, Speaker Penpa Tsering, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, Kalons, members of parliament, and school students attended a prayer service held in honour of Tibetan self-immolators at Tsug-la Khang, the main temple in Dharamshala.

Special prayers were offered for Wangchen Norbu, 18; Tsering Dhundup, 35; and Lubum Gyal, 18 who set themselves on fire in protest against China’s occupation of Tibet.

Wangchen Norbu, 25, set himself ablaze on Monday near the Kangtsa Gaden Choephel Ling Monastery. He passed away at the site of his protest.

He raised slogans for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile, release of the Panchen Lama and freedom for Tibet.

On Tuesday, Tsering Dhondup, 35, set himself ablaze on a ground near the entrance of a mining site in Amchok region of Labrang Sangchu. He succumbed to his injuries at the site of his protest.

Tsering Dhondup is survived by his wife Tamding Tso, their three children, and his parents.

Lubum Gyal, 18, set himself ablaze in Dowa town of Rebkong, eastern Tibet on Thursday in an apparent protest against China’s continued occupation of Tibet.

Speaking at the prayer service, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay said the prayer services were significant as it sends a message of solidarity from exile Tibetans to Tibetans inside Tibet.

“We hold the prayer services in honour of self-immolators’ family, Tibetans in prison and for those Tibetans who have lost their lives for Tibet,” Sikyong Sangay said.

The Dalai Lama recently told reporters that China’s repressive policies and the unbearable situation in Tibet are forcing Tibetans to set themselves of fire in Tibet.

"The unbearable situation in Tibet is the cause for these unfortunate events. I am very sad about the turn of events. These are symptoms of fear, hard line suppressive policy practiced by China in Tibet. The time has come for China to think more realistically," reporters quoted the Tibetan spiritual leader as saying,

Breaking: Another self-immolation rocks Tibet, Toll reaches 80

Tibetan self-immolator Tamding Kyab, 23, in an undated photo. November 23: In confirmed reports coming out of Tibet, another Tibetan set himself on fire late last night in an apparent protest against China’s continued occupation of Tibet. The Tibetan man, the 80th to self-immolate inside Tibet since 2009, has been identified as Tamding Kyab. “Tamding Kyab, 23 years of age, set himself on fire on November 22 at around 10 pm (local time) in the Kluchu region of Kanlho, eastern Tibet,” exile Tibetans hailing from the region told Phayul. “After local Tibetans recovered Tamding Kyab's charred body this morning, they carried it to his home." Monks from the nearby Shitsang Monastery have been performing prayers at the deceased's home and also carried out the last rites today. A nomad, Tamding Kyab was earlier a monk at the Shitsang Monastery, where currently his younger brother is studying. The charred body of Tamding Kyab placed under a photo of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Tamding Kyab passed away in his self-immolation protest against China's rule on November 22, 2012. Tamding Kyab frequently spoke out the ongoing self-immolation protests and expressed his desire for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. "Whenever he heard of a self-immolation protest, he used to say, "How I wish I could also sacrifice my life" and often stated that without the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet, there is "no difference between living and dying" in this world," the same sources said citing contacts in the regions. The same day, Lubum Gyal, 18, passed away after setting himself ablaze in Dowa town of Rebkong, eastern Tibet following heightened restrictions and the implementation of a five-point notification issued by Chinese authorities giving stern orders “to punish self-immolators and their families; even those who had offered condolences and prayers to the bereaved family members and relatives.” The alarming escalation in self-immolation protests has already witnessed 18 Tibetans set themselves on fire in the month of November alone, making this the deadliest month since the protests began. Thousands of Tibetans, including school students, have carried out mass protests and rallies demanding freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile. Earlier this month, local Chinese authorities in Kanlho (Ch:Gannan) imposed a “near-total information blockade” in the region following seven self-immolations in the past month. Local authorities clamped down on the Internet and mobile phone lines, imposing an indefinite ban on the sale of mobile SIM cards on three known shops in Sangchu, while restricting the sale of petrol and other flammable liquids in towns and villages in the area. Also in the region, local Chinese authorities posted notices last month, offering 50,000 Chinese Yuan (US $ 7,913) for information on “the sources of scheming, planning, and instigating” self-immolations. The exile Tibetan administration has maintained that the reasons for the self-immolations are self-evident: political repression, economic marginalisation, environmental destruction, and cultural assimilation. “The blame and solution for the present tragedy in Tibet lies entirely with Beijing,” Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the elected head of the Tibetan people, said earlier this month. “We firmly believe that an end to repression will effectively end the cycle self-immolation.”

CTA launches USD 2m Tibet Education Project

Rinchen Dharlo, President of Tibet Fund (l) and Additional Secretary Topgyal Tsering of the Department of Education addressing the press in Dharamshala at the launch of the Tibet Education Project November 23, 2012.

The exile Tibetan administration today officially launched the Tibet Education Project, a two-year programme, aimed at improving the quality of education opportunities for Tibetan refugee students in India and Nepal.

Funded by the US Agency for International Development, the programme will be implemented in close cooperation with the Dharamshala based Central Tibetan Administration’s Department of Education.

Earlier this September, USAID awarded USD 2 million to Tibet Fund, a US-based NGO operating out of New York City, to implement TEP.

In a release, the Education Department said the TEP will address the critical education needs prioritised by Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the elected head of the Tibetan people.

“This new initiative will provide significant boost in strengthening the overall Tibetan education system and provide much-needed resources to realise some of the core educational goals of my administration,” said Sikyong Dr Sangay who is also the Kalon for the Department of Education.

“I want to thank USAID, Under Secretary Maria Otero and the Office of the Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues for making this program possible.”

The project includes intensification of teacher development and training; expansion of Scholarship Program; Scale the Counseling Program; prioritising Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Education; providing Test Preparation and Coaching for Secondary School Students and Improve Educational Management.

Sikyong Dr Sangay; Bill Hammink, USAID Mission Director in India; Sang Lee, USAID Agreement Officer Representative; Rinchen Dharlo, President of Tibet Fund; Bob Ankerson, Vice-President of Tibet Fund and senior officials of the CTA’s Department of Education attended the launch programme earlier today.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference following the launch, Additional Secretary Topgyal Tsering of DoE said: “TEP seeks to revitalise of Tibetan settlements in India and Nepal by strengthening the Tibetan education system in innovative, replicable ways that equip young Tibetans to succeed in modern professions, become strong and visionary leaders.”

CTA recently announced new scholarship schemes representing a 50 percent increase in the annual scholarship funding provided by the exile administration.

China stirs up hornet’s nest of boundary disputes

A Chinese man holds up a Chinese passport with details on a page that shows dashes which include the South China Sea as part of the Chinese territory outside a passport office in Beijing, China, Friday, Nov. 23, 2012.

China has again stirred up the hornet’s nest of unsettled boundary disputes with its neighbours by issuing revised passports that show it staking its claim on Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin (in India), the entire South China Sea and even Taiwan.

The passports issued in May, carries an outline of China printed in the upper left corner with the contentious regions, hemmed in by the dashes. Although China’s official maps have long included parts of India, Taiwan and the South China Sea as Chinese territory, this act of printing it on its passports could be seen as a provocation since other countries would be required to tacitly endorse those claims by affixing their official seals to the documents.

According to media reports, India has retaliated by stamping these passports with its own version of the map, marking out its own territorial boundaries. Although India is yet to raise this matter diplomatically with China, the issue however could feature on the agenda when India's National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon visits China for border talks in a few weeks.

The 15th and the latest round of Sino-Indian special representative talks were held in New Delhi this January and reportedly ended in a deadlock after Beijing insisted it would settle for nothing less that “its share” of Arunachal Pradesh.

Philippines and Vietnam have sent diplomatic notes to the Chinese embassies, lodging their “strong protest” and demanding that Beijing remove the “erroneous content” printed in the passport.

The Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam are scheduled to meet December 12 to discuss claims in the South China Sea and the role of China.

In Taiwan, the ruling party and opposition lawmakers alike have condemned the map, saying it could harm the warming ties the historic rivals have enjoyed since Ma Ying-jeou became president 4 1/2 years ago.

‘‘This is total ignorance of reality and only provokes disputes,’’ said Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, the Cabinet-level body responsible for ties with Beijing. The council said the government cannot accept the map.

Taiwan recently decided to bar the Dalai Lama from entering the island to give a keynote speech at the 2012 Asia Pacific Regional Conference of the International Federation of Business and Professional Women in December, citing “professional assessment.”

Taiwan's foreign ministry confirmed that they would not allow the visit, noting that "It's just not a good time."

The country’s opposition Democratic Progressive Party politicians accused President Ma Ying-jeou of blocking the Dalai Lama's visit due to pressure from Beijing while the organisers of the visit said the move reflected fear of angering China.