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TIBETANULLETI

CHRONOLOGICAL DETAILS OF RECENT EVENTS IN TIBET SINCE MARCH 10, 2008p4

march-april 2008Volume 12, Issue 2

HARD TALK WITH THE KALON TRIPA

p20

WORLD FIGURES/LEADERS ON THE RECENT EVENTS IN TIBET

p22

THE DRAGON VERSUS THE SNOW LION

p24

TWELVE SUGGESTIONS FOR DEALING WITH THE TIBET SITUATION BY SOME CHINESE INTELLECTUALS

p35

CHINA NEEDS THE DALAI LAMA

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FIRE IN THE LAND OF SNOWS

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SPECIAL ISSUE ON TIBET UPRISING

Tib e ta n B u l l e t i n is a n o ffic ia lb i-mon thly jo u rn a l o f t he Cen tralTib e t an A d min i s t r a t io n o f Hi sHo liness th e Da lai Lama.

Signed articles or quotat ions do notneces sarily reflect the v iews o f theCent ral Tibetan A dminis t ration .Contribut ions are welcome and may beaddres s ed to the ed itor, TibetanBu l let in . However the pub lisherregrets its inab ility to return unusedarticles unless they are accompanied bya self-addressed envelope with adequatepostage.Tibetan Bulletin is distribu ted free ofcharge. To subscribe please email thecirculation manager or see page 31.

Guest EditorTenzin Sonam GonsarEmail: [email protected]

Layout & DesignDorje Tsering

Circulation ManagerWangyal LamaEmail: [email protected] Bulletin is published by:Department of Information andInternat ional Relations, CentralTibetan Administration,Dharamshala- 176 215, H.P., India

Tel: +91-1892-222510 / 222457

Vol. 12, Issue 2March-April 2008

TIBETANBULLETIN

EDITORIAL SECTION

4 HISTORY IN THE MAKING: Chronological details of recent events in Tibet since March10, 2008

20 INTERVIEW: Hard Talk with theKalon Tripa

22 PERSPECTIVES: World figures/leaders on the recent events inTibet

24 NUMBERS: The Dragon versusthe Snow Lion

VERBATIM

25 The Statement of His Holiness theDalai Lama on the Forty-NinthAnniversary of the Tibetan NationalUprising Day

26 The Statement of the Kashag(Cabinet, Central TibetanAdministration) on the Forty-NinthAnniversary of the Tibetan NationalUprising Day

28 An appeal from His Holiness theDalai Lama

28 An appeal to the Chinese Peoplefrom His Holiness Dalai Lama

30 Statement of His Holiness theDalai Lama to all Tibetans

32 Public Statement of the Kashag

33 Press statement by Kalon Tripa, Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, on the Situation in Tibet

VIEWPOINT

35 Twelve Suggestions forDealing with the TibetanSituation by Some Chinese

36 Tibet’s peace is the peace of the graveyard

—Vaclav Havel,Andri Glucksmann, YoheiSasakawa, El Hassan Bin

36 China Needs the Dalai Lama

—Robert Thurman

37 Fire in the Land of Snows

—Tenzin Sonam Gonsar

Monks from Amdo Labrang during a protest on March 14, 2008

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4 TIBETAN BULLETIN MARCH-APRIL 2008

March 10, 2008

Forty-Ninth Tibetan National Uprisinganniversary- Lhasa protest

On the 49th Tibetan NationalUprising anniversary, about 7 monksstaged a peaceful demonstration in theBarkhor area of Lhasa, the capital city ofTibet, carrying three Tibetan nationalflags. As soon as the monks began toshout slogans, the public joined in tosupport them. But before it gainedmomentum, the Chinese police appearedat the scene arresting first the monkswho started the protest and beatingthem fiercely.

Following this, the police orderedall the shops and street vendors in theBarkhor area to close down anddispersed the crowd, thus greatlyaffecting the lives of the commuters whowere conducting their day-to-dayactivities. On the whole, thedemonstration was put down by theChinese government within a shortperiod of time.

Yushul/Kyegudo (Ch: Yushul/Jiegu)County, Yushul “Tibetan AutonomousPrefecture”, Qinghai Province

On 9 March, over two hundreds ofbanned portraits of His Holiness theDalai Lama were confiscated from anumber of homes in Yushul Countyduring an evening raid conducted bylocal Public Security Bureau (PSB)officials. Two families were reportedlyfined 500 Yuan each for possessing thebanned portraits. The next day,pamphlets calling for Tibet’sindependence were known to have beenpasted on the walls around the area.

Mangra (Ch: Guinan) County, Tsolho(Ch: Hainan) “Tibetan AutonomousPrefecture”, Qinghai Province

In yet another incident, a protesthas also been reported from the

CHRONOLOGICAL DETAILS OF RECENT EVENTS IN TIBET SINCEMARCH 10, 2008(last updated: April 10, 2008)

-compiled and edited by Tenzin Sonam Gonsar and Kunsang Dorjee

traditional Tibetan area of Amdo inMangra County, Tsolho “TibetanAutonomous Prefecture” (“TAP”),Qinghai Province, on 10th March. About137 monks from Lutsang Monastery inMangra County, Tsolho “TAP”, andaround 200 laypeople from the area werebarred by the Mangra County People’sArmed Police (PAP) forces when theyconverged outside the CountyAssembly Hall where a governmentsponsored show was going on. Sensinga protest by the Tibetans, the show wasforced to discontinue. Later monks andlaypeople started shouting slogans“Long live the Dalai Lama” and “TheDalai Lama should return to Tibet”. Atthe moment there is no report ofTibetans having been arrested from thearea, although, the concernedauthorities are known to beinvestigating those involved in theprotest.

Barkhor (Lhasa) and Sera Monastery(Lhasa)

On 10th March, a group of aroundfifteen monks, later joined by twolaypeople led a peaceful pro-Tibetmarch from Tsuk-lag-khang Temple,proclaiming pro-independence slogans,distributing pamphlets and raising thebanned Tibetan flags at Barkhor Streetin Lhasa. They were arrestedimmediately by the stationed PublicSecurity Bureau (PSB) officialsfollowing a brief protest march onBarkhor Street - one of the busiestmarket areas around the city. Thearrested Tibetans were reportedlybeaten severely and manhandled by thePSB officials. Moreover, the shops andvendors around Barkhor Street wereordered to close and pack up. Thedetained monks were confirmed to bevisiting-student monks of SeraMonastery, mainly from the Kham andAmdo regions of Tibet. Additionalcontingents of armed forces were

deployed to the area to issue an explicitwarning to people against undertakingfurther protests as well as to control andmonitor the activities of the people.

On 11th March, about 2000 strongChinese troop fired tear gas in order todisperse hundreds of monks from SeraMonastery who were calling for therelease of their fellow monks andshouting pro-Tibet slogans. Thesituation in Sera Monastery andDrepung Monastery are known to bevery tense at the moment with People’sArmed Police forces sealing off themonasteries thereby completely curbingthe people’s movement in and out of thearea, including protesting laypeoplefrom visiting these monasteries. The 15peaceful protestors are confirmed tohave been arrested and theirwhereabouts are unknown.

Drepung Monastery (Lhasa)According to sources within Tibet,

on the evening of 10th March, about threehundred monks from DrepungMonastery, located on the outskirts ofthe capital, attempted to start a plannedpeaceful protest march towards BarkhorStreet, Lhasa. However, they wereobstructed from proceeding with theirpeaceful march by a large number ofChinese armed police before reachingLhasa. A few monks from the groupsuspected to be the ringleaders werebelieved to be arrested by PublicSecurity Bureau (PSB) officials.

The situation in DrepungMonastery, where around 300 monksstaged a peaceful demonstration onMarch 10, is known to be very tense withauthorities deploying additionalPeople’s Armed Police (PAP) forces intothe area. There has been a similardeployment of armed forces includingplain clothed police and agentsreportedly present in and around

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TIBETAN BULLETIN 5MARCH-APRIL 2008

Barkhor Street in Lhasa to deal with anyprotests.

Palung/Bayan (Ch: Hualong) County,Tsoshar Prefecture, Qinghai Province

In one incident, around 20 localChinese officials convened a meeting ofmonks at Ditsa Monastery. However,around 70 monks walked out of themeeting carrying the portrait of the DalaiLama and shouted pro-independenceslogans. Later the monks proceededtowards a small hill behind themonastery to offer Sangsol Prayer(incense burning ceremony), and werelater joined by onlookers. Open calls forsolidarity with “the peace marcher fromDharamsala to Lhasa,” initiated byleading exiled Tibetan NGOs, were evenreportedly raised by the monks. A totalof around four hundred people gatheredfor the prayer that day. No cases of arrestor detention of Tibetans are known fromthe area so far and there is no report ofthe Chinese sending additional policeforce to the area.

Raid in former political prisoners’homes

According to sources, sinceMarch 10, sudden raids continue to beconducted in the homes of formerpolitical prisoners by the authoritieslooking particularly for any incriminatingCDs such as the US Congressional GoldMedal to His Holiness the Dalai Lamaceremony which have covertly been incirculation recently, or electronic goodsparticularly computers, phones andInternet connections.

Sangchu (Ch: Xiahe) County, Kanlho“Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture”,Gansu Province

Incidents of police removingpamphlets calling for Tibet’sindependence were reported fromLabrang Tashikyil Monastery in SangchuCounty, Kanlho “TAP” incorporated intoChinese province of Gansu.

Karze (Ch: Ganzi) County, Karze“Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture”,Sichuan Province

There are also reports of peoplehaving pasted pamphlets calling forTibet’s independence in Karze County,Karze “TAP”, incorporated into Chineseprovince of Sichuan on March 10. So farthere is no information on case of arrestor detention from the area.

March 11, 2008

Recall of government employees andrestriction in Tibet University, LhasaOn 11th March, the authorities of LhasaCity have recalled all the employees ofvarious government departments whowere on leave to return to workimmediately and issued a restraint orderbanning taking leave. Restrictions werealso imposed on the movement ofstudents, including Tibet Universitystudents in Lhasa, with authoritiesincreasing the vigilance personnel.

Dabpa (Ch: Daocheng) County, Karze(Ch: Ganzi) “Tibetan AutonomousPrefecture”, Sichuan provinceIn Dabpa County, Tibetans heldprotests against the Chinese. ThreeTibetans were shot and killed by theArmed Chinese Police and at least tenpeople have been injured. Instructionswere given to shoot at the protestorssince they were believed by higherChinese authorities to be engaging in“splittist activities.”

12th March, 2008

Gaden Monastery, Near LhasaSimilarly, Gaden Monastery (about 50KMs east of Lhasa City) remains sealedoff and surrounded by People’s ArmedPolice since yesterday afternoon,following the protest by monks.

Chutsang Nunnery, Near LhasaOn the morning of 12th March, coincidingwith the Tibetan Women’s Uprising Day,around a hundred Tibetan nuns fromChutsang Nunnery in the west side ofLhasa marched towards Barkhor Streetin Lhasa for a peaceful demonstration.However, they were blocked by ChinesePeople’s Armed Police from movingforward and sent back to their nunnery.

There are no reports of arrest ordetention after the march.

13th March, 2008

However, in the morning of March 13,the same group of nuns from ChutsangNunnery carried out their protest marchtowards Lhasa and have not yet returnedto their monastery. On contacting themonastery, only a few senior nuns remainthere.

Local NGO’s in Lhasa warned byauthoritiesThe local Foreign Bureau Office in Lhasaissued a warning to NGO’s (especiallythose with links to the outside world)that any information given to foreignersregarding the protests in Tibet couldresult in strict legal action against theindividual or even the shutting down ofthe NGO. The Foreign Bureau Office hasalso said that they have blocked theentry of foreigners into Tibet. The NGO’shave been specifically instructed by theForeign Bureau office that the onlycontact they can have with foreigners isto assure them that the protests in Tibetwill be stabilized very shortly. NGO’swere also warned that if they were foundsending information through e-mails/using the internet for gatheringinformation on the current Tibetsituation, then strict action would betaken against them. Also, just a few daysago, complete background informationof foreigners involved with local NGO’swas collected by the local ForeignBureau office.

March 14, 2008

Ramoche Temple, LhasaInformation coming out of Lhasa hasconfirmed that most of Lhasa has beensurrounded by People’s Armed Police(PAP) following a peaceful protest ledby monks of the Ramoche temple inLhasa this morning.

Around 11:00 pm the Chinese authoritiesin Lhasa started making announcementsregarding closure of schools, shops andbusinesses.

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March 15, 2008

There have been 30 confirmed deathsuntil today and over 100 unconfirmeddeaths in Lhasa alone.

In Nyang-dren (North of Lhasa near theSera Monastery) over 200 people tookpart in protests according to sources.

In Karma Kunsang (East of Lhasa) therepeople demonstrated in the streets. Teargas was used against the peacefuldemonstrators.

In Labrang Tashikyil Monastery(Sangchu (Ch: Xiahe) County, Kanlho“Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture”,Gansu Province) there were some majorprotests, mostly laypeople. At least fourpeople were taken into custody by thePeople’s Armed forces.

One reliable source confirms that amilitary truck full of dead bodies wasseen being carried away towardsToelung county (under Lhasamunicipality).

In Lithang (Ch: Litang), Karze “TibetanAutonomous Prefecture,” Sichuanprovince, during two minor protests, atleast two of the protestors were arrestedand taken into custody as confirmed bya source.

In Labrang, Amdo Ngaba (Ch: Aba)Ngapa “TAP”, Sichuan Province, from5000-6000 people took part in a majorprotest. Among many other things, theydemanded for the return of His Holinessthe Dalai Lama.

In Phenpo Lhundrup County (underLhasa municipality) there was a protestby monks and laypeople.

Gaden Monastery (about 50 kms east ofLhasa) remained under extremely strictChinese military presence. The numberof military personnel is so high that theywere running out of tent space for theirpersonnel.

There was shooting inside thecompounds of Tashi Lhunpo monastery,

Shigatse (Ch: Rigaze) County, ShigatsePrefecture, “TAR,” and at least 40laypeople protesting behind the TashiLhunpo monasteries were arrested asconfirmed by one source.

Over 500 people have been arrested inLhasa alone; however the numbers areexpected to be astoundingly larger sinceall those arrested are being taken toprisons all over Tibet.

All media personnel (including foreignmedia) inside Tibet were questioned, andthere were reports that their recordedmaterials (video footage, pictures etc.)were destroyed or confiscated.

Chinese authorities have demandedprotestors to surrenderThe Tibetan Higher People’s Court ofChina have issued a notice on Saturdaydemanding the Tibetan protestors toturn themselves in by Monday night, andpromised leniency for those whosurrendered.

The notice also stated that those whosurrender and provide information onother protestors will be exempted frompunishment.

The notice also stated that those whocover up or shelter the protestors willbe punished.

March 16, 2008

Reliable sources have confirmed that atleast 80 people were killed on 14th March,2008, in Lhasa alone. One very reliablesource has confirmed that many of thedead bodies have been stashed in frontof a Public Security Department officein Lhasa.

At 9:30am this morning at Kirtimonastery (Amdo Ngapa province)which has remain completely sealed offby Chinese military, over a thousandmonks fled the tight security and werejoined by another thousand laypeople-protestors outside the Monastery

compound. Tear gas was used on thedemonstrators, and gun shots wereheard according to a reliable source.Unofficial reports have confirmed thatat least one Tibetan was shot and killedand a few others who were also shotremain in critical condition.

Higher Chinese authorities instructedTibetan officials inside Tibet to not takepart in any of the protests. Theirmovement has been restricted and theywere required to sign in and out if theywish to leave outside their homesaccording to a reliable source.

The monks of Ragya Monastery,Machen (Ch: Maqin) County, Golog“Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,”Qinghai Province, held a protest.

Few schools in Kanlho “TibetanAutonomous Prefecture,” Qinghaiprovince, held protests.

Protests were also held at AchokMonastery, Sangchu (Ch: Xiahe)County, Kanlho “Tibetan AutonomousPrefecture,” Qinghai Province.

In Machu (Ch: Maqu) County, Kanlho“Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,”Qinghai Province, protests were heldby students, former Tibetan officials andlaypeople. The student protestors werearrested at the scene.

In Luchu (Ch: Luqu) County, Kanlho“TAP” and Chabcha County, Tsolho“TAP”, protests were also held.

In Rongpo Gonchen monastery inRebgong (Ch: Tongren) County, (Malho“TAP”, Qinghai Province), monks helda major protest in the field in front oftheir monastery. Public Security Bureau(PSB) officials arrived to suppress theprotestors. There was an attempt by themonastery head to placate the situationthrough dialogue with the Chineseofficials who arrived at the scene. Afterthe discussions, the PSB personnel mayhave left the scene. However, thiscannot be confirmed.

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In Meldro Gungkar (Ch: Mozhugongka)

County under Lhasa municipality,protests were held by the monks ofPangsa monastery. Some of the monkswere arrested; however, they werereleased later due to pressure from thelaypeople. Some of the monks whoprotested were able to run for safetytowards a hill close by.

In China, around 500 Tibetan studentsof Northwest-Nationalities University,Lanzhou City, GansuProvince started a hunger strike around4pm (local time) at the campus ground.

Monks and laypeople held a majorprotest in Lithang (Ch: Litang) County,Karze “Tibetan AutonomousPrefecture,” Sichuan Province, today. Allschools, shops and offices of the areawere forced to shut down for the nextthree days. On the morning of 17th

March, police and army in huge numbersand heavily armed were seen patrollingall over.

A protest was held by laypeople nearthe Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, Shigatse(Ch: Rigaze) County, ShigatsePrefecture, “TAR”. No further detailsavailable.

The Tibetans of Gepa Sumdo (Ch:Tongde) County (Tsolho “TibetanAutonomous Prefecture,” Qinghaiprovince) held a protest in which theycarried the portrait of His Holiness theDalai Lama and the Tibetan National flag.The army arrived at the scene tosuppress the protest.

March 17, 2008

Today, thousands of protestors led bymonks of Pangsa and other monasteriesof Meldro Gungkar (Ch: Mozhugongka)County (around 70 KMs from Lhasa)held a massive protest. Seven People’sArmed Police (PAP) trucks full of policepersonnel who arrived at the scene werenot able to suppress the protest, andmore PAPs continued to arrive at the

scene. All schools, shops and offices inthe area were shut down.

Tsang Monastery, Yulgan (Ch: Henan)County, Malho “Tibetan AutonomousPrefecture,” Qinghai Province, a protestby over 500 monks was held around10AM this morning. Monks put up theTibetan flag on the monastery rooftopand also carried the portrait of HisHoliness the Dalai Lama whileprotesting peacefully. The People’sArmed Police (PAP) arrived to suppressthe protestors however the protestcontinued for some time.

Machu (Ch: Maqu) County, Kanlho“Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,”Gansu Province, a protest was held by asizable group of students. All of thestudents present during the protestwere arrested.

The protests at Gaden Choekormonastery, Phenpo Lhundrup (Ch:Lingzhi) County (3 hours northeast toLhasa) continued from yesterday.

In Serthar (Ch: Seda) County, Karze“Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,”Sichuan Province, protests continued.

At Harthang monastery in Driru (Ch:Biru) County, Nagchu Prefecture, “TibetAutonomous Region”, Pelo Trulku(reincarnated lama) was suppose to givea spiritual teaching towards the end ofFebruary 2008. However, local Chinese“work teams” did not allow the teachingsto take place, as a result, there was ascuffle between the local Tibetans andthe Chinese “work teams”. On 3rd March,2008, additional Chinese “work teams”were brought in, and all Tibetansbetween the ages of 18-30 were forcedto undergo “patriotic re-education”classes. On March 14, the roadconnecting Nagchu to Lhasa wascompletely blocked off. Non-residentsof Nagchu were forced to leave. Fromeach household in Nagchu, the namesof each male individual were collected.

Around 3PM local time, seven monksfrom Dhingkha monastery, Toelung

County (Lhasa Municipality) who weredressed in plain clothes started a proteston their way to Dechen town, ToelungCounty. Police personnel from Dechentown were not able to stop thedetermined monks from protesting, andadditional police personnel were calledin from the County. The local peoplejoined the protests after the Countypolice tried to stop the protestors. Afterthe protest grew in size and intensity,People’s Armed Police was called in laterfrom Lhasa. Around thirty of theprotestors arrested were and treated veryaggressively.

Tibetan students at Beijing NationalUniversity (Beijing) held a protest. Nofurther details available.

Tibetan students who held a protest inTsoe municipality (Ch: Hezuo), Kanlho“Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,”Gansu Province, were severely beatenby police and armed forces.

Tibetan Students from Kakhog/Marthang (Ch: Hongyuan) County,Ngaba “Tibetan AutonomousPrefecture,” Sichuan Province, held aprotest at their school campus. Chineseauthorities were not able to hold backthe student protestors who thenmarched to the County governmentheadquarters.

30 of the student protestors wereseverely beaten and later arrested. Thesame evening students again held aprotest.

At 12PM local time, nuns from Ngatoenunnery, Ngaba (Ch: Aba) County,Ngaba “TAP,” Sichuan province, andlaypeople carried the dead-bodies ofthose killed in the March 16 protest tothe County government headquarterswhere they held a protest.

Around 3PM local time, sixteen monksfrom Dhingkha monastery, ToelungCounty (Ch: Duilongdequing), LhasaMunicipality, who were dressed in plainclothes protested while on route toDechen town, Toelung County. Police

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personnel from Dechen town were notable to stop the determined monks fromprotesting, and additional policepersonnel were called in from theCounty. The local people joined theprotests after the County police tried toblock the protestors. People’s ArmedPolice (PAP) was called in later fromLhasa after the protest grew in size andintensity. Around 30 of the protestorswere arrested and treated veryaggressively.

Fearing a ripple effect from the recentLhasa protests, around 2000 People’sArmed Police (PAP) personnel werebrought into Gyalthang (Ch: Zhongdian)County, Dechen (Ch: Deqin) “TibetanAutonomous Prefecture,” YunnanProvince, from Kunmin city, Dechen“TAP,” Yunnan Province. The PAP wason 24-hour surveillance and patrol.

Monks from Khangmar monastery,Damshung (Ch: Dangxiong) County,Lhasa Municipality, participated in aprotest lead by the monks from Dhingkhamonastery in Toelung County (Lhasa).

Over 100 Tibetan students from CentralNationalities University (Beijing) held acandle light vigil to honour the Tibetanswho have been killed in the recentprotests.

In the recent protests in Tibet, Tibetanstudents from various universities havedemonstrated just as they did 20 yearsago in the 1988 Lhasa demonstrations.

70 arrested in Toelung Dechen County

At Dhingkha monastery, Dechen Town,Toelung Dechen (Ch: Duilongdequing)County, Lhasa Municipality, there was aprotest held by monks and laypeople.Around 70 people were arrested duringthe protest.

Among the 70 arrested, a few werereleased earlier after giving them a fineof 120 Yuan while another group wasreleased at the beginning of April aftergiving them a fine of 1220 Yuan. Theywere told that from the 1220 Yuan fine,

1000 Yuan would go towards the County,200 Yuan would go towards the village,and 20 Yuan was for the transportationcost of the prisoner.

From the 70 arrested, currently, there are12 monks and 5 laypeople who have beentold that their sentencing would beannounced shortly.

Due to the massive number of arrests atPhenpo Lhundrup (Ch: Lingzhi) County(3 hours northeast to Lhasa), in March,many of the arrestees were taken toToelung County prison, due to lack ofspace.

March 18, 2008

In Lhasa, suppression continued withtanks and military vehicles patrollingevery corner of the city. Former politicalprisoners and suspected Tibetans(those politically active) living in theLhasa area were being arbitrarily arrestedduring the ongoing house- by- houseraid by Chinese security forces whichstarted on the evening of 15th March,2008.

In desperation for complete crackdown,Chinese authorities are also arresting thefamily members of former long-timepolitical prisoners (if they themselvesare not physically present).

During the protest in Machu (Ch: Maqu)County, Kanlho “Tibetan AutonomousPrefecture,” Gansu Province, thatcontinued from yesterday, People’sArmed Police (PAP) shot dead nineteenpeaceful protesters this morning asconfirmed by a source.

Students and laypeople continued withtheir protest. A massive protesthappened in front of Karze (Ch: Ganzi)County, Karze “Tibetan AutonomousPrefecture,” Sichuan Province,Government Headquarters.

Nearby monasteries were completelyblocked off by Chinese military since afew days ago to prevent the monks fromtaking part in the protests.

Among the many things that theprotestors demanded in Labrang,Sangchu (Ch: Xiahe) County, Kanlho“Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,”Gansu Province, they demanded for therelease of Jigme Gyatso (politicalprisoner in Chushul prison serving aseventeen year term).

Protests continued in Serthar (Ch: Seda)County, Karze (Ch: Ganzi) “TibetanAutonomous Prefecture,” SichuanProvince. However, today there was astrong military crackdown on theprotestors.

Monks held a protest at Chigdril (Ch:Jiuzhi) County, Golog “TibetanAutonomous Prefecture,” ChinghaiProvince.

Four people were killed and fifteen wereinjured in yesterday’s protest in Karze(Ch: Ganzi) County, Karze “TibetanAutonomous Prefecture,” SichuanProvince. The protest was attended byaround 400 people.

A protest held by monks and laypeoplein Bora Township, Kanlho “TibetanAutonomous Prefecture,” GansuProvince. During the protest, footage ofyoung Tibetan nomads riding horseswhile protesting has been received.

In Tsayou Township, Sangchu (Ch:Xiahe) County, Kanlho “TAP”, there wasa protest held by the laypeople.

Protests were held in various places inSerthar (Ch: Seda) County, Karze“Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,”Sichuan Province, during which Tibetanflags were raised.

Around 400 students from YulshulMiddle School in Yulshul (Ch: Yushu/Jiegu)/ Kyegudo County, Yulshul“Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,”Qinghai Province, stripped the Chineseflag down and held a protest. TheChinese military surrounded the schoolpremises. The school staff and studentswere strictly warned that today’sincident could not be told to anyone

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outside of the school. Furthermore, theywere told that the movement of bothschool staff and students will be restricteduntil the summer Olympics is over.

Military and “work teams” arrived inSakya Monastery in Sakya (Ch: Sajia)County, Shigatse (Ch: Rigaze)Prefecture, to advice them not to takepart in future protests. There was a brieftension between the authorities and themonks. On the 19th, while protesting, themonks forced the Chinese authorities toleave the monastic premises.

In Gonjo (Ch: Gongjue) County inChamdo (Ch: Changdu) Prefecture,“Tibet Autonomous Region,” a groupof Tibetans from Sa-Ngen village tookpart in several different protests. Specificdates cannot be confirmed. No furtherdetails available.

March 19, 2008

In Lhasa, the main entrance to allresidential complexes has been blockedoff by the Chinese military. Householdsare raided every night and non-familymembers (even those with properidentification) are being arbitrarilyarrested on the grounds that non-familymembers must have presumably takenpart in recent protests.

With such large numbers of Tibetansbeing arrested, and with some arresteeshaving to be flown outside of Lhasa, itcan be inferred that prisons in Lhasa areoverpopulated from all the recent arrests.

After the recent Lhasa protests grew insize and intensity, a massive number ofPeople’s Armed Police (PAP) patrolledthe streets. However, more recently, thePeople’s Liberation Army (PLA) wasbrought in as additional reinforcementto suppress the protests.

Around the border area of Tibet, therehas been a huge build up of Chinesemilitary to prevent people from secretlyentering Tibet.

Tibetans from Ponkhor village, Ma-ngoeTownship, Luchu (Ch: Luqu) County,Kanlho “Tibetan AutonomousPrefecture,” Gansu Province, took partin a protest today. Also, at a local schoolin Ponkhor village, protestors raised theTibetan flag.

On 17th and 19th March, students from alocal higher secondary school inBarkham (Ch: Ma’erkang) County,Ngapa (Ch: Aba) “Tibetan AutonomousPrefecture,” Sichuan Province, raised theTibetan National flag at their school.

During a major demonstration whichstarted around 8:30PM local time, themonks from Jam-Mey Monastery inDzoge (Ch: Ruo’ergai) County, Ngapa“Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture”,Sichuan province led more than 300Tibetans (lay and monks). Theprotestors brought down the Chineseflag at the local administrationheadquarters and also at the local armycamp. The protestors shouted sloganssuch as “Long live H.H. the Dalai Lama,”and “Tibet is an independent country.”

On March 22, 2008, around 1PM localtime, military dressed in monk robesseverely beat eight laypeople andarrested them too.

From March 19 until March 22, around48 known arrests have been made.

March 20, 2008

In three townships of Serthar Countysuch as Phuwu in Karze (Ch: Ganzi)“Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,”Sichuan province, numerous protestswere held even amidst the very tightmilitary presence. No further detailsavailable.

The People’s Armed Police opened fireat the monk protestors of SeraMonastery in Phuwu Township, SertharCounty, Karze “Tibetan AutonomousPrefecture”, Sichuan Province. Duringthe protest, around three monks werekilled and ten injured. Those injured werenot admitted into Chinese hospitals.

Monks and laypeople of Chakri, Do-gho,Prongma, and Panchen townships inPema (Ch: Banma) County, Golog“Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture”,Qinghai Province, held a protest today.No further details.

Tibetans from Tso-Nga township inMarkham (Ch: Mangkang) CountyChamdo (Ch: Changdu) Prefecture,“Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,” helda protest. No further details.

Around 20 Tibetans were arrestedduring the protest held in RushoeTownship (Markham County).

A massive protest was held by laypeopleand monks of Tsekhog (Ch: Zeku)County, Malho “Tibetan AutonomousPrefecture,” Qinghai Province. Nofurther details.

Chinese authorities attempted to ban theannual Monlam Cham at Tso Dun KirtiMonastery, Gyalrong Tso Dun, Barkham(Ch: Ma’erkang) County, Ngapa (Ch:Aba) “Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture”,today. When 40 Monks from themonastery went to the localadministration headquarters to make acomplain about the ban, there was aconfrontation between the monks andthe local authorities.

16 people were arrested during protestsheld in various villages (including NgulruDopa and Dogo Ruwa) in MarkhamCounty. The arrestees were taken to theMarkham County prison.

Monks and laypeople of DotoeTownship, Dzamthang (Ch: Rangtang)County, Ngapa (Ch: Aba) “TibetanAutonomous Prefecture,” SichuanProvince, held a protest. However, theprotest was suppressed rapidly by theChinese military.

The people of Dotoe Township weresummoned for a meeting called by thedeputy head of Dzamthang County andDotoe Township officials.

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After the arrival and the subsequenttight restrictions by Chinese militaryforces in Pema (Ch: Banma) County,Golog “TAP,” Qinghai Province, aprotest was held during which thepeople demanded concrete results in theSino-Tibetan dialogue.

The same evening in Panchen, Pangrueand Markhog villages, Tibetans heldpeaceful demonstrations.

March 21, 2008

According to a very reliable source (fromwithin the People’s Security Bureau),since 19th March, Chinese militarypersonnel deployed in Lhasa havedressed up as monks for two mainpurposes. Firstly, military dressed upas monks are freely roaming the streetsof Lhasa to give of the false image thatstability has been restored in Lhasa(even though a Martial Law situation isstill prevalent in Lhasa). Secondly, themilitary dressed as monks are also beingused for surveillance purposes tocrackdown on the protestors. Forexample, the military dressed as monkshave been interacting with the localTibetans to collect information, whichthey have been passing on to theirauthorities.

We can confirm that personnel from atleast four of the military units (listedbelow) were involved in this dupingtactic of falsely dressing up as monks:1) Border Security (PLA)2) Coordination Unit (PLA)3) Military intelligence (PLA)4) People’s Liberation Army- 52 Division(formerly deployed in Gey-chiktownship, Nyingtri Prefecture)

While China has not acknowledged theMartial Law situation in Lhasa and manyother parts of Tibet, the ground situationstill indicates that Martial Law is verymuch prevalent in Tibet. The 55 divisionof People’s Liberation Army (PLA) basedin Toelung County, west of Lhasa, hasbeen deployed in Lhasa for furthersuppression of the peacefuldemonstrations. In addition, highly

skilled-military from 149th Battalion of 13th

Regiment (from Chengdu) and 52Division (from Lhasa) were alsodeployed. In Lhasa, a daily curfew wasset starting from 7PM. Also, Tibetansfound without a ration card (foridentification purposes) are being forcedout of Lhasa.

On March 20 and 21, many youngTibetans in the Lhasa area werearbitrarily arrested.

In Dingri County (Shigatse Prefecture),no protests took place so far, however alarge number of military personnel wasdeployed.

The Tibetans students of QinghaiNationalities University held a protestboth yesterday and today to show theirsolidarity for those Tibetans killed in therecent demonstrations.

Around 50 nuns and monks plusadditional laypeople held a protest todayin Karze (Ch: Ganzi) County, Karze“Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,”Sichuan Province.

March 22, 2008

Around 200 protestors (including manyhorsemen) held protests in Toema andMeyma villages in Darlag (Ch: Dari)County, Golog “Tibetan AutonomousPrefecture,” Qinghai Province.

Around 10AM this morning, Tibetansfrom four villages (Drulche, Kholtsa-thang, Lugyal, and Nyamo) from NangraTownship initiated a protest that wasalso joined by the people of KyarengTownship (including villages Kyareng,Yulwo-che, and Lokhok). The abovevillages are in Chentsa (Ch: Jianza)County, Malho “Tibetan AutonomousPrefecture,” Qinghai province.

While protesting, the Tibetan flag wasswayed and the portrait of H.H. the DalaiLama and His Serenity PanchenRinpoche was carried along.

When the protestors reached theChentsa County headquarters, they werejoined by more protestors from thevillages: Lechen, Markhu-thang, andBartsa. Some Trulkus (reincarnatedlamas) and respected lamas werepressured by County authorities to getthe protest to end. The protest lasted tillaround 3PM that afternoon.

50 military trucks from Hunan Province(China) arrived today on March 22 in theChentsa County area. Even with thewidespread and intimidating militarypresence, Tibetans from villagesincluding Miri-Gongma, Miri-Sholma,Lowa, and Tsulshing held ademonstration today. During thisdemonstration, four people werearrested in Lokhog village by armedforces, and the demonstration wasstopped there.

Around 500 monks and laypeople fromPalyul village, Chigdril (Ch: Jiuzhi)County, Golog, “Tibetan AutonomousPrefecture,” Qinghai Province, areholding a sit-down on a hill-top todemand that Karwang Nyima Rinpoche(Dharthang Monastery head) not beharassed by the Chinese military. Thepeople have also demanded that theUnited Nations, U.S. and other countriesshould intervene to resolve the currentissue.

Monks from Tashi Choeling monasteryin Chone (Ch: Zhuoni) County, Kanlho“Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,”Gansu Province, held a peacefuldemonstration against the Chinese rule.The military warned the monks that theymust surrender by March 24. Many ofthe monks have been arrested.

At around 9PM, monks from A-tsokmonastery, Tsegor Thang (Ch: Xinghai)County, Tsolho “Tibetan AutonomousPrefecture,” Qinghai Province, held apeaceful demonstration during whichthey shouted free-Tibet slogans andalso raised the Tibetan flag on themonastery rooftop and on the hill -topbehind the monastery.

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In a school near A-tsok monastery, themonks from A-tsok monastery broughtdown the Chinese flag and raised theTibetan flag in its place.

Chinese military arrived at the scene andsurrounded the Monastery premises.They also pressured the retired staff andlamas of the monastery to bring theprotest to an end. The monks were alsostrictly warned by the military not toshare the details of today’s incident withoutsiders. In addition, the monks werealso given some “patriotic re-education”classes.

March 23, 2008

A few Tibetans were arrested by Chinesemilitary in Gonjo (Ch: Gongjue) County,Chamdo (Ch: Changdu) Prefecture,“Tibet Autonomous Region.” No furtherdetails available.

March 24, 2008

While the most recent death toll fromthe demonstrations in Tibet is around140, the Central Tibetan Administrationreleases the names and details of 40identified people from the death toll list.Many of the dead bodies from the recentdemonstrations are being turned intothe People’s Procuratorates instead ofbeing returned to their respectivefamilies. This has also made it moredifficult to gather details on the deathtoll.

In Karze (Ch: Ganzi) County, Karze“Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,”Sichuan Province, each household wasthoroughly searched by Chinese militaryand police.

Also, during a search in Sershul (Ch:Shiqu) County, Karze “TibetanAutonomous Prefecture,” SichuanProvince, 70 portraits of H.H. the DalaiLama and three CDs (speeches by H.H.the Dalai Lama) were found at theChuga-tsang family house and takenaway by the military. The search bymilitary at Chuga-tsang family home tookplace after their family member Ngoengawas arrested few days earlier.

All shops owned by Tibetans inShigatse (Ch: Rigaze) County, ShigatsePrefecture, “Tibet AutonomousRegion”, remained closed.

Monks from Shingsa monastery, Yulgan(Ch: Henan) County, Malho “TibetanAutonomous Prefecture,” QinghaiProvince, held a protest against theChinese government. No further detailsavailable.

On March 24 and 25, thirteen people fromToelung Dechen (Ch: Duilongdeqing)County, under Lhasa municipality, werearrested.

March 25, 2008

Ramoche monk dies due to tightrestrictions in monasterySince the start of the Demonstrations inTibet on March 10, there has been anincreasingly strong military and policepresence in and around the premises ofall the monasteries (especially ones thathave participated in the recentdemonstrations in Tibet).

Military and People’s Armed Police(PAP) blocked off water, electricity, foodand health facilities in monasteries(including Sera, Drepung and Gaden)that have had active involvement in therecent demonstrations in Tibet.

Since March 14, in Ramoche Monastery(Lhasa) Chinese military presence was aregular scene. They completelysurrounded the monastery premises andblocked off all exit and entry points. Asa result of these tight restrictions, gettingregular food and water supplies was ahuge problem for the monastery, and onMarch 23, Thokmey (a monk fromRamoche) died from starvation asconfirmed from a reliable source. Fromtime to time, the military have been firedtear gas inside the Monastery premises.

Pressing issues (such as shortage offood and water, restrictions onmovement, lack of medical facilities andtear-gas use by the military) are beingfaced by many monasteries in Tibet.While we can confirm that such problems

are widespread and prevalent, it isproving extremely difficult to get detailson specific incidences (such as the oneat Ramoche monastery) due to all therestrictions that have been placed by theChinese authorities.

In Bathang and Derong Counties in Karze“Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,”Sichuan province, the ChineseGovernment has given around 20,000Yuan to each of the monasteries and alsohas provided 300 kgs of rice toindividual households. It’s interesting tonote the irony since on one end as Chinacontinues to kill peaceful Tibetandemonstrators (death toll rising almostby the day), on the other end, it is tryingto win over the Tibetans.

On March 24, in Chokri village, Drakgo(Ch: Luhuo) County, Karze (Ch: Ganzi)“Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture”Sichuan province, around 200 nuns fromNgang-khong nunnery held a protestmarch to the Government headquartersat Tehor Township (around 4-5 kmswalk), arriving around 4pm in theafternoon. At the headquarters the nunsshouted “Tibet is an independentcountry” and “Long live H.H the DalaiLama” etc.. The nuns were also joinedby Tibetans from Tehor Township,Drakgo (Ch: Luhuo) County, over 200monks from nearby Chokri Monasteryand around 150 nuns from KhasumNunnery (Khasum Township in Drakgo(Ch: Luhuo) County). This massiveprotest lasted till around 5pm.

During the protest a monk (age 21) fromChokri Monastery was shot and killedon the spot by the military. When themilitary tried to take the dead body away,protestors were able to collectively keepthe body in their possession and laterhid the body in a safe spot. Anotherprotestor, Tsewang Dhondup was alsoshot (on his kidney) and remains inextremely critical condition with littlehope for survival.

On March 25, military helicopters flewaround the area for survellience. Also,an evening curfew was imposed.

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As reported earlier, due to the tightrestrictions, getting regular food andwater supplies has been a huge problemat Ramoche monastery (among manyothers), and on March 24, LobsangThokmey (a monk from RamocheMonastery) died as a result. Chineseauthorities returned the body ofLobsang Thokmey to his family onMarch 25. However, they have notprovided any explanation for the causeof death.

At around 10:30 AM, hundreds ofTibetans from Holkha Township (TsegorThang (Ch: Xinghai) County, Tsolho“Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture”,Qinghai Province, held a massive protestin front of the County governmentheadquarters. The protest lasted tillaround 1PM in the afternoon.

During the protest, a banner (in Tibetan)read “Peace, Democracy, Freedom andSolidarity with Martyrs.” Anotherbanner (in Chinese) read, “Stoprepression in Tibet.”

A huge military deployment was made,and a full military base is being built inLithang (Ch: Litang) County, Karze (Ch:Ganzi) “Tibetan AutonomousPrefecture,” Sichuan Province. Over 100tents are being used to house themilitary personnel.

A government office in Lithang Countywas set on fire. However, the localTibetan people have strongly denied anyinvolvement in the incident and insteadbelieve that Chinese authorities arebehind this act in their attempt to taintthe image of Tibetans.

March 26, 2008

Tight restrictions continued in Lhasa.The Tsug-lag-khang temple and Barkhor(area surrounding the Tsug-lag-khang)continue to remain sealed by the military.Shops (except a few Chinese owned)remain closed in the Lhasa area. Parentsescorting their children to school wereforced to return to their homes.

Monks from Chokri monastery (Drakgo(Ch: Luhuo) County, Karze “TibetanAutonomous Prefecture,” Sichuanprovince) are being forced by Chineseauthorities to leave the monastery. Nunsfrom Nang-gong nunnery continue to bearrested. However, many of the nunshave managed to escape from beingarrested.

Houses and Monasteries in DrakgoCounty are being searched belligerentlyby the Chinese military.

The whereabouts of many monks andlaypeople remain unknown.

On March 24, monks, nuns and laypeoplefrom Tehor Township (Drakgo County)and surrounding areas held a massiveprotest during which Kunga (monk fromChokri monastery, aged 21) was shot andkilled by the Chinese military. Themilitary tried to take his body away;however, the protestors collectivelywere able to hold onto his body and hidit in a safe spot. On March 25, theChinese military and police forcefullytook the body of Kunga from themonastery and had it cremated nearby.

When the monks from Chokri monasteryheld prayers for the above deceasedmonk, they also took the opportunity tohold a protest since a sizable group hadalready gathered at the scene. Theprotest grew in size and intensity,especially after they were joined bymany laypeople. The protestors on theirway to the County governmentheadquarters were stopped by a hugenumber of Chinese military.

In their attempt to end the protest, themilitary had fired shots into the air.However, the protestors held theirresolve and continued to protest. Whenthe situation grew tensed with gunsbeing pointed at the protestors, then, themonks and laypeople formed a human-barricade with each of the protestorslying flat on the road. The protest endedthat afternoon after monks and laypeopledecided to leave the scene on their ownterms. Details for number of arrests, killed

or injured during the protest are currentlynot available.

From March 25 evening onwards, Chokrimonastery was surrounded by Chinesemilitary, and numerous people have beenarrested.

Monks of Serlek Monastery in GepaSumdo (Ch: Tongde) County, Tsolho“Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,”Qinghai Province, held a massive butpeaceful demonstration against theChinese Government.

After the successive protests on March24 and 25 in Drakgo (Ch: Luhuo) County,Karze (Ch: Ganzi) “Tibetan AutonomousPrefecture,” Sichuan Province, over 100motorcycles (owned by Tibetans) havebeen confiscated by Chinese authorities.Such a move can only be understood interms of the authorities wanting torestrict the movement of Tibetan people,to prevent them from escaping arrest.

Military units that were brought inspecifically to suppress thedemonstrations in Lhasa were withdrawnon 3PM, March 26. However, the PublicSecurity Bureau (PSB) and other lawenforcement agencies (that arepermanently stationed in Lhasa)continue to remain.

Namgyal Tsering (former abbot of Chokrimonastery) and Sonam Gyurmey(principal of the school run by Chokrimonastery with a Geshe Lharampadegree (doctorate in Buddhistphilosophy from Sera Je Monastery),both from Chokri monastery, Drakgo (Ch:Luhuo) County, Karze “TibetanAutonomous Prefecture,” SichuanProvince, were taken away by ChinesePolice under the pretence of a meetingthey needed to attend. However, the twomonks were arrested.

Gaden Rapten Nampar Gyalwai Lingmonastery, Drakgo County, has beensurrounded by the military, and verytight restrictions have been imposed onthe monastery.

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The people that led the protest on March25 are being sought by the military.People travelling on the streets nearGaden Rapten Nampar Gyalwai Lingmonastery are being searchedthoroughly.

A group of Tibetans held a protest atDartsedo (Ch: Kangding) County, Karze(Ch: Ganzi) “Tibetan AutonomousPrefecture,” Sichuan Province. Nofurther details available.

March 25 and 26, 2008

At Mi-nyak Town, Nyagchu (Ch:Yajiang) County, Karze (Ch: Ganzi)“TAP”, Sichuan Province, Tibetansexpressed their frustrations by writingslogans such as “Tibet is anindependent country” on Chinesecurrency, and threw them all over.

March 27, 2008

Staged events during foreign media visitbackfires on China’s attempt to portraya stabilized image of Lhasa.China has been facing harsh criticismand condemnation from the worldcommunity for its aggressive handlingof the recent demonstrations in Tibet.

China has also been criticized for the lackof independent press freedom in Tibet,and as a result, a select group of foreignreporters (chosen by the ChineseGovernment) were taken for agovernment-managed tour.

In a carefully planned and controlledmove, during the group’s visit to Tsug-lag-khang (Jokhang) temple, three seniormonks of the temple (pre-selected by theChinese Government) were to interactwith the foreign reporters. The othermonks were specifically instructed toengage in monastic activities such asphilosophical debating at the monasterycourtyard while the media group wasvisiting.

Contrary to the “life is back to normal”image that the Chinese hoped to portray,numerous monks disrupted the

government-managed tour by theforeign reporters. During the 15-minuteoutburst, the monks screamed that therewas no religious freedom in Tibet andH.H. the Dalai Lama was not to blamefor inciting the demonstrations in Tibet.

Tibetans from Holkha Town (TsegorCounty) gathered in front of theTownship headquarters. They requestedfor the release of Ribum Gyal and younggirl who were arrested during thedemonstration on March 26 in TsegorThang (Ch: Xinghai) County, Tsolho“Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,”Qinghai province. No details can beprovided now as to whether any of thetwo arrestees were actually released.

China calls on ex-Communist Partymembers to help portray a calm andstable image of Lhasa.An order was issued on March 26 bythe concerned departments askingretired communist party members andofficials to visit the Potala palace andTsug-lag-khang (Jokhang) temple andother holy sites in the Lhasa area.

It is obvious that such a move was madeby Chinese authorities in order to portraya peaceful and stable image of Lhasa,especially given the mountinginternational pressure and condemnationfor their handling of the recentdemonstrations.

In Zhejiang market (one of the busiestmarkets in Nagchu Prefecture (Ch: NaquChen), “Tibet Autonomous Region,”over 30 people held a protest in whichthey demanded for freedom in Tibet.Public Security Bureau (PSB) arrivedsoon after the start of the protest, andeach of the 30 protestors was arrested.Even after the protest was completelysuppressed, the People’s Armed Police(PAP) arrived at the scene andwrongfully arrested a group of studentsfrom the same market area. The studentswere released the next day.Nagchu Prefecture remained under tightrestrictions. Even before March 10, a

sizable military deployment was made inNagchu Prefecture.

Two monks commit suicideLobsang Jinpa (monk from Kirtimonastery, hometown in Ngasib Ka-nyak village, Ngaba County), whocommitted suicide on March 27 wroteon his signed suicide note, “I do not wantto live under Chinese oppression evenfor a minute, leave aside living for a day.”

Legtsok (75 years of age, from NgabaGomang monastery), was the other monkto commit suicide. A few days ago whenhe was on his way to perform someprayer rituals for a Tibetan family, he wasencountered by a contingent of largeChinese forces who beat him severely.He was then detained for a few days andlater sent back to his monastery. Beforehe committed suicide, he told his twostudents that he could not bear livingunder Chinese oppression.

March 28, 2008

Monk quarters in Kirti Monastery,Ngaba (Ch:Aba) County, Ngapa“Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,”Sichuan Province, were thoroughlysearched by Public Security Bureau(PSB) and People’s Armed Police (PAP).Monks have been forced to stay withintheir living-quarters. Any itemsindicating reverence to H.H. the DalaiLama (such as his portraits etc.) weretaken away. Documents in theirpossession were also thoroughlyexamined. Over 100 monks from KirtiMonastery were arrested today.

Three monks from Chokri monastery,whom Chinese authorities have blamedfor leading the demonstration in Drakgo(Ch: Luhuo) County, Karze “TibetanAutonomous Prefecture,” SichuanProvince, on March 24, were issuedwarnings by the Chinese authoritiesthat, upon arresting them, they wouldface harsh legal consequences for theinvolvement in the demonstration.Currently, the whereabouts of the threemonks are not known.

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Six Chinese military trucks packed withmilitary personnel arrived in ChokriShuk-yul village, Drakgo (Ch: Luhuo)County, Karze “TAP,” Sichuan Province,and have been making arrests at a veryalarming rate.

Many posters were pasted in variousvillages of Nyarong (Ch: Xinlong)County, Karze “TAP” Sichuan Province.Some of the posters read, “Tibet needsfreedom and independence,” and “LongLive His Holiness the Dalai Lama.”Similar messages were also written onstone tablets.Gatherings have been strictly banned inthe Nyarong County.

After two County governmentalbuildings were set on fire on March 27,a group of Tibetans (living close towhere the incident occurred in Nyarong(Ch: Xinlong) County, Karze “TAP,”Sichuan Province) were taken intocustody and beaten while also beinginterrogated.

“Patriotic re-education” campaignproving a failureMore than 40 heads of monasteries fromSershul (Ch: Shiqu) County, Karze (Ch:Ganzi) “TAP,” Sichuan Province, weresummoned by the State Administrationof Religious Affairs so that they couldbe given “patriotic re-education”classes. The 40 heads of monasteries didnot comply with the Chinese demandsto participate in the classes.

Monk uses posters to express conditionsin TibetTsewang Dorjee, monk from Neramonastery, Pasho (Ch: Basu) County,Chamdo Prefecture, “Tibet AutonomousRegion, pasted many posters at multiplelocations including the Pasho Countygovernmental headquarters and also onsome big rocks (near Nera monastery).On the posters, among many otherthings, he demanded religious freedomin Tibet, independence for Tibet and thereturn of His Holiness the Dalai Lama toTibet. Tsewang Dorjee was arrested afterhe returned to the monastery.

March 29, 2008

Lhasa – Massive protests erupt againafter many days of suppression.Around 2 PM (local time), Tibetans againgathered for a protest in front ofRamoche Monastery, Lhasa. Also,nearby, in front of Tsug-lag-khang(Jokhang) temple and Beijing East road,protests were started, and thousandsjoined into the protests within no time.These protests were happening aftermany days of intense suppression,during which Chinese armoured vehiclesand tanks being brought in to forcefullystop the protests.

Massive “Patriotic- re-education”campaign startedChinese authorities have stepped up the“patriotic re-education” classes inregions beyond the “TibetanAutonomous Region” (“TAR”).Particularly in monasteries all over Tibet,“Patriotic re-education,” has beenstrictly implemented.

Over 100 senior officials have been sentto various prefectures and counties tolead the “patriotic re-education”campaign.Due to lack of officials needed for themassive “patriotic re-education”campaign, retired members of PublicSecurity Bureau (PSB), People’sLiberation Army (PLA), and People’sArmed Police (PAP) have been calledupon to assist.

The former PSB, PLA and PAP memberswere told to dress in monk-robes andassist the “work teams” for “patriotic re-education” classes in monasteries. Theywere told that their pension and otherbenefits would be increased for theservices rendered.However, the former PSB, PLA and PAPmembers declined the offer, and wereespecially reluctant to deceitfully dressup as monks, as confirmed by a reliablesource.

A group of monks were arrested whilethe PAP was conducting a thoroughsearch at Adhue Monastery, Ngaba (Ch:

Aba) County, Ngaba “TAP,” SichuanProvince.

Monks reject “Patriotic re-education”classesChinese governmental “Work teams”arrived at Shiwa monastery (branch ofShiwa Lathim monastery), RalangTownship, Nyarong (Ch: Xinlong)County, Karze “Tibetan AutonomousPrefecture,” Sichuan Province, toconduct “patriotic re-education”classes. During one particular class,monks shouted slogans such as “Tibetis an independent country” and “HisHoliness the Dalai Lama should bewelcomed to Tibet.”

As a result, around 200 militarypersonnel arrived at the monastery tosuppress the determined monks.Information on arrests made was notavailable. There are around 160 monksat Shiwa monastery.

Messages being passed through postersOn street areas and walls near the Zigarmonastery, Jomda (Ch: Jiangda) County,Chamdo Prefecture, “Tibet AutonomousRegion,” many posters were pasted.Among many other things, some of theposters read “Tibet is an independentcountry” and “China out of Tibet”.When news of the posters got toChinese authorities, the military arrivedat Zigar monastery to imposerestrictions.

Monks arrested for protesting against“Patriotic re-education” classes5 monks from Nyimaling monastery,Gyalchen Township, Sog (Ch: Sou)County, Nagchu Prefecture (Ch: NaquShen), “Tibet Autonomous Region,”who protested against Chinese “work-teams” giving “patriotic re-education”classes were arrested by the local police.

March 30, 2008

China still trying to dupe the worldthrough imperceptible tacticsThe People’s Armed Police (PAP) was atKirti monastery (in Ngaba (Ch: Aba)

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County, Ngaba “Tibetan AutonomousPrefecture,” Sichuan Province) on March29 and 30.The PAP staged events taking picturesof the monks holding portraits of HisHoliness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetanflag while behind cameras the monkswere severely beaten.The PAP also took pictures of monksusing computers who were forced to doso.China has been condemned by the worldcommunity for their blatant abuse ofhuman rights, and the above incidentsat Kirti monastery prove that Chineseauthorities are attempting to forcefullyportray a positive image to the worldcommunity.Many Tibetan hunters have been vowingto stop poaching and have been turningin their arms to various monasteries.Such an act has been a traditionalpractice in Tibet since the monasteries(seen as a sacred place) are the ideal placeto make such vows and poachers havefaith in the monasteries to never allowtheir use again or to engage in their sales.Chinese authorities have been using thecurrent situation to send out a falsemessage that monasteries are stock-piling arms for use in futuredemonstrations.On March 28, large numbers of PAParrived at Kirti monastery, and a hugenumber of monks were arrested.

Protest by monksOn March 30, monks of Wara monastery,Jomda (Ch: Jiangda) County, Chamdo(Ch: Changdu) Prefecture, “TAR,” led ademonstration.The County officials asked a senior lamafrom Wara monastery to stop the protest,and as a result, the demonstrationended temporarily. No further detailswere available. In Jomda County andDerge County (Karze “TAP”) a hugemilitary deployment has been made andsuppression continues.

Monks arrested at Achok Tse-nyimonasteryIn Achok Tse-nyi monastery, Ngaba (Ch:Aba) County, Ngaba “TibetanAutonomous Prefecture,” Sichuan

Province, a group of monks werearrested while the PAP was conductinga thorough search of the monastery.

16 arrested from Gomang monasteryIn Gomang monastery, Ngaba (Ch: Aba)County, Ngaba “Tibetan AutonomousPrefecture,” Sichuan Province, the PAPconducted a thorough search of themonastery.Also, 16 monks from the monastery werearrested recently.

17 arrested at Tak-tsang Lhamo Kirtimonastery; searches continue.On March 29, 17 monks from Tak-tsangLhamo Kirti monastery, Dzoge (Ch:Ruo’ergai) County, Ngaba (Ch: Aba)“Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,”Sichuan Province, were arrested by thePAP.On March 30, each of the monks’quarters was thoroughly searched bythe PAP.

Students hold protestStudents from a Teachers TrainingSchool in Chabcha (Ch: Gonghe) Town,(location for Tsolho “TAP,”headquarters, Qinghai Province, held apeaceful demonstration around 11:00PM. No further details available.

Tight restrictions at Shiwa LhathimmonasteryMonks from Shiwa Lhathim monasteryin Raloong Township, Nyarong (Ch:Xinlong) County, Karze “TibetanAutonomous Prefecture,” SichuanProvince, were on a protest marchtowards the County GovernmentalHeadquarters. On their way, they werestopped by Chinese security forces andsent back to their monastery.

Shiwa Lhathim monastery remains

surrounded by Chinese security forces.The local Tibetan people have sent aletter to the concerned office warningthem that if the suppression is continuedat Shiwa Lhathim monastery, then, thepeople would hold a massivedemonstration.

March 31, 2008

Eight arrested At Voen-po monasteryEight monks and lay people werearrested when concerned officials of theChinese government arrived at Voen-pomonastery, Sershul (Ch: Shiqu) County,Karze “TAP,” Sichuan Province, toconduct “patriotic re-educationclasses.” The monks were told that theywere being arrested for the allegedinvolvement, leading and master-minding the demonstrations in Lhasaearlier in March. They were also told thatthe authorities have documents linkingthem to the demonstrations.

Even during China’s completeannexation of Tibet 1959, Voen-pomonastery and its surrounding areaswas one of the key locations whereTibetans resisted the Chinese forces.

April 2, 2008

In addition to the already released 40names and details of Tibetans killedduring the recent demonstrations, theCentral Tibetan Administrationreleases four more names (with details)from current death toll list which standsat over 140.

China destroying evidence by crematingbodies of Tibetans killed duringdemonstrationsSince March 10, Tibetans have helddemonstrations in all the three traditionalprovinces of Tibet with over a 140people dying as a direct result of thesuppression.Many of the bodies of those who wereshot and killed by the Chinese militaryand police during the demonstrationshave been cremated by the Chinese andonly their ashes were returned to theirfamilies.Such an atrocious move has been madeby the Chinese to get rid of any evidenceof their wrongdoing.

Lhakpa Tsering was killed in Lu-ghugStreet with a shot to his forehead duringthe demonstration in Lhasa on March14, 2008. He was a resident of Lhasa,

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around 30 years of age and used to workas a tourist vehicle driver. He was bornin Lhoka Prefecture.The Pubic Security Bureau (PSB)forcefully took the body of LhakpaTsering from his family telling them thatsome investigations needed to be doneat the People’s Procuratorates. His bodywas later cremated in Toelung (west ofLhasa) and only his ashes were returnedto his family in a plastic bag with hisname written across it.On March 24, Kunga (a monk from Chokrimonastery) in Drakgo (Ch: Luhuo)County, Karze “Tibetan AutonomousPrefecture,” Sichuan province, was shotand killed during a demonstration atChokri Monastery. On March 25, hisbody was forcefully taken from Chokrimonastery and cremated nearby.It can be inferred that such incidents,whereby the Chinese are trying to getrid of evidence by cremating the bodiesof those killed during thedemonstrations, have occurred manytimes since the start of thedemonstrations in Tibet where the deathtoll now stands over 140.

Protest heldMonks from Nyatso monastery in Tawu(Ch: Daofu) County, Karze “TibetanAutonomous Prefecture,” SichuanProvince, and laypeople (from TawuCounty) held a protest. No furtherdetails available.

China pressuring monks to denounceHis Holiness the Dalai LamaChinese “work-teams” arrived at Ba-Chodae monastery, Bathang (Ch: Batang)County, Karze (Ch: Ganzi) “TibetanAutonomous Prefecture,” Sichuanprovince. There, they attempted tocollect signatures from the monks whichwould support Chinese allegations thatHis Holiness the Dalai Lama wasresponsible for inciting the recentdemonstrations in Tibet.

Each of the 200 monks at the monasteryrefused to give into Chinese pressureby not providing their signatures. Therewere heated arguments between themonks and the “work-teams” leading to

the arrest of five monks including theabbot of the monastery, Jigme Dorjee,and the Disciplinary in charge, Yeshi.

Nuns hold prayer-marchAround 10AM, nuns from the Ratroenunnery in Tawu (Ch: Daofu) County,Karze (Ch: Ganzi) “Tibetan AutonomousPrefecture,” Sichuan province, walkedtowards the crematorium (near the TawuCounty headquarters) holding a prayer-march for those killed during the recentdemonstrations in Tibet. On their way,the nuns were stopped by the policeresulting in a heated argument.However, the police were not able to stopthe determined nuns. Near the TawuCounty headquarters’ middle school, thenuns were stopped again when Countyofficials backed by three trucks full ofpolicemen arrived to stop the nuns fromcontinuing their peaceful march.Students of the middle school and localpeople shouted slogans to support thenuns.

The nuns successfully completed theirprayer march.

Nya-tso monastery monks, who hadinitially planned to go on the prayer-march with the nuns, were pressured byChinese police to not take part andinstead were restricted to stay in theirmonastery.

Over 30 monks from Sargoen TashiChoepel Ling monastery arrestedOver 30 monks from Sargoen TashiChoepel Ling monastery, Well-bhenTown, Machu (Ch: Maqu) County,Kanlho “Tibetan AutonomousPrefecture,” Gansu Province, werearrested between the dates March 31-April 2. Twelve of monks were releasedafter a fine of 1500 Yuan was imposedon them.

20 monks from Thupten Yongduelingmonastery from the same town were alsoarrested.

April 2 and 3, 2008

“Patriotic re-education” campaign

continues; those not complying beingarrestedOn April 2, 2008, Chinese “work-teams”arrived at various monasteries includingTong-khor monastery, in Tong-khorTownship, Karze County, Karze (Ch:Ganzi) “Tibetan AutonomousPrefecture,” Sichuan Province, in theirattempt to conduct “patriotic re-education” classes.

Chinese “work-teams” also attempted asignature campaign to get people todenounce His Holiness the Dalai Lamaand refer to him as a “splittist.” Themonk in charge of the monastery,Lobsang Jamyang, openly rejected thecampaign.

Yeshi Nyima, also a monk from Tong-khor monastery, stood up during a“patriotic re-education” session andshouted that the he would not providehis signature, even at the cost of his life.The other monks of the monastery alsomade the similar statements.

On April 3, 2008, People’s Armed Police(PAP) and Public Security Bureau (PSB)arrived at Tong-khor monastery inresponse to yesterday’s incident at themonastery.

The PAP and PSB conducted thoroughsearches of all the monk quarters andconfiscated portraits of His Holiness theDalai Lama and the spiritual head of themonastery. They also took away mobilehand-sets and money belonging to themonks.

Geshe Tsultrim Gyatso, a 70-year oldmonk who demanded that His Holinessthe Dalai Lama’s portrait not be takendown, was arrested and taken intocustody.

Laypeople (living nearby Tong-khormonastery) held a protest in support ofthe monks at Tong-khor monastery.Tsultrim Phuntsok, a 26 year old man,was arrested during the protest.

Around 8–9PM, loud gun shots wereheard in the Tong-khor village area. Later

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it was confirmed that Nyima and Kabook(both monks from Tong-khor monastery)were severely injured from gunshots.Currently, we have no additional detailson number of people injured or killed.

There are around 300 monks at Tong-khor monastery. However, since theincident at Tong-khor monastery only afew senior monks remain at themonastery. Currently, we have noinformation on the whereabouts of theother monks.

April 3, 2008

At least 8 killed and 3 critically injuredby police during peaceful demonstrationDuring a peaceful demonstration by themonks of Tonkgor monastery, TongkorTownship, Karze (Ch: Ganzi) County,Karze “Tibetan AutonomousPrefecture,” Sichuan Province, theArmed Police fired on a crowd of severalhundred killing at least 8 Tibetans.

In addition to the already released 40plus four (names and details) ofTibetans killed during the recentdemonstrations, the Central TibetanAdministration releases eight morenames (with details) from current deathtoll list which stands well over 140.

Three monks, Kyalpo, Nyima andThupten Gelek were critically injuredwhen they were shot by the ArmedPolice during the same demonstration.

Any further details on other people thatmay also have been killed or injuredduring the protest cannot be confirmed.

Tibetan monk beaten to death in frontof public by Chinese security forcesA monk from Ngaba-Namtso monasterywas reportedly beaten to death in frontof the public in Ngaba (Ch: Aba) County,Ngaba “Tibetan AutonomousPrefecture,” Sichuan Province.Additional details are yet to beascertained.

April 4, 2008

Tight restrictions on foreign studentsat Tibet University (Lhasa)Following the aftermath of the March 14demonstration in Lhasa till the end ofMarch, foreign students of TibetUniversity (studying Tibetan language)were restricted from leaving theiruniversity campus.For over a week, their mobile phones,internet and other devices weredisconnected.Since a few days ago, a new rule hasbeen imposed where if the foreignstudents of the University need to leavethe campus for purchasing personalitems, then special permission needs tobe obtained. A maximum of 1-2 hourpermission is given for them to leave thecampus.

April 5, 2008

Massive Protest by monks and lay peopleAround a thousand people (monks andlaypeople) gathered at Nya-tsomonastery, Tawu (Ch: Daofu) County,Karze “TAP,” Sichuan Province, for theannual Tor-kyak ritual (held to ward offevil forces). While they were on theirprayer-march towards the Tawu CountyGovernmental Headquarters, thelaypeople were specifically blocked bythe armed forces from moving aheadwhile the monks were let go. Thelaypeople started to protest against thesuppression and shouted slogans suchas, “human rights in Tibet” and “longlive His Holiness the Dalai Lama.”

During the protest, the armed forcesopened fire at the crowd injuring many.Some of the other injured were in criticalcondition. They could not be treated atthe local County Hospital and had to betaken to a bigger hospital in China.

Situation at Tong-khor monasteryreminiscent of times during theCultural Revolution.The armed forces carried out anaggressive search at Tong-khormonastery, Karze (Ch: Ganzi) County,Karze “Tibetan Autonomous

Prefecture,” Sichuan Province, on April5. Windows at the residence of thespiritual head of the monastery wasshattered and statues in the prayer hallwere dismantled. Since Tong-khormonastery houses many ancientartifacts and religious objects, it is amatter of great concern that duringanother possible search more damagemay result.The current situation at Tong-khormonastery is reminiscent of the timesduring the Cultural Revolution.

Tibetans express frustrationsThe Chinese flag was brought down at aschool nearby Rabgang monastery inMi-nyak Nagtren village, Tawu (Ch:Daofu) County, Karze “TAP,” SichuanProvince.

In Ge-kay Thang Street in Mi-nyakNagtren village, various slogans suchas “Tibet is an independent country”were written on stone tablets andadvertisement boards using red paint.

Local police and concerned officialsarrived on April 6 to get rid of the graffitiwhich resulted in a minor clash withsome Tibetans.

Moreover, local authorities arrived inMi-nyak Nagtren village to give“patriotic re-education” classes.However, this has been met with muchresentment from the Tibetans.

Two monks arrested at Sok-tsangmonasteryA huge number of Armed Police arrivedat Sok-tsang monastery, Ngaba (Ch:Aba) County, Ngaba “TibetanAutonomous Prefecture,” andconducted a thorough search of themonk-quarters. Two monks werearrested. They are:1) Tsultrim Gyatso (from Chukra village)2) Lobsang Thupten (from Dopelvillage)

April 6, 2008

Till date, the Central TibetanAdministration has released 55 names

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and details for those killed duringtherecent demonstrations in Tibet. Thecurrent death toll stands well over 140.

April 7, 2008

Tight restrictions at Ratroe nunneryDue to the protests by the nuns fromRatroe nunnery, Tawu (Ch: Daofu)County, Karze “Tibetan AutonomousPrefecture,” Sichuan Province, on April2, armed forces continue to impose tightrestrictions at the nunnery and, inaddition, have announced that “patrioticre-education” classes would be startedsoon.

Most monks from Ramoche monasteryarrested.All of the monks at Ramoche monastery,Lhasa, (except around 30 of them) werearrested today on April 7. Ramochemonastery usually houses over a 100monks.

Since the massive protest by the monksof Ramoche monastery on March 14, oneor two of the monks were arrested onMarch 15. The other monks were putunder tight restrictions in a house arrestlike situation.

Based on the arrests made at Ramochemonastery, it is very likely that similararrests may also be made at Sera,Drepung and Gaden (the three majormonastic universities of Tibet), andarrests are also likely at othermonasteries that remain under tightrestrictions.

Many arrested

On the evening of April 7, thirty monksfrom Ngul-ra monastery, Machu (Ch:Maqu) County, Kanlho “TibetanAutonomous Prefecture,” GansuProvince, were arrested.An additional ten people from ThumeyRunak monastery, Ngul-ra Township,were also arrested.In Ngul-ra village alone, over 110 monksand laypeople have been arrested so far.

April 9, 2008

Foreign journalists witness the realsituation in Tibet

Around 12:30pm, fifteen monks fromLabrang Tashi-Khil monastery, Sangchu(Ch: Xiahe) County, Kanlho “TibetanAutonomous Prefecture,” GansuProvince, staged a protest in front of thegovernment-controlled media tour.The monks approached the journalistscarrying the banned Tibetan flag andbanners reading “we have no freedomof speech,” and also voiced theirsupport for His Holiness the Dalai Lama.The monks shouted in Chinese, “Wewant human rights, independence andwe want to see the return of His Holinessthe Dalai Lama.” “Many monks havebeen arrested” etc.Currently, it cannot be confirmed if anyof the monks from Ladrang Tashi-Khilmonastery were arrested during thisincident.

April 10, 2008

In addition to the already released 55total names and details of Tibetans killedduring the recent demonstrations, theCentral Tibetan Administration releases2 more names (with details) from currentdeath toll list which stands well over 140.

No Specific Dates

In various counties (including Rebgong(Ch: Tongren) County and Tsekhog (Ch:Zeku) County, Malho “TibetanAutonomous Prefecture,” QinghaiProvince), monasteries are facing a crisisas water and food supplies have beenblocked by the Chinese authorities. Themonasteries have appealed to theinternational community to assist withthe current crisis.

A similar crisis is also being faced invarious areas of Ngapa “TibetanAutonomous Prefecture”, and they toohave appealed to the internationalcommunity for immediate help.

In Drachen (Ch: Baqing), Sog Dzong (Ch:Sou) and Driru (Ch: Biru) counties,Nagchu Prefecture, “Tibet AutonomousRegion”, a huge deployment of Chinesemilitary has been made in the above threecounties and will be stationed there untilthe end of the summer Olympics.

Chinese “Work Teams” pressuremonks for their signaturesChinese “Work Teams” arrived atThangkor monastery to pressure themonks to sign an acknowledgementletter stating that they had “wrongfully”taken part in the recent pro-independence demonstrations. None ofthe monks provided their signature.

Prisons being overflowed with thosearrested for demonstrations.In and around Lhasa, prisons are beingcompletely overflowing from thosearrested in connection to the recentdemonstrations.Protestors arrested in Counties nearLhasa are being held in their localCounty prisons (since the bigger prisonsin Lhasa remain over full.As reported earlier, on March 14 and 15,protests were held in Taktse (Ch: Dazi)County, under Lhasa municipality,during which some young people werearrested. Now the parents of thosearrested earlier are also being arrested.In Phenpo, Lhundrup (Ch: Lingzhi)County, Lhasa municipality, monks andlaypeople continue to be arrested.

“Patriotic re-education” classes beingforced on TibetansChinese governmental “Work Teams”arrived in Tarma monastery, Driru (Ch:Biru) County, Nagchu Prefecture (Ch:Naqu Shen), “Tibet AutonomousRegion,” to conduct “patriotic re-education” classes. During the class, thehead of the monastery, NgawangGyaltan, called on the Tibetans to uniteand for the return of His Holiness theDalai Lama. He also rejected the“patriotic re-education” classes beingforced by the Chinese authorities.Ngawang Gyaltan, received muchsupport from the other monks of themonastery (and other laypeople too).

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The “patriotic re-education” classesproved to be a failure and Tarmamonastery remains under tightrestrictions.

In Bhekar monastery, Driru (Ch: Biru)County, Nagchu Prefecture (Ch: NaquShen), “Tibet Autonomous Region,” the monks demanded that unless thefive monks who were arrested inDecember 2007 were released, theywould not accept the “patriotic re-education” classes. So far, the “patrioticre-education” attempt by the Chinesehas proved a failure.There are around 300 monks at Bhekarmonastery.

In Shapten monastery, Driru (Ch: Biru)County, Nagchu Prefecture (Ch: NaquShen), “Tibet Autonomous Region,”Chinese governmental “Work Teams”arrived to conduct “patriotic re-education” classes. Soon after, a hugenumber of military arrived. The classeslasted until 2 AM on March 28.

In Nagchu Prefecture, non-residents arebeing forced to leave.

“Patriotic re-education” campaigncontinuesChinese “work-teams” are forcefullyconducting “Patriotic re-education”classes in all monasteries and nunneriesin Sog (Ch: Sou) County, NagchuPrefecture (Ch: Naqu Shen), “TibetAutonomous Region”Monks and nuns have been restrictedfrom leaving their living quarters.Specifically in Sok Tsenden monasteryand Ripung nunnery (both located inSog County), very tight restrictionshave been placed.Around 16th and 17th March, businesspeople, parents of students, and thoseseeking jobs in Lhasa and NagchuCounty, were forcefully returned totheir hometowns. For instance, in YaklaTown, Sog County, around 200 peoplewere returned as a result.The concerned offices in Sog Countygave orders to the people that theycannot leave the county andparticipation in “patriotic re-education”

classes would be mandatory. If thepeople leave outside their counties,then the benefits (such as household,land and agricultural) they receive fromthe government would be stopped.

Huge military deployments continueStarting from mid-March, over 10,000Chinese military have been deployedin Gyalthang (Ch: Zhongdian), Dechen“Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,”Yunnan Province, and tight restrictionscontinue to be imposed.In Rongpa-Nyishar Township,Gyalthang County, around a thousandmilitary personnel have been deployed.Local Tibetans distributed and pastedposters asking all Tibetans to unite andresist policies of the Chinesegovernment and also demanded theimmediate return of His Holiness theDalai Lama.

Searches continue in monasteriesAt Voen-po monastery, Sershul (Ch:Shiqu) County, Karze “TibetanAutonomous Prefecture,” SichuanProvince, few arrests of monks andlaypeople were made (towards end ofMarch). A huge contingent of armedforces arrived and conducted thoroughsearches of all the monk quarters. Somemonks were beaten for having theTibetan flag and other items (deemed“unpatriotic” by the ChineseGovernment) in their possession.Numerous statues and computersowned by the monastery wereconfiscated.

Protest by young Tibetan boysA few days ago, in Ruthok (Ch: Ritu)County, Ngari Prefecture, “TibetAutonomous Region,” four to fiveyoung Tibetan boys held a protest.

Armed Police arrested these boys whowere later detained in Sen-gay Town,the site for the main governmentaloffices of Ngari Prefecture.

These boys were released at a later date.Further details are not available at themoment.

Details on “patriotic re-education”classes

Many monks from Ngaba (Ch: Aba)County, Ngaba “Tibetan AutonomousPrefecture,” were arrested after thedemonstrations in March. Since thebeginning of April, Tibetans inRongkhar-shar town, Ngaba County,have been forced to attend “patrioticre-education” classes. During theclasses, among other activities, eachTibetan is forced to loudly repeat thefollowing statements while beingrecorded on video:

1) I denounce the “Dalai’sclique”.

2) I will not keep any portraitsof the Dalai Lama.

3) I have no desire to becomea part of the “Dalai’sclique”.

4) I will not engage in any“splittist” activities.

5) The attempt to separateNationalities of China willnot succeed.

6) I owe loyalty to the ChineseCommunist Party.

7) I will always follow theChinese Communist Party.

8) I acknowledge the gratitudeof the Chinese CommunistParty.

Such classes continue to take place inother villages in Ngaba County andbeyond. In some remote villages, the“patriotic-re-education” classes arebeing conducted in an extremelyintimidating manner.

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Hard Talk with the Kalon TripaIn an exclusive interview, the Kalon Tripa talks to the Editor about the recent demonstrations in Tibet, hisstance on protests against the Olympic torch—and his reactions to the brutal killings in Tibet.

1) When did you first hear about thedemonstrations inside Tibet and whatwas your immediate reaction?

We heard about the March 10demonstrations in Lhasa and in otherparts of Kham and Amdo on that veryday itself. Since then, we have beenreceiving disturbing news of tortureand arrest in Tibet almost on a dailybasis. With regard to the wide unrestin Lhasa on March 14, we learnt aboutit that same day.

My first reaction was a mixed feeling.On one hand, I was deeply shockedand saddened to hear about the lossof so many lives, unbearable tortureand misery to the Tibetans, lack ofmedical facilities to those injured, norefuge from impending arrests, yet wewere helpless and absolutely incapableof doing anything for them. At the sametime, I felt immense satisfaction andproud that the Tibetans living insideTibet haven’t gone into collectivedepression and reconciled to their fatein spite of over 50 years ofimmeasurable repression, dominationand humiliation. They still have thespirit and courage to express theirresentment and dissatisfaction with fullknowledge of impending death andtorture by Chinese authorities. Themajority of the people who haveparticipated in the protest were theyoung boys and girls, the fourthgeneration of the Tibetan people sincethe occupation of Tibet by PRC. I amparticularly proud of them becausethey are born and brought up underthe Red flag, indoctrinated andbrainwashed by the Communistcadres, with no access to traditionaleducation or spiritual teachings, nothaving met in person His Holiness theDalai Lama, and yet they are prepared

to sacrifice their precious life for thenation and in reverence to His Holinessthe Dalai Lama. This is undeniableproof of two facts, firstly, that the entireTibetan people are absolutelyunhappy under the PRC’s rule, andsecondly, that the spirit of Tibetanpeople can never be deterred by anydegree of domination or force.

2) What are some of the key issues thatTibetans inside Tibet are risking theirlives through participation in therecent protests?

The basic issue of recent unrest wasthe PRC’s ultra leftist policy for Tibetand Tibetans adopted during in 1957/58. Such policies were renounced andreversed in Mainland China soon afterthe Mao’s era but unfortunately thesepolicies are being unchanged in Tibetand for Tibetans. The immediate issuesare many:a. Repressive measures and void of

basic Human rights: Beating andtorture of common Tibetans onpeaceful expression of theiraspiration, and forcing so-called“patriotic education”, constant useof force and intimidation tosuppress Tibetans.

b. Void of religious freedom: Heavyrest rict ion and interference inmonastic affairs, banning of spiritualleader His Holiness the Dalai Lama’sportrait, denial of serious Buddhiststudies, blasphemous move byatheist regime to recognize all re-incarnated Lamas only through theirapproval. This move hasparticularly incensed the Tibetansin Tibet and deeply hurt theirsentiments.

c. People Republic of China’svehement attack and vilification ofHis Holiness the Dalai Lama andforcing the Tibetans to denounceHis Holiness has deeply offendedthe Tibetans and causedunbearable pain to them.

d. Lack of access to good schools andeducation, lack of a decent healthcare system and hospital access tothe larger Tibetan populaceunderlines the PRC’s intention andindifferent at t itude towardsTibetans.

e. The flooding of Han Chinese andother non-Tibetan nationalities inTibet has resulted in demographicupset such that Tibetans are aminority in their own land. Thisunchecked policy of PRC hasresulted in erosion of Tibetanculture, language, traditional valuesand decline in the living standardof common Tibetans. Tibetans haveresented the intention behind thispolicy of assimilation that aims toroot-out the Tibetan identity.

f. Economic marginalisation ofTibetans has left them frustrated andjob-less while all the benefits ofeconomic boom goes to non-Tibetan nationali t ies . Tibetangrasslands are being taken away andTibetan nomads & farmers areforced to live in cities without anyskills for surviving in totally newsurrounding which they are notaccustomed to.

To sum up , the lack of genuineautonomy in Tibet and PRC’s racialdiscriminative and cultural genocidalpolicies adopted towards Tibetans hasgenerated a wide dissatisfactionamong common Tibetans for a longperiod of time and Tibetans no longerare able to contain their resentment.

VERBATIM


3) The Kashag (Cabinet, CentralTibetan Administration) has issuedappeals to the Chinese governmentasking them to exercise restraint intheir handling of the demonstrationsin Tibet. On the contrary, the Chinesegovernment has been engaging inmore repression and making countlessarbitrary arrests of innocent Tibetans.It appears that China is not listeningto your appeals. What is your nextstep?

Yes! Not only our appeals but also therepeated appeals of entire world wentin vain. Our next step will not be muchdifferent. We will continue to appealand find ways to resolve the Tibetproblem through engagement anddialogue.

4) How are the recent demonstrationsdifferent from the ones that took placein 1987, 1988 and 1989?

Compare to the demonstrations thattook place in 1987-89, the recentdemonstrations differ in size and inmomentum. The past demonstrationswere restricted to a relatively small partof Tibet whereas the demonstrationssince 10 March, 2008, have taken placein each of the three tradit ionalprovinces of Tibet and also in someci ties in Mainland China . Thewidespread demonstrations sti llcontinue in Tibet even after heavyclampdown of Chinese military troopsand armed police. Last month’sdemonstration has also gotunprecedented media coverage andhas received outpouring ofinternat ional support for Tibet.However, the reason behind the 1987-89 uprising and this year protestsremain same. The assessment of recentdemonstrations is summed up inKashag’s public address on 22nd

March, 2008.

5) Is there any kind of generation gapin the exile community wherein older

exiles are more dovish and theyounger exiles want to direct lyconfront China?

I don’t think there is any differencein our views concerning the strugglefor our cause because of a generationalgap. It is common to have differenceon other matters but on the issue ofTibetan struggle, I think most of theTibetans, old and young alike, areunited under the leadership of HisHoliness the Dalai Lama and to pursueour struggle through a non-violentway. The “differences” are mediaprojected. They try to show somedifferences between groups orgenerations amongst the Tibetans bypicking up some innocent andinexperienced people and putting thedesired words in their mouth. But thisis far from ground realities.

6) A nation that applies to host theOlympic Games also mustdemonstrate that it is worthy of thehonour. Do you believe that China isworthy of this honour?

China as a nat ion is the largestpopulous state in the world and onethat has very rich civilization andancient cultural heritage making itdeserving to host the games. Andbecause the Olympic games will be arare occasion for the people of Chinato open up to the world, something thatthey couldn’t do so far, and therebyan opportunity for better change, Iwould therefore say China isabsolutely worthy of hosting theOlympics. Unfortunately the handfulrulers of Chinese Communist Party andtheir arrogant and unwise policies havecompletely destroyed the image ofChina. This is unfortunate for thepeople of China and for Tibetanpeople. But I believe the people ofChina will awake sooner than later.

7) There are many Tibetan activistsprotesting against the Olympic torchgoing through Tibet which they see

as China’s tool to legitimize their ruleover Tibet. What is your stance on thetorch going through the Tibetanplateau, especially when the entirenation is in mourning over thestaggering number of deaths?

The Olympic torch going through theTibetan plateau at normal times shouldbe fine but under the presentcircumstances when so many deaths,injuries and continued oppression arebeing carried out with immensesuffering to common Tibetan, it is likeputting salt to the wounds and it willbe politicizing the Olympic games. Thisact will further aggravate the alreadydeteriorating state in Tibet.Furthermore, the statement of so-called TAR Governor Qiangba Puncogon 9 th April, 2008, stated thatwhosoever opposed the OlympicTorch in Tibet will be handed theseverest of punishment. It meant thatthey will be killed. Apart from Chinesearmy and armed police heavilydeployed in Tibet, the Nepalese armyand police recently deployed aroundthe base camp of Mt. Everest wereequipped with Shoot at Sight orders.Therefore, it is certain that much morebloodshed will occur during the Torchrelay in Tibet. Thus, I can understandand appreciate the intention of thosepeople who are opposing it.

8) Western leaders such as the PolishPresident and the German Chancellorhave recently stated that they will notattend the opening ceremony for theOlympics over China’s handling of therecent protests inside Tibet. If Chinainvited you to the opening ceremonyof the Olympics, will you attend?

I appreciate those leaders who havewisdom and courage to make decisionsin accordance with their conscience.As far as my attendance in concerned,this question is being asked in fantasyso I have no answer.

VERBATIM


9) Tibetans inside Tibet have managedto keep the Tibetan issue alive underone of the most repressive regimes inthe world and many were placing theirhopes in the Return Marchers. Whydid the CTA not support the peacefulReturn March to Tibet by Tibetansliving in exile?

Yes! The most brave and wise Tibetanpeople managed to keep the Tibet issuealive under the most difficultcircumstances, which was appropriatelyrecognized by the whole world. I haveno reason to believe that many wereplacing their hopes on Return

Marchers. I also do not believe that theuprising inside Tibet was caused byanything from outside. We cannotdevaluate the brave action taken by theselfless people living inside Tibet.Central Tibetan Administration doesnot support any action or programmewhich are violating the law of the landor that are violent in nature. And aboveall, any actions that are not inconsonance with the wishes of HisHoliness the Dalai Lama can never besupported in any way.

10) Some images of the recentcasualties from the recent

“I learned that China has stated you caused violence. Clearly China does not knowyou, but they should.”

From the statement issued by Nobel peace laureate, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Titu

(Credit: LondonTimes) Credit: http://cagle.com/news/tibetturmoil

And my statement will not change pasthistory. History is history.” His Holinessthe Dalai Lama during a recent interviewwith NEWSWEEK.

“This has all the more revealed that theconsistent claims made by the Dalaiclique that they pursue notindependence but peaceful dialogue arenothing but lies, “ Chinese Premier WenJiabao told reporters at a news conferenceheld at the end of China’s nationallegislative meeting.

“…[independence] out of the question”.His Holiness the Dalai Lama reassuringhis stance in a recent statement.

“I believe the Chinese mistrust of theDalai Lama is misplaced. If His Holinessthe Dalai Lama were to return to Tibet,his wish is, as he says, to be a simplemonk and to be involved only in religiousand cultural matters, not to establish anindependent Tibet.” Statement ofSenator Dianne Feinstein regarding thelatest News out of Tibet.

demonstrations in Tibet have beengraphic and disturbing. Have you seenthem? Your reaction?

I have seen those graphic pictures ofcasualties and deaths. I am muchappalled and saddened by the violenceperpetrated on these unarmed andpeaceful Tibetan protestors, somevery young ones. The loss of preciouslives is most unfortunate. This eventhas deepened my faith in non-violenceand strengthened my resolution tocarry on non-violent struggle againstthe most violent oppressor.

“There is ample fact — and we also haveplenty of evidence — proving that thisincident was organized, premeditated,masterminded and incited by the Dalaiclique, “ Chinese Premier Wen Jiabaotalking to a group of reporters at a newsconference held at the end of China’snational legislative meeting. He did notgive any details.

“The Chinese government wants me tosay that for many centuries Tibet hasbeen part of China. Even if I make thatstatement, many people would just laugh.

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“The Germany Government is concernedabout reports of unrest in Lhasa. Wecall on Chinese authorities to act withrestraint and to deal with protestorspeacefully. We urge the ChineseGovernment to allow peacefulexpression of dissent. “ GermanyChancellor Angela Merkel’s on theLhasa protests.

“I am deeply disturbed by reports of acrackdown and arrests ordered byChinese authorities in the wake ofpeaceful protests by Tibetan Buddhistmonks.” Statement of Senator BarackObama

“All options are open but I appeal tothe sense of responsibility of Chineseauthorities,” French President NicholasSarkozy when asked about a possibleboycott of the Olympics.

“We are engaged in a fierce battle ofblood and fire with the Dalai clique.Tibet’s Communist leader Zhang Qingli.

“While the world is watching, while theTibetan people are rising for theirfreedom, we hope you will walk the pathset by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, andreject the use of violence. “ From theopen letter sent by the six women Nobellaureates to Chinese President HuJintao.

“The Chinese should use this crisis asan opportunity to re-evaluate their ill-advised Tibet policies and enter into aproductive dialogue with the DalaiLama.” Statement of CongressmanBerman.

“Canada shares the concerns aboutwhat is happening in Tibet. As HisHoliness the Dalai Lama told me when Imet him and as he has been sayingrecently, his message is one of non-violence and reconciliation and I joinhim in that call. Canada calls upon Chinato fully respect human rights andpeaceful protest. Canada also calls onChina to show restraint in dealing with

harmonious development ofhumankind, with a view to promoting apeaceful society concerned with thepreservation of human dignity?”Member of Canadian Parliament andGreen Party leader, Elizabeth May.

“… China is trying to use the 2008Olympic Games to promote an illusionof its “peaceful rise.” In fact, Chinacontinues to increase the number of itsmissiles targeting democratic Taiwanand ignore the concerns of the entireinternational community as itsuppresses the people of Tibet whomerely pursue the fundamental humanrights of freedom and democracy.” Fromthe Press release of Ministry of ForeignAffairs, Taiwan

“Poland is an average country, it is notfighting to be the first, but my decisionis very clear: the presence of politiciansduring the inauguration of the olympicsseems inappropriate. “ Polish PrimeMinister Donald Tusk after hisannouncement that he will notparticipate in the opening ceremony ofthe Olympic Games in Beijing.

“The Dalai Lama has been telling lies tothe world for decades.” ChineseAmbassador to Canada Lu Shuminspeaking to a group of journalists.

“If I were the ambassador, I would bevery careful about using language likethat. It is neither historically accurate,nor is it a way to deal with the currentsituation,” Timothy Brook, theprincipal of St. John’s College, agraduate school at the University ofBritish Columbia in an interviewresponse to Lu Shumin`s statement.

“If you want to listen to thegovernment’s voice, I can recommend alot of people, but if you want to listen tothe truth, it is really too sensitive formany academics to speak right now.” Atthe Chinese Academy of SocialSciences, one expert who would speakonly on condition of anonymity.

this situation.” Canadian Prime MinisterStephen Harper.

“These most recent developments inTibet are disturbing and, from my pointof view, I would call upon the Chineseauthorities to exercise restraint.”Australian Prime-minister Kevin Rudd.

“Whatever happened to the Olympicideal of using sport to symbolize the

Credit: Lisa Benson, Slate Magazine

“We urge China to respect thefundamental and universally recognizedright of all of its citizens to peacefullyexpress their political and religiousviews, and we call on China to releasemonks and others who have beendetained solely for the peacefulexpression of their views.” Statement ofCondoleeza Rice, US Secretary of State.

EDITORIAL SECTION


NUMBERS: The Dragon versus the Snow lionChina Tibet (exile) Tibet (occupied)

Government type Communist state Democratic (CTA1) Communist rule

Population 1.3 billion (July 2007 est.) 111,020 6 million Tibetans (acc. to CTA) 5.2 million Tibetans (acc. to PRC) 5.3 million Non-Tibetans (acc. to PRC)

GDP (current $) $ 2.7 trillion (2006) n/a $91.5 million (TAR)

GDP (per capita) $ 5300 n/a $ 1205 (Sichuan) $ 1212 (TAR)

$ 959 (Gansu) $ 1042 (Yunnan)

$ 1336 (Qinghai)

Budget: revenues $640.6 billion $21.7 million (CTA) $ 2.7 billion (TAR)expenditures $634.6 billion (2007 est.) $19.9 million (2008-09 est.) $ 2.5 billion (TAR)

Foreign exchange reserves $1000 billion (growing at n/a n/a about $200 billion a year)

Total area 9.6 Million sq km n/a 2.5 million sq. km

Manpower available for Male age 18-49: 342,956,265 n/a Information not available military service2 Females age 18-49: 324,701,244 However, numbers estimated

(2005 est.) to be astoundingly high.

Military expenditures – 4.3% (2006) n/a Information not available percent of GDP

Number of Prisons Information not available n/a 4 prisons in “TAR” (acc. to PRC) 74 detention centres in “TAR” (acc. to PRC)

3 additional detention centres in Lhasa, “TAR” (acc. to PRC)

Airports (full fledged) 467 (2007) n/a 7

Population below poverty line 8% 0.6% 25% est.

Life expectancy at birth, 71.8 (2005) 72 59 est. total (years)

Literacy: 90.9% 69% 56%

Number of Tibetans that died n/a 1.2 Million under Chinese occupation between 1948-1984.

Death toll from recent 22 (acc. to Chinese Govt.) n/a 140 (acc. to CTA) Demonstrations in Tibet since March 10, 2008 (as of April 20, 2008)

Sources: The World Bank official website; CIA website (world fact book section); 1998 Tibetan Demographic survey, Planning Commission, CTA;Dept. of Finance, CTA; Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, Dharamshala, India; People’s Republic of China, year 2000 PopulationCensus; Sichuan Statistical Yearbook 2006, China Statistical Press; Tibet Statistical Yearbook 2006, China Statistical Press; Gansu Yearbook,China Statistical Press; Yunnan Statistical Yearbook 2006, China Statistical Press; Qinghai Statistical Yearbook 2006, China Statistical Press.NOTE: All monetary figures are stated in U.S. dollars. Exchange rate used for currency conversion: 1 Yuan = $ 0.133 (U.S) Footnotes: 1 The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) is located in Dharamshala, India. 2 This entry gives the number of males and females fallingin the military age range for the country and assumes that every individual is fit to serve; 18-22 years of age for selective compulsory military service,with 24-month service obligation.

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The Statement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the Forty-NinthAnniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day

violations of human rights, denial ofreligious freedom and the politicizationof religious issues. All these take placeas a result of the Chinese government’slack of respect for the Tibetan people.These are major obstacles the Chinesegovernment deliberately puts in the wayof its policy of unifying nationalitieswhich discriminate between the Tibetanand Chinese peoples. Therefore, I urgethe Chinese government to bring animmediate halt to such policies.

Although the areas inhabited by Tibetanpeople are referred to by such differentnames as autonomous region,autonomous prefectures andautonomous counties, they areautonomous in name only; they actuallyhave no real autonomy. Instead, they aregoverned by people who are obliviousof the regional situation, and driven bywhat Mao Zedong called “Hanchauvinism”. As a result, this so-calledautonomy has not brought theconcerned nationalities any tangiblebenefit. Disingenuous policies that arenot in tune with reality are causingenormous harm not only to therespective nationalities, but also to theunity and stability of the Chinese nation.It is important for the Chinesegovernment, as advised by DengXiaoping, to “seek truth from facts” inthe real sense of the term.

The Chinese government severelycriticizes me when I raise questionsabout the welfare of the Tibetan peoplebefore the international community. Untilwe reach a mutually beneficial solution,I have a historical and moralresponsibility to continue to speak outfreely on their behalf. However, it iscommon knowledge that I have been insemi-retirement since the politicalleadership of the Tibetan Diaspora hasbeen directly elected by the generalTibetan populace.

China is emerging as a powerful countrydue to her great economic progress. This

On the occasion of the 49th anniversaryof the Tibetan people’s peacefuluprising in Lhasa on 10 March 1959, Ioffer my prayers and pay tribute to thosebrave men and women of Tibet who haveendured untold hardships and sacrificedtheir lives for the cause of the Tibetanpeople and express my solidarity withthose Tibetans presently undergoingrepression and ill-treatment.-I alsoextend my-greetings to Tibetans in andoutside Tibet, supporters of the Tibetancause and-all who cherish justice.

For nearly six decades, Tibetans in thewhole of Tibet known as Cholkha-Sum(U-Tsang, Kham and Amdo) have hadto live in a state of constant fear,intimidation and suspicion underChinese repression.-Nevertheless, inaddition to maintaining their religiousfaith, a sense of nationalism and theirunique culture, the Tibetan people havebeen able to keep alive their basicaspiration for freedom. I have greatadmiration for the special characteristicsof the Tibetan people and theirindomitable courage. I am extremelypleased and proud of them.

Many governments, non-governmentalorganizations and individuals across theworld, because of their interest in peaceand justice, have consistently supportedthe cause of Tibet. Particularly duringthe past year, governments and peoplesof many countries made importantgestures that clearly expressed theirsupport to us. I would like to express mygratitude to every one of them.

The problem of Tibet is very complicated.It is intrinsically linked with many issues:politics, the nature of society, law, humanrights, religion, culture, the identity of apeople, the economy and the state of thenatural environment. Consequently, acomprehensive approach must beadopted to resolve this problem that takesinto account the benefits to all partiesinvolved, rather than one party alone.Therefore, we have been firm in our

commitment to a mutually beneficialpolicy, the Middle-Way approach, andhave made sincere and persistent effortstowards achieving this for many years.Since 2002, my envoys have conductedsix rounds of talks with concerned officialsof the People’s Republic of China todiscuss relevant issues. These extensivediscussions have helped to clear awaysome of their doubts and enabled us toexplain our aspirations to them. However,on the fundamental issue, there has beenno concrete result at all. And during thepast few years, Tibet has witnessedincreased repression and brutality. Inspite of these unfortunate developments,my stand and determination to pursue theMiddle-Way policy and to continue ourdialogue with the Chinese governmentremain unchanged.

A major concern of the People’sRepublic of China is its lack of legitimacyin Tibet. The principal way to lendweight to their position is for the Chinesegovernment to pursue a policy thatsatisfies the Tibetan people and gainstheir confidence. If we are able to achievereconciliation by treading a path ofmutual consent, then, as I have alreadystated many times, I will make everyeffort to win the support of the Tibetanpeople.

In Tibet today, due to the Chinesegovernment’s numerous actions, drivenas they are by a lack of foresight, thenatural environment has been severelydamaged. And, as a result of their policyof population transfer the non-Tibetanpopulation has increased many times,reducing native Tibetans to aninsignificant minority in their owncountry. Moreover, the language,customs and traditions of Tibet, whichreflect the true nature and identity of theTibetan people are gradually fadingaway. As a consequence, Tibetans areincreasingly being assimilated into thelarger Chinese population. In Tibet,repression continues to increase withnumerous, unimaginable and gross

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is to be welcomed, but it has alsoprovided China an opportunity to playan important role on the global stage. Theworld is eagerly waiting to see how thepresent Chinese leadership will put intoeffect its avowed concepts of“harmonious society” and “peacefulrise”. For the realization of theseconcepts, economic progress alone willnot suffice. There must be improvementsin observance of the rule of law,transparency, and right to information, aswell as freedom of speech. Since China isa country of many nationalities, they mustall be given equality and freedom toprotect their respective unique identitiesif the country is to remain stable.

On 6 March 2008, President Hu Jintaostated: “The stability in Tibet concernsthe stability of the country, and the safetyin Tibet concerns the safety of thecountry.” He added that the Chineseleadership must ensure the well-being ofTibetans, improve the work related toreligions and ethnic groups, and maintainsocial harmony and stability. PresidentHu’s statement conforms to reality andwe look forward to its implementation.

This year, the Chinese people are proudlyand eagerly awaiting the opening of theOlympic Games. I have, from the verybeginning, supported the idea that Chinashould be granted the opportunity tohost the Olympic Games. Since suchinternational sporting events, andespecially the Olympics, uphold theprinciples of freedom of speech, freedomof expression, equality and friendship,China should prove herself a good hostby providing these freedoms. Therefore,besides sending their athletes, theinternational community should remindthe Chinese government of these issues.I have come to know that manyparliaments, individuals and non-governmental organisations around theglobe are undertaking a number ofactivities in view of the opportunity thatexists for China to make a positive change.I admire their sincerity. I would like to stateemphatically that it will be very importantto observe the period following theconclusion of the Games. The OlympicGames no doubt will greatly impact theminds of the Chinese people. The worldshould, therefore, explore ways ofinvesting their collective energies in

producing a continuous positive changeinside China even after the Olympics havecome to an end.

I would like to take this opportunity toexpress my pride in and appreciation forthe sincerity, courage and determinationof the Tibetan people inside Tibet. I urgethem to continue to work peacefully andwithin the law to ensure that all theminority nationalities of the People’sRepublic of China, including the Tibetanpeople, enjoy their legitimate rights andbenefits.

I would also like to take this opportunityto thank the Government and people ofIndia, in particular, for their continuingand unparalleled support for Tibetanrefugees and the cause of Tibet, as wellas express my gratitude to all thosegovernments and peoples for theircontinued concern for the Tibetan cause.

With my prayers for the well-being of allsentient beings.

The Dalai Lama ,10 March 2008

N.B. Translated from the Tibetan

The Statement of the Kashag on the Forty-Ninth Anniversary of theTibetan National Uprising Day

Today, 10 March 2008, is the 49thanniversary of the Tibetan people’speaceful uprising for their freedom. Onthis occasion, the Kashag pays its tributeto those heroic men and women of Tibetwho have sacrificed their lives for thecause of the Tibetan people, as well asexpress our solidarity with thoseTibetans who are presently sufferingunder Chinese repression. The Kashagalso extends its greetings to all theTibetans in and outside Tibet

In the previous 10 March statement ofthe 13th Kashag, we have dwelled, amongother things, on the status of the Tibetanpeople, the structure of the exile Tibetanadministration, plans to sustain theTibetan struggle should it drag on for along time, the role of Tibetans in andoutside Tibet and on the status of theSino-Tibetan dialogue. While reiterating

all these points, the Kashag would like toexpress its appreciation for thoseTibetans who have, in the recent period,undertaken numerous activities in Tibet,activities that are both peaceful and law-abiding, with sincerity and courage forthe benefit and the protection of theTibetan religion and culture. All Tibetans,be it monks, lay people, young or elderlyand particularly the majority of thecommunist party cadres and civilservants in Tibet, who are always in astate of great fear, intimidation andsuspicion have been able to keep alive,with great courage, the Tibetan spirit andtheir ultimate hope for the resolution ofthe Tibetan issue. While acknowledgingand appreciating this remarkable quality,the Kashag as well as the entire exileTibetan community firmly believe that thisTibetan spirit will continue to remain soin the future as well.

Similarly last year, many governmentsand countries across the world who havegreat faith in His Holiness the Dalai Lamaand who are concerned about the issueof Tibet have carried out a number ofactivities which reflected their supportto us Tibetans. The Kashag, on behalfof all the Tibetans in and outside Tibet,would like to express heartfelt thanks toall of them.

The mutually beneficial Middle-WayApproach, which is envisioned by HisHoliness the Dalai Lama, has beenframed into a policy with the support ofthe great majority Tibetans in andoutside Tibet. This was furtherunanimously supported by the TibetanParliament-in-Exile. On the basis of thispolicy, dialogue with the Chinesegovernment is on going. Subsequentlysix rounds of talks have been conducted

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since 2002. These talks have beenhelpful to us in clarifying our respectivepositions. These talks have alsobenefited the international communityand Tibetans in Tibet. However, noconcrete results have been achieved onthe fundamental issue of Tibet.Moreover there is, today, a heightenedrepression in Tibet and stepped upvilification campaign against HisHoliness the Dalai Lama. We areextremely disappointed by theseunfortunate developments.

In the course of these exchanges, wehave categorically stated to the Chinesegovernment that we do not have anyhidden agenda, or issues other than thebasic demand that they shouldimplement the conditions for NationalRegional Autonomy as set forth in theconstitution of the People’s Republic ofChina by granting a meaningful self-rulefor all Tibetans under a singleadministration. We have also made itvery clear that this demand is in line withthe legitimate rights of all the minoritynationalities. Based on the presentreality, this demand is only a means toaccomplish the aspiration of both Tibetand China; it is not something that isbased on the past history of Tibet.

History is a set of records of pasthappenings that cannot be amended.However, no independent countries orautonomous regions have remained inthe same status as in the past. There isalso no reason to remain so. For example,the current scope of the sovereign powerand territorial boundary of the People’sRepublic of China is something thatnever happened in its history spanningsome centuries prior to 1949. Insistingon history to decide the prospects ofthe future is simply indulging in a blamegame, or finding excuses. It is not at allin tune with the reality. Since we are notstubbornly clinging to the idea that thefuture of the Tibetan people should bebased only on our version of history,the gap in the Tibetan and Chineseviewpoints on this issue is notunbridgeable.

Since the status of National RegionalAutonomy is a condition by which the

individual minority nationalities arebenefited, it should be uniformly grantedto all Tibetans. There is no reason forscattering them. There is also no needto follow a historical basis on this matter.In a nutshell, if the future of the Tibetanpeople were to be decided on the basisof its past history, then there is no waythat the Middle-Way policy can beadhered to.

The problem of Tibet is neither related tothe personal issue of His Holiness theDalai Lama nor concerned with the benefitof the Tibetans in exile alone. This isuniversally known. Currently thesituation of the Tibetan people insideTibet is not at all satisfactory. Anybodycan see this. Therefore, for the happinessof all Tibetans and for the preservationof their national identity, language,customs, culture and the traditionalsciences, His Holiness the Dalai Lama andthe organisational set-up of the TibetanDiaspora, both based in a free country,have the responsibility to act as thespokespersons of the Tibetans in andoutside Tibet. To do so is, in fact, theirhistorical responsibility. Due to thereasons cited above, although there maynot exist an issue of Tibet’s sovereignty,both the Tibetan and Chinese sides haveto accept the truth about the existence ofthe main issue concerning the welfare ofthe Tibetan people.

Since the restoration of direct contactwith the Chinese government in 2002,no positive change has taken place inTibet. Moreover the Chinese authoritieshave taken, and are continuing to take,many actions that can be described asinhuman behavior. Beside the fact thatthere has been a heightened repressionand brutality in Tibet since 2006,baseless accusations are being hurledagainst His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Theinnocent Tibetans in general, andparticularly the monks and nuns areexposed to unlimited restrictions andharassment under the pretext of“patriotic re-education.” In spite of beingan atheist state, the Chinese governmentinterferes in the religious affairs byissuing a decree on the recognition ofTrulkus. It also uses a section of the

Dholgyal propitiators as a tool toseparate the Tibetan people. And thosewho express their honest views in a non-violent and peaceful manner are beatenand incarcerated. These actions are thetrue behaviour of separatists thatuproots the co-operation between theTibetan and Chinese peoples. Harmonyand unity should be created throughmutual trust by unifying the minds.There is no historical precedence that aunity enforced through repression hassustained. Neither will it be sustained inthe future. The recent developments inTibet have greatly harmed theenvironment of the Sino-Tibetandialogue. The Chinese government’sassertion that it attaches importance tothe current process of dialogue alsoappears to be nothing more than emptytalk. Consequently, it has made it moredifficult for the exile Tibetanadministration to guide the Tibetans inand outside Tibet to abide by theMiddle-Way policy.

So far the Chinese government has notgiven a definite response to thedemands put across by the envoys ofHis Holiness the Dalai Lama during thesixth round of talks. Therefore, it isdoubtful whether the Chinese side isreally willing to resolve the currentproblems of Tibet. However, the Kashagwill not change the current policy of theMiddle-Way Approach, irrespective ofwhether the dialogue with the presentleadership of the People’s Republic ofChina will lead to any solution on theissue of Tibet or not. We are firmlycommitted to the continuance of theongoing dialogue process with theChinese government.

Employing numerous channels, thedifferent agencies of the Chinesegovernment have been sending varioussignals and gestures to us. However,unless we receive a clear andunambiguous message through arecognised official channel, there is noway that we can respond to thesesignals and gestures.

Following the objections raised by manyhighly-realised and recognised spiritualmasters of the earlier period, including

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the Great Fifth Dalai Lama, TrichenNgawang Chokden, Changkya RolpaiDorjee, the Thirteenth Dalai Lama, etc.,His Holiness has very kindly advised usagainst the propitiation of the Dholgyalon numerous occasions. However fewmonastic institutions of the Gelugtradition have still not clarified theirpositions on this issue, as a result ofwhich the propitiators and non-propitiators of Dholgyal live togetherunder the same roof. A broad section ofthe enlightened monks has, therefore,expressed their views through a numberof campaign activities that this mattermust be resolved once and for all. Assuch, during his recent visit toMundgod, South India, His Holiness theDalai Lama has suggested to the Gelugmonastic institutions that for the futureconvenience of all concerned areferendum among the monks beconducted. The responsible authoritiesof the monastic institutions haveunanimously supported this idea and a

referendum was conducted by relyingon the Buddhist Vinaya system of votingby administering Tsul-shings (Sanghavoting sticks). Subsequently, most of theGelug monastic institutions, includingthe three Great Monastic Seats, havedisassociated themselves completelyfrom the Dholgyal propitiators. Whileexpressing our appreciation for this, theKashag would like to urge the monasticworld that they should not be negligenton this matter in the future as well. Thereis, still, a tiny number of monks who arenot able to stop the propitiation ofDholgyal. Since they cannot live withinthe compounds of the Great MonasticSeats, they should move out to make aseparate living elsewhere. Towards thisend, the Central Tibetan Administrationwill provide them necessary assistanceas we provide to all other Tibetans.

The Kashag would like to express itsheartfelt thank you to the governmentand people of India for providing

unmatched assistance and shelter to allthe Tibetan exiles over the last almostfifty years. The Kashag would like tourge that, as a way of expressing ourgratitude, the Tibetan exiles shouldcontribute to, and assist in, the religiousand cultural spheres of the host countryas much as they can. Similarly, theKashag would like to take thisopportunity to express its gratitude tothe justice and peace-lovinggovernments and peoples across theworld for supporting the issue of Tibet.

Finally, the Kashag prays for the longlife of His Holiness the Dalai Lama andthe immediate resolution of the issue ofTibet. The Kashag also prays that theday may dawn soon, when the Tibetansin and outside Tibet will join in acelebration of their re-unification.

The Kashag, 10 March 2008

N.B. Translated from the Tibetanoriginal

An appeal from His Holiness the Dalai Lama- April 2, 2008I would like to express my appreciationand gratitude to the world leaders,Parliamentarians, NGOs and members ofthe public who have expressed theirconcern over the recent deeplysaddening and tragic events in Tibet. Iam also grateful for their efforts topersuade the Chinese authorities toexercise restraint in dealing with thepeaceful protesters, while at the sametime calling for meaningful dialogue toresolve the issue.

I believe the recent demonstrations andprotests are a manifestation of the deep-rooted resentment not only of theTibetan people in the so-called TibetAutonomous Region (TAR), but also inthe outlying traditional Tibetan areas

now incorporated into Qinghai, Gansu,Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, wherethere exist substantial communities ofethnic Tibetans.

According to reliable sources, theChinese authorities have deployed largecontingents of troops in these traditionalTibetan regions and have not onlystarted to crack down heavily on theTibetans allegedly involved in the unrest,but also sealed off the areas whereprotests have taken place.

I therefore appeal for your continuedsupport in calling for an immediate endto the current crackdown, the release ofall those who have been arrested anddetained, and the provision of proper

medical treatment to the injured. We areparticularly concerned about the lack ofadequate medical facilities, as there arereports of many injured Tibetans beingafraid to go to Chinese-run hospitals andclinics.

I would also request you to encouragethe sending of an independentinternational body, to investigate theunrest and its underlying causes, as wellas allowing the media and internationalmedical teams to visit the affected areas.Their presence will not only instill asense of reassurance in the Tibetanpeople, but will also exercise a restraininginfluence on the Chinese authorities.

THE DALAI LAMA , April 2, 2008

An Appeal to the Chinese People from His Holiness the14th Dalai Lama

Today, I extend heartfelt greetings to myChinese brothers and sisters round theworld, particularly to those in thePeople’s Republic of China. In the lightof the recent developments in Tibet, I

would like to share with you my thoughtsconcerning relations between theTibetan and Chinese peoples, and tomake a personal appeal to you all.

I am deeply saddened by the loss of lifein the recent tragic events in Tibet. I amaware that some Chinese have also died.I feel for the victims and their familiesand pray for them. The recent unrest has

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clearly demonstrated the gravity of thesituation in Tibet and the urgent needto seek a peaceful and mutuallybeneficial solution through dialogue.Even at this juncture I have expressedmy willingness to the Chineseauthorities to work together to bringabout peace and stability.

Chinese brothers and sisters, I assureyou I have no desire to seek Tibet’sseparation. Nor do I have any wish todrive a wedge between the Tibetan andChinese peoples. On the contrary mycommitment has always been to find agenuine solution to the problem of Tibetthat ensures the long-term interests ofboth Chinese and Tibetans. My primaryconcern, as I have repeated time andagain, is to ensure the survival of theTibetan people’s distinctive culture,language and identity. As a simple monkwho strives to live his daily lifeaccording to Buddhist precepts, I assureyou of the sincerity of my motivation.

I have appealed to the leadership of thePRC to clearly understand my positionand work to resolve these problems by“seeking truth from facts.” I urge theChinese leadership to exercise wisdomand to initiate a meaningful dialogue withthe Tibetan people. I also appeal to themto make sincere efforts to contribute tothe stability and harmony of the PRC andavoid creating rifts between thenationalities. The state media’s portrayalof the recent events in Tibet, usingdeceit and distorted images, could sowthe seeds of racial tension withunpredictable long-term consequences.This is of grave concern to me. Similarly,despite my repeated support for theBeijing Olympics, the Chineseauthorities, with the intention of creatingrift between the Chinese people andmyself, assert that I am trying tosabotage the games. I am encouraged,however, that several Chineseintellectuals and scholars have alsoexpressed their strong concern aboutthe Chinese leadership’s actions and thepotential for adverse long-termconsequences, particularly on relationsamong different nationalities.

Since ancient times, Tibetan and Chinesepeoples have lived as neighbors. In thetwo thousand year-old recorded historyof our peoples, we have at timesdeveloped friendly relations, evenentering into matrimonial alliances, whileat other times we fought each other.However, since Buddhism flourished inChina first before it arrived in Tibet fromIndia, we Tibetans have historicallyaccorded the Chinese people the respectand affection due to elder Dharmabrothers and sisters. This is somethingwell known to members of the Chinesecommunity living outside China, someof whom have attended my Buddhistlectures, as well as pilgrims frommainland China, whom I have had theprivilege to meet. I take heart from thesemeetings and feel they may contributeto a better understanding between ourtwo peoples.

The twentieth century witnessedenormous changes in many parts of theworld and Tibet, too, was caught up inthis turbulence. Soon after the foundingof the People’s Republic of China in 1949,the People’s Liberation Army enteredTibet finally resulting in the 17-PointAgreement concluded between Chinaand Tibet in May 1951. When I was inBeijing in 1954-55, attending the NationalPeople’s Congress, I had the opportunityto meet and develop a personalfriendship with many senior leaders,including Chairman Mao himself. In fact,Chairman Mao gave me advice onnumerous issues, as well as personalassurances with regard to the future ofTibet. Encouraged by these assurances,and inspired by the dedication of manyof China’s revolutionary leaders of thetime, I returned to Tibet full of confidenceand optimism. Some Tibetan members ofthe Communist Party also had such ahope. After my return to Lhasa, I madeevery possible effort to seek genuineautonomy for Tibet within the family ofthe People’s Republic of China (PRC). Ibelieved that this would best serve thelong-term interests of both the Tibetanand Chinese peoples.

Unfortunately, tensions, which began toescalate in Tibet from around 1956,

eventually led to the peaceful uprisingof March 10, 1959, in Lhasa and myeventual escape into exile. Althoughmany positive developments have takenplace in Tibet under the PRC’s rule, thesedevelopments, as the previous PanchenLama pointed out in January 1989, wereovershadowed by immense sufferingand extensive destruction. Tibetanswere compelled to live in a state ofconstant fear, while the Chinesegovernment remained suspicious ofthem. However, instead of cultivatingenmity towards the Chinese leadersresponsible for the ruthless suppressionof the Tibetan people, I prayed for themto become friends, which I expressed inthe following lines in a prayer Icomposed in 1960, a year after I arrivedin India: “May they attain the wisdomeye discerning right and wrong, Andmay they abide in the glory of friendshipand love.” Many Tibetans, schoolchildren among them, recite these linesin their daily prayers.

In 1974, following serious discussionswith my Kashag (cabinet), as well as theSpeaker and the Deputy Speaker of thethen Assembly of the Tibetan People’sDeputies, we decided to find a MiddleWay that would seek not to separateTibet from China, but would facilitate thepeaceful development of Tibet.Although we had no contact at the timewith the PRC - which was in the midst ofthe Cultural Revolution - we had alreadyrecognized that sooner or later, we wouldhave to resolve the question of Tibetthrough negotiations. We alsoacknowledged that, at least with regardto modernization and economicdevelopment, it would greatly benefitTibet if it remained within the PRC.Although Tibet has a rich and ancientcultural heritage, it is materiallyundeveloped.

Situated on the roof of the world, Tibet isthe source of many of Asia’s major rivers,therefore, protection of the environmenton the Tibetan plateau is of supremeimportance. Since our utmost concern isto safeguard Tibetan Buddhist culture -rooted as it is in the values of universalcompassion - as well as the Tibetan

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language and the unique Tibetan identity,we have worked whole-heartedly towardsachieving meaningful self-rule for allTibetans. The PRC’s constitutionprovides the right for nationalities suchas the Tibetans to do this.

In 1979, the then Chinese paramountleader, Deng Xiaoping assured mypersonal emissary that “except for theindependence of Tibet, all otherquestions can be negotiated.” Since wehad already formulated our approach toseeking a solution to the Tibetan issuewithin the constitution of the PRC, wefound ourselves well placed to respondto this new opportunity. Myrepresentatives met many times withofficials of the PRC. Since renewing ourcontacts in 2002, we have had six roundsof talks. However, on the fundamentalissue, there has been no concrete resultat all. Nevertheless, as I have declaredmany times, I remain firmly committed tothe Middle Way approach and reiteratehere my willingness to continue topursue the process of dialogue.

This year the Chinese people are proudlyand eagerly awaiting the opening of theOlympic Games. I have, from the start,supported Beijing’s being awarded theopportunity to host the Games. Myposition remains unchanged. China hasthe world’s largest population, a longhistory and an extremely rich civilization.Today, due to her impressive economic

progress, she is emerging as a greatpower. This is certainly to be welcomed.But China also needs to earn the respectand esteem of the global communitythrough the establishment of an openand harmonious society based on theprinciples of transparency, freedom, andthe rule of law. For example, to this dayvictims of the Tiananmen Square tragedythat adversely affected the lives of somany Chinese citizens have receivedneither just redress nor any officialresponse. Similarly, when thousands ofordinary Chinese in rural areas sufferinjustice at the hands of exploitative andcorrupt local officials, their legitimatecomplaints are either ignored or met withaggression. I express these concernsboth as a fellow human being and assomeone who is prepared to considerhimself a member of the large family thatis the People’s Republic of China. In thisrespect, I appreciate and supportPresident Hu Jintao’s policy of creatinga “harmonious society”, but this canonly arise on the basis of mutual trustand an atmosphere of freedom, includingfreedom of speech and the rule of law. Istrongly believe that if these values areembraced, many important problemsrelating to minority nationalities can beresolved, such as the issue of Tibet, aswell as Eastern Turkistan, and InnerMongolia, where the native people nowconstitute only 20% of a total populationof 24 million.

I had hoped President Hu Jintao’s recentstatement that the stability and safetyof Tibet concerns the stability and safetyof the country might herald the dawningof a new era for the resolution of theproblem of Tibet. It is unfortunate thatdespite my sincere efforts not to separateTibet from China, the leaders of the PRCcontinue to accuse me of being a“separatist”. Similarly, when Tibetans inLhasa and many other areasspontaneously protested to expresstheir deep-rooted resentment, theChinese authorities immediately accusedme of having orchestrated theirdemonstrations. I have called for athorough investigation by a respectedbody to look into this allegation.

Chinese brothers and sisters - whereveryou may be - with deep concern I appealto you to help dispel themisunderstandings between our twocommunities. Moreover, I appeal to youto help us find a peaceful, lasting solutionto the problem of Tibet through dialoguein the spirit of understanding andaccommodation.

With my prayers,

Dalai Lama

March 28, 2008

Note: translated from the Tibetanoriginal

Statement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to all Tibetans- April 6, 2008

While extending my warm greetings toall the Tibetans in Tibet, I would like toshare some of my thoughts.

1. Since March 10 this year, we havewitnessed protests and demonstrationsin almost all parts of Tibet, even in a fewcities in Mainland China by students,which are the outburst of long pent-upphysical and mental anguish of theTibetans and the feeling of deepresentment against the suppression ofthe rights of Tibetan people, lack ofreligious freedom and for trying todistort the truth at every occasion, suchas saying that Tibetans look towards

the Chinese Communist Party as the“Living Buddha”, is an ultra leftiststatement and smacks of Hanchauvinism. I am very much saddenedand concerned by the use of arms tosuppress the peaceful demonstrationsof Tibetan people’s aspirations that haveresulted in unrest in Tibet, causing manydeaths, and much more causalities,detention, and injury. Such suppressionand suffering are very unfortunate andtragic which will reduce anycompassionate person to tears. I,however, feel helpless in the face ofthese tragic incidents.

2. I pray for all the Tibetans as well asChinese who have lost their lives duringthe current crisis.

3. The recent protests all over Tibet havenot only contradicted but also shatteredthe People Republic of China’spropaganda that except for a few“reactionaries”, the majority of Tibetansenjoy a prosperous and contented life.These protests have made it very clearthat Tibetans in the three provinces ofTibet, U-tsang, Kham and Amdo, harborthe same aspirations and hopes. Theseprotests have also conveyed to theworld that the Tibet issue can no longer

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be neglected. These protests highlightthe need to find a way to resolve theissue through “finding truth from facts”.The courage and determination of thoseTibetans who have, for the greaterinterests of Tibetan people,demonstrated their deep anguish andhopes by risking everything is verycommendable as the world communityhas acknowledged and supported thespirit of these Tibetans.

4. I deeply appreciate the acts of manyTibetan government employees andCommunist Party cadres who have,without losing their Tibetan identity,shown grit and sense of what is rightduring the present crisis. In future, Iwould appeal to the Tibetan Party cadresand government employees not to lookalways for their personal benefit, but towork for safeguarding the larger interestsof Tibet by reporting the real sentimentsof the Tibetan people to their superiorsin the Party and try to give unbiasedguidance to the Tibetan people.

5. Presidents, Prime Ministers, ForeignMinisters, Nobel Laureates,Parliamentarians, and concerned citizensfrom every part of the world have beensending clear and strong messages tothe Chinese leadership to stop thepresent ongoing harsh crackdownagainst the Tibetan people. They haveall been encouraging the Chinesegovernment to follow a path where amutually beneficial solution could bereached. We should create anopportunity for their efforts to bring outpositive results. I know you are beingprovoked at every level but it isimportant to stick to our non-violentpractice.

6. The Chinese authorities have beenmaking false allegations against myselfand the Central Tibetan Administrationfor instigating and orchestrating therecent events in Tibet. Theseallegations are totally untrue. I havemade repeated appeals for anindependent and respected internationalbody to conduct a thoroughinvestigation into the matter. I am surethis independent body will uncover the

truth. If the People’s Republic of Chinahas any basis and proof of evidence toback their allegations, they need todisclose these to the world. Just makingallegations is not enough.

7. For the future of Tibet, I have decidedto find a solution within the frameworkof the People’s Republic of China. Since1974, I have sincerely remained steadfastto the mutually beneficial Middle-WayApproach. The whole world knows this.The Middle-Way Approach means thatall Tibetans must be governed by similaradministration that enjoys meaningfulNational Regional Autonomy and all theprovisions in it, self-rule and fulldecision-making, except for mattersconcerning foreign relations andnational defense. However, I have saidit from the beginning that the Tibetansin Tibet have the right to make the finaldecision for the future of Tibet.

8. The hosting of the Olympic games thisyear is a matter of great pride to the 1.2billion Chinese people. I have from thevery beginning supported the holdingof these Games in Beijing. My positionon this remains unchanged. I feel theTibetans should not cause anyhindrance to the Games. It is thelegitimate right of every Tibetan tostruggle for their freedoms and rights.On the other hand, it will be futile andnot helpful to anyone if we do somethingthat will create hatred in the minds ofthe Chinese people. On the contrary, weneed to foster trust and respect in ourhearts in order to create a harmonioussociety, as this cannot be built on thebasis of force and intimidation.

9. Our struggle is with a few in theleadership of the People’s Republic ofChina and not with the Chinese people.Therefore we should never causemisunderstanding or do something thatwill hurt the Chinese people. Evenduring this difficult situation, manyChinese intellectuals, writers andlawyers in Mainland China and otherparts of the world have sympathized andshown us their solidarity by issuingstatements, writing articles and offeringpledges of support that is overwhelming.

I have recently issued an appeal to theChinese people all over the world on28th March, which I hope you will hearand read.

10. If the present situation in Tibetcontinues, I am very much concernedthat the Chinese government willunleash more force and increase thesuppression of Tibetan people. Becauseof my moral obligation and responsibilityto the Tibetan people, I have repeatedlyasked the concerned leadership of thePRC to immediately stop theirsuppression in all parts of Tibet andwithdraw its armed police and troops. Ifthis brings result, I would also advisethe Tibetans to stop all the currentprotests.

11. I want to urge my fellow Tibetanswho live in freedom outside Tibet to beextra vigilant as they voice their feelingson the developments in Tibet. Weshould not engage in any action thatcould be even remotely interpreted asviolent. Even under the mostprovocative of situations we must notallow our most precious and deeply heldvalues to be compromised. I firmlybelieve that we will achieve successthrough our non-violent path. We mustbe wise to understand where theunprecedented affection and support forour cause stems from.

12. As Tibet is currently virtually closedand no international media is allowedthere, I doubt my message will reach theTibetans in Tibet. But I hope throughmedia and by word of mouth, it will bepassed on to the majority of you.

13. Finally, I want to reiterate and appealonce again to Tibetans to practice non-violence and not waver from this path,however serious the situation might be.

The Dalai Lama

Dharamsala

April 6, 2008

N.B. Translated from the Tibetanoriginal

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Public Statement of the Kashag - 22 March 2008The Kashag would like to issue thisstatement to the Tibetans — both layand ecclesiastical — living here inDharamsala, and through all of you, tothe larger Tibetan population in andoutside Tibet.

Recognition of the situation inside Tibet

1) The recent peaceful uprising in Tibetis not only powerful, but also great andof historical significance. It symbolisesthe Tibetan people’s indomitablecourage and inner strength.

2) The uprising is not just confined toLhasa and its neighbouring areas. It hasspread to all regions where Tibetansreside, including the three traditionalprovinces of Tibet: U-tsang, Amdo andKham. What does this indicate? Firstly,it clearly shows that all Tibetans havethe same aspirations and are unitedunder the great leadership of HisHoliness the Dalai Lama. Secondly, it hasbrought before the world the realityinside Tibet by exposing the Chinesepropaganda that “apart from the fewupper strata followers of the reactionaryDalai, all Tibetans in Tibet are loyal tothe ideology and polity of the People’sRepublic of China (PRC)” and that “Tibethas entered into a period of greatstability, with its people being fullysatisfied with the economic and socialprogress it has achieved”.

3) It further shows that His Holiness’viewpoint that all Tibetans, includingthose living in the three traditionalprovinces of Tibet, should be broughtunder a single autonomous governanceis in tune with the reality.

4) The leaders of the People’s Republicof China have said that they will wage a“life and death” struggle against, orresolutely crush, the on-goingdemonstrations in Tibet. This statementhas brought to the fore the internalmatter that the Chinese leaders view theTibetans as enemies, rather than beinga part of the big family of the Chinesenation.

5) The recent heroic uprising, which hasspread to virtually all parts of Tibet, islarger in scale than all the uprisings thathave taken place during the past 49years. Whether we look at it from theperspective of an international issue ora domestic issue, these demonstrationshave brought our struggle to a pointwhere a decision has to be madeconcerning the survival of the Tibetanpeople. Moreover the principal forcebehind these activities are the fourthgeneration Tibetans — those Tibetanswho are born after the Chinese assumedrule over our country. These are a clearindication that our movement willcontinue for generations.

6) The recent incidents have made itamply clear how much determination andsincerity the Tibetan people have andthe great sacrifices they made. Whileexpressing our immense pride in andappreciation for this, the Kashag wouldlike to state that it does not have thefaintest doubt that their sacrifices willbe etched on the annals of the Tibetanpeople in golden ink.

What the Central Tibetan Administrationhas done thus far

7) Needless to mention that the Tibetanexiles should recognise the greatcourage displayed by our brethren inTibet and initiate solidarity actions,which will go a long way in promotingthe short- and long-term benefits of thecause of the Tibetan people. Thereforea high-level committee has been set upunder the leadership of the TibetanParliament-in-Exile (TPiE), which has —instead of letting the Tibetans to carryout individual activities — tried tocombine all the initiatives of the TibetanDiasporic community to give it acollective force. This is, in the history ofthe Tibetan Diaspora, a new approachto deal with a crisis situation. We arehopeful that the Tibetan NGOs,autonomous bodies and welfareorganisations, as well as the local peoplewill all follow the direction of thiscommittee.

8) Since the repression began in Tibet,His Holiness the Dalai Lama hascontinued to make his best efforts,despite his slight indisposition, to reachout to as many people as possible. Aswell as writing to many like-minded(political) world leaders, fellow Nobellaureates and other eminent persons,His Holiness has given frequentinterviews to the media and appealed tothe governments and peoples across theglobe. In addition to this, His Holinesshas advised us to recite the prayers ofDolma and Sher-nying, as well as theTadrin mantra to avert the present crisissituation and to work towards theenhancement of the Tibetan people’scollective merit. Moreover, His Holinesshas graciously presided over the prayercongregation held at the main temple ofthe Thekchen Choeling monastery forthe Tibetans in Tibet.

As for the Tibetan administration, wehave been performing our dutiesproperly by providing timely informationto the governmental and non-governmental organisations as well asthe Tibet support groups and requestingthem for their support through the officesof Tibet abroad. Apart from expressingour heart-felt thanks to high-rankingleaders of many eastern and westerncountries, including the US and the EUcountries; the United Nations SecretaryGeneral; political parties; social serviceorganisations; Tibet support groups andthe spiritual heads of various religiousdenominations for issuing theirstatements of support, the Kashag hasalso been emphatically urging them tocontinue to give their effective supportto us until the eventual resolution of theissue of Tibet.

Appeal for future action

9) Currently, our urgent appeal to theinternational community comprises ofthe following main items:

a) Stop immediately the repressiontaking place all over Tibet, as well as

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the killings and beatingsccompanying it;

b) Release immediately all those arrestedand imprisoned during suchinstances of protest demonstrations;

c) All those injured should be providedmedical care. Lift the imposition ofrestrictions on all travellers who areheld up in different places andadequate food supplies should beprovided to them;

d) An independent international fact-finding delegation and impartialreporters should be allowed to go allover Tibet without any restriction.

To channel our collective energies to putforward these demands is the need ofthe hour.

10) The People’s Republic of China(PRC) has planted a large number ofspies within the Tibetan communities inand outside Tibet, who have beenundertaking massive campaigns to drivea wedge between the Tibetan people,between the Tibetans and Chinese andbetween the Tibetans and the people ofthe respective host countries they livein. Thus the other side is hoping todestroy the unity, or oneness, of theTibetan people and the effectiveness oftheir movement. Being mindful of thesemischievous lots, all Tibetans shouldexercise utmost caution.

The bases of the Tibetan exiles’movement are the respective hostcountries we live in. India, in particular,is the residence of His Holiness theDalai Lama and the seat of the CentralTibetan Administration (CTA).Therefore whenever we initiate any

activity big or small, we must be carefulin seeing to it that our actions do not goagainst the laws of the respective hostcountries, or cause undueembarrassment and discomfort to thepeople living in these countries. Besideswe must realise that it is our strength,rather than weakness, to keep the meanswe employ within the rubric of theprinciple of non-violence. Since theChinese side has misrepresented therecent incidents as a clash between theTibetan and Chinese peoples andbetween different religions, we shouldnot be tardy in providing timely andproper responses to thesemisinformation.

11) Apart from undertaking politicalactivities, all Tibetans should also makeefforts from the religious side to enhancetheir collective merit by engagingthemselves in good-karmic deeds. Weshould, in particular, follow the adviceof His Holiness the Dalai Lama byreciting the prayers of Dolma, Sher-nying, Yig-drug and Gurui Thug-damNe-kul and dedicate the merits gainedfor the immediate ending of therepression in Tibet; for the rebirth of allthose who have lost their lives in the“taming ground” of Avalokitesvara, theSnowland of Tibet and be able to servethe Tibetan people; for the speedyrecovery of all those injured people; andfor the eventual resolution of the Tibetissue so that the Tibetans in and outsideTibet can join together in a celebrationof their reunion.

12) It is difficult to predict where thepresent crisis situation inside Tibet willlead to in the future. It is possible thatwe may have to initiate campaigns for a

long time inside and outside Tibet. It isalso possible that we may have to comeout with a considerable number of reliefactivities. Therefore, as stated in theKashag’s appeal on the last birthdaycelebration of His Holiness the DalaiLama, all Tibetan exiles — be it rich orpoor — should observe austerity asmuch as possible by shunningextravagance of any kind, includingunbridled consumerism, and set aside aportion of their income for communityactivities.

13) Finally, an extremely important matteris that there is no greater prospects forthe Tibetan people than what HisHoliness has, relying on his profoundwisdom, advised to us. In a crisissituation like this, we should be able towhole-heartedly follow the guidanceprovided by him. On the contrary, if wepretend to have a better approach thanwhat His Holiness has already shown tous and thus undermine the unity of thesmall number of Tibetan exiles, then thiswill only make our enemies happy anddisappoint our friends.

The Kashag is greatly disappointed bysome of the recently initiated campaigns.Even though we hope that there isnothing wrong in the sincerity of thosewho initiated these campaigns, but theway they were conducted seems toindicate the organiser’s deliberateattempts to bring bad name anddifficulties to His Holiness the DalaiLama. This, we consider, is not at allhelpful to the cause of Tibet.

Issued by the KashagN.B. Translated from the Tibetan

Press statement by Kalon Tripa, Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche,on theSituation in Tibet

Deteriorating situation in Tibet and fear of worse to come in days ahead

Since 10th March 2008, there havebeen widespread protests in all areasof U-Tsang, Kham and Amdo,including in various cities of Chinawhere Tibetans live. These protestsare the outburst of dissatisfaction

and deep-rooted resentmentperpetuated in the hearts of theTibetan people for the last f ivedecades by excessive repression andmishandling of peaceful protests bysmall number of monks and lay people

in several places in and outside “TAR”on 10th March 2008.

10th March is a historic day for theTibetan people. Every year there issome kind of peaceful demonstration,

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which does not continue beyond thatday. But this year protests continuedin the succeeding days due tounnecessary repressive measures anduse of force.

If the objective of using force by theChinese authorities is to maintainpeace and order in Tibet, they couldhave achieved it within a day. Butnormalcy did not return even aftermore than five weeks and moreprotests and repressive measures arehappening day after day. This arousesthe suspicion about the intentions ofthe Chinese authorities. Among themany suspic ious inc idents, thefollowing are conspicuous:

a. On 14th March, unusual unrestwas allowed in Lhasa for severalhours without the authoritiestaking any preventive measures.

b. Most of protesters involved inviolent acts on that day wereunfamiliar to the local people. Inparticular, there are cases wherepeople have seen Chinesepolicemen in Tibetan dress andin monks’ robes taking theleading role during the protests.

c. The Chinese authorities claim thatthey have found guns and bulletsat some Tibetan monasteries.This claim is based on recoveringsome unserviceable country-made guns and swords, whichwere offered to the chambers ofthe protective deities (Gonkhang)of monasteries. And in someother cases, the mili ta rypersonnel themselves broughtarms and ammunit ions tomonasteries. Later they claimedto have found these in themonaster ies and blame theTibetans for harbouring arms andammunition in the monasticcompounds.

d. Chinese authorities also claim thatTibetan independence forces areplanning to launch suicideattacks.

e. They accuse some monks ofexploding a bomb that damageda building in Chamdo in eastTibet. The authorities are yet toproduce any convincingevidence.

f. Patriotic re-education campaign isre-launched and monasteries andhouseholds are ordered to fly theChinese national flag on theirbuildings.

g. Anti-Dalai Lama campaigns arebeing r igorously car r ied outeverywhere . This hur ts thesentiments of the Tibetan peoplemost.

h. The People’s Republic of China(PRC) is carrying out a systematicand vigorous effort to create a riftbetween the Tibetans and theChinese people. This is beingdone by a huge propaganda tofan nationalism and hatred of the“Dalai c l ique” amongst theChinese people.

These acts do not help in restoringmental peace and social order inTibet. On the contrary, these acts areconsidered highly provocative by theTibetans because they hurt them themost. All these acts appear to beaimed to undermine the Tibetanpeople’s tolerance and provoke theminto violent retaliation. They alsoindicate that various agencies of thePRC have plans to carry out morebombing and o ther dest ruc tiveactivities and put the blame on theinnocent Tibetans for such actions.

We are deeply concerned by theongoing repressive action such asbrutal beatings, tor ture, killings,deprivation of essential foods anddrinking water, which lead to thestarvation of concerned Tibetans. Weare also very much concerned thatsuch repressive action may continuefor many more months to come.

Tibet is virtually sealed off and in ashort period, the Chinese authorities

will destroy all evidence by executingthe innocent Tibetans . Theinte rnat ional community mustintervene immediately and persuadethe PRC authorities to end theseatrocious acts.

The vexed situation in Tibet haslingered because of the ultra leftistpolicies adopted by PRC authoritiesduring the year 1957/58, which led tothe popular uprising on 10th March1959. Since then the Tibetans havesuffered immensely. Over a millionTibetans perished and the situationremains troubled. These policies wererecognised as wrong and reversed inMainland China. But no change inpolicy has taken place for the Tibetannationality. Even now, unless thebasic policy of PRC towards theTibetan nationality is changed, noamount of force can keep the Tibetanpeople under control.

The PRC leadership on one handdemand that His Holiness the DalaiLama use his influence to restorenormalcy in Tibet. On the other handthey have not created any space orchannel to allow His Holiness theDalai Lama to use his influence inTibet. On the contrary, the Chineseleadership have stepped up their anti- Dalai Lama campaign throughoutTibet.

The PRC leadership refused to findout the root cause of unrest in Tibetand make efforts to remove the cause.On the contrary they are aggravatingthe problem by various means. Thisis a clear indication that they do notwant to have peace and stability inTibet.

We, therefore, urgently appeal to theinternational community to takeeffective and immediate actions toprevent the PRC from indulging insuch brutal acts against the Tibetanpeople and to stop their policy ofsystematic cultural genocide in Tibet.

Prof . Samdhong RinpocheKALON TRIPA Dated: 18th April 2008

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Twelve Suggestions for Dealing with the Tibetan Situation by SomeChinese Intellectuals on March 22, 2008

1. At present the one-sided propagandaof the official Chinese media is havingthe effect of stirring up inter-ethnicanimosity and aggravating an alreadytense situation. This is extremelydetrimental to the long-term goal ofsafeguarding national unity. We callfor such propaganda to be stopped.

2. We support the Dalai Lama’s appealfor peace, and hope that the ethnicconflict can be dealt with according tothe principles of goodwill, peace, andnon-violence. We condemn anyviolent act against innocent people,strongly urge the Chinese governmentto stop the violent suppression, andappeal to the Tibetan people likewisenot to engage in violent activities.

3. The Chinese government claims that“there is sufficient evidence to provethis incident was organized,premeditated, and meticulouslyorchestrated by the Dalai clique.” Wehope that the government will showproof of this. In order to change theinternational community’s negativeview and distrustful attitude, we alsosuggest that the government invite theUnited Nation’s Commission onHuman Rights to carry out anindependent investigation of theevidence, the course of the incident,the number of casualties, etc.

4.In our opinion, such Cultural-Revolution-like language as “the DalaiLama is a jackal in Buddhist monk’srobes and an evil spirit with a humanface and the heart of a beast” used bythe Chinese Communist Partyleadership in the Tibet AutonomousRegion is of no help in easing thesituation, nor is it beneficial to theChinese government’s image. As theChinese government is committed tointegrating into the internationalcommunity, we maintain that it shoulddisplay a style of governing thatconforms to the standards of moderncivilization.

5. We note that on the very day whenthe violence erupted in Lhasa (March14), the leaders of the TibetAutonomous Region declared that“there is sufficient evidence to provethis incident was organized,premeditated, and meticulouslyorchestrated by the Dalai clique.” Thisshows that the authorities in Tibetknew in advance that the riot wouldoccur, yet did nothing effective toprevent the incident from happeningor escalating. If there was a derelictionof duty, a serious investigation mustbe carried out to determine this anddeal with it accordingly.

6.If in the end it cannot be proved thatthis was an organized, premeditated,and meticulously orchestrated eventbut was instead a “popular revolt”triggered by events, then theauthorities should pursue thoseresponsible for inciting the popularrevolt and concocting false informationto deceive the Central Government andthe people; they should also seriouslyreflect on what can be learned from thisevent so as to avoid taking the samecourse in the future.

7.We strongly demand that theauthorities not subject every Tibetanto political investigation or revenge.The trials of those who have beenarrested must be carried out accordingto judicial procedures that are open,just, and transparent so as to ensurethat all parties are satisfied.

8.We urge the Chinese government toallow credible national andinternational media to go into Tibetanareas to conduct independentinterviews and news reports. In ourview, the current news blockade cannotgain credit with the Chinese people orthe international community, and isharmful to the credibility of the Chinesegovernment. If the government graspsthe true situation, it need not fearchallenges. Only by adopting an open

attitude can we turn around theinternational community’s distrust ofour government.

9.We appeal to the Chinese people andoverseas Chinese to be calm andtolerant, and to reflect deeply on whatis happening. Adopting a posture ofaggressive nationalism will only inviteantipathy from the internationalcommunity and harm China’sinternational image.

10.The disturbances in Tibet in the 1980swere limited to Lhasa, whereas this timethey have spread to many Tibetanareas. This deterioration indicates thatthere are serious mistakes in the workthat has been done with regard toTibet. The relevant governmentdepartments must conscientiouslyreflect upon this matter, examine theirfailures, and fundamentally change thefailed nationality policies.

11.In order to prevent similar incidentsfrom happening in future, thegovernment must abide by the freedomof religious belief and the freedom ofspeech explicitly enshrined in theChinese Constitution, therebyallowing the Tibetan people fully toexpress their grievances and hopes,and permitting citizens of allnationalities freely to criticize and makesuggestions regarding thegovernment’s nationality policies.

12.We hold that we must eliminateanimosity and bring about nationalreconciliation, not continue to increasedivisions between nationalities. Acountry that wishes to avoid thepartition of its territory must first avoiddivisions among its nationalities.Therefore, we appeal to the leaders ofour country to hold direct dialoguewith the Dalai Lama. We hope that theChinese and Tibetan people will doaway with the misunderstandingsbetween them, develop theirinteractions with each other, andachieve unity. Government

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Tibet’s peace is the peace of the graveyardhttp://www.taipeitimes.com, Mar 22, 2008

by Vaclav Havel, Andri Glucksmann, Yohei Sasakawa, El Hassan Bin

The recent events in Tibet and adjoiningprovinces are causes for deep concern.Indeed, the dispersal of a peaceful protestmarch organized by Tibetan monks,which led to a wave of unrest that wasbrutally suppressed by the Chinesemilitary and police, has causedindignation all over the democratic world.

The reaction of the Chinese authoritiesto the Tibetan protests evokes echoesof the totalitarian practices that many ofus remember from the days beforecommunism in Central and EasternEurope collapsed in 1989: Harshcensorship of the domestic media,blackouts of reporting by foreign mediafrom China, refusal of visas to foreignjournalists, and blaming the unrest onthe “Dalai Lama’s conspiratorial clique”and other unspecified dark forcessupposedly manipulated from abroad.

Indeed, the language used by someChinese government representatives andthe official Chinese media is a reminderof the worst of times during the Stalinistand Maoist eras.

But the most dangerous development ofthis unfortunate situation is the currentattempt to seal off Tibet from the rest ofthe world.

Even as we write, it is clear that China’srulers are trying to reassure the worldthat peace, quiet, and “harmony” haveagain prevailed in Tibet. We all know thiskind of peace from what has happenedin the past in Myanmar, Cuba, Belarusand a few other countries — it is calledthe peace of the graveyard.

Merely urging the Chinese governmentto exercise the “utmost restraint” indealing with the Tibetan people, asgovernments around the world are doing,is far too weak a response.

The international community, beginningwith the UN and followed by the EU,ASEAN and other internationalorganizations, as well as individualcountries, should use every meanspossible to step up pressure on theChinese government to do the following:

* Allow foreign media, as well asinternational fact-finding missions, into

Tibet and adjoining provinces in orderto enable objective investigations ofwhat has been happening.

* Release all those who only peacefullyexercised their internationallyguaranteed human rights, and guaranteethat no one is subjected to torture andunfair trials.

* Enter into a meaningful dialogue withthe representatives of the Tibetanpeople.

Unless these conditions are fulfilled, theInternational Olympic Committee shouldseriously reconsider whether holdingthis summer’s Olympic Games in acountry that includes a peacefulgraveyard remains a good idea.

Vaclav Havel is a former president of the CzechRepublic, Andri Glucksmann is a Frenchphilosopher, Yohei Sasakawa is a Japanesephilanthropist, El Hassan Bin Talal is presidentof the Arab Thought Forum and presidentemeritus of the World Conference of Religionsfor Peace, F.W. de Klerk is a former presidentof South Africa, and Karel Schwarzenberg isforeign minister of the Czech Republic.

departments as much as popularorganizations and religious figuresshould make great efforts toward thisgoal.

Signatures:Wang Lixiong (Beijing, Writer)Liu Xiaobo (Beijing, Freelance Writer)Zhang Zuhua (Beijing, scholar of constitutionalism)Sha Yexin (Shanghai, writer, Chinese Muslim)Yu Haocheng (Beijing, jurist)

Ding Zilin (Beijing, professor)Jiang peikun (Beijing, professor)Yu Jie (Beijing, writer)Sun Wenguang (Shangdong, professor)Ran Yunfei (Sichuan, editor, Tujia nationality)Pu Zhiqiang (Beijing, lawyer)Teng Biao (Beijing, Layer and scholar)Liao Yiwu (Sichuan, writer)Wang Qisheng (Beijing, scholar)Zhang Xianling (Beijing, engineer)Xu Jue (Beijing, research fellow)Li Jun (Gansu, photographer)

Gao Yu (Beijing, journalist)Wang Debang (Beijing, freelance writer)Zhao Dagong (Shenzhen, freelance writer)Jiang Danwen (Shanghai, writer)Liu Yi (Gansu, painter)Xu Hui (Beijing, writer)Wang Tiancheng (Beijing, scholar)Wen kejian (Hangzhou, freelance)Li Hai (Beijing, freelance writer)Tian Yongde (Inner Mongolia, folk human rights activists)Zan Aizong (Hangzhou, journalist)Liu Yiming (Hubei, freelance writer)

China Needs the Dalai LamaWashington Post, March 26, 2008

by Robert Thurman

We are at a moment of great significancefor humanity, at the beginning of thisnew century, which could be either ahorrendous time of natural and man-mademega-disasters or the greatest century

yet of environmental restoration andpeaceful global community. Of all worldleaders at this time, the Dalai Lama mostconvincingly provides spiritual,intellectual, and ethical leadership,

exemplifying and elucidating the mostreasonable path to peace and happiness.This is the secret of his worldwidepopularity. His person and teachingreally do matter, to the Tibetans, to the

V I E WPOINT


Fire in the Land of Snows - by Tenzin Sonam Gonsar

For many of us, the recent unfolding ofevents in Tibet should not come as asurprise. In fact, in many ways it isreminiscent of the 1989 Lhasa uprising:only this time the world is paying a littlemore attention as the biggest wave ofdemonstrations in Tibet for nearly 50years is taking place. Tibetans (bothinside and outside Tibet) see this as agolden opportunity to hold onto anethnically, religiously and culturallyunique homeland before it is lost forever.This is what makes the uprising of 2008different from the one in 1989.

In 1951, when Mao Zedong sent troops to “liberate” the “barbaric” Tibetans, healso admitted that his country had aproblem with “chauvinism” in its

handling of ethnic minorities. This time,their “chauvinism” has cost them dearlyas China faces its worst public-relationsquagmire and is struggling to escape.

Just recently, Li Zhanjun, aspokesperson for Beijing’s Olympicorganisers, had been boasting abouthow many foreign leaders and membersof royalty would attend the openingceremony for the olympics: over 100, hesaid, compared with 60-odd at the 2004games in Athens. A few hours later,France’s president, Nicolas Sarkozy, saidhe could not rule out boycotting theopening ceremony of the games onAugust 8, because of China’s handlingof the demonstrations. Just a few dayslater, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk

became the first head-of state to officiallydeclare that he will not participate in theopening ceremony of the Olympic Gamesin Beijing: “..my decision is very clear:the presence of politicians during theinauguration of the olympics seemsinappropriate. “ Since then, over six headof states have already said that they willnot be attending the opening ceremonyfor the Olympics. Now Chinese officialsare suddenly less optimistic that thissummer’s Olympic games in Beijing willbe the diplomatic triumph they had craved.

But certainly there remain moreimportant questions to be asked thanwhether China should be given thechance to host the Olympics. Onequestion that many have been asking

Chinese, and to all of us and our futuregenerations.

If there ever was a social and politicalmovement based on faith, on spirituality,it is the 50-year campaign of the DalaiLama for the freedom of his people, andthe present spontaneous uprising of theTibetan people who want to be free torestore their spiritual life, in the closerpresence of their spiritual and politicalleader. These acts of truth—the DalaiLama’s long insistence on non-violenceand dialogue in responding to thegenocidal acts of one of the world’slargest military powers, and the Tibetanpeople’s resistance in the face ofoverwhelming odds—may yet producemiraculous results, as one of the world’sgreatest “lost causes” becomes apossible success.

The promise of the present moment hasbeen precipitated first by the innovativeleaders of China, gingerly stepping outinto the glare of world publicity andopinion by hosting the Olympic Gamesand second, just now, by the brave peopleof Tibet stepping out on their own pastthe plans of their leader and, against greatodds, standing up for the truth of theirexistence as Tibetans. Risking their verylives, they protest the total destruction

of their culture, environment, and way oflife. They have done this in the spirit ofnon-violent resistance, although decadesof bitterness and the extremity of theirpresent situation did cause some of themto lose sight of this foundational principleof their struggle and commit some acts ofviolence. They stood up to the firing ofarmed Chinese troops, they raised theirflag of freedom, and they remain standingin spite of the massive loss of life andliberty they knew would come.

The Dalai Lama didn’t ask them tosacrifice themselves in this way. He tellsthem he will resign if they commit moreviolent acts, even exceptionally, and heagonizes over the vengeance the hard-line authorities can be expected to exact.At the same time, he and the rest of theworld stands in awe of the extraordinarydepth of faith being exhibited by hisbrave people, an echo of similarcourageous acts witnessed in the lastcentury during the Civil Rights strugglesin the U.S. and South Africa.

The opportunity the Chinese leadersnow have is nothing less than earth-shaking. For sixty years they havesought to dominate and control, in thefutile effort to transform Tibet and itsTibetans into China and Chinese, a

project the Dalai Lama has called culturalgenocide. They have clearly failed. The“Dalai Lama clique” they blame and vowto destroy turns out to be all Tibetans.They now have the chance to lookcarefully at the facts, seek the truth, andaccept that failure by trying somethingnew. They have unnecessarily beentrying to make an enemy of their bestfriend in all the world, the Dalai Lama,not only believed by Buddhists to bethe incarnation of the god ofcompassion but beloved by people ofall religions and humanisms as aninspiring thinker, teacher, and spiritualexample – the Nobel Laureate, the livingGandhi, and the apostle of non-violence,intelligent dialogue, and unbendinghope. He has all along continued to offerthem the open hand of friendship, aimingto find a solution that will be satisfyingfor China as well as for Tibet. It’s time,now, for President Hu Jintao to reach outand welcome his help.

Robert Thurman is professor of Indo-TibetanBuddhist Studies in the Department ofReligion at Columbia University andPresident of Tibet House US. His upcomingbook, “Why the Dalai Lama Matters: HisAct of Truth as the Solution for China, Tibetand the World” (Atria Books/Beyond Words)will be out in June.

V I E WPOINT


lately is: why are Tibetans so discontentunder Chinese rule? Why are monks andlay people risking their lives against thered-dragon once again as they did so inthe 1987, 1988 and the 1989 uprising?Among other issues, the recent protestsreflect over 50-years of Tibetanresentment toward Chinese policies andlaws that have failed to respect the basicrights of the people of Tibet.

China’s leaders have been proved wrongin their belief that years of channellingeconomic growth and investment ininfrastructure and ‘modernization’ inTibet would weaken the power ofreligion and traditional culture, and helpthem put behind years of anti-Colonialanger dating from China’s annexation ofTibet in 1959. The recent protests serveto remind us once again that the dazzlingnew infrastructure and marketplaces,certainly has not bought over the heartsand minds of Tibetans. One would betoo naive to believe that China’sinvestments in Tibet are benefitingTibetans. An independent analysis byAndrew Fischer, a developmenteconomist from the London School ofEconomics, reveals that “the majorityof Tibetans are increasinglymarginalized from the rapid growth. Thisis due to extreme and inefficientdependence on government sources offinance mostly from Beijing, togetherwith the fact that such financecontinues to be targeted at urban areaswhere Tibetans have the hardest timecompeting with Chinese migrants.Instead, the opportunities createdlargely advantage workers andentrepreneurs with Chinese-fluency,Chinese work cultures, and connectionsto government or business networks inChina.” This combination, he points out“exacerbates inequality and theexclusionary dynamics of growth”leading to what he terms “ethnicallyexclusionary growth.” If China trulywants stability, then the underlyingcauses of the public protests must beaddressed, and policies that addressthe interests of both the the Chinesegovernment and the Tibetan peopleshould be considered.

The recent protests also reflectTibetans’ belief that the six rounds ofthe Sino-Tibetan dialogue conductedto date—without the directparticipation of His Holiness the DalaiLama—has been too slow andunyielding of results. Beijing’s beliefthat the Tibetan struggle will fade awaywith the passing away of the 72-yearold Nobel laureate is nothing butfoolish. For Tibetans, His Holiness theDalai Lama remains more important thanever. In almost every single protestsince March 10, Tibetans inside Tibethave been calling for the return of HisHoliness the Dalai Lama. It is alsoimperative that the China sets forth atimeline and framework for evaluationin the Sino-Tibetan dialogue. Apractical solution for the Tibet questionthrough official negotiations thatinclude measurable results favours boththe Tibetan people and the Chinesegovernment. The Middle-WayApproach was proposed by HisHoliness the Dalai Lama to peacefullyresolve the issue of Tibet. It is a non-partisan and moderate position thatsafeguards the vital interests of allconcerned parties-for Tibetans: theprotection and preservation of theirculture, religion and national identity;for the Chinese: the security andterritorial integrity of the motherland;and for neighbours and other thirdparties: peaceful borders andinternational relations.

At the core of Middle-Way Approachis the proposal to seek “genuineautonomy” for all Tibetans living in thethree traditional provinces of Tibet. Thelegitimacy of such a demand is clearlyevident given the widespread nature ofthe recent protests which have takenplace in each of the three traditionalprovinces of Tibet.

China needs to come to the realizationthat His Holiness the Dalai Lama isChina’s only hope of winning Tibetanacceptance. Their claim that HisHoliness the Dalai Lama, is becomingirrelevant, yet insisting that the protests

in Tibet was “organized, premeditated,masterminded and incited by the Dalaiclique” clearly reveals China’s attitudesto Tibet which are nothing short ofcontradiction. His Holiness the DalaiLama’s relevance to the Tibetan peopleand their struggle is something thatChina should learn to appreciate. Theworld witnessed Tibetan people’sreverence for His Holiness when hemade an appeal to all Tibetans to stopwearing traditional clothing decoratedwith wildlife skins. Tibetans (bothinside and outside) Tibet responded byholding the largest bonfires of animalskins. The burnings became such awidespread movement in Tibet thatChinese authorities made manyattempts to ban the burnings. In lightof everything that China has donewrong with regard to Tibet andTibetans, there is still hope.

For Tibetans, the way forward is simple:under the guidance and leadership ofHis Holiness the Dalai Lama, ourmovement will continue to buildmomentum albeit in a peaceful and non-violent manner. For the Chineseleadership, the way forward involvesreviewing their old policies on Tibet andcoming through with new breakthroughpolicies. Some innovative and freshthinking needs to occur among theChinese leadership and measurableprogress needs to be made in the Sino-Tibetan dialogue. China mustconscientiously reflect upon the Tibetissue, examine their failures, andfundamentally change the failednationality policies. The latestdemonstrations in Tibet are only anepisode from more than half a centuryof sporadic resistance to Chinese rule.If China continues to brush aside theTibet issue, the “fire in the land ofsnows” will continue to burn and spreadbeyond their control.

Tenzin Sonam Gonsar has been working asan intern at the Dept. of Information andInternational Relations, CTA and also at thePlanning Commission, CTA. He is a graduatestudent in Organizational Psychology atColumbia University, New York.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

TIBETAN BULLETINMARCH-APRIL 2008

Edited by Tenzin Sonam Gonsar, printed and published by the Secretary, Department of Information & International Relations, CentralTibetan Administration, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala-176 215, HP, INDIAPrinted at Narthang Press, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala 176 215, HP, INDIA

Objectives of the Committee:

1. To endeavor safeguarding of Tibetans in Tibet from the urgent situation of wide-spread repressionby appealing to the International Community and the People’s Republic of China.

2. To plan and lead all the Tibetan movements in exile in a peaceful and coordinated manner inorder to show solidarity with our brethren in Tibet in unity and also create awareness worldwide.

Committee Members: Speaker Karma Chophel (Chairman), Deputy Speaker Dolma Gyari,DIIR Minister Kesang Y Takla, Security Minister Ngodup Dongchung, Former Speaker PemaJungney, members of the Parliament-in-exile Penpa Tsering and Tsultrim Tenzin.

In view of the present crisis in Tibet, we urgently appeal to the UN and the Internationalcommunity to:

1. Immediately dispatch independent fact finding delegations to Tibet2. Immediately allow free press to cover the whole of Tibet3. Immediately end the brutal killings in the whole of Tibet4. Immediately release all arrested and imprisoned Tibetans in Tibet5. Extend immediate medical assistance to the injured Tibetans in Tibet6. Allow free movement of people and provide access to daily needs in Tibet

- Tibetan Solidarity Committee

www.stoptibetcrisis.net / www.stoptibetcrisis.org Email: [email protected]/o Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Gangchen Kyishong Dharamsala Distt. Kangra (H.P) 176215

Phone: (01892) 222481 Fax: (01892) 224593