Tibetan school students appeal for global intervention in Tibet crisis

Students of the Tibetan Children's Village School, Upper Dharamshala carrying out a peace march in solidarity with Tibetan self-immolators on November 24, 2012.

With the continuing escalation in protests against Chinese rule in Tibet, school students in the exile seat of Dharamshala carried out a peace march followed by a prayer session in solidarity with Tibetan self-immolators, Saturday.

Senior students of the Upper Tibetan Children’s Village School carried out a peace march from the school basketball court to the Martyr’s Pillar near Tsug-la Khang, the main temple.

The school’s student council, which took the initiative to organise the march and prayer service, said the entire students, through the campaign, express solidarity with Tibetans inside Tibet and send a clear message to the United Nations and the international community that they need to take “urgent and effective actions to end the crisis inside Tibet.”

To accentuate their appeal, the marching students wore cross marks on their eyes, ears, mouth and hands.

Thupten Dorjee, the school captain told Phayul that the cross marks symbolise the urgent need on the part of the UN and the international community to “monitor the unfolding crisis inside Tibet, listen to the six million Tibetans, speak up for the demands of the Tibetan self-immolators, and take effective action and send a special delegation to asses Tibet’s situation.”

“Although, we are in the middle of our preparations for our final exams, but despite that the students felt it necessary to organise the campaign to express our concern and solidarity with the tragic happenings inside Tibet,” Dorjee said. “We do clearly understand that our first responsibility as of now is to study hard for the cause of Tibet.”

Students of the Tibetan Children's Village School, Upper Dharamshala carrying out a peace march in solidarity with Tibetan self-immolators on November 24, 2012.

The students then took out a candle light vigil back to the school. A short video depicting the ongoing wave of self-immolations inside Tibet was screened to the students following which a prayer service was held in the evening.

The deepening crisis inside Tibet has witnessed large scale anti-China protests and a series of self-immolations that has now seen 81 Tibetans set themselves on fire, since 2009, demanding freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama from exile.

November alone has reported 19 self-immolations and protests by thousands of Tibetans, including by school students in the Rebkong region of eastern Tibet.

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.

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.

Tibet’s Wave Of Fire: Amdo Mining Camp Witnesses Latest Self Immolation

Tsering Dhondup Self Immolates
near a local mine: Amchok,
(Sangchu County, Lhadrong: Amdo)
on November 20th 2012

Dharamsala: Setting himself ablaze near a local mining settlement, Tsering Dhondup is the latest to take to the fiery form of protest sweeping across Eastern Tibet. Reports have emerged that on Tuesday 20th November 2012, at around 8.30 am (local time) the 34 year old Tibetan layman from Chingan village of Amchok, (Sangchu County, Lhadrong: Amdo) self-immolated near a local government mine. Photos emerging of the protest suggest that Dhondup died at the scene.

Highlighting the extreme pressures Tibetans are facing under Chinese rule, Tsering Dhondup tragically leaves behind a wife: Tandin Tso, and two children. The level of sacrifice individuals are making to highlight the Tibet issue appears to be growing, as well as a pattern of increasing numbers of young men, women and parents using self-immolation as a form of protest.

Reports have not yet emerged of weather Dhondp left a political message or speech before self-immolating, however the region has witnessed similar protests, including Lhamo Tsten on the 26th October of this year, in the same region. The community has since witnessed a steep increase in Chinese military forces, as well as a more visible police presence. Very tight restrictions are also in place to prevent information leaving the region.

 

 

It is reported that Tsering Dhondup was known locally as a kind man, and often spoke emotionally of the Tibet issue. Currently, the monks of Amchok monastery are conducting

Tibetan self-immolator Tsering Dhondup
in an undated photo.

prayers for the layman. It is also reported that many Tibetans are arriving at the monastery to pay their respects.

November has witnessed an alarming surge in self-immolation protests: Tsering Dhondup is the 16th this month alone. With the political handover of power concluded in Beijing, it appears that Tibetans will continue to use self-immolation as a method of non-violent (against others) action to highlight the crisis in the Land of Snows.

Breaking: Tibet continues to burn, 15th self-immolation in November

Wangchen Norbu's charred body,
draped in khatak (Tibetan scarves).

DHARAMSHALA, November 20: In continuing escalation in self-immolation protests in Tibet, another Tibetan set himself on fire in the Kangtsa region of eastern Tibet in an apparent protest against China’s continued occupation of Tibet.

Wangchen Norbu, 25, set himself ablaze at around 8pm (local time) Monday near the Kangtsa Gaden Choephel Ling Monastery. He passed away at the site of his protest.

According to sources in exile, Wangchen Norbu raised slogans for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile, release of the Panchen Lama and freedom for Tibet.

His charred body was later carried inside the Monastery premises where a large number of monks and local people gathered to offer their prayers and last respects.

The large crowd raised slogan calling for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and recited prayers for his long life late into the night. Wangchen Norbu was laid to rest at around 10:30 pm (local time).

The situation in a region is being described as “tense” with a large number of Chinese armed forces deployed in the region.

Wangchen Norbu in an undated photo.

Wangchen Norbu is the son of late Tenzin and Khando Tso.

On November 8, a mass prayer service in honour of Tibetan self-immolators was offered at the Kangtsa Gaden Choephel Ling Monastery. Monks and local Tibetans offered thousands of butter lamps and also said prayers for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. 

 

 

With Wangchen Norbu's fiery protest, this month alone has witnessed 15 self-immolations.

A total of 77 Tibetans inside Tibet have set themselves on fire since 2009 calling for freedom in Tibet and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile.

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.

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."

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.”

I will do everything to change Tibet's situation, says Japan’s former PM

Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama presents a khatak (Tibetan scarf) to Shinzo Abe, Japan's former PM and leader of the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party in Tokyo on November 13, 2012. 

DHARAMSHALA, November 14: In one of the strongest statements yet on the spate of self-immolation in Tibet by a political leader, senior Japanese leader Shinzo Abe promised to “do everything to change the situation in Tibet.”

Abe, former prime minister of Japan and currently head of the main opposition party was speaking to reporters Tuesday after meeting with Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Tokyo.

“I swear I will do everything in my power to change the situation in Tibet where human rights are being suppressed,” Abe has been quoted as saying by reporters.

“Tibet seeks freedom and democracy and we agree on those values.”

China has responded by filing a diplomatic protest with Tokyo saying, “Japanese rightwing forces have openly supported Dalai’s separatist activities … We express severe criticism to this.”

The Dalai Lama, who is on a 12-day visit to Japan, earlier told reporters that the Chinese government should carry out a thorough probe into the real causes of self-immolations by Tibetans.

“The self-immolations are very sad, but the Chinese government is not investigating the real causes of the self-immolations. They are taking the easy way out by simply blaming us for all the problems in Tibet,” the Tibetan spiritual leader said while responding to questions from the media.

“The Tibetan issue is related to the history of the last 2,000 years especially the last 60 years. Generations have changed in Tibet but the resentment towards the Chinese government is still continuing, therefore the Chinese government should study the real causes of the resentments through a holistic and realistic way.”

The ongoing wave of self-immolations in Tibet that began in 2009 has seen an alarming escalation with as many as 20 known cases in the months of October and November alone.

On November 9, Canadian Member of Parliament Peggy Nash released a statement of solidarity with the Tibetan self-immolations saying that the Tibetan people’s voices must be heard.

“Canada has a moral responsibility to take immediate action to end the suffering in Tibet. Now more than ever, the Government of Canada must reach out to the Chinese government and urge a peaceful and quick resolution to the current situation,” Nash said. “It would be unconscionable to do nothing.”

Till date, 72 Tibetans inside Tibet have set themselves on fire in protest against China’s occupation, demanding freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Earlier this month, the Central Tibetan administration made an open appeal to the United Nations Human Rights Council to convene a Special Session on Tibet in light of the deteriorating human rights situation inside Tibet.

The CTA appealed to the 47-member states of the UNHRC to convene a special session on Tibet in view of the “desperate and unprecedented spate of self-immolations by Tibetans due to China’s repressive policies and the continued intransigence of the Chinese leadership to the relentless efforts of UNHRC.”

Tibetans carry out protest march in Tibet, Call for freedom

Tibetans taking out a protest march in Tsolho region of Amdo, eastern Tibet calling for freedom on November 11, 2012.

DHARAMSHALA, November 13: A group of Tibetans in Tsolho region of Ba, eastern Tibet, took out a protest march, for over 40kms, calling for freedom and His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s long life on November 11.

The protest march follows the alarming escalation in self-immolations in recent weeks against China’s continued occupation of Tibet and peaceful protests by thousands of Tibetans in the Rebkong region.

In a photo received by Phayul of the protest march, Tibetans can be seen carrying a white banner, although the writings on the banner are not legible.

Speaking to Phayul, Samten, a monk living in south India said around twenty Tibetans, including monks of Karmo Monastery, staged a peaceful protest march from Karmo Monastery to Thang-ghen town, some 40kms away at 7:30am (local time) on November 11.

“While on their march, the protestors chanted the ancient Tibetan prayer for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s long life(Ghang-ri Ra-wei Kor-wei) and raised slogans calling for freedom in Tibet,” Sonam said citing sources in the region.

On reaching Thang-ghen town, the protestors were detained by local Chinese authorities.

“After persistent appeals by local Tibetans, the group of marchers were released soon after,” the same source added.

As of now, no further detentions and arrests have been reported.

Last week, following self-immolation protests by Tamding Tso and Kalsang Jinpa in Rebkong region, thousands of Tibetans, including school students, carried out massive protests raising slogans for the Dalai Lama’s return and rights of the Tibetan people.

While a group of students pulled down Chinese flags from their school buildings and government offices in Dowa town, thousands of students protested in front of the major Chinese government offices in Rongwo town.

The protests were followed by two more self-immolations yesterday in the same region. Nyingkar Tashi and Nyingchag Bum, both passed away in their protests, taking the Tibet self-immolation toll to 72, since the fiery protests began in 2009.

The alarming escalation in the self-immolation protests, ten in November alone, coincide with the ongoing Chinese Communist Party's 18th National Congress in Beijing, which will this week see the transfer of power from Hu Jintao to Xi Jinping.

Breaking: Tibet continues to burn, Another Tibetan self-immolates

Nyingkar Tashi, 24, set himself on fire in Rebkong region of eastern Tibet on November 12, 2012.

DHARAMSHALA, November 12: In confirmed reports and photos coming out of Tibet, another Tibetan has set himself on fire today in an apparent protest against China's continued occupation of Tibet.

In one of the photos received by Phayul, a Tibetan man can be seen engulfed in flames, lying down on the ground.

Sources have identified the Tibetan as Nyingkar Tashi,24 years of age. The self-immolation is being reported from Rebkong region of eastern Tibet, the same region which witnessed two self-immolations and massive protests involving thousands of Tibetans and students last week alone.

"I am getting confirmed reports of a self-immolation protest by a Tibetan man Nyiga, 24 in Rebkong this afternoon at around 3.30 pm(local time)," Ajam Amchok, an exile Tibetan with close contacts in the region told Phayul. "There is too much of a chaos right now in the area making it difficult to get more information."

Details on Nyingkar Tashi's condition is still awaited at the time of filing this report.

In less than week, beginning from the eve of Chinese Communist Party's 18th National Congress in Beijing, eight Tibetans have set themselves on fire demanding freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Chinese government officials from Tibet last week reiterated the government’s view that the self-immolations were being instigated by external separatist groups.

“External Tibetan separatist forces and the Dalai clique are sacrificing the lives of others to achieve ulterior political motives,” Lobsang Gyaltsen, the TAR Deputy Governor, was quoted as saying by Reuters.

Qiangba Puncog, the head of the TAR government’s People’s Congress, ruled out allowing foreign observers into Tibetan areas, as recommended recently by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay.

Speaking to reporters in Tokyo earlier today, the Dalai Lama said the Chinese government is not 'seriously' probing the cause of a spate of self-immolations.

"The Chinese government should investigate the cause (of the incidents). China does not look into it seriously and tries to end (the incidents) only by criticising me," Kyodo News reported in Japanese.

71 Tibetans have set themselves on fire since the wave of self-immolations began in 2009. A number of mass protests involving thousands of people have also erupted across the Tibetan plateau over the last several months.

Breaking: Another self-immolation today, Six Tibetans burn in two days

Kalsang Jinpa's charred body, draped in khatak (Tibetan scarves), is laid down below a portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Dolma Square in front of the Rongwo MOnastery in Rebkong, eastern Tibet. DHARAMSHALA, November 8: In more heartbreaking news coming out of Tibet, yet another Tibetan set himself on fire today in an apparent protest against China’s occupation of Tibet. 18-year-old nomad, Kalsang Jinpa, set himself on fire at the Dolma Square in front of the Rongwo Monastery in Rebkong, eastern Tibet. The former monk of the Rongwo Monastery raised a white banner with slogans calling for the Dalai Lama’s return and the rights of the Tibetan people before setting himself ablaze. He passed away in his fiery protest. Sources tell Phayul that thousands of Tibetans have gathered at the Dolma Sqaure to pay their last respects to Kalsang Jinpa. Situation there is being described as tense with the crowd raising slogans for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and freedom in Tibet. Further details are awaited at the filing of this report. Yesterday, Tamding Tso, a 23-year-old mother of one, passed away in her self-immolation protest in the same region. In another instance yesterday, three teenaged monks of the Ngoshul Monastery in Ngaba region set themselves on fire in a triple self-immolation protest. Dorjee, 15 passed away in his protest, while the condition of Samdup, 16, and Dorjee Kyab, 16, is not yet known. Confirming today’s self-immolation protest in Rebkong, the Dharamshala based Central Tibetan Administration also confirmed a fifth self-immolation protest that took place yesterday, November 7, in Driru region of Nagchu, central Tibet. In two days, Tibet has witnessed an alarming escalation in the fiery protests with six confirmed self-immolations. These protests coincide with the Chinese Communist Party’s week-long 18th National Congress, which began today in Beijing. China's heir apparent Xi Jinping will be taking over the mantle of leadership, along with a new team, by the end of the meeting. The deepening crisis inside Tibet has witnessed large scale anti-China protests and a series of self-immolations that has now seen 69 Tibetans set themselves on fire, since 2009, demanding freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama from exile.

Just in: Situation ‘very tense’ in Rebkong, Thousands continue to protest

Tibetans carrying pictures of His Holiness the Dalai Lama demonstrating against Chinese rule in Rongwo region of Rebkong, eastern Tibet on November 8, 2012. DHARAMSHALA, November 8: In fresh reports coming in, 6000 to 10,000 Tibetans are gathered at the Dolma Sqaure in front of the Rongwo Monastery in Rebkong, eastern Tibet, raising slogans for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet. Sources in exile tell Phayul that the situation there is “very tense and volatile” with Chinese armed forces closing-in on the protesters. “Thousands of Tibetans are currently gathered at the Dolma Square, the site of Kalsang Jinpa’s self-immolation protest, raising slogans for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his long life,” Geshe Rongpo Lobsang Nyendak, a member of the Tibetan Parliament told Phayul. “The situation there is very tense as Chinese armed forces have placed severe restrictions on movement in the town and are now closing-in on the protesters.” 18-year-old nomad, Kalsang Jinpa, set himself on fire at the Dolma Square protesting against China’s occupation of Tibet at around 4 pm (local time) today. The former monk of the Rongwo Monastery raised a white banner carrying slogans calling for the Dalai Lama’s return and the rights of the Tibetan people before setting himself ablaze. He passed away in his fiery protest. “Shortly after hearing news of Kalsang Jinpa’s self-immolation, thousands of Tibetans, including nomads from the nearby areas started to gather in front of the Monastery,” Geshe Nyendak said. “Reports continuing to trickle out of the region indicate that the situation there is very tense.” In pictures received by Phayul at the time of filing this report, thousands of Tibetans can be seen carrying pictures of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and protesting. Charred body of Kalsang Jinpa, 18, who set himself on fire in Rebkong, eastern Tibet on November 8, 2012. In other reports, local Tibetans have also gathered in Dowa town in Rebkong and pulled down Chinese flags from government buildings and schools. The gathered Tibetans are reportedly marching towards Rongwo town raising slogans against the Chinese government. Rebkong alone has witnessed three self-immolations just this month. Tamding Tso, 23, mother of a six-year-old son passed away in her fiery protest yesterday in Dowa, while Dorjee Lhundup, 25, father of two children, died in his protest on November 4. In two days, Tibet has witnessed six self-immolations – three in Ngaba, two in Rebkong, and one in Driru. These protests coincide with the Chinese Communist Party’s week-long 18th National Congress, which began today in Beijing. China's heir apparent Xi Jinping will be taking over the mantle of leadership, along with a new team, by the end of the meeting. The deepening crisis inside Tibet has witnessed large scale anti-China protests and a series of self-immolations that has now seen 69 Tibetans set themselves on fire, since 2009, demanding freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama from exile.

CTA holds prayer service for Tibetan self immolator Dorjee Lhundup

Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay speaking at the special prayer service held in honour of Tibetan self-immolator Dorjee Lhundup at the Tsug-la Khang in Dharamshala on November 7, 2012.

DHARAMSHALA, November 8: A mass prayer service was held in the exile Tibetan headquarters of Dharamshala yesterday in honour of Dorjee Lhundup, who set himself ablaze in protest against China’s continued occupation of Tibet on November 4.

The prayer service, held at the Tsug-la Khang, the main temple, was organised by the Department of Religion and Culture of the Central Tibetan Administration.

Thousands of Tibetans and supporters, including the Tibetan Chief Justice Commissioners, Speaker Penpa Tsering, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, Kalons, Tibetan parliamentarians and school students attended the prayer service.

Addressing the gathering, Sikyong Dr Sangay said the escalation in self-immolation protests is sending a clear statement to the Chinese government that their repressive policies is Tibet have failed.

“The self-immolations are a clear statement to the Chinese government that their repressive policies in Tibet are not working and that they ought to end the present crackdown and find a peaceful solution to the Tibet issue whereby His Holiness Dalai Lama could return to Tibet and freedom for Tibet can be restored.”

Dorjee Lhundup, 25, set himself ablaze at around 10:30 am (local time) on November 4 at one of the busiest crossroads in Rongwo town, Rebkong in eastern Tibet. He passed away at the protest site.

Dorjee Lhundup, father of a four-year-old son and two-year-old daughter, called for freedom in Tibet and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile, while engulfed in flames.

Upon hearing the news of the self-immolation, local Tibetans gathered at the protest site and carried the deceased’s body to the Rongwo Monastery.

The crowd swelled into thousands by afternoon, when Dorjee Lhundup was laid to rest at Dhongya-lay cremation site behind the Monastery.

Earlier, the Central Tibetan administration made an open appeal to the United Nations Human Rights Council to convene a Special Session on Tibet in light of the deteriorating human rights situation inside Tibet.

The Central Tibetan Administration appealed to the 47-member states of the UNHRC to convene a special session on Tibet in view of the “desperate and unprecedented spate of self-immolations by Tibetans due to China’s repressive policies and the continued intransigence of the Chinese leadership to the relentless efforts of UNHRC.”

The deepening crisis inside Tibet has witnessed large scale anti-China protests and a series of self-immolations that has now seen 69 Tibetans set themselves on fire, since 2009, demanding freedom and return of the Dalai Lama from exile.

Exile Tibetan leaders congratulate President Obama on historic reelection

President Barack Obama waves to supporters after his victory speech on election night in Chicago on November 7, 2012. DHARAMSHALA, November 8: Elected leaders of the exile Tibetan administration felicitated US President Barack Hussein Obama on his re-election after a hard fought campaign, Wednesday. America's first black president sealed victory over Republican candidate Mitt Romney, against many odds, including the highest unemployment rate - at 7.9% - for any incumbent president since the US wartime leader Franklin Roosevelt. The elected head of the Tibetan people, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay congratulated President Obama on his “historic win” and recalled the “warm and sincere support” Tibetans have enjoyed under his leadership. “I, on behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration, would like to congratulate you on your historic re-election,” Sikyong Dr Sangay said. “Under your leadership, Tibetans have also enjoyed your warm and sincere support. Since 2008, Tibet has seen unprecedented and widespread uprisings. We are extremely concerned about the tragic spate of self-immolations in Tibet.” “We recall with sincere gratitude your meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2010; the daunting task being carried out by the Special Co-ordinator for Tibet; Secretary Hillary Clinton's persistent work on Tibet, including with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi during the APEC Summit in 2011, and recently on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.” Sikyong Dr Sangay noted that Tibetans are “especially encouraged and inspired” by Ambassador Gary Locke’s recent visit to Ngaba in Amdo, eastern Tibet, calling it a “true testimony of your Administration's commitment to freedom and human rights in Tibet.” “As you have promised, "America, the best is yet to come", we appeal to your Administration to use its good offices to envision a "brighter and better" future for Tibet, as well,” the de facto Tibetan prime minister said. In his victory speech, President Obama, 51, said he was returning to the White House "more determined, and more inspired than ever about the work there is to do." "We have picked ourselves up, we have fought our way back and we know in our hearts that for the United States of America the best is yet to come," President Obama told a crowd of over 10,000 in Chicago. Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Penpa Tsering congratulated President Obama on behalf of all the Tibetans inside and outside Tibet and expressed hope that his Administration, in its second term, will take a stronger stance on Tibet. “The US government has been very supportive on the Tibetan issue for a long time and in President Obama’s second term we really hope that he will be stronger considering the gravity of situation inside Tibet,” Speaker Tsering said. “I am sure he will give due consideration to the tragic situation inside Tibet and seek solution to the Tibetan issue.”

Breaking: Tibet burns on eve of crucial China meet

Charred body of Tibetan self-immolator Tamding Tso.

DHARAMSHALA, November 7: In confirmed reports coming out of Tibet, a Tibetan woman set herself on fire today in an apparent protest against China’s occupation, on the eve of the Chinese Communist Party’s 18th National Congress.

Tamding Tso, a 23-year-old mother of one, passed away in her self-immolation protest in Rebkong region of Amdo, eastern Tibet.

In unconfirmed reports, Phayul is hearing of two to three more self-immolation protests today in Rebkong and Ngaba regions of Tibet. As of now, Phayul cannot independently confirm these reports.

Sources have told Phayul that Tamding Tso of Dro Rongwo set herself on fire near the Ghe Mar thang (a ground) at around 5.30 pm today. She is survived by her six year-old son.

According to eyewitnesses, Tamding Tso shouted, “His Holiness the Dalai Lama must come to Tibet,” before setting herself on fire.

Following the self-immolation protest, monks of the Dowa Monastery carried her charred body to her home. At the filing of this report, over two thousands Tibetans are reportedly gathered in the region, raising slogans for the return of the Dalai Lama from exile and offering prayers.

64 known Tibetans have set themselves on fire since 2009 in Tibet, protesting China’s continued occupation and demanding freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile.

Last week, Dorjee Lhundup, 25, father of a four-year-old son and two-year-old daughter, passed away in his self-immolation protest in Rebkong calling for freedom in Tibet and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile.

Thousands of Tibetans gathered to pay their last respects to Dorjee Lhundup later that day.

Speaking to reporters in Japan earlier this week, the Dalai Lama said that Xi Jinping, who is expected to take over the reins from Hu Jintao at the Party Congress beginning tomorrow, will have no choice but to embark on political reforms.

"Now Hu Jintao's era (is the) past, now Xi Jinping is coming as president. I think there's no alternative except some political change, so political reform. Economy reform (is) already there," reporters quoted the Dalai Lama as saying.

China arrests Tibetan monk, Situation continues to be tense in Wonpo

Chinese armed forces march in Wonpo region of Dzachukha, eastern Tibet following the arrest of five Tibetans on October 15, 2012.

DHARAMSHALA, November 7: In continuing crackdown and arbitrary detention of Tibetans in the Wonpo region of Dzachukha, eastern Tibet, Chinese security personnel have arrested one more monk of the Wonpo Monastery.

Munsel, a monk of Wonpo Monastery was arrested by Chinese security personnel on November 4 for unknown reasons.

Speaking to Phayul, Jampa Younten, a Tibetan monk from Sera monastery in south India, with close contacts in the region said that Chinese authorities had earlier summoned Munsel, along with other monks from the Wonpo Monastery, to visit the local office.

“The monks were subsequently arrested but Munsel was in Kardze at that time for a medical check-up,” Younten said. “However, on November 4, Munsel visited the local Chinese office and since then he hasn’t returned back.”

Upon enquiry, the disappeared monk’s family members were told by the authorities that he has been taken to the nearby region of Sershul.

In the month of October alone, more than 30 Tibetans were arrested from Wonpo region. The arbitrary detentions continue following a Tibetan flag raising protest by Tibetans in September this year.

Tibetans in Wonpo had pulled down a Chinese flag and replaced it with the Tibetan national flag at a school in Wonpo on September 7 this year. Leaflets carrying the words ‘Freedom for Tibet,’ written in red ink were also found scattered in the school premises.

No arrests were made after the flag raising protest but officials vowed to probe into the incident.

The situation in Wonpo is being described as “very tense” following strict surveillance by a large number of Chinese armed forces specially deployed after the protest.

In the same region, earlier this year in February, Tibetans had pulled down a Chinese flag at a flag raising ceremony.

In April 2008, during the pan-Tibet uprisings, monks at the Wonpo Monastery had refused to hoist the Chinese flag at a flag raising ceremony on the top of their monastery. In the increased repression and house-to-house raids that followed, a Tibetan woman named Tri Lhamo committed suicide soon after Chinese security personnel barged into her home and tore down and trampled upon photos of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Another fiery death in Tsoe city as Tibet self-immolations touch 55

(TibetanReview.net, Oct14, 2012) The grim saga of self-destruction by Tibetans of their mortal existence in Chinese ruled Tibet continues with yet another self-immolation reported from Tsoe (Chinese: Hezuo) City in the Tibetan prefecture of Kanhlo (Chinese: Gannan) in Gansu Province. Tamdin Dorjee, a 52-year-old layman, burned himself to death at around 1:00PM on Oct 13, reported the exile Tibetan administration at Dharamsala on its Tibet.net website Oct 13. AP news agency and several other Tibet related websites have reported similarly.

The man was reported to have carried out his ultimate act of protest against Chinese rule near a stupa located close to Tsoe Monastery and died there. Local Tibetans were reported to have taken his body to his home in Khasok Lhungwarma town rather than acceding to Chinese demands for its handover.

Tamdin was said to be grandfather of the 7th Gungthang Rinpoche, a highly respected Tibetan Buddhist master and the second senior most religious leader at Labrang monastery in Sangchu County of Kanlho prefecture.

Tamdin’s action brings to 55 the number of Tibetans who have staged self-immolation protests in Tibet since China brutally cracked down on the mostly peaceful uprising protests across the Tibetan Plateau in 2008 and followed it up with a series of highly repressive policy measures, including especially at the monasteries.

Tamdin’s is the third self-immolation protest in Tsoe City recently. The others were carried out by a woman named Dolkar Tso, 26, and a father of two named Sangay Gyatso, 27, who set themselves on fire and died on Aug 7 and Oct 6 respectively. The place had witnessed many large-scale Tibetan demonstrations in 1008 and 2010.

Chinese troops were reported to be moving to Tsoe city in the aftermath of the latest self-immolation.

China slams UN for criticizing it on Tibet unrest

BEIJING (AP) - China strongly objected Monday to a U.N. critique that it must better address grievances in Tibetan areas where there have been frequent self-immolations, saying the protests are instigated by exiles in an "ugly and evil" attempt to promote separatism.

Dozens of ethnic Tibetans have set themselves on fire in heavily Tibetan regions since March 2011 to protest what activists say is Beijing's heavy-handed rule there. U.N. human rights chief Navi Pillay urged Chinese authorities on Friday to better address grievances expressed by Tibetan people and allow independent monitors to visit the region.

Beijing has sought to play down the notion that people in Tibetan areas have complaints about Chinese rule by portraying any protests as being instigated from abroad by the exiled Buddhist spiritual leader the Dalai Lama and his supporters.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei rejected Pillay's comments and said the Dalai Lama is trying to glorify self-immolations in a campaign to undermine the Chinese government.

"The Dalai clique has made desperate efforts in dressing up those extreme acts which run counter to the national laws and religious principles. This will effectively push more people onto this road of no return," Hong told reporters in a regular briefing Monday.

"These ugly and evil acts intended to achieve the separatist goal of Tibetan independence at the expense of other people's lives go against universal humanity and morality and deserve strong condemnation," Hong said.

The Dalai Lama has said he opposes all violence and says the self-immolations are a symptom of the desperation and frustration felt by Tibetans living under the Chinese government's hardline policies in the region, including its tight restrictions on religious life. China's government says it has poured resources into the region to help it develop economically and improve the lives of its residents.

Pillay, the U.N.'s high commissioner for human rights, said in a statement that she was disturbed by "continuing allegations of violence against Tibetans seeking to exercise their fundamental human rights of freedom of expression, association and religion."

She said she was concerned by reports of "detentions and disappearances, of excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators, and curbs on the cultural rights of Tibetans."

Pillay also said she hoped that Tibetans would refrain from self-immolation as a protest method, saying they should be permitted to express their feelings without being afraid of being punished. She also urged the Chinese government to allow independent monitors to visit and to allow reporters access to the region.

The protests have intensified as China nears a once-a-decade power transfer that starts Thursday with a Communist Party meeting in Beijing. Many of the protesters have called for the return of the Dalai Lama.

Dalai Lama: China Needs Political Reform

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama speaks at a news conference in Yokohama, south of Tokyo November 5, 2012

The Dalai Lama says China's new leader will likely embark on political reforms to leave his mark on the nation the way the current leadership has done with economic reforms.

Speaking to reporters Monday during a pastoral visit to Japan, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader said China is already reforming its economy.  He said the only area left for expected incoming president Xi Jinping to reform is the country's politics.

"Now Hu Jintao's era past, now Xi Jinping coming president," he said. "I think there's no alternative except some political change, so political reform.  Economy reform already there, so lot of sort of development.  So that's also brought some good things."

Xi, currently vice president, is expected to take over from President Hu Jintao as Communist Party head at a party congress opening in Beijing Thursday.  He would then become president in March in a generational leadership change.

The Dalai Lama acknowledged that economic reforms had produced benefits for China, but said the resort to force by the authorities was at odds with their aim of creating a "harmonious society."

"Using force brings suspicion, fear. That's just opposite of harmony.  So the goal, harmony, wonderful.  Stability, wonderful.  But method, use secrecy, censorship and bully,'' he said.

Beijing has accused the Dalai Lama of seeking independence and inciting violence in Tibet, including more than 60 self-immolations in and around the region since March 2011. Beijing denounces the self-immolations as acts by terrorists and criminals, while activists say they are protesting Beijing's heavy-handed rule in Tibet.  The Dalai Lama has said he wants meaningful autonomy for the mountain region.

The exiled Tibetan spiritual leader said he hopes that if China becomes more democratic, it will also help resolve issues with its neighbors as well, such as the ongoing dispute between China and Japan over a group of islands claimed by both countries in the East China Sea.

"More democratic principles, then many issues can solve, at least reduce these problems.   So this issue with the islands, I think can be much easier to deal," he said.

While most analysts say they do not expect to see any dramatic reforms from China’s new leaders right away, they say they do hope for more transparency.