zôh-ˆû-hôm-gtôh-dp-ü THE TIBET BUREAU OFFICE OF THE REPRESENTATIVE OF H. H. THE DALAI LAMA PLACE DE LA NAVIGATION 10, 1201 GENEVA, SWITZERLAND Latest Updates on Tibet Demonstrations Tuesday - 22 April 2008 Compiled by Department of Information & International Relations Central Tibetan Administration, Dharamsala www.tibetgov.net www.stoptibetcrisis.net The Tibet Bureau, Geneva is the sole official agency of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government-in-Exile based in Dharamsala, India for Central and Eastern Europe Tel. +41 22 738 79 40 Fax +41 22 738 79 41 info@tibetoffice.ch www.tibetoffice.ch
Wednesday 30 th April 2008 Lhasa- Military presence to increase in upcoming weeks; Public Security Personnel (Ch: Baoan) to loose jobs After April 30, local Public Security Personnel in the Lhasa municipality will be losing their jobs since it has been announced internally that the military would be deployed in the areas that the Home Guards are normally responsible for. Most of the local Home Guards are Tibetans so it is quite evident that Chinese authorities are making this move due to their obvious lack of trust in them. No specific Date (beginning of April) Palung(Bayen) (Ch:Hualong) County, Tsoshar Prefecture, Qinghai Province Monks flee patriotic re-education When Chinese authorities suspected of plans for a possible protest in Jha-khyung monastery, they reacted by sending work-teams to conduct patriotic re-education classes. The monks fled from the monastery to resist participation in the patriotic re-education classes. Currently, only around ten monks remain at Jha-khyung monastery. The armed forces have arrived at the monastery and have imposed tight restrictions. Siling (Ch: Xining) Municipality, Qinghai province - Tibetan women missing after arrest The whereabouts of Jamyang Kyi is unknown after she was arrested sometime in beginning of April at Siling Municipality (the location for Qinghai provincial headquarters). Jamyang Kyi was working for Qinghai television and is a renowned singer. She is also a women s right activist and frequently contributed articles for a website in Tibetan language. The police searched her house thoroughly including her personal computer. Since the beginning of April, Public Security Bureau (PSB) officials are visiting each household in Lhasa and taking attendance for each of the family members. The PSB are noting down the addresses and phone numbers of family members who are not present. Non-residents of Lhasa such as those who are there for pilgrimage or business are being arrested and handed over to their respective County Police.
No Specific Date Monetary incentives and prostitutes being used to lure and arrest more Tibetans The Chinese government has started to use various influences such as monetary incentives and prizes and even the prostitutes, to arrest Tibetan people alleged to have been involved in the recent demonstrations. Many Tibetans who have had no involvement in the demonstrations were arrested on baseless charges. Some are being released after a fine has been paid. The "TAR" Higher People s Court, People's Procuratorates and the Public Security Department have issued a wanted list of people allegedly involved in the recent demonstrations. An announcement/circular has been issued. The circular says that those who provide information leading to the arrest of people on the wanted list or any other persons involved the demonstrations would receive bounties of 20,000 Yuan. The circular also says that anyone who provides information on Tibetans injured during the recent protest in Tibet is to be awarded a sum of 5,000 Yuan. Moreover, anyone who provides information leading to the arrests of informants making contacts to India and the outside world is to be awarded a sum of 20,000 Yuan. A sum of 100,000 Yuan is to be awarded to those who provide confirmed information about the ringleaders of the recent demonstrations. These announcements reveal China s plan to further intensify their crackdown on the protestors by making as many arrests as possible. In Mangra (Ch: Guinan) County of Tsolho "TAP", Qinghai Province, Chinese prostitutes are being used to lure arrests of people involved in the recent protests in Tibet. Sangchu (Ch: Xiahe) County, Kanlho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province- China showing no signs of slowing down Patriotic re-education campaign Since April 12 and 13, many officials from the Prefecture and County level Governments have been conducting Patriotic re-education classes in this Tibetan area. Sangchu (Ch: Xiahe) County, Kanlho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province - Injured and arrested list continues to build up On March 15, 18 and 23 there were several protests held in Bora Township and Sangchu County. During the March 18 protest, head injuries and broken legs have been reported. Among those who sustained injuries a few names can be confirmed. They are, Kathup Tsering, age 45; Nyingchup Gyal, age 27; Tashi Dorjee, age 51 and Bhenthey Khar, age 23. Many arrests have been made from March 23 to April 15. Lhagho Kyap, a teacher from a local school, was among the many arrested. On April 15, local police arrived at Bora monastery, Bora Township, with a wanted list comprising of 30 monks. They warned that if these monks did not surrender, then a thorough search of the monastery would be conducted. Rebkong (Ch: Tongren) County, Malho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai province - Chinese armed forces continue arrests and beating; whereabouts of many arrestees remain unknown Tight restrictions were enforced after a huge number of armed forces arrived at Rongpo monastery on April 18. The armed forces most likely are from Hunan province. From April 17 till today, over 430 monks and laypeople have been arrested in Rebgong County. Special police units wearing black uniforms arrived on April 12. They severely beat monks at Rongpo monastery and have been arresting a number of them.
Among the many arrested on April 17, former Abbot Alag Khatso-tsang, aged 80, from Rongpo Monastery, was one of them. During his arrest, he was severely beaten resulting in a head injury and three broken ribs. While the Armed Forces said that Abbot Alag Khatso-tsang would be taken to the hospital, his whereabouts are unknown. Three monks were arrested on April 12 and as mentioned over 430 monks were arrested on April 17. While initially these arrestees were taken to the County prison, the current whereabouts of these arrestees remain unknown. Armed Forces have started to conduct searches even at the smaller monasteries near Rongpo monastery. For instance, on March 18, a search was conducted at Yama Tashi Kyil monastery. The residence of Alak Drotsang was searched extensively. No arrests were reported on that day. Tibetan prisoners being starved A colossal number of Tibetans have been arrested and detained by the Chinese. Those arrested are undergoing extremely harsh treatment and with many being deprived of regular food. On March 16-17, six to seven Tibetans from Gonjo (Ch: Gongjue) County, Chamdo Prefecture, were arrested and detained in the Lhasa Prison. After fining them 600 yuan they were released at a later date, since their offences were considered relatively minor. The following information is based on the eye-witness accounts of the Tibetans that were arrested and imprisoned for a few days. After being arrested, the above prisoners were taken to an over-crowded prison which held around 800 Tibetans. At the prison, the detainees are being starved as they are expected to survive on a piece of bread and a cup of tea, which they are given only every four days. There are also reports of prisoners being starved in Ngaba TAP, Sichuan province. Similar harsh situations were also faced by Tibetans who were arrested and detained during the 1989 Lhasa uprising. In March, 1989, many Tibetans were arrested and detained in the Lhasa Prison. There were over 500 Tibetans detained in this prison alone. The prisoners were fed minimally. A few of the prisoners including Penpa (monk from Tsug-lag-khang Temple, currently deceased) started to protest against the lack of food provided by the prison authorities. The protest grew in size and intensity after all the other prisoners joined the protest. Those who started the protest were severely beaten by the prison guards. In many areas including Lhasa, groups of Chinese people are instigating ethnic tension between Tibetans and Chinese. For example, some Chinese vegetable-sellers are demanding higher prices from Tibetans as opposed to Chinese people. Recently a fight broke out between Tibetan students and Chinese students at Lhasa middle school. Even towards the end of last year, there were reports of groups of Chinese students beating up Tibetan students in Lhasa No. 2 Middle School. There are earlier traces of fights between Tibetan students and Chinese students. In one instance, after a fight between a Tibetan and a Chinese student, the parents of the Chinese student beat the Tibetan student up. Due to the unjust decisions by authorities that took place following the incident, there was a bigger clash between a group of Tibetan people and Chinese people, which has to be stopped by the armed police. Students from various schools in Lhasa have started fund-raising activities with the goal of helping those who suffered losses during the recent demonstrations. Funds are also being raised from fellow students.
Ngaba (Ch: Aba) County, Ngaba Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan province - Arbitrary arrests continue In March, many Tibetans were arrested during the protests that took place in each of the three traditional provinces of Tibet. In particular, former-political prisoners (even those without any involvement in the recent protests) are being arrested on baseless grounds. Tenzin and Lobsang Choedher/Kunchok, monks from Kirti monastery and both former political prisoners, were injured and arrested during the protest in Ngaba County. The two are being subjected to harsh treatment under the authorities. A group of people including Lobsang Jinpa, Koenpae and Lobsang Phuntsok, monks from Kirti monastery have been put on a wanted-list that has been circulated and announced and harsh sentencing would follow upon their arrests. Jamyang Tsultrim a nun from Mama nunnery, Ngaba County who remains imprisoned was told to stomp on the portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. She refused and as a result was beaten severely. Jamyang Tsultrim is from A-jong village. Currently the status of her well-being is unknown. A boy from Tsongdu County after being injured was taken to a hospital Barkham (Ch: Ma erkang) County by an aide. Their whereabouts are completely unknown.
Saturday 19 th April 2008 Gepa Sumdo (Ch: Tongde), Tsolho (Ch: Hainan) TAP, Qinghai Province Many monks of Tsang monastery arrested On April 13, 2008, local Chinese government officials, Chinese police as well as Chinese armed forces poured down over Tsang Monastery, Gepa Sumdo county, in order to look for people involved in the protest on March 17, 2008. During this search, a monk called Khedup Gyatso was arrested. Later on the evening of April 14, 2008, the Chinese police also confiscated photos of His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the search in the monastery, following which about 36 monks were arrested on April 15, and were moved to Tsolho TAP. About 20 more monks were arrested later on April 17 and were taken to the county prison. Chinese government has planned to re-conduct Patriotic re-education campaign from April 19. Jomda (Ch: Jianga) County, Chamdo (Ch: Changdu) Prefecture Tense situation in Wara monastery Several monks from Wara Monastery, Jomda County, refused to participate in the Patriotic reeducation campaign conducted by the Chinese government in their monastery. Situation around the Wara Monastic area continue to remain tense after the local people in the village also raised their voice against further harassment to the monks by the Chinese government. Furthermore, over 10 Tibetan government officials from Thang Phug town arrived and discussed the matter with the regional monastic democratic committee, and held a couple of meetings with the monks. However, monks continued to show their resentment and non-allegiance towards re-education campaign, as a result of which several monks left the monastery between April 4-5. Starting from April 8, there has been a tight vigilance within the monastery, and the Chinese police have been keeping careful watch on the monks. Currently, there are only 50 monks left within this monastery, and all of them are being forcefully ordered to denounce His Holiness the Dalai Lama. However, the head and other monks of the monastery responded that they would not follow any anti-dalai Lama campaign even at the cost of their lives. Lithang (Ch: Litang) County, Karze (Ch: Ganzi) TAP, Sichuan Province - Tibetan monasteries enforced to fly Chinese flag Orders are being given by the concerned department of the Chinese government to fly Chinese flags on the rooftop of all monasteries. However, Tibetans did not obey such orders. Orders were given by the concerned officials from the Lithang County on April 16 to fly Chinese flag from April 17. Some heads of the Lithang monastery said if they did this, then they should not be held responsible for any trouble that might follow. They also asked for a written letter from the County officials for such kind of orders. As a result, the Chinese flag could not be raised on that day. Such orders have been enforced on several other monasteries in Sichuan, Gansu, and Qinghai Provinces as well. Since April 12, all monasteries within the TAR are also being forced to do the same. Nyagchu (Ch: Yajiang) County, Karze TAP, Sichuan Province - Forced Signature campaigns continues Around April 14-15, people of the various villages, including Gulog Shipa, in Nyagchu County, were called for a meeting in their respective villages by the concerned County officials in order to conduct signature campaign that states The Dalai Lama is responsible for instigating the recent unrest in Tibet. During the meeting, a man named Gyaltsen walked out of the meeting showing his rejec-
tion of such kind of allegations. Many people also followed suit and hence the meeting failed to succeed as planned. Concerned local officials immediately summoned Gyaltsen to seek explanations for his act. Nyagchu (Ch: Yajiang) County, Karze TAP, Sichuan Province Protest held by around 200 people Over 200 people from Kyichu-Kha town, Nyagchu County, held a protest rally against the Chinese repression in Tibet. No further details are available. Chentsa (Ch: Jianza) County, Malho (Ch: Huangnan) TAP, Qinghai Province - One arrested A man named Ngak-chang Zipa (aged 35) from Chentsa County, was arrested on the morning of April 19, on account of his involvement in the protest held in March 2008 in Chentsa County. Machu (Ch: Maqu) County, Kanlho TAP, Gansu Province Around 150 monks of Nyulra Nyenthog Monastery arrested During a raid by the Chinese police in Nyulra Nyenthog Monastery, Machu County, on April 14, many booklets containing speeches of His Holiness the Dalai Lama were destroyed. Moreover, about 150 monks have been arrested from the monastery. Rebgong (Ch: Tongren) County, Malho TAP, Qinghai Province - 200 arrestees continue to be detained in the County Alag Khatso Tsang who was injured and arrested on April 17 from the Rebgong Monastery is reported to have been admitted to a hospital in Siling Municipality (Ch: Xining). No further details are available. The Monastery continues to remain under tight vigilance. About 200 people, consisting of both monks and laypeople, who were arrested on April 17 continue to remain detained in the county. Large number of monks from the Sera Monastery, Lhasa, was arrested At 3 P.M. local time, on April 17, many monks from the Sera Monastery in Lhasa were arrested and are currently detained in a brick factory in the Toelung area, west of Lhasa. Although no specific detail of the site is available, but it is assumed that the place is quite close to Chushul prison located near Toelung.
Thursday 17 th April 2008 Rebgong (Ch: Tongren) County (Malho TAP, Qinghai Province) Protests held by the monks On April 17, 2008, at around 11 am Lhasa local time, about 22 monks from Rebgong Monastery, Rebgong County (Malho TAP, Qinghai Province) protested for the release of three monks who were arrested on April 13, 2008. They are Lobsang Dhondup(20),Lobsang Dhondup (30) and Dakpa, all from Gyupa Monastery. These three monks were arrested for primarily being involved in the protest on March 17, 2008. Hearing about the arrest of these 22 monks, another group of 80 monks followed the protest after the arrest of these three monks. Some local people consisting of both young and old people also joined the protest. However a former abbot Alag Khatso-tsang, aged 80, from Rongpo Monastery, who tried to calm down the situation was badly beaten and injured by the Chinese army. Furthermore, about 140 people including the monks and lay people alike were detained, and the monastery has been kept under tight vigilance and no one is allowed to move in or out of the monastery.
Tuesday 15 th April 2008 Sangchu (Ch: Xiahe,) County, (Kanlho TAP, Gansu Province) 13 monks from Labrang Tashi Kyil monastery continue to detain 13 monks from Labrang Tashi Kyil Monastery, Sangchu County, who were among those arrested on April 15, 2008, continue to be detained. It is estimated that these monks are the ones who recently spoke to the western media about the Chinese atrocities. Between 14 th / 15 th April 2008 Phenpo Lhundup (Ch: Lingzhi) County, Lhasa Municipality 250 arrests About 250 people have been arrested after a very strong protest on April 14-15, 2008, in Phenpo Lhundup County. Few of them have been released after being badly tortured and injured. From the first week of April, the Chinese army has started arresting nuns from the Shar Bhumpa nunnery, thereby leaving only seven from amongst 60 nuns who used to study in this nunnery. The People s Armed Police made these arrests. A nun named Tsering Lhathog who normally has hearing problem, was brutally beaten and tortured. Her head has been badly hurt and she is now admitted to Jang Gashang Hospital. Besides, on many occasions, several people including both monks and lay people have been brutally tortured and beaten. Due to the lack of space in County prison, arrested people are being kept in the assembly hall. Similarly, there have been continued arrests in Gadhen Choekhor Monastery as well,
Monday 14 th April 2008 Sangchu (Ch: Xiahe) County, Kanlho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu province - Around 200 monks arrested at monastery Between April 14 evening and April 15 morning, over 200 monks were arrested from Ladrang Tashi-Kyil monastery during the search conducted by the security and the armed forces. On March 15 morning, a huge group of monks from Ladrang Tashi-Kyil monastery (those that were not arrested) demanded that the 200 monks arrested from their monastery be released or the Chinese authorities would face a protest by the monks. All but three of the monks were released. It seems that the three monks, who continue to be detained, are being held for their alleged involvement during the protest held in front of foreign journalists on April 9. Sangchu (Ch: Xiahe) County, Kanlho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu province - Nine monks arrested A group of security and armed forces arrived at Ngok- Gyalmo monastery to search for individuals that took part in the protests on March 16. Some of the monks mocked the Chinese authorities by shouting, I am the one. The monk-quarters at the monastery were also searched. Nine monks were arrested and taken away. Markham (Ch: Mangkang) County, Chamdo Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region - Protest held There was protest held this morning at the County Office. No further details available. A few days ago at Woser monastery, Chinese authorities were conducting patriotic re-education classes in which monks were forced to denounce His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Few of the monks decided to resign from the monastery because they did not want to denounce His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Saturday 12 th April 2008 Dartsedo (Ch: Kangding), Karze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan province - Monastery heads condemn patriotic re-education classes during meeting Monastery heads from 18 Counties in Karze TAP were called for a meeting held in Dartsedo (the location for Karze TAP Headquarters). The purpose of the meeting was mainly to enforce guidance for conducting patriotic re-education classes. During the meeting, three of the head Lamas said that if the patriotic re-education classes are implemented then the Tibetan people would lose tolerance and the situation would turn unfavorable. If the authorities had any concern for the Tibetan public then they should immediately stop the patriotic re-education classes or the heads of the monasteries cannot bear the responsibilities for unfavorable situations that may arise. Other heads of monasteries joined in for support. The heads of monasteries decision to unanimously disapprove the patriotic re-education campaign during the meeting, has lead to the Chinese authorities putting the anti-dalai clique signature campaign on temporary hold. Armed Forces deployed at various monasteries have still not been withdrawn. In addition, members of Armed Forces dressed in civilian clothes patrol the monastery compounds on a daily basis. Many monks from Drepung, Sera and Gaden Monasteries arrested Several monks from Drepung Monastery, close to Lhasa, have been arrested on April 12, 2008. Similarly, a few monks were also arrested on Wednesday in the beginning of April from Gaden Monastery and few more monks from Sera Monastery were arrested on Tuesday. However, there are no specific dates regarding these events. Education campaign continue in Tibet University, Lhasa Chinese media sources announced that Tibet University which remains under tight scrutiny with regular roll calls of people living within the campus, since the march 10 uprising this year, confirmed that there has been no cases of death, injury or disappearance of students as well as staffs of the university. With these kind of announcements, the Chinese government basically tries to claim that the students and staffs of the university are in no way involved with the recent uprising in Tibet on 14 th March 2008. However, this is not the truth. It has been noted by some higher authorities that, about 100 people from the university consisting of both the students and the staff were involved in the recent uprisings in Lhasa. Following these findings, they suspended one senior staff of the university and further strengthened their education campaigns. During such kind of education campaigns, they particularly condemn those students who graduated from the Tibet University about 20 years back and are currently working with the Central Tibetan Administration based in Dharamshala. Citing those students as an example, students are repeatedly advised to refrain from such acts of ingratitude. Similarly, Chinese Central Television also claimed that Mr Ngodup who was killed by the Chinese army during the March 14 protest in Lhasa was also not from the Tibet University. The fact is just the opposite. Ngodup whose full name was Tenzin Ngodup was from Gung-ru village, Chamdo Prefecture (Kham). It still remains unclear whether Lobsang Tsephel [among the death toll list released by CTA] who was killed during the recent protest in Tibet on 14 th March was actually from Sera Monastery or not. Nevertheless, it is known and is confirmed that he is originally from Toelung Dechen (Ch:Duilongdeqing) County, Lhasa and was killed by the Chinese army during the recent peaceful protest in Lhasa on March 14, 2008.
Dartsedo (Ch: Kangding), Karze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan province - China has no plans to slow down patriotic re-education campaign All County officials and monastery heads from Karze TAP were called for a meeting held in Dartsedo (the location for Karze TAP Headquarters). The purpose of the meeting was mainly to enforce guidance for conducting patriotic re-education classes. In various Counties of Karze TAP, including Sershul, many monasteries had rejected the patriotic-re-education classes that were being conducted in March. In some monasteries, monks called for dialogue between the China and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. At the meeting in Dartsedo, Chinese authorities demanded the heads of monasteries to acknowledge that such demands were a big mistake. Also during the meeting, announcements were made to each of the monastery heads demanding that they host the Chinese flag on the monastery rooftop. Announcements were also made such that the monks and laypeople of Sershul County will have to acknowledge that His Holiness the Dalai Lama was responsible for inciting the recent demonstrations, and were made to promise that they would protest against the Dalai clique. The implementation of the announcements made during the meeting was a failure since it was met with much resentment from the Tibetan people. Due to the failed outcome of this last meeting, another meeting has already been scheduled by the Chinese authorities. Drepung monastery (Lhasa) Monks protest against patriotic re-education classes. Since the evening of April 10, additional Armed Forces have been brought in at Drepung monastery for further suppression. In addition, more work-teams have been brought in to forcefully conduct patriotic reeducation classes. The monks held a protest to show their discontent over the patriotic re-education classes. Many monks were arrested following the protest.
Friday 11 th April 2008 Tight restrictions continue in Lhasa Tight restrictions continue to be imposed in Lhasa, including in monasteries such as Tsuglag-khang (Jokhang) temple. All monks remain detained within their monastery compounds. Lay people are not being allowed to visit the monasteries. The food-supplies in-charge of each monastery (who are usually monks) are forced to put on civilian clothes when going out to purchase food supplies and remain under constant surveillance when leaving the monastery compounds. No specific date (April 2008) Gyalthang (Ch: Zhongdian) County, Dechen Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan province- Tibetans distributed posters In one particular region of Gyalthang County, many posters were distributed. The messages of the posters read, through happiness and sorrow, we stand together. No specific date China expanding military presence inside Tibet and its border regions Ever since consistent demonstrations have taken place in all three traditional provinces of Tibet, China has deployed its military in all areas of Tibet and in all its border regions, including the Nepal- Tibet border. China also has laid out plans to call upon its experienced and new local forces to assist the military in placing restrictions on people, until the summer Olympics are done. In each of the towns in Sershul (Ch: Shiqu) County, Karze (Ch: Ganzi) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan province, 10 military personnel and 70 local forces have been deployed to restrict people s movement. Preparations are also being made for possible incidents in the future which may require more military to be called in. In Markham (Ch: Mangkang) County, Chamdo Prefecture, Chinese authorities are investigating the backgrounds of each family, after which certain individuals are being called upon to serve for the local forces.
Wednesday 9 th April 2008 Sangchu (Ch: Xiahe) County, Kanlho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu province- Foreign journalists witness the real situation in Tibet Around 12:30pm, fifteen monks from Ladrang Tashi-Khil monastery staged a protest in front of the government-controlled media tour. The monks approached the journalists carrying the banned Tibetan flag and banners reading we have no freedom of speech, and also voiced their support for His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The monks shouted in Chinese, We want more freedom, more human rights and we want to see the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Many monks have been arrested. Currently, it cannot be confirmed if any of the monks from Ladrang Tashi-Khil monastery were arrested during this incident. No specific date Ruthok (Ch:Ritu) County, Ngari Prefecture (Ch: Naqu shen), Tibet Autonomous Region, Protest by young Tibetan boys A few days ago, in Ruthok County, four to five young Tibetan boys held a protest. Armed Police arrested these boys who were later detained in Sen-gay Town, the site for the main governmental offices of Ngari Prefecture. These boys were released at a later date. Further details are not available at the moment.
Tuesday 8 th April 2008 Ngaba (Ch: Aba) County, Ngaba Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan province - School shut down The school of Tak-tsang Lhamo Kirti monastery has been closed down by the concerned office of the Chinese Government. The school was shut down after the students allegedly joined the protest by the monks of Tak-tsang Lhamo Kirti monastery on March 15. For monks (below the age of 18) and local children, the school is the main institution to learn the Tibetan language and study the cultural sciences. The school was started in 1986 and presently has around 504 students. The school has been in great service to the monastery as well as the local community.
Monday 7 th April 2008 Ramoche monastery (Lhasa) Most monks from Ramoche monastery arrested. All of the monks at Ramoche monastery (except around 30 of them) were arrested today on April 7. Ramoche monastery usually houses over a 100 monks Since the massive protest by the monks of Ramoche monastery on March 14, one or two of the monks were arrested on March 15. The other monks were put under tight restrictions in a house arrest like situation. Based on the arrests made at Ramoche monastery, it is very likely that similar arrests may also be made at Sera, Drepung and Gaden (the three major monastic universities of Tibet) and arrests are also likely at other monasteries that remain under tight restrictions. Machu (Ch: Maqu) County, Kanlho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu province- Many arrested On the evening of April 7, thirty monks from Ngul-ra monastery were arrested. An additional ten people from Thumey-runak monastery, Ngul-ra Township, were also arrested. In Ngul-ra village alone, over 110 monks and lay people have been arrested so far. Tawu (Ch: Daofu) County, Karze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province - Tight restrictions at Ratroe nunnery Due to the protests by the nuns from Ratroe nunnery on April 2, armed forces continue to impose tight restrictions at the nunnery and, in addition, have announced that patriotic re-education classes would be started soon. No specific date Ngaba (Ch: Aba) County, Ngaba Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Details on patriotic reeducation classes Many monks from Ngaba County were arrested after the demonstrations in March. Since the beginning of April, Tibetans in Rongkhar-shar town, Ngaba County, have been forced to attend patriotic re-education classes. During the classes, among other activities, each Tibetan is forced to loudly repeat the following statements while being recorded on video: 1) I denounce the Dalai s clique. 2) I will not keep any portraits of the Dalai Lama. 3) I have no desire to become a part of the Dalai s clique. 4) I will not engage in any splittist activities. 5) The attempt to separate Nationalities of China will not succeed. 6) I owe loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party.
7) I will always follow the Chinese Communist Party. 8) I acknowledge the gratitude of the Chinese Communist Party. Such classes continue to take place in other villages in Ngaba County and beyond. In some remote villages, the patriotic-reeducation classes are being conducted in an extremely intimidating manner. Sershul (Ch: Shiqu) County, Karze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province Searches continue in monasteries At Voenpo monastery, Sershul (Ch: Shiqu) County, few arrests of monks and lay people were made (towards end of March). A huge contingent of armed forces arrived and conducted thorough searches of all the monk-quarters. Some monks were beaten for having the Tibetan flag and other items (deemed unpatriotic by the Chinese Government) in their possession. Numerous statues and computers owned by the monastery were confiscated. Currently, the monastery remains under extremely tight restrictions.
Saturday 5 th April 2008 Tawu (Ch: Daofu) County, Karze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province- Tibetans express frustrations The Chinese flag was brought down at a school nearby Rabgang monastery in Mi-nyak Nagtren village, Garthar, Tawu County. In Ge-kay thang street in Mi-nyak Nagtren village, various slogans such as Free-Tibet were written on stone tablets and advertisement boards using red paint. Local police and concerned officials arrived on April 6 to get rid of the graffiti which resulted in a minor clash with some Tibetans. Moreover, local authorities arrived in Mi-nyak Nagtren village to give patriotic re-education classes. However, this has been met with resentment from the Tibetans. Ngaba (Ch: Aba) County, Ngaba Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Two monks arrested at Tsok-tsang monastery A huge number of Armed Police arrived at Sok-tsang monastery and conducted a thorough search of the monk-quarters. Two monks were arrested. They are: 1) Tsultrim Gyatso (from Chukra village) 2) Lobsang Thupten (from Dopel village) Tawu (Ch: Daofu) County, Karze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province - Massive Protest by monks and lay people. Around a thousand people (monks and lay people) gathered at Nya-tso monastery for the annual Torkyak ritual (held to ward off evil forces). While they were on their prayer-march towards the Tawu County Governmental Headquarters, the laypeople were specifically blocked by the armed forces from moving ahead while the monks were let go. The lay people started to protest against the suppression and shouted slogans such as, more human rights in Tibet and long live His Holiness the Dalai Lama. During the protest, the armed forces opened fire at the crowd injuring many. Three names, from the many injured can be confirmed. They are: 1) Tsewang Gyaltsen/Tsewang Gyatso (from Pang-nang village) 2) Mabhu Gyaltsen/Gyatso ( from Rehu village) 3) Yapshi Dhondup Some of the other injured were in critical condition. They could not be treated at the local County Hospital and had to be taken to a bigger hospital in China. Additional details for deaths, arrests and injured cannot be confirmed at the moment. Karze (Ch: Ganzi) County, Karze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province - Situation at Tongkor monastery reminiscent of times during the Cultural Revolution.
The armed forces carried out an aggressive search at Tongkor monastery on April 5. Windows at the residence of the spiritual head of the monastery was shattered and statues in the prayer hall were dismantled. Since Tongkor monastery houses many ancient artifacts and religious objects, it is a matter of great concern that during another possible search more damage may result. The current situation at Tongkor monastery is reminiscent of the times during the Cultural Revolution.
Friday 4 th April 2008 Chentsa (Ch:Jianza) County, Malho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai province Over 30 people arrested On April 4, over 30 people were arrested in Chentsa County. These people were arrested for alleged involvement in the peaceful protest on March 22-23. As Chinese police continue their search for those protestors, more people continue to be arrested. At the Chentsa County Nationalities Middle School, 4-5 students who were involved in bringing down and burning the Chinese flag and replacing it with the Tibetan flag on March 20, have been suspended from school. Tight restrictions for foreign students at Tibet University (Lhasa)/ Following the aftermath of the March 14 demonstration in Lhasa till the end of March, foreign students of Tibet University studying Tibetan language were restricted from leaving their university campus. For over a week their mobile phones, internet and other devices have been disconnected. Since a few days ago, a new rule has been imposed where if the foreign students of the University need to leave the campus for purchasing personal items, then special permission needs to be obtained. A maximum of 1-2 hour permission is given for them to leave the campus.
Thursday 3 rd April 2008 Ngaba (Ch: Aba) County, Ngaba Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan province Details of monk beaten to death on April 3 As reported earlier, on April 3, a monk was beaten to death by Armed Police in Ngaba County. We can now confirm his name and details. The name of the monk killed was Gesang from Tse-soe family, Mehu-ru-ma Thoe-shey village. He was around 32 years of age. Karze (Ch:Ganzi) County, Karze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan province- Two more names from death toll list During the protest on April 3 at Tong-khor Township, Karze County, Karze (Ch: Ganzi) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, the armed forces fired on the crowd killing numerous people. We are releasing two more names* of Tibetans killed during that protest. They are: S. NAME AGE SEX PLACE OF RESIDENCE DETAILS No. 56 Kunchok Sherab (monk) 30 M Tong-khor monastery, Tongkor Township, Karze County, Karze (Ch: Ganzi) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province 57 Tsering Dhondup 43 M Khar-soong village, Tongkhor Township, Karze County, Karze (Ch: Ganzi) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province Shot and killed on April 3, during the demonstration Shot and killed on April 3, during the demonstration * In addition to the already released 55 total names and details of Tibetans killed during the recent demonstrations, here we are releasing 2 more names (with details) from current death toll list which stands well over 140. Chinese authorities have issued warnings for the protestors that have fled the region to surrender themselves. Also, the military continues to maintain 24-hour surveillance in Tong-khor Township. In Tong-khor Township, attempts by Chinese authorities to start patriotic re-education classes are proving a failure as Tibetans are strictly opposed to the move. Karze (Ch: Ganzi) County, Karze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province - Two names confirmed from those killed during protests at Tongkor Township. As reported earlier, there were protests by the monks of Tongkor monastery and local lay people in Karze County on April 2 and 3. During the protest, a few Tibetans were shot and killed by armed forces. Two names* can be confirmed. They are: S. No. NAME AGE SEX PLACE OF RESIDENCE DETAILS
53 Tsewang Rigzin (monk) 38 M Tongkor monastery, Tongkor Township, Karze County, Karze (Ch: Ganzi) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province 54 Sonam Tsultrim 22 M Nya-tri village, Tongkor Township, Karze County, Karze (Ch: Ganzi) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Shot and killed on April 3, during the demonstration Shot and killed on April 3, during the demonstration Sichuan Province * In addition to the already released 40 plus 4, plus 8 names and details of Tibetans killed during the recent demonstrations, here we are releasing 2 more names (with details) from current death toll list which stands well over 140. Among those injured during the protest, one more name can be confirmed. He is Yeshi Sangpo. In Tongkor Township, Karze County, Karze (Ch: Ganzi) "Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture," Sichuan Province *- /"Patriotic re-education" campaign continues; those not complying being arrested/ People's Armed Police (PAP) and Public Security Bureau (PSB) arrived at Tongkor monastery in response to yesterday's incident at the monastery. The PAP and PSB conducted thorough searches of all the monk quarters and confiscated portraits of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the spiritual head of the monastery. They also took away mobile hand-sets and money belonging to the monks. Geshe Tsultrim Gyatso, a 70-year old monk who demanded that His Holiness the Dalai Lama's portrait not be taken down, was arrested and taken into custody. Laypeople (living nearby Tongor monastery) held a protest in support of the monks at Tongor monastery. Tsultrim Phuntsok, a 26 year old man, was arrested during the protest. Around 8-9 PM, loud gun shots were heard in the Tongor village area. Later it was confirmed that Nyima and Kabook (both monks from Tongor monastery) were severely injured from gunshots. Currently, we have no additional details on number of people injured or killed. There are around 300 monks at Tongor monastery. However, since the incident at Tongor monastery only a few senior monks remain at the monastery. Currently, we have no information on the whereabouts of the other monks.
Wednesday 2 nd April 2008 Tsegor Thang (Ch:Xinghai) County, Tsolho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai province Portraits of His Holiness the Dalai Lama continues to be banned A notice has been issued in Tsoshar, Tsegor Thang County, demanding people not to hang portraits of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in their homes. The notice also said that if those people who are law-breakers follow the right path, they will be exempt from [punishment]. The house in which His Holiness the Dalai Lama was born and raised for the first few years of his life has been locked down by Chinese authorities. Machu (Ch: Maqu) County, Kanlho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu province- Over 30 monks from Sargoen Tashi Choepel Ling monastery arrested Over 30 monks from Sargoen Tashi Choepel Ling monastery, Well-bhen Town, Machu County, were arrested between the dates March 31-April 2. Twelve of monks were released after a fine of 1500 Yuan was imposed on them. 20 monks from Thupten Yongdueling monastery, Well-bhen Town, Machu County, were also arrested. Chinese "work-teams" arrived at various monasteries including Tongor monastery, Tongkor Township, in their attempt to give "patriotic re-education" classes. Chinese "work-teams" also attempted a signature campaign to get people to denounce His Holiness the Dalai Lama and refer to him as a "splittist." The monk in charge of the monastery, Lobsang Jamyang, openly rejected the campaign. Yeshi Nyima, also a monk from Tongor monastery, stood up during a "patriotic re-education" session and shouted that the he would not provide his signature, even at the cost of his life. The other monks of the monastery also made the same statements. *Bathang (Ch: Batang) County, Karze (Ch: Ganzi) "Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture," Sichuan province* - /China pressuring monks to denounce His Holiness the Dalai Lama/ Chinese "work-teams" arrived at Ba-Chodae monastery, Bathang County. There, they attempted to collect signatures from the monks which would support Chinese allegations that His Holiness the Dalai Lama was responsible for inciting the recent demonstrations in Tibet. Each of the 200 monks at the monastery refused to give into Chinese pressure by not providing their signatures. There were heated arguments between the monks and the "work-teams" leading to the arrest of five monks including the abbot of the monastery, Jigme Dorjee, and the Disciplinary in charge, Yeshi. *Tawu (Ch: Daofu) County, Karze (Ch: Ganzi) "Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture," Sichuan province* - /Nuns hold prayer-march/
Around 10 AM, nuns from the nunnery (located on Ratroe hilltop) walked towards the crematorium (near the Tawu County headquarters) holding a prayer-march for those killed during the recent demonstrations in Tibet. On their way, the nuns were stopped by the police resulting in a heated argument. However, the police were not able to stop the determined nuns. Near the Tawu County headquarters' middle school, the nuns were stopped again when County officials backed by three trucks full of policemen arrived to stop the nuns from continuing their peaceful march. Students of the middle school and local people shouted slogans to support the nuns. The nuns successfully completed their prayer march. Nya-tso monastery monks who had initially planned to go on the prayer-march with the nuns, were pressured by Chinese police to not take part and instead were in restricted to stay in their monastery. *Tawu (Ch: Daofu) County, Karze "Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture," Sichuan Province- /Protest held/* Monks from Nyatso monastery and laypeople (all from Tawu County) held a protest. No further details available.
No specific date China destroying evidence by cremating bodies of Tibetans killed during demonstrations Since March 10, Tibetans have held demonstrations in all the three traditional provinces of Tibet with over a 140 people dying as a direct result of the suppression. Many of the bodies of those who were shot and killed by the Chinese military and police during the demonstrations have been cremated by the Chinese and only their ashes were returned to their families. Such an atrocious move has been made by the Chinese to get rid of any evidence of their wrongdoing. Lhakpa Tsering was killed in Lu-ghug Street with a shot to his forehead during the demonstration in Lhasa on March 14, 2008. He was a resident of Lhasa, around 30 years of age and used to work as a tourist vehicle driver. He was born in Lhoka Prefecture. The Pubic Security Bureau (PSB) forcefully took the body of Lhakpa Tsering from his family telling them that some investigations needed to be done at the People s Procuratorates. His body was later cremated in Toelung (west of Lhasa) and only his ashes were returned to his family in a plastic bag with his name written on it. On March 24, Kunga (a monk from Chokri monastery) in Drakgo (Ch: Luhuo) County, Karze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan province, was shot and killed during a demonstration at Chokri Monastery. On March 25, his body was forcefully taken from Chokri monastery and cremated nearby. It can be inferred that such incidents, whereby the Chinese are trying to get rid of evidence by cremating the bodies of those killed during the demonstrations, have occurred many times since the start of the demonstrations in Tibet where the death toll now stands over 140.
Monday - 31 th March 2008 Sershul (Ch: Shiqu) County, Karze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan province- Eight arrested At Voen-po monastery Eight monks and lay people were arrested when concerned officials of the Chinese government arrived at Voen-po monastery to conduct patriotic re-education classes. The monks were told that they were being arrested for the alleged involvement, leading and master-minding the demonstrations in Lhasa earlier in March. They were also told that the authorities have documents linking them to the demonstrations. Even during the China s complete annexation of Tibet 1959, Voen-po monastery and its surrounding areas was one of the key locations where Tibetans resisted the Chinese forces.
Sunday - 30 th March 2008 *Chabcha (Ch: Gonghe) Township, Tsolho "Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture," Qinghai province - /Students hold protest/* Students from a Teachers Training School held a peaceful demonstration around 11:00 PM. No further details available. Ngaba (Ch: Aba) County, Ngaba Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province China still trying to dupe the world through imperceptive tactics The People s Armed Police (PAP) was at Kirti monastery (in Ngaba County) on March 29th and 30th. The PAP staged events taking pictures of the monks holding portraits of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan flag while behind cameras the monks were severely beaten The PAP also took pictures of monks using computers who were forced to do so. China has been condemned by the world community for their blatant abuse of human rights, and the above incidents at Kirti monastery prove that Chinese authorities are attempting to forcefully portray a positive image to the world community. Many Tibetan hunters have been vowing to stop poaching and have been turning in their arms to various monasteries. Such an act has been a traditional practice in Tibet since the monasteries (seen as a sacred place) are the ideal place to make such vows and poachers have faith in the monasteries to never allow their use again or to engage in their sales. Chinese authorities have been using the current situation to send out a false message that monasteries are stock-piling arms for use in future demonstrations. On March 28th, large numbers of PAP arrived at Kirti monastery and a huge number of monks were arrested. Jomda (Ch: Jiangda) County, Chamdo Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region Protest by monks On March 30, monks of Wara monastery led a demonstration. The County officials asked a senior lama from Wara monastery to stop the protestors and as a result the demonstration has ended temporaily. No further details are available at the moment. In Jomda County and Derge County (Karze TAP ) a huge military deployment has been made and suppression continues. Ngaba (Ch: Aba) County, Ngaba Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province Monks arrested at Achok Tse-nyi monastery In Achok Tse-nyi monastery, Ngaba County, a group of monks were arrested while the People s Armed Police (PAP) was conducting a thorough search of the monastery. Ngaba (Ch: Aba) County, Ngaba Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province 16 arrested from Gomang monastery In Gomang monastery, Ngaba County, People s Armed Police (PAP) conducted a thorough search of the monastery. Also, 16 monks from the monastery were arrested recently. Dzoge (Ch: Ruo ergai) County, Ngaba Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province 17 arrested at Taktsang Lhamo Kirti monastery; searches continue. On March 29, 17 monks from Taktsang Lhamo Kirti monastery, Dzoge County, were arrested by the People s Armed Police (PAP). On March 30, each of the monks quarters was thoroughly search by the PAP.