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.

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.

Acts of self-immolation are in principle non-violent: Dalai Lama

Tibetan Spiritual Leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Tibetans committing self-immolations were in principle practising non-violence as they had the courage to sacrifice their own life for a cause they believe, Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama said on Sunday. "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 practised a little bit of violence, but I think in principle they still practise non-violence," the Dalai Lama said.

He said 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 Tibet 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, we have to find a solution based on mutual understanding and mutual respect," he said.

He was addressing the members of Tibet Support Groups from all over the world who have gathered here to discuss the ongoing situation in Tibet. The TSG pledged to mobilise the international community to press the Chinese government to find a lasting and mutually-agreeable solution to the Tibet issue. On the concluding day of the Special International Tibet Support Groups Meeting organised here from November 16 to 18, the TSG members expressed solidarity with Tibetans inside Tibet for their unwavering determination to non-violence. 

Over 200 members of the TSG from 43 countries carried out extensive discussions to find solutions to the Tibet issue.

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.

Students light candles for Tibetan self-immolators on Children’s Day

Students and staff members of TCV School, Gopalpur offering prayers and lighting butter lamps for Tibetan self-immolators on Children's Day, November 14, 2012.

DHARAMSHALA, Tibetan school students shunted usual revelry and celebrations on November 14, marked as Children’s Day in India, and instead held a candle light vigil in solidarity with Tibetans inside Tibet.

Students of the Tibetan Children’s Village School, Gopalpur, on their own initiative, paid tribute to the Tibetan self-immolators and offered prayers and lit over 10,000 candles and butter lamps.

“We organised this campaign to express our empathy and sense of solidarity for our brothers and sisters back in Tibet, who are being forced to set themselves on fire amidst the tragic political condition under the draconian policies of the People’s Republic of China,” the school’s Student’s Council said in a release.

“Today, the number of self immolators in Tibet has crossed seventy. The candle-light vigil is not only an act of protest to the Chinese policy but a peaceful appeal to the international community for a sincere and timely response towards resolving Tibet issue soon.”

Hundreds of school students and staff members took part in the candle light vigil.

Children's Day in India is celebrated on November 14, the birthday of the country's first Prime Minister Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, who was fondly known as Chacha Nehru (Uncle Nehru).

Phuntsok Tashi, principal of the school said that although the administration considers observing Children’s Day an important part of the curriculum, but unlike earlier years, only a low-key function was held this year.

“The candle light vigil was initiated by the Student’s Council and was supported by the staff of the school, who made donations for the students’ campaign,” Tashi told Phayul.

The deepening crisis inside Tibet has witnessed large scale anti-China protests and a series of self-immolations that has now seen 74 Tibetans set themselves on fire, since 2009, demanding freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama from exile.

November alone has reported 12 self-immolations and protests by thousands of Tibetans, including by school students in the Rebkong region of eastern Tibet.

TCV Gopalpur was founded in the year 1997 and is located near Dharamshala, the exile Tibetan headquarters. The school has over 900 students, many of whom are from Tibet.

Breaking: Young Tibetan burns self to death

DHARAMSHALA, November 15: In confirmed reports, another Tibetan set himself on fire today in the Rebkong region of eastern Tibet in an apparent protest against China’s occupation of Tibet.

Khabum Gyal, 18, self-immolated near Rongwo town at around 11 am (local time). He passed away in his fiery protest.

“Monks from the Rebkong Tsagya Monastery and a large number of local Tibetans are carrying out the last rites of martyr Khabum Gyal right now,”
Khabum Gyal is survived by his parents, Tamding Gyal and Dolkar Tso and six siblings.

“Details on the self-immolation protest are scanty and no photos have yet come out,” Sonam added.

This is sixth self-immolation in Rebkong region in the month of November alone. Earlier reports had indicated that Chinese authorities have deployed a large number of addition security forces in the Rebkong region and cut off power supply and communication channels.

73 Tibetans have set themselves on fire since 2009 demanding freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile.

The Dharamshala based exile Tibetan administration has said that it will observe a Global Solidarity Day on the occasion of the Human Rights Day on December 10 following the continuing wave of self-immolations.

The Central Tibetan Administration noted that the escalation in self-immolations “clearly reflect the gravity of Tibet’s current situation,” while urging Tibetans and supporters to “light a candle or lamp, observe a minute’s silence, and a say a prayer for all those who have died for the cause of Tibet, and locally organise vigils and rallies.”

“Despite our repeated appeals not to take drastic actions, self-immolations continue in Tibet,” Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the elected head of the Tibetan people said. “Therefore, I appeal to the international community and governments to stand for justice by answering the universal aspirations of Tibetans in Tibet: the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet and freedom for Tibetans.”

Exile Tibetan leader calls for Global Solidarity Day for Tibet on December 10

Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay addressing a mass prayer service for Tibetan self-immolators in Dharamshala on November 14, 2012. (Phayul photo/Norbu Wangyal)

DHARAMSHALA, November 14: The elected head of the Tibetan people, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay today called for a Global Solidarity Day to be observed on December 10 in solidarity with the ongoing wave of self-immolations and protests inside Tibet.

He made the appeal while addressing a special prayer service held in honour of Tibetan self-immolators Nyingkar Tashi and Nyingchag Bum, at the Tsug-la Khang, the main temple in Dharamshala today

“On December 10, Noble Peace Prize Day, which also coincides with the World Human Rights Day, we appeal to all Tibetans to observe a ‘Global Solidarity Day for Tibet’ and urge all Tibetan organisations to carry out campaigns,” Sikyong Dr Sangay said.

The de facto Tibetan prime minister said the recent escalation in self-immolation protests in Tibet sends a “clear message to the Tibetans in exile, Chinese government and to the world” that the situation inside Tibet has become unbearable under Chinese rule.

Hundreds of Tibetans and supporters, including the Tibetan Chief Justice Commissioners, Speaker Penpa Tsering, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, Kalons and members of the Tibetan Parliament attended the prayer service.

Special prayer service were offered for Nyingkar Tashi, 24 and Nyingchag Bum, 18, who set themselves ablaze in protest against China’s continued occupation of Tibet on Monday. Both of them passed away in their fiery protest.

Nyingkar Tashi set himself on fire in Dro Rongwo region of Rebkong, eastern Tibet. In his last testament, Nyingkar Tashi called for “freedom and independence for Tibet,” and “return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.”

“Six million Tibetans want freedom for Tibet, independence for Tibet, freedom to learn Tibetan language, freedom to speak our mother tongue,” Tashi wrote. “(Tibetans) demand the release of Panchen Lama and that His Holiness the Dalai Lama must be allowed to come to Tibet.”

“I set myself on fire in protest against the Chinese government.”

A few hours later, Nyingchag Bum from Yonlag Dewa set himself on fire on the main street of Dowa town in the same region, taking the self-immolation toll to ten for the month of November alone.

Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in a statement dated November 10, called the “worsening crisis” in Tibet a “challenge to the conscience of the world.”

“The people of Tibet have legitimate grievances after decades of harsh rule. They have been economically marginalised in their own land, imprisoned for peacefully expressing their political views, and forced to endure “political education” campaigns to denounce His Holiness the Dalai Lama,” Pelosi said.

“The United States, a country rooted in the values of liberty, equality, and human rights, has a special responsibility to protect and promote those values, both at home and abroad.”

Since 2009, 72 Tibetans have set themselves on fire calling for freedom in Tibet and return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile.

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.”

Six million Tibetans want freedom and independence: A self-immolator’s last message

Tibetan self-immolator Nyingkar Tashi in an undated photo.

DHARAMSHALA, November 14: A Tibetan self-immolator, who passed away in his fiery protest, called for “freedom and independence for Tibet,” in a last message he wrote before setting himself on fire.

In his last testament, Nyingkar Tashi, 24, went on to call for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, while clearly stating that his self-immolation was in protest against the Chinese government.

“Six million Tibetans want freedom for Tibet, independence for Tibet, freedom to learn Tibetan language, freedom to speak our mother tongue,” Tashi’s last note written in Tibetan states. “(Tibetans) demand the release of Panchen Lama and that His Holiness the Dalai Lama must be allowed to come to Tibet.”

“I set myself on fire in protest against the Chinese government.”

He also urged family members, especially his father Tashi Namgyal, not be “saddened and concerned.”

“My hope is for all six million Tibetans to learn Tibetan language, to speak in Tibetan, to wear Tibetan, and to be united.”

On November 12, Nyingkar Tashi set himself on fire at Ghey-mar Thang in Dro Rongpo region of Rebkong, eastern Tibet, raising slogans for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

His self-immolation was witnessed by a large crowd of Tibetans who were visiting the area to offer prayers and condolences to the family members of Tibetan self-immolators Tamding Tso and Kalsang Jinpa.

“The large gathering was able to rescue Nyingkar Tashi’s body from falling into the hands of the Chinese security forces,” Dorjee Wangchuk, an exiled Tibetan with close contacts in the region told Phayul. “They later carried his body to his home.”

Tamding Tso, a young mother of a seven-year-old son, set herself on fire on November 7 in Dro Rongpo, while Kalsang Jinpa self-immolated at the Dolma Square in front of the Rongwo Monastery, a day later. Massive anti-government protests erupted in the region, after the self-immolations, with thousands of school students and locals marching on the streets, raising slogans for freedom and the Dalai Lama’s return.

According to Wangchuk, a large number of Chinese government and communist party officials travelled to Dowa town following the protests, to speak to local Tibetans and community leaders.

“On November 11, the Chinese government officials, speaking to the public blamed outside forces for instigating the self-immolations and noted that such acts went against the country’s policies,” Wangchuk said. “Again on November 12 local community leaders were summoned, which was around the same time when Nyingkar Tashi self-immolated.”

Hours after his fiery protest, another Tibetan, Nyingchag Bum, passed away in his self-immolation protest in the same region.

According to the exile Tibetan administration, a large number of military convoys were dispatched towards Dowa town soon after Monday’s twin protests.

Various sources have told Phayul that Chinese authorities have cut off electricity in Dowa, disabling the use of internet, in a ploy to prevent further spread of information on the protests and the current situation there.

No international calls could be made to the region, sparking fears of severe military repression and threat to the safety and security of local Tibetans.

Ten Tibetans have set themselves on fire in November alone, taking the self-immolation toll to 72 since the fiery protests began in 2009.