Breaking: Tibetan teen burns self to death, Toll climbs to 79

In no respite to the spate of self-immolations inside Tibet, another Tibetan teenager passed away in his fiery protest.

In confirmed reports received by Phayul, Lubum Gyal, 18, set himself ablaze in Dowa town of Rebkong, eastern Tibet at around 4:20 pm (local time) in an apparent protest against China’s continued occupation of Tibet.

China’s state-run Xinhua news agency also reported on the incident, confirming that the self-immolator (Libong Tsering) succumbed to his injuries.

“Lubum Gyal set himself on fire in protest against the Chinese government in Dowa town,” Sonam, an exile Tibetan with close contacts in the region told Phayul. “Soon, a large number of Tibetans gathered and rescued his body from falling into the hands of Chinese authorities.”

“Monks from the Dowa Monastery later carried out the last rites of Lubum Gyal at a nearby crematorium,” Sonam added.

According to the same source, the recent deployment of large numbers of Chinese armed forces and the severe restrictions placed on local Tibetans triggered Lubum Gyal’s fiery protest.

“Following the recent escalation in self-immolations and protests in Dowa and the adjoining regions, Chinese security personnel armed with automatic guns have forced strict restrictions on the movement of Tibetans,” Sonam cited sources as saying. “Moreover, higher ranked Chinese government and Communist Party officials have been paying frequent trips to Dowa to investigate the reasons behind the protests and to assure that no more protests take place in the region.”

The Chinese officials were reportedly implementing the five-point notification issued by the Malho Prefectural office and Malho People’s government on November 14 giving stern orders to local officials “to punish self-immolators and their families; even those who had offered condolences and prayers to the bereaved family members and relatives.”

The notice, issued in Tibetan and Chinese languages, announces the cancellation of government aid to families of self-immolators as well as development projects in villages where similar protests have taken place.

Lubum Gyal is survived by his father Tsego.

The Rebkong region of Malho has now witnessed ten self-immolation protests in this month alone. Also, thousands of Tibetans, including school children, carried out massive protests calling for freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama earlier this month.

79 Tibetans have now set themselves on fire in Tibet since 2009.

China to punish families, entire villages of self-immolators

Chinese authorities in Malho (Chinese: Huangnan) region of eastern Tibet have announced a series of strict measures targeting the ongoing wave of self-immolations with further restrictions, punishments, and threats.

Dharamshala based rights group, Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, in a release today said the five-point notice issued by the Malho Prefectural office and Malho People’s government on November 14 gives stern orders to local officials “to punish self-immolators and their families; even those who had offered condolences and prayers to the bereaved family members and relatives.”

The recent escalation in self-immolations has made an alarming impact in Rebkong region of Malho with nine fiery protests in this month alone. Also, thousands of Tibetans, including school children, carried out massive protests calling for freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama earlier this month.

The notice, issued in Tibetan and Chinese languages, announces the cancellation of government aid to families of self-immolators as well as development projects in villages where similar protests have taken place.

“The first point in the notification clearly states that government aid to the family members of a person who had self-immolated will be cut off for three years ... Development funds will be cancelled to those villages where self-immolations took place; even those projects that had been approved earlier will be cancelled within three years,” TCHRD said in its release.

The notice calls for “detailed investigation” into the “failure” of local leaders and relevant Communist Party officials to protect “stability” and “harmony” in areas where self-immolations have taken place. It says that official if found “guilty” will be relieved of their posts and “severe measures” will be taken against them.

The notice goes on to call for “thorough investigation” to determine whether any government officials had visited homes of self-immolators to offer condolences and further warns others from such acts, the offence of which, the notice says, will “attract immediate firing, followed by investigations and punishments.”

While asking higher authorities to “advise and guide” these officials, the notice states that the Public Security Bureau officers will “strike hard” on those who do not listen to such guidance.

“If a village or a monastery has collectively organized prayer ceremonies and visits to the families of self-immolator, then the whole village will get no government aid. All development projects approved earlier in the village will be cancelled within three years,” TCHRD quoted the notice as saying.

The notice warns that if high lamas or abbots or senior staff at monasteries are found of having organised prayer ceremonies for self-immolators, then their monasteries will be closed down and steps will be taken to purge these monasteries of causing "instability."

It must be be noted that on several occasions, self-immolators have chosen to set themselves ablaze near their local monasteries, following which, their bodies have been in many cases carried inside the monastery premises to perform prayers and rituals.

“Heavy punishment shall be given to those who attempt to organise themselves or form associations or groups,” the notice states.

The notice further blames the “Dalai clique” for the instability in the region.

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.”

Press Freedom Award boosts global call for Tibetan filmmaker’s release

Lhamo Tso, wife of imprisoned Tibetan filmmaker Dhondup Wangchen, holds a petition for her husband at the Committee to Protect Journalists' International Freedom Awards Dinner at the Waldorf Astoria on Nov. 20, 2012 in New York City. The global campaign for the release of jailed Tibetan filmmaker Dhondup Wangchen received a major boost with the awarding of the Committee to Protect Journalists' 2012 International Press Freedom Award. The self-taught Tibetan documentary filmmaker, along with Mauri König (Gazeta do Povo, Brazil), Mae Azango (FrontPage Africa and New Narratives, Liberia), and Azimjon Askarov (Ferghana News and Golos Svobody, Kyrgyzstan) were recognised by the global press freedom group for their “courageous reporting” and “risking their lives and liberty to reveal abuses of power and human rights violations.” Wangchen’s wife, Lhamo Tso was present to receive the award at a gala dinner held at the Waldorf Astoria on November 20 in New York City. CPJ told the gathering of over 900 attendees that two on its annual awardees, Dhondup Wangchen and Azimjon Askarov were currently in jail for “holding officials accountable and helping ordinary people voice their indignation.” Wangchen conceived and shot the film "Leaving Fear Behind" (Tib:Jigdrel) to portray life in Tibet in advance of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. He was arrested on March 26, 2008 for filming interviews with ordinary Tibetans on their views on the Beijing Olympics, the Dalai Lama and Chinese government’s policies in Tibet. Shortly after his footage was smuggled overseas, Wangchen disappeared into Chinese detention. Hewas sentenced to six years in prison for “subversion” on December 28, 2009 following a secret trial. In January 2010, he was denied appeal. In prison Wangchen contracted Hepatitis B and has been reported in poor health. Wangchen’s hard-hitting documentary has been screened in over 30 countries with his wife Lhamo Tso travelling internationally to campaign for her husband's release. Tso, who hasn’t spoken to her husband since March 2008, told CPJ that the decision to formally release the documentary was a “very difficult” one. "It was very difficult," she told CPJ. "He hadn't been sentenced yet. We didn't know if publicising it would hurt his chances. But in the film, so many people spoke out about their opinions, about the Dalai Lama. So many had spent time, effort, energy on this film. I thought my personal family matter was less important. The film should be shown." Looking after their four children and his elderly parents, Tso said that applying pressure on the Chinese government does make a difference. The reason Dhondup Wangchen's working conditions improved, she said, is because of the vocal support he is getting from outside prison walls. CPJ has also launched a petition addressed to the Chinese President, calling for the release of Dhondup Wangchen. Coinciding with the award, Marina Schuster, Speaker for Human Rights and Humanitarian Assistance of the Free Democratic Party at the German Federal Parliament congratulated Wangchen and demanded his immediate release from detention. The Group of the Free Democratic Party further expressed its concern about reports of Wangchen subjected to torture and suffering from Hepatitis B while in detention and called upon the Chinese government to “pursue the path of openness and to respect fundamental human and civil rights.”

Showdown in Chennai, More than 100 Tibetan students mass arrest

Tibetan students in Chennai, south India call for international intervention in the alarming escalation in self-immolation protests in Tibet.

November 22: More than one hundred Tibetan students studying at various colleges in the south Indian metropolitan city of Chennai staged a mass protest yesterday, demanding international intervention in the alarming escalation in self-immolation protests inside Tibet.

The students, as part of the Tibetan Students Association of Madras, filled the Gemini-Flyover, one of Chennai’s busiest roads, opposite the United States Consulate at around 3 pm Wednesday.

More than 110 students, all wearing black t-Shirts inked with Tibet slogans, unfolded two large banners from the flyover. One of the banners read “Tibet is not a part of China” and the other carried pictures of China’s new Politburo Standing Committee members with the title “Seven new terrorist leaders of China on Tibet.”

Speaking to Phayul, Tenzin Phuntsok, president of TSAM said the sloganeering and demonstrations carried on for about an hour before the police arrived at the site.

Tibetan students in Chennai, south India call for international intervention in the alarming escalation in self-immolation protests in Tibet.

“We continued our protest even after the police’s arrival,” Phuntsok said. “The police then arrested all our students and we were detained for around five hours before being finally released.”

The protesters urged the United Nations to immediately intervene in the alarming escalation in self-immolation protests in Tibet and press China to allow visits by international media and human rights observers in Tibet.

The ongoing wave of fiery protests in Tibet has witnessed 78 Tibetans set themselves on fire since 2009, demanding freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile. The month of November alone has seen 16 self-immolations against China’s rule and mass protests by thousands of Tibetans including school students.

Earlier this month, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay urged China to “promptly address the longstanding grievances that have led to an alarming escalation in desperate forms of protest, including self-immolations, in Tibetan areas.”

Pillay said she was disturbed by "continuing allegations of violence against Tibetans seeking to exercise their fundamental human rights," and urged China to allow independent and impartial monitors to visit and assess the actual conditions on the ground, and to lift restrictions on media access to the region, as a confidence-building measure.

Chinese Govt to implement more harsh treatment to Tibetans

The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) has reported today, on Nov. 22, 2012, China punishes protest self-immolations, cuts off aid to Tibetans. The Chinese authorities in Malho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai Province have announced they have cancelled government aid to families of self-immolators as well as development projects in villages where Tibetans had carried out protest self-immolations.

In an official notification which was issued on Nov. 14, 2012, by the Malho Prefectural office and Malho People’s government, local Party and government officials have been given strict orders to punish self-immolators and their families, and even those who had offered condolences and prayers to the bereaved family members and relatives. A source has told TCHRD that the notification, which was issued both in Tibetan and Chinese, was shown on Malho Prefectural TV channel. The first point in this notification clearly states that government aid to the family members of a person who had self-immolated will be cut off for three years. Nobody is allowed to arrange for the resumption of government aid to such families.

 Furthermore, development funds will be cancelled to those villages where self-immolations have taken place. Even projects in these villages that had been approved earlier will be cancelled within three years. And, as is usual with the Chinese government, the so-called “Dalai clique”, has been held responsible for the extensive instability in the region. The Chinese government has stated, “The Dalai clique, wearing religious robes, use self-immolations to create instability.” The Chinese government has also said the “Dalai clique” has also been responsible for inciting schoolchildren to create disturbances and instability.

Burning Tibet ; another teen self immolation's, toll reaches 79

In no respite to the spate of self-immolations inside Tibet, another Tibetan teenager passed away in his fiery protest Thursday, November 22.

In confirmed reports received by Phayul, Lubum Gyal, 18, set himself ablaze in Dowa town of Rebkong, eastern Tibet at around 4:20 pm (local time) in an apparent protest against China’s continued occupation of Tibet.

China’s state-run Xinhua news agency also reported on the incident, confirming that the self-immolator (Libong Tsering) succumbed to his injuries.

“Lubum Gyal set himself on fire in protest against the Chinese government in Dowa town,” Sonam, an exile Tibetan with close contacts in the region had  told Phayul. “Soon, a large number of Tibetans gathered and rescued his body from falling into the hands of Chinese authorities.”

“Monks from the Dowa Monastery later carried out the last rites of Lubum Gyal at a nearby crematorium,” Sonam added.

According to the same source, the recent deployment of large numbers of Chinese armed forces and the severe restrictions placed on local Tibetans triggered Lubum Gyal’s fiery protest.

“Following the recent escalation in self-immolations and protests in Dowa and the adjoining regions, Chinese security personnel armed with automatic guns have forced strict restrictions on the movement of Tibetans,” Sonam cited sources as saying. “Moreover, higher ranked Chinese government and Communist Party officials have been paying frequent trips to Dowa to investigate the reasons behind the protests and to assure that no more protests take place in the region.”

The Chinese officials were reportedly implementing the five-point notification issued by the Malho Prefectural office and Malho People’s government on November 14 giving stern orders to local officials “to punish self-immolators and their families; even those who had offered condolences and prayers to the bereaved family members and relatives.”

The notice, issued in Tibetan and Chinese languages, announces the cancellation of government aid to families of self-immolators as well as development projects in villages where similar protests have taken place.

Lubum Gyal is survived by his father Tsego.

The Rebkong region of Malho has now witnessed ten self-immolation protests in this month alone. Also, thousands of Tibetans, including school children, carried out massive protests calling for freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama earlier this month.

79 Tibetans have now set themselves on fire in Tibet since 2009.

CTA announces 50 percent increase in scholarship funding

Department of Education’s Additional Secretary Topgyal Tsering (c) with Joint Secretary Chemi Tseyang (l) and Deputy Secretary Kelsang Rinchen announcing the CTA’s new scholarship scheme at a press conference at the Kashag Secretariat in Dharamshala on November 20, 2012.

DHARAMSHALA, November 21: The Department of Education of the Central Tibetan Administration announced new scholarship schemes representing a 50 percent increase in the annual scholarship funding provided by the exile administration.

Making the announcement at a press conference Monday in Dharamshala, DoE officials said the new scholarship scheme “aims to fulfill the vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and reflects the 14th Kashag’s prioritisation of education.”

“Investment in Education will strengthen and sustain the Tibet cause,” a statement released by the office said. “This new scheme aims to promote academic excellence, produce more scholars and professionals, and also support economically disadvantaged students.”

Under the new scholarship scheme, the existing Gaden Phodrang Student Merit Award will now be given to nine students from the three streams, with cash awards ranging from INR 20,000 to INR 10,000.

Two new scholarships, Sikyong Scholarship and Sikyong Award for Academic Accomplishments have been rolled out. Under the Sikyong Scholarship, a monetary prize of INR 100,000 (One lakh rupees) will be awarded to students who obtain 95 percent or higher in their XIIth grade board examinations, while the latter carries a cash reward of INR 20,000 along with a certificate of appreciation for students completing a Ph.D in any field.

Departing from the earlier practice of providing the same scholarship amount to all students, irrespective of grades, a new performance based scholarship has also been introduced. Now, students will be awarded scholarships ranging from INR 35,000 to INR 100,000 depending on their performance in the school board exams.

Cash Incentive Award of INR 10,000 will be given to students who currently hold a scholarship and score 75 percent or higher on the final yearly exams, while under the Special Scholarships for Economically Disadvantaged (nyamthak) Students, students who are financially below the poverty line as determined by the CTA and score a minimum of 40 percent are eligible to apply.

DoE noted that it will strive to provide more scholarships in the coming years to support better human resource development and enhance over all Tibetan capability and promote more leaders in the Tibetan community. Presently, the DoE gives scholarship to over 200 students a year.

The Department of Education looks after the educational affairs of the Tibetan administration and community in exile. It currently oversees 73 Tibetan schools – excluding the pre-primary sections and private schools – in India and Nepal under different autonomous administrative bodies.

Chinese nationals at TSG root for democracy

DHARAMSHALA: About 20 Chinese nationals who attended the crucial meet of Tibetan Support Groups (TSGs) held under the banner of International Tibet Network at Dicky Tsering Hall in McLeodganj, expressed that the "democratic setup of the Tibetans-in-exile was better than the communist regime in China". They also rued that once again no representation had been given to minority communities in the new leadership of China.
"Reports on the 18{+t}{+h} Chinese Communist Party Congress suggest that the new Chinese leadership will stick to old policies. A democratic setup will be better for China than communist regime," said Yang Jinali, president of Initiative for China Movement, which is working for advancing peaceful transition of democracy in China.
"The composition of 25-member political bureau and the seven-member standing committee shows that there is little representation for minority communities like Muslims and Tibetans in the new leadership," said a Chinese, requesting anonymity. The three-day meet, which concluded on Sunday, was organized to design strategic campaigns to take up the Tibetan issue with the new Chinese leadership. When contacted, the media officer of Central Tibetan Administration, Lobsang Choedak, maintained that there were 200 participants from 43 countries, including China. "The meeting was called to discuss the current situation in Tibet as mounting self-immolations have gripped the exiled Tibetan community in grief. About 8 Tibetans have died in last 17 days while the total toll has reached 71," said Choedak.
Meanwhile, international Tibet support groups have pledged to mobilize the international community to press the Chinese government to find a lasting and mutually-agreeable solution to the problem. TSG members expressed solidarity with Tibetans inside Tibet for their unwavering determination and commitment to non-violence in resisting China's policies to undermine Tibet's culture, language and religion. They said the responsibility for this crisis lies with China's past leaders and their failed policies over the last 60 years.

Chinese nationals at TSG root for democracy

 DHARAMSHALA: About 20 Chinese nationals who attended the crucial meet of Tibetan Support Groups (TSGs) held under the banner of International Tibet Network at Dicky Tsering Hall in McLeodganj, expressed that the "democratic setup of the Tibetans-in-exile was better than the communist regime in China". They also rued that once again no representation had been given to minority communities in the new leadership of China.

"Reports on the 18{+t}{+h} Chinese Communist Party Congress suggest that the new Chinese leadership will stick to old policies. A democratic setup will be better for China than communist regime," said Yang Jinali, president of Initiative for China Movement, which is working for advancing peaceful transition of democracy in China.

"The composition of 25-member political bureau and the seven-member standing committee shows that there is little representation for minority communities like Muslims and Tibetans in the new leadership," said a Chinese, requesting anonymity. The three-day meet, which concluded on Sunday, was organized to design strategic campaigns to take up the Tibetan issue with the new Chinese leadership. When contacted, the media officer of Central Tibetan Administration, Lobsang Choedak, maintained that there were 200 participants from 43 countries, including China. "The meeting was called to discuss the current situation in Tibet as mounting self-immolations have gripped the exiled Tibetan community in grief. About 8 Tibetans have died in last 17 days while the total toll has reached 71," said Choedak.

Meanwhile, international Tibet support groups have pledged to mobilize the international community to press the Chinese government to find a lasting and mutually-agreeable solution to the problem. TSG members expressed solidarity with Tibetans inside Tibet for their unwavering determination and commitment to non-violence in resisting China's policies to undermine Tibet's culture, language and religion. They said the responsibility for this crisis lies with China's past leaders and their failed policies over the last 60 years.

Breaking: Tibet continues to burn, Man sets self on fire

DHARAMSHALA, November 18: In more alarming reports coming out of Tibet, another Tibetan passed away in his self-immolation protest yesterday evening in an apparent protest against China’s rule.

Sangdag Tsering, 24, set himself on fire in front of a local Chinese government office in Dokar Mo town in the Rebkong region of eastern Tibet at around 7 pm (local time). Tsering, father of a three-year-old son, passed away at the site of his protest.

His self-immolation came just hours after a Tibetan woman, Chagmo Kyi passed away after setting herself on fire outside a Chinese office in Rongwo town.

Sources tell Phayul that earlier in the day, Chinese authorities summoned a large meeting of local Tibetans and gave out clear orders, barring them from visiting families of self-immolators to pay their respect and condolences.

Further orders warned that monasteries, which didn’t follow the decree, would be shut down.

“Martyr Sangdag Tsering set himself on fire later in the evening at the very place where the meeting was called,” Dorjee Wangchuk, an exile Tibetan said citing sources in the region.

Chinese security personnel arrived at the scene and tried to douse the flames but Sangdag Tsering succumbed to his injuries.

“Monks from two nearby monasteries and thousands of local Tibetans gathered at the protest site and carried his body to the Gonshul Sangag Mindrol Dhargeyling for his cremation,” Wangchuk said.

The same source added that Sangdag Tsering had off late repeatedly expressed his frustration over the lack of freedom in Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s absence, and the continuing wave of self-immolations in Tibet.

About a week back, he had written a short poem espousing loyalty to Tibet and emailed it to a friend.

The last two lines of the poem written in Tibetan reads: “The brave men of the snow mountains, Don’t forget your loyalty to Tibet.”

Sangdag Tsering is survived by his parents, his wife Phagmo Tso, 24, and their son.

The alarming escalation in self-immolation protests has already witnessed 14 Tibetans set themselves on fire in this month alone, with nine of them occurring in the Rebkong region. A total of 76 Tibetans inside Tibet have now self-immolated since 2009, demanding freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile.

Speaking to a special gathering of Tibet supporters in Dharamshala, the Dalai Lama yesterday said that the situation in Tibet is “serious.”

“Whether Chinese government agrees or not, there are problems and these problems are neither good for Tibetans or for the people of China. So, therefore we have to find a solution based on mutual understanding and mutual respect,” the Tibetan spiritual leader said.

He further cautioned: “The use force will never get satisfactory results.”

‘Please take action,’ the Dalai Lama urges Tibet supporters

Participants at the Second Special Tibet Support Groups Meeting in Dharamshala huddle around His Holiness the Dalai Lama for a photo. November 17, 2012. DHARAMSHALA, November 18: Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama spoke to members of Tibet Support Groups from all over the world who are gathered in Dharamshala to discuss the ongoing critical situation inside Tibet, Saturday. Addressing the delegates as “brothers and sisters,” the Dalai Lama urged them to “please take action.” “Please take action wherever you come from,” the Tibetan leader said. “Now already in many countries there are parliamentary support groups and Tibet support groups. So, I think you should be closely in touch and mobilise more voice.” Clarifying that he is now speaking as a citizen of Tibet, after retiring from his political duties last year, the Dalai Lama said Tibetans are carrying a difficult struggle. “(The Tibetan struggle) is entirely based on non violence and compassion. We are actually passing through a difficult period” His Holiness said. “The main reason why I came here is (to show) my respect to you all. I always consider our supporters are not pro-Tibetans but rather pro-justice and pro-nonviolence.” “Your support for Tibet’s cause gives encouragement and moral support. A struggle which is strictly based on non violence, like ours, should succeed.” Speaking on the ongoing wave of self-immolation protests inside Tibet, the Dalai Lama said the fiery sacrifices are in principle non violent. “I consider these Tibetans burning - certainly these people have courage and determination to sacrifice their own life, so they can easily harm other people - but I think these people although they practiced a little bit of violence but I think in principle they still practice non violence.” He added that the younger generation of Tibetans in Tibet these days have stronger determination as compared to earlier generations. The Nobel peace laureate cautioned that the situation in China is serious. “Now, things are serious. Whether Chinese government agrees or not, there are problems and these problems are neither good for Tibetans or for the people of China. So, therefore we have to find a solution based on mutual understanding and mutual respect between Han brothers sisters and Tibetan brothers and sisters,” the Dalai Lama said. “The use force will never get satisfactory results.” “The Chinese government is very powerful militarily but just relying on using force will not solve the problems. It creates more problems, more resentment.” Around two hundred members of Tibetan Support Groups from 43 countries are attending the Second Special International Tibet Support Groups Meeting aimed at “exploring ways to press the Chinese government to end its repressive policies” in Tibet.

US urges China to improve human rights in Tibet

Following the recent incidents of self-immolations by Tibetan youths in protest of Chinese rule, the United States has urged China to address the issue of human rights violations in Tibet, and has asked authorities to keep a check on self-immolations by Tibetans.

“We want to see the human rights situation there and throughout China improve,” the State Department spokesperson, Victoria Nuland, told reporters on Friday.

“We have been clear for decades about our commitment to human rights in Tibet, that we want to see China address the underlying problems there, the threats to the distinctive culture and linguistic identity of the Tibetan people, and our grave concern about the fact that people would feel so desperate as to resort to self-immolation,” she said.

Nuland said the US has been regularly raising its concern about the Tibetan self-immolations with Chinese authorities.

“We encourage China to work with authorities in Tibet to address the grievances of the people and to protect the cultural diversity of their country,” she said when asked about the death of two Tibetans in self-immolation in protest against human rights violations by the Chinese.

German PM Voice Deep Concern Over Crisis in Tibet

Berlin, 9 November 2012: - The Tibet-Group of the German Bundestag is deeply concerned and shocked after the recent wave of self-immolations in Tibet.

"We urge the Chinese government to end the repressions in Tibet and to seek dialogue with the Tibetans.", said chairwoman Sabine Weiss (Christian Democratic Union).

"The self-immolations are result of Beijing's failed Tibet-policies. The new Chinese leadership must acknowledge this and change course in Tibet", added co-chairs Sabine Bätzing-Lichtenthäler (Social Democratic Party), Harald Leibrecht (Free Democratic Party) and Manuel Sarrazin (Alliance 90 / The Greens).

Since February 2009, 69 Tibetans have self-immolated in Tibet as protest against the Chinese policies in Tibet. According to reports, five Tibetans self-immolated on November 7 alone.

The „Tibet-Discussion-Panel" was founded in May 1995 after a hearing on Tibet in the foreign affairs committee of the German Bundestag.

Its aim is to create a better awareness for the issue of Tibet among parliamentarians and to find ways and means how Germany can contribute to an improvement in Tibet.

The German Federal Government has released recently its periodic report on the Federal German Government's human rights policy, covering the period from March 2010 to February 2012.

The report lacks specific country reports, but rather refers to certain issues the German government has paid particular attention to with regard to human rights.

On Tibet, the report contains following statements:

"Particular worrisome is the human rights situation in Tibet and Xinjiang. Freedom of assembly and freedom of religion are suppressed more heavily in these regions than in others.

The Central Government continues to relentlessly persecute any (even alleged) endeavor for autonomy or independence.

The self-immolations of young Tibetan monks and nuns at the monastery of Kirti - a place confronted with extraordinary repressive measures – were particularly desperate expressions of protest against these politics of repression."

We Need Non Violent Support: His Holiness The Dalai Lama

Dharamshala: - Non-violence and the preservation of Tibet's culture and environment topped the bill during a speech by the spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama to a group of international Tibet supporters on Saturday, November 17.

Welcoming participants of the 2012 Special International Tibet Support Groups Meeting, at Dharamshala's Tibetan Children's Village, the Tibetan spiritual leader described his audience as "not pro-Tibet, but rather pro justice and pro- non violence.

"The Tibetan struggle has been a struggle of non-violence," he said.

"Globally there are number of communities that are experiencing difficulties, but unfortunately in many cases, although their cause is noble, they use violent methods to solve their problems.

"Therefore your support is encouragement for us and on a practical level, the non-violent support should succeed, otherwise people may say that non-violence is useless."

Expressing his concern over the damage done to Tibet's environment over the past few decades under Chinese rule, he continued: "One of my Indian friends said that due to Tibet's high altitude and dry climate, if its ecology is damaged it will take much longer to recover.

"Tibet is the roof of the world, so naturally it's a cold place with lots of snow, and is the source of major rivers in Asia, with more than one billion people depending on these rivers.

"The effect of global warming on the Tibetan Plateau is as much as on the South and North Poles. I heard instructions were given to protect Tibet's delicate environment during the time of Chinese premier, Zhu Rongji, but these instructions were not implemented fully at local level due to corruption."

He went on to address the need to preserve Tibet's Buddhist tradition and culture, stating: "The preservation of Tibetan culture is very much needed because it is a tradition of peace, love and compassion.

"But it is being completely destroyed. Through Tibetan culture we can make some contribution to create a happier and more peaceful world through inner peace and a calm mind."

Alluding the Chinese Communist Party's selection of Xi Jinping as its new president this week, he added: "The world's trend is towards openness and more democracy. So no matter how powerful the Chinese government is, they cannot escape the world trend and they have to follow that trend.

"The new leadership in China will realise that they have to adopt a policy based on reality. Unrealistic policy will not solve the problems."

Participants of the three day event, who have converged on Dharamshala from 45 countries, spent the rest of the day taking part in an open forum with Tibetan political leader, Dr Lobsang Sangay, as well as workshops on priority and regional campaigning.

Speaking about the current situation in Tibet, His Holiness said, he has nothing to say on the political aspect of the issue of Tibet. "I am retired and whatever the elected Tibetan leadership says about Tibet is absolutely correct."

"Things are quite serious in Tibet. There is a problem and the problem is neither good for the Tibetans nor the Chinese. Use of force will never bring a satisfactory solution to the problem."

"The Tibetan civilization is very sophisticated. Some Chinese say that the Tibetans are very backward but that is not true. One Chinese archaeologist told me once that Tibetan civilization has its own root."

"Now, the spirit and unity of the younger generation of Tibetans inside Tibet are stronger than my generation."

It is time for the Dalai Lama to return to Tibet: Lobsang Sangay

Dharamshala, Sat Nov 17 2012

It is time for the Dalai Lama to return to Tibet, said Tibetan Prime Minister-in-Exile Lobsang Sangay at a convention. 

“It is time for the Dalai Lama to return to Tibet,” Sangay said while inaugurating the three-day Second Special International Tibet Support Groups Meeting here. 

“This special meeting will send a clear message that Tibetan supporters will make sure that the Tibet issue remains alive till freedom is restored and Dalai Lama's return to Tibet,” he said. 

Around 200 members of Tibetan Support Groups from 43 countries are attending the meeting from November 16-18.

Breaking: Tibetan mother of two burns self to death

DHARAMSHALA, November 17: In confirmed reports coming out of Tibet, a Tibetan mother of two passed away in her self-immolation protest today in an apparent protest against China’s continued occupation of Tibet.

Chagmo Kyi, a native of Rebkong Meypa Khagya village in eastern Tibet, self-immolated at the Dolma Square in front of Rongwo Monastery in Rebkong at around 4 pm (local time). She is believed to have been around 27 years of age and has two children.

According to the Dharamshala based rights group, Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, Chagmo Kyi passed away at the site of her protest. Her body was later taken to the Rongwo Monastery where thousands of Tibetans reportedly gathered to offer prayers.“At around 7 pm (local time), Kyi’s body was moved to a cremation site on a nearby hill behind Rongwo Monastery,” TCHRD said. “At the cremation site, a large number of Tibetans were loudly reciting Mani mantras and special prayers associated with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Monks were carrying out preparations to cremate the body.”

Various sources have told Phayul that a large number of Chinese armed forces have been deployed in the region, further increasing tensions. Severe restrictions on the movement of local Tibetans in Rebkong region, which alone has seen eight self-immolation protests in November, have been placed. Last week, thousands of Tibetans, including school students, took out massive demonstrations and protest rallies demanding rights of the Tibetan people and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile.

The alarming escalation in self-immolation protests in Tibet, which began in 2009, has now witnessed 75 Tibetans set themselves on fire demanding freedom for Tibet.

In his inaugural address this week at the ongoing special meeting of Tibetan supporters in Dharamshala, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the elected head of the Tibetan people blamed China’s “continued occupation of Tibet, its failed policies, including economic marginalisation, environmental destruction, cultural assimilation, and denial of religious freedom” as causes of the self-immolation protests.

He also dismissed accusations being made by the Chinese government of blaming Tibetans in exile for instigating the protests as “absolutely baseless.”

From Dharamshala to Bern, Tibet activists intensify campaign

Tibetan protesters gather for a function at the Tsug-la Khang in Dharamshala after carrying out a long protest march on November 16, 2012.

DHARAMSHALA, November 16: With the alarming escalation in the ongoing wave of self-immolation protests inside Tibet, Tibetans and supporters in various parts of the world have intensified their campaigns, bringing the Tibet crisis to the doors of Chinese embassies and UN offices.

In the Tibetan exile headquarters of Dharamshala, a large number of Tibetans today carried out a long protest march, from the Norbulingka Institute to the Tsug-la Khang in solidarity with “Tibetan martyrs who sacrificed their lives for freedom and peace.”

The march organisers in a release said that despite China’s repressive measures in Tibet, resistance against its rule is “stronger and more diverse than ever.”

The marchers asserted that China’s new leadership under the helm of Xi Jinping will face a “storm of protests” around the world if it fails to resolve the ongoing crisis inside Tibet.

“We strongly call on the newly selected leaders of the Chinese Communist Party to acknowledge its policy failures in Tibet and seek resolution to the crisis in Tibet by starting unconditional negotiation with Tibetan representatives,” one of the march organisers said.

Tibet activists in Bern, Switzerland protesting outside the Chinese Embassy on November 15, 2012.

In Bern, the capital of Switzerland, Tibet activists occupied the entrance of the Chinese embassy in a major protest yesterday, calling for an immediate and drastic change in China’s Tibet policy.

Around 20 Tibetans and supporters blocked the gate of the Chinese embassy and demanded an official statement from the Chinese ambassador to Swiss, Wu Ken.

Organisers of the protest said Tibetans will never give up the fight until the demands of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s return and freedom for Tibet are met.

"I wonder how many self-immolations it will take until the Chinese leadership realises that their policies have failed,” Tenzin Kelden, president of the Tibetan Youth Association in Europe and protest organiser said. “The change of power calls for a radical reorientation and a thorough reflection of the previous course."

The Tibet activists were later forcibly removed by the police as the Chinese ambassador declined from talking to them.

Tibetans in Geneva carrying out a 'kneel down' campaign in front of the United Nations office.

On November 14, four Tibetans began a three-day ‘kneel down’ protest in front of the UN building in Geneva, urging the global body to revive discussions and implement its earlier resolutions on Tibet passed in the years 1959, 1961, and 1965.

In a petition addressed to Navi Pillay, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Tibetans called upon the right chief to send a fact finding delegation to Tibet and put pressure on China to open Tibet to foreign media. They also urged the Pillay to create a conducive environment for dialogues to take place between the Chinese government and Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the elected head of the Tibetan people.

The four Tibetans expressed their hopes that the UN will pay heed to their requests and not go on to ignore the crisis inside Tibet, which they said increases the possibility of a repetition of Tibet’s self-immolation protests in front of the UN office.

Sikyong presides over Second Special International...

The opening ceremony of the
Second Special Meeting
of Tibet Support Groups
in session at the
TCV School hall
in Dharamshala
on November 16, 2012.

DHARAMSHALA, November 16: Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the elected head of the Tibetan people, today presided over the Second Special International Tibet Support Groups Meeting in Dharamshala.

Around two hundred members of Tibetan Support Groups from 43 countries are attending the meeting aimed at “exploring ways to press the Chinese government to end its repressive policies” in Tibet.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Sikyong Dr Sangay said the meeting “gives hope” to Tibetans inside Tibet.

“Tibetans in Tibet are doing all they can and more by giving up their lives with the hope and belief that exile Tibetans and friends will stand up with them,” Sikyong said. “Even if they get tortured, even if they die, their lives will not go in vain because their friends outside will stand up for them.”

The de facto Tibetan Prime Minister dismissed accusations made by the Chinese government of labelling Tibetan self-immolators as terrorists and blaming Tibetans in exile for instigating the protests. He called them “absolutely baseless”.

“Of the 74 self-immolators, not even one of them harmed a single Chinese person or a Chinese restaurant or a Chinese hotel or a Chinese house. How can this be a terrorist act?” Sikyong argued. “Yes, Tibetans are harming themselves but even at that painful phase when one is burning, they are not running towards Chinese people. They are dying a painful death for themselves.”

Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay
addressing the opening ceremony
of the Second Special Meeting of
Tibet Support Groups at
the TCV School hall in Dharamshala
on November 16, 2012.

He went on to blame China’s “continued occupation of Tibet, its failed policies in Tibet, including the economic marginalisation of Tibetans, environmental destruction, cultural assimilation, and denial of religious freedom” for causing the self-immolation protests.

Buoyed by the sweeping calls for democracy and freedom in many countries, Sikyong Dr Sangay said: “It is the time for Tibet, it is the time for the Dalai Lama to return to Tibet.”

The three-day meeting is being convened by the Core Group for Tibetan Cause-India and facilitated by the Department of Information and International Relations of the Central Tibetan Administration.

Sarias, a participant from Brazil told Phayul that the Tibetan cause is “important for the entire human kind.”

“We came all the way from Brazil to support Tibetans. The Tibetan cause is not just about Tibetans, it is about humanity. So, we are here to discuss human rights and non-violent actions,” she said.

Tod Stein, Director of Government Relations at the Washington based International Campaign for Tibet said the meeting needs to “express solidarity and understanding with the Tibetans who are taking these dramatic acts in Tibet.”

“Hopefully the central message out of this will be that the Tibetan supporters and Tibetans who live around the world are committed to act on their behalf to try to change the situation.”

Delegates at the meeting are scheduled to have an audience with Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama tomorrow.

Breaking: Tibetan woman self-immolates, Two fiery deaths in a day

DHARAMSHALA, November 15: Adding to the alarming escalation in self-immolation protests inside Tibet, a second Tibetan set herself on fire today in an apparent protest against China’s occupation of Tibet.

Tangzin Dolma, 23, set herself ablaze at around 12 pm (local time) today in Tsemo region of Rebkong, eastern Tibet.

Exile sources are saying that Tibetans from around the region started gathering in Tsemo upon hearing news of the self-immolation protest.

As of now a grand funeral for Tangzin Dolma has been planned for later tonight and the large gathering of Tibetans are awaiting the arrival of monks from the Rongwo Monastery.

She is survived by her parents, Bhulo and Tashi Dolma.

Further details on the self-immolation protest are awaited at the time of filing this report.

This is the second self-immolation that took place in Tibet today. Kharbum Gyal, a teenaged Tibetan set himself on fire in the same region earlier today and passed away in his protest.

As many as 12 Tibetans have set themselves on fire in the month of November alone, taking the toll since the fiery wave began in 2009 to 74.

Self-immolators have demanded freedom for Tibet and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile.

Today’s twin self-immolation protests comes on the day when China unveiled its new Politburo Standing Committee members, the group of politicians who rule the country.

Tibetans and supporters in exile have asserted that the seven men, led by Xi Jinping, are facing “an immediate crisis,” with the alarming escalation in the wave of self-immolations and growing protests by Tibetans, including last week’s massive protests in Rebkong, against Beijing’s rule.

Vocal demands have been made for China's 5th generation leaders to acknowledge policy failures and seek resolution to the crisis in Tibet.

British Buddhist monk self-immolates at French mon...

DHARAMSHALA, November 16: A British national Tibetan Buddhist monk has self-immolated within his monastery premises in France Thursday afternoon.

Speaking to Phayul, an official of the Nalanda Monastery, Labastide-Saint-Georges in Tarn district of southern France, identified the monk as Tonden, 38.

“One of our monks, Tonden, passed away after he self-immolated within the monastery premises yesterday afternoon,” the official said. “Tonden is a British national and has been living in the monastery as a monk for the last five years.”

Reason for his self-immolation is not yet known.

“He has not left any messages or notes,” the official said. “Police are right now investigating the causes of his suicide.”

Investigating officers have told local reporters that there were no witnesses of the self-immolation. Police are trying to ascertain whether this is “an act of self-harm."

Self-immolations, as an expression of peaceful protest, has seen an alarming escalation in China occupied Tibet. Beginning with the self-immolation protest by a Tibetan monk Tabey in 2009 in eastern Tibet, 74 Tibetans have now set themselves on fire demanding freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile.

In the month of November alone, 12 Tibetans, including a 15-year-old monk and a young mother of a seven year old boy, have set themselves on fire protesting China’s continued occupation of Tibet.

Nalanda Monastery was established in 1981 with an aim of offering a “protective and conducive environment for monks to train in philosophy, monastic discipline and retreats.”