Bi-MonthlyB o d - K y i - Cha- Trin

I n t e r n a t i o n a l

Rs.5Vol. 02, Issue 52, 31 October 2011

Gere’s Solidarity With Tibet

www.thetibetpost.com

Tibetans to Hold Mass Prayers to MournTragic Self-immolations in Tibet

Dharamshala, India: - The Kashag (Cabinet) ofthe Central Tibetan Administration will organize aday-long grand prayer service at theTsuglagkhang, the main temple, in Dharamsala on19 October 2011, for all those Tibetans who haveself-immolated and those suffering incarcerationfor their courage to speak up for the rights of theTibetan people. Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangaywill lead the prayer service.His Holiness the Dalai Lama will join the prayerservice which starts at 8:00 AM. His EminenceGyalwang Karmapa and H E Kirti Rinpoche willjoin the prayer service. The CTA will remain closedfor the whole day as a mark of its solidarity withthe Tibetans inside Tibet.On the same day, Tibetans and Tibet supportersacross the world will also offer day-long prayersand fast as a gesture of solidarity with Tibetans inTibet. Since 16 March 2011, eight Tibetans haveset themselves on fire to protest continuedoccupation and repression of Tibet by thegovernment of People's Republic of China. All ofthem call for the restoration of freedom in Tibetand the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama tohis people and homeland.From the eight young Tibetans who self-immolatedthis year, the following succumbed to their injuries:

His Holiness the Dalai Lama offering prayers at the main Tibetan temple in Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala, India,01st October 2011. Photo: TPI/YC. Dhardhowa

By The Tibet Post International

London: The Tibetan community in Britain stoodshoulder to shoulder this weekend with thosesuffering in the land of snows, by protestingoutside the Chinese embassy and taking thepeaceful demonstration through the streets of thecapital to 10 Downing Street.Under unusually clear blue skies around 150activists from the Tibetan community and beyondraised their flags, voices and banners in the streetsof London to stand up for Tibet.2011 has been an unprecedented year within Tibetfor crackdowns and protests. At least nine cases

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Protests Over 9th Self-Immolation

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Protests Continue in Eastern Tibet

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New DelhiLends its Voice

to TibetPage 6...

Tibetan ArtistReclaims the Soilof His Motherland

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Tibetans and Indians Show SolidarityOver Self-Immolations

haramshala: - The newly formed Tibetan SolidarityMovement staged a four-day series of actions inIndia from October 18 to 21, in solidarity with therecent series of self-immolations in and near KirtiMonastery, Ngaba county, eastern Tibet.On October 18, the movement, which was launchedby the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile in Dharamsala,held a 24-hour fast and prayer session, attendedby 35 members of parliament and over 1,000 monksand nuns.Several Indian supporters also joined the fast,including former Indian MP and Tibet supporterKiran Rijiju, who said, â•œIt is in India's interest to

Delhi college students display the names of Tibet's martyr during the Tibetan Solidarity Movement, October2011. Photo: TPI

By Matthew Singh-Toor, The Tibet Post

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Dharamshala: - The measureless and azure skylineabove the mighty Dhauladhar mountains thatringed Dharamsala town glowed with a rainbow offlying paragliders. For the gliders, the weather andspacious sky are always encouraging and delight,

Indian Leaders’ Support for Tibet

Dharamshala, India: - Indian leaders reiteratedtheir support in finding a lasting solution to theissue of Tibet and called on the internationalcommunity to work together towards realising thegoal.Addressing a symposium organised by theHimalayan Parivar in Dharamsala on Friday, MajorVijay Singh Mankotia said: "When I received the

Senior Indian leaders, Mr Indresh Kumar (1st left) andMajor Vijay Singh Mankotia, ( 2nd right) with priests

from different religious faiths at a symposium forworld peace and the issue of Tibet in Dharamsala, on

21 October 2011/Photos by Jigme Tsering/tibetonline.tv

Tibetan Voices Heard in London

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Tibetans in exile protest against Chinese rule overTibet. Photo: TPI/file

Dharamshala: A Tibetan woman died on Mondayafter setting herself on fire in Ngaba county ofeastern Tibet.Ven. Kanyak Tsering, of Kirti monastery's ‘mirror'institution in Dharamsala, India, told the Tibet Post,

On March 16, 2011, Lobsang Phuntsok (age 21), amonk of Kirti Monastery in northeastern Tibet.The second reported case, on August 15, 2011

was that of Tsewang Norbu, (age 29), a monk atNyitso monastery in eastern Tibet. The third andthe fourth cases were Khaying (age 18), and

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resolve the Tibet issue."

Around 4,000 Tibetans from across India andNepal gathered at Rajghat, Delhi, the next day -October 19 - to participate in an inter-faith prayermeeting, during which religious leaders from sevendifferent faiths - Buddhism, Sufism, Christianity,Jainism, Islam, Hindu and Bahai - offered prayersfor Tibet.More than 2,000 Tibetan monks and nuns then leda mass rally to Jantar Mantar. Among the rally's

Tibtans in London, the capital of UK protest againstChinese rule over Tibet, and solidarity with recent

self-immolations in Ngaba county, eastern Tibet, 23rdOctober 2011. Photo: TPI/Sam

Accompanied by Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay,Richard Gere greets staff members of the Central

Tibetan Administration during a meeting at Gangkyiauditorium in Dharamsala on 25 October 2011.

Photos by Jigme Tsering/Tibetonline.tv

The Tibet Post2 TPI VIEWS & ANALYSIS31 October , 2011 Dharamsala

G20 Needs to Tell Hu to Extinguishthe Flames by Bringing freedom to

Tibet and China

Tibetans and their supporters hold up signs as they make their way along Queen St. W.during the peaceful leg of Satuarday's G20 protest and Rally. Photo: TPI

By Dermod Travis

Montréal, Canada: - "In the future,everybody will be world famous for15 minutes ," or so said pop cultureicon Andy Warhol. But are worldevents, revolutions, natural disastersalso destined to suffer Warhol's 15minute fate?Only a few months ago the worldwatched as Hosni Mubarak wasforced aside, weeks later transfixed bythe aftermath of the tsunami thatstruck Japan, then the execution ofOsama bin Laden, followed by thespreading economic meltdown inEurope.World events move fast. The newsmedia even faster.And while the media is often forcedon to the next story before a crisis isfully resolved, the tragedies that wereonly yesterday's front page news liveon - unwitnessed - as they do in Tibetto this day.In 2008, the media spotlight shone fora brief moment on the tragedy of Tibetwhen thousands rose up against theiroppressors and hundreds died in theaftermath.But when the journalists moved on -as news dictates that they must - theoppression did not. And for theoppressed, options are few when thatspotlight shifts.Crying out against injustice, Buddhistmonks at the Kirti Monastery in Tibethave chosen the ultimate sacrifice:self-immolation.As an act of political protest self-immolation dates back centuries and,according to myths, was firstcommitted by Sati, one of the wivesof the Hindu god Shiva, who hadtaken a husband against her father'swishes and after her father hadinsulted him burned herself to death.While gruesome to westernsensibilities, self-immolation hasspread across the globe.In 1968, Czechoslovaks used it toprotest the Soviet invasion of theircountry; in 1999 Kurds self-immolatedto protest Turkish policies; FalunGong practitioners in TiananmenSquare in 2009, and in 2010 a singleact of self-immolation by MohanedBouazizi led to the Arab Spring.Bouazizi, an unemployed Tunisiancollege graduate, trying to feed hisfamily by selling vegetables had hiscart seized by Tunisian police. He sethimself ablaze triggering events thatquickly spread across the MiddleEast.

Tibetan Freedom and the 'Day After':The Tibetan Political Review

By The Tibetan Political Review

A Tibetan man carrying his national flag during a prayer and fasting event held at themain Tibetan temple in Dharamshala, India, 19th October 2011. Photo: TPI

The Time to Plan is NowAmherst, MA USA: Although therevolution in Libya is no longer in theheadlines, that country’s attempt to movefrom dictatorship to democracy holdsimportant lessons for Tibet. The first isthat political change can come quickly andunexpectedly, especially in an autocraticregime that relies on brute force.Another lesson is that a revolution mustsucceed not only in overturning the oldregime, but also establish a new and moreenlightened one.Imagine the possibility that, at long last,Tibet were on the verge of achievingfreedom through independence or realautonomy. How would the Tibetanpeople manage this transition from the oldregime dictated by the ChineseCommunist Party to a new order controlledby the Tibetan people? How would Tibetset the groundwork to become a self-sufficient democracy?This editorial will address the issue of 'theday after the revolution'.We will set aside for now the debatebetween independence and autonomy forTibet. It is a historical truth that all empirescrumble, and the fall of the Soviet Unionand Libyan ruler Muammar Qadaffi tell usthat seemingly strong dictatorships oftenrot from within. It is also true that if theChinese government actually wanted toresolve the Tibet issue, it would betheoretically possible to reach a settlementnow.Therefore, the subject of this editorial isnot whether Tibet will achieve politicalchange through independence or throughautonomy. Regardless of the specificform of the change, it is necessary to ask:Do I truly believe real change will come toTibet? If the answer is “yes” then thestage must be set beforehand. It is criticalto ensure that this change leads to a trulybetter life for the Tibetan people.While Tibetans inside and outside Tibetcontinue to work for the day that Tibetregains freedom (in whatever sense of thatrather nebulous word), they must also setthe stage for the 'day after', when Tibetansbecome self-governing.

Institutionalise the Planning Process: ACTA Think Tank

How to set the stage, then? Tibetansshould develop the best possible ideasnow for how the political and economicsystem will be set up in the future. Thedevelopment of such plans does not meanthat things must be done that way. Rather,these plans should be thought of asproposals for the six million Tibetans toconsider once they have the politicalfreedom to discuss them.Ideas can be developed and improved

Acts of self-immolation are the lastpower any of us has left - the powerover our own life and death. Theyoccur at times of crisis andhelplessness.Tragically, these protests areoccurring in Tibet with alarmingfrequency. Nine Tibetans have self-immolated in the past weeks to protestthe authoritarian Chinese regimeoccupying their land. Five have diedfrom their injuries.Unlike the Occupy Wall Streetprotesters, Tibetans can't occupyLhasa's Barkhor Bazaar to voice theirdreams or to challenge the powerful.From the comfort of our Westernhomes, it's difficult (if not impossible)to condone these acts, but who amongus has the right to decide which is aless painful end for these youngTibetans: years of torture in a Chinesejail as a consequence of peacefulprotest or the hope someone will heartheir final screams just as Tunisiansand the world heard MohamedBouazizi.This crisis is indeed Kafkaesque formany supporters of Tibet.Silence or moral condemnation are notoptions. If the world does nothing thenumber of Tibetans self-immolatingwill likely increase. These acts willonly end by laying the groundworkto bring the oppression that Tibetansand Chinese suffer daily to an end.Western countries too often find thatrelations with China form a ritualisticdance when differences are raisedbilaterally with that country'sgovernment: rebuke Chinese leadersfor human rights atrocities and theWest is summarily told not to interferein China's domestic affairs.Yet, in an entirely duplicitous mannerbefitting an authoritarian regime, theChinese government has no shame intelling world leaders who they can andcan not meet with, who the NobelCommittee can and can not award theNobel Peace Prize to and whocountries can and can not sell theirnatural resources to.It's why this new crisis in Tibetdemands a multilateral response.On November 3rd and 4th, G20 leaderswill be meeting in Cannes to discussthe world economy and it's time forworld leaders to carry the echo of thecries of Tibetans directly to China'sPresident Hu.Mohamed Bouazizi did not die in vain.Don't let Tibet's monks die in vain.

And remember their names: LobsangPhuntsok (21) deceased, LobsangKunchok (18), Lobsang Kelsang (18),Choephel (19) deceased, Norbu Damdul(19), Khaying (18) deceased, TsewangNorbu (29) deceased, and KelsangWangchuk (17).Dermod Travis is from Montréal,Canada, the executive director of theCanada Tibet Committee (www.tibet.ca).You can reach him at ctcoffice@tibet.caThe views expressed are those of theauthor or authors, and do notnecessarily represent the views of TheTibet Post International (TPI).

now, so there is a starting point later, whenfinal decisions will be taken by the entireTibetan people.We believe that an excellent starting pointwould be a structure institutionalized bythe Central Tibetan Administration (CTA)to develop these plans. Compared toTibet support groups, the CTA has thefull-time resources to achieve this.Since CTA policy currently supportsautonomy, the plans would presumablybe based on how an autonomous Tibetcould transition to internal self-rule.Groups who believe in independencecould take any plans developed by theCTA and modify them.Remember, these are only proposals forthe six million Tibetans to consider later.And many of the questions would be thesame in both the independence andautonomy scenarios. For example, Tibetwould need to fill government positionsand develop a self-sufficient economyfrom the starting point of heavydependence on China.What might the CTA think tank look like?It could be conceived as an institutiontasked to design a set of concrete,practical proposals for how Tibet couldmove from dictatorship to autonomy. Itcould be modeled in part on South Korea’sMinistry of Unification, which is taskedwith establishing long-term plans andpolicies for nationalreunification with North Korea.Such a professional body within the CTAcould identify the key social and politicalchallenges for when political changearrives in Tibet. It could develop a detailedset of proposals on how to address thesechallenges. It should work with sourcesin exile, conduct quiet consultations insideTibet, and seek input from internationalexperts in relevant fields.Again, the resulting plans from the CTA’sthink tank should be promoted as merelyone vision of how Tibetans could takecharge of their own destiny. The thinktank should not claim that its ideas wouldnecessarily have precedence. Rather, itshould stand for the proposition that theTibetan people have the right to choosetheir own destiny.If Tibetans chose to accept any proposedplans of the CTA’s think tank, then so beit. If they chose another route, then so beit too.Ultimately, the important point is this: TheTibetan people will demonstrate that theyfirmly believe that they will one day be ina position to choose their own destiny,and are actively making plans for that dayand the promising days thereafter.

Some Concrete Examples of Tibet the'Day After'

In the spirit of debate, we have identifiedjust a few of the numerous issues that willhave to be dealt with on Tibet’s 'Day After'.We stress that our intention is to spurdiscussion, not to definitively decideanything. We also stress that we are notexperts in fields like economicrestructuring, so these are merely theamateur ideas of some concerned Tibetancitizens.

Choosing the Interim Government

How would the interim government bechosen? His Holiness the Dalai Lama, inhis Guidelines for Future Tibet’s Polity,has suggested that Tibetans serving inthe current regime keep their positions.This may be a good idea to ensure a stabletransition and to ensure that existingTibetan officials do not feel personallythreatened by the idea of Tibetan freedom.But surely this could not be a permanentpolicy, if there were to be a transition todemocracy.Indeed, His Holiness also suggests theformation of an interim government,which implies that holdovers from thecurrent regime would only serve on atemporary basis until an interimgovernment could be formed to draft aconstitution and implement elections. Inorder to ensure their continued loyalty,the new government should considergranting pensions to any terminatedofficials from the old regime.What remains to be decided is who wouldserve in such an interim government. Theexiles should not expect to return to runTibet. The leader of the Libyan transitionalgovernment is a defected minister fromthe Qadaffi regime, and certainly weshould expect to find competent andpatriotic leaders within the currentChinese-dominated regime in Tibet.The Chinese Communist Party’s standardoperating procedure is to quash anyalternative emerging leadership, but thereare still inspiring leaders and individualsrising in Tibet. This will remain a majorissue requiring thought.

Security and Police

How would security be ensured for thepopulation once Chinese forces no longerheld sway? The situation may be largelypeaceful, but the interim Tibetanauthorities should have plans to ensurethere is no retribution againstcollaborators, or violence against Chinesemigrants. Iraq’s 'de-Baathification' was ahuge blunder, so Tibet would initially haveto rely on existing security forces.Fortunately, the hated People’s Armed

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TPI H.H THE DALAI LAMAThe Tibet Post 331 October , 2011 Dharamsala

His Holiness the Dalai Lama AddressesMind and Life XIII

The 13th Mind and Life conference, which began today in Dharamsala, northern India,has brought together His Holiness the Dalai Lama, contemplative scholars, activists and

ecological scientists to discuss the interconnection between individual choices andenvironmental consequences. Photo: HHDL

By Matthew Singh-Toor, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - The 13th Mind and Lifeconference, which began today inDharamsala, northern India, has broughttogether the spiritual leader of Tibet, HisHoliness the Dalai Lama, contemplativescholars, activists and ecologicalscientists to discuss the interconnectionbetween individual choices andenvironmental consequences.In a statement on the conference website,the organizers said, "The slow meltdownof Earth's capacity to sustain much oflife as we know it poses an urgentchallenge for both spiritual traditions

His Holiness the Dalai LamaMay Receive Gandhi Award

in India

Dharamshala: Ela Ghandi may travel toIndia to bestow Tibet's spiritual leader,His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the GandhiAward for Reconciliation and Peace.The Dalai Lama was scheduled to travelto South Africa to accept the award inperson, however the trip was cancelledafter South Africa failed to grant him avisa. Pressure from China, SouthAfrica's largest trading partner, has beenblamed for the delay.His Holiness the Dalai Lama acceptedthe Mahatma Gandhi InternationalAward for Reconciliation and Peace inabsentia. He participated in someevents by video link from his exiled

By The Tibetpost International

His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet offering prayers in Dharamshala, India.Photo: TPI/File

Choephel (age 19), both former monksof Kirti Monastery. They self-immolatedon October 7, 2011 and died on October8 and 11 respectively.The conditions of the four others,namely Lobsang Kelsang (age 18),Lobsang Kunchok (age 19), KelsangWangchuk (age 17) and Norbu Damdul(age 19), are still unknown.The Kashag and the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile have appealed to the UnitedNations, freedom-loving countries andpeople around the world to show theirsupport and solidarity with the Tibetanpeople at this critical stage.The Kashag urges the internationalcommunity to press the government ofPeople's Republic of China to restorefreedom and resolve the issue of Tibetthrough dialogue for the mutual benefitof the Tibetan and Chinese people. TheKashag urges the internationalcommunity and the media to send fact-finding delegations to ascertain thesituation on the ground inside Tibet.

Tibetans toHold MassPrayers ...

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and science. These two ways of knowinghave developed distinctive responses,which are potentially synergistic."The goal of the meeting is to providean opportunity to articulate an engagedenvironmental ethics."Addressing the opening session, HisHoliness said that, although he hasstepped down as the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile's leader, he is still committed toinvolvement in events such as theconference, in order to promote humanvalues.He went on to expound on science, ethics

and interdependence, saying thatscience has a duty to first establish facts,without being concerned with "right orwrong, positive or negative", and thenlook at the implications of those facts.He said that the philosophy ofinterdependence has a similar role - toexplain reality - and that when weinvestigate emotions such as anger, fear,suspicion and distrust, "we have no ideaif anger is bad or compassion is good,"but that we must examine their effects."Things exist due to other factors...withno idea of good or bad - just reality,"said His Holiness.He continued that, "Everybody hereagrees there are a lot of problems on thisplanet," and mentioned his shock at therecent civil unrest in Britain, and hissadness that aid workers who are helpingflood victims in Pakistan will imminentlyrun out of money.His Holiness concluded that, "Certainlythere can be less suffering," ifcontingency plans are made for naturaldisasters, but that, of all the world'sproblems, corruption has the mostserious effect - that, "It is like a cancer,affecting the whole of humanity, andcomes down to a lack of ethics and self-discipline."The conference, which runs untilOctober 21, includes scholars andresearchers from Emory University,Rutgers University, Vancouver Schoolof Theology, the Applied SustainabilityCenter at the University of Arkansas, andTexas A&M University.

residence in Dharamshala, India.The Dalai Lama also engaged in a videodiscussion with fellow Nobel PeaceLaureate Archbishop Tutu in which hesaid that "hypocrisy" has become partof the fabric of the Chinese"communist" system.His Holiness the Dalai Lama'srepresentative in South Africa, SonamTenzing, accepted the award on hisbehalf. However, there would be aformal presentation by Ela Gandhi to theleader in India if he did not come toSouth Africa within the next six months,according to the Chairman of the Trust,Paddy Kearney.

His Holiness to Join GlobalFast in Solidarity with

People in Tibet

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet offering prayers in Dharamshala, India.Photo: TPI/File

Dharamshala: - The spiritual leaderof Tibet, His Holiness the 14th DalaiLama will lead a worldwide fast onOctober 19th, at the main Tibetantemple, Dharamshala, India insolidarity with Tibetans in Tibet.The Nobel Peace Prize Laureate willjoin day-long grand prayer service andglobal fast which starts tomorrowmorning in Dharamshala, northernIndia, where the Central TibetanAdministration (CTA) is based. HisHoliness 17th Gyalwang Karmapa,Kirti Rinpoche, the head of Indiabased Kirti Monastery and topofficials of the Tibetan administration

will also join the solidarity event.The Tibetan Administration led byKalon Tripa, Dr. Lobsang Sangay willorganize the day-long prayers andfast as a gesture of solidarity with allthose Tibetans who have self-immolated and those sufferingincarceration for their courage tospeak up for the rights of the Tibetanpeople.Since 16 March 2011, nine peopleincluding a woman have setthemselves on fire to protestcontinued occupation and repressionof Tibet by the government ofPeople's Republic of China.

"On the same day, Tibetans and Tibetsupporters across the world will alsooffer day-long prayers and fast as agesture of solidarity with Tibetans inTibet, said the Tibetan informationdepartment in a statement issued onMonday.

His Holiness the DalaiLama's Teaching for

Korean BuddhistsBy Brionie Pereira, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - For the past threedays, the Main Tibetan Temple (Tib:Tsuglagkhang) in McLeod Ganj, theseat of His Holiness the Dalai Lama inexile, has been abuzz with activity.From the 23rd- 25th of this month, thespiritual leader of Tibet has beenoffering teachings twice a day at therequest of a group of Koreandevotees.The teachings were based on theserenity (shiney) and insight(lhaktong) sections of JeTsongkhapa's "The Great Treatise onthe Stages of the Path toEnlightenment".Barring entry to none, the three-dayteachings saw flocks of devotees inattendance from more than 50countries including Taiwan, US andEurope. One need not have been aBuddhist devotee or a monk in orderto listen in on the lectures; theaudience consisted of a wide array ofpeople, with varying degrees ofknowledge about Buddhism. Someattended to gain insight into thespiritual philosophy, while otherssimply came to bask in the hallowedpresence of His Holiness.Je Tsongkhapa (1357-1419),one of theprincipal figures of Buddhism in histime, composed the Lamrim Chenpoas a lucid, insightful directive towards

enlightenment. It went on to becomeone of the cornerstone pieces ofBuddhist literature, followedextensively by devotees world-wide.Giving insights into the LamrimChenpo, His Holiness the Dalai Lamasaid: "What distinguishes it as oneof the principal texts of MahayanaBuddhism is its scope and clarity...thevarious stages of the path arepresented so clearly andsystematically that they can be easilyunderstood and are inspiring to putinto practice."Today marked the last day of theteachings at Tsuglagkhang, afterwhich His Holiness the Dalai Lama isscheduled to visit Japan, to offerprayers and condolences to the areasravaged by the tsunami that hit inMarch this year.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama offeringBuddhist teachings at the main Tibetantemple in Dharamshala, India on 23rd

October 2011. Photo: TPI

The Tibet Post4 31 October , 2011 Dharamsala TPI INTERNATIONALRichard Gere Brings Messageof Strong Support to People

of Tibet

Accompanied by Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay, Richard Gere greets staff members ofthe Central Tibetan Administration during a meeting at Gangkyi auditorium inDharamsala on 25 October 2011. Photos by Jigme Tsering/Tibetonline.tv

By Tibetan Administration OfficialMedia. Tibet Net

Dharamshala: - The measureless andazure skyline above the mightyDhauladhar mountains that ringedDharamsala town glowed with a rainbowof flying paragliders. For the gliders, theweather and spacious sky are alwaysencouraging and delight, and which arekey to successful flying to theirdestination.Meanwhile, the earth in Dharamsalaglowed with a celestial star ofHollywood. And for the Tibetancommunity, Richard Gere brings messageof encouragement and support towardstheir struggle. It was a double delight forthe staff members of the Tibetanadministration as Mr Gere interacted withthem on a range of Tibetan issues.The staff members gave a thunderousapplause as he walked into Gangkyiauditorium accompanied by Kalon TripaDr Lobsang Sangay.Dr Sangay described Mr Gere as aweather-tested friend, who though bornas an American, is very much Tibetan inheart. His passion for Tibet is well-knownto the extent that it jeopardizes his filmcareer with a semi-ban on his visit toChina. Dr Sangay said the Tibetans havealways been very grateful to him forputting his Hollywood career at risk.Recounting how he came into contactwith the Tibetan cause, Mr Gere said hiscuriosity and quest for happiness landedhim at a small Tibet hamlet in Kathmanduin 1970.Later, noted writer John F Avedon whowrote "In Exile from the Land of Snows"raised my passion to go to Dharamsalato know more about Tibet, he reminisced."It struck me very deeply when HisHoliness the Dalai Lama told during ourfirst meeting that the Tibetans need helpand that especially from the Westernfriends," he said.He said the Tibetan people have wondeep and heartfelt friends across theworld for contributing greatly throughtheir rich culture and religion. "Weconsider you as the best of who you are.We can never repay what Tibetans havecontributed to the world," he saidsolemnity in his voice.On asked if he is seeing any changes inforward movement of the Tibetan issue,he said it is of paramount importance tokeep the community united. The heartsof the Tibetan people have remainedunchanged. The three generations ofTibetans have done very well, especiallyin education and health, he added.Responding to a question on the

Hundreds of Tibetans Gather in front ofthe UN for Solidarity Rally

Geneva, Switzerland: Over onethousand Tibetans gathered in frontof the United Nations in Geneva on 23October to express their solidarity withTibetans who recently self-immolatedin Ngaba and Tawo in eastern Tibet.Mr Penpa Tsering, the Speaker of theTibetan Parliament in Exile, called onthe UN to send a fact-finding missionto Kirti Monastery to investigate thesituation there. He also called on theUN to immediately issue a statementexpressing its concern on the situationinside Tibet.Self-immolation is the highest form ofnon-violent action for the benefit ofothers, he said. Harmonious societycannot be achieved throughrepression. Harmonious society aspromoted by the Chinese President HuJintao can be achieved only throughmutual trust and dialogue, Mr Tseringsaid.Five coffins draped in Tibetan nationalflag and the photos of the fivedeceased monks and nun who self-immolated since 16 March were placedon top of each coffin and carriedthrough the rally.The rally began from Lake Geneva tothe Office of the High Commissionerfor Human Rights Office and laterassembled in front of the UN mainoffice in Geneva.Tibetans from different parts ofSwitzerland and Liechtenstein arrivedin Geneva in 11 buses. Some travelledas long as 4 hours to Geneva. Largenumber of Tibetans travelled by theearly morning trains or arrived inprivate transports.The solidarity demonstration was heldon the eve of United Nations Day inGeneva and was organised by the

By Tibetan Administration OfficialMedia. Tibet Net

Five coffins draped in Tibetan national flags are carried during the rally.Photo: Tibet Net

of self-immolation by young Tibetanshave occurred since March of this year,and the region has witnessed enormoushuman rights violations, forced re-education campaigns, and nomadicresettlement attempts at the hands ofthe Chinese authorities.The Chinese embassy in London onSaturday was surrounded on theopposite side of the road by an oceanof Tibetan flags. With the aid of amegaphone, protesters chanted:"China, China, China: Out! Out! Out!"British MP Fabian Hamilton made arallying call outside the embassy forTibetans suffering in Tibet, andpledgedhis part in standing up for Tibet.Upon arrival at 10 Downing Street, thepeaceful demonstrators protestedopposite the entrance gate, drawingattention from hundreds of passers-byto the issue.In one interview for the Tibet PostInternational, a demonstrator remarked:"We have to be vocal, we have to bevisual".Meanwhile, TYUK Director KarmaChura-Tsang and SFT UK's National co-ordinator Pema Yoko handed a directletter to David Cameron to stand up for

Tibet. Earlier in the year Cameron raisedthe issue with visiting guest Wen Jiabo,much to the visiting Chinese Premier'sembarrassment. However, many acrossthe Tibetan and Internationalcommunity feel not enough is beingdone for Tibetans in Tibet.As the demonstration drew to a close,many of the Tibetan community whohad gathered departed for a benefitdinner and evening for the nomad rightsof Tibetans. Around a hundredmembers of the Tibetan community inEngland of all ages turned up to showtheir support. The communal eventalsoraised money for the upcoming G20summit in Nice, France, of whichTibetans need to get their voices heardto world leaders.Among a social club strung with prayerflags and Tibetan music, the communityshared ideas with the youngsters andengaging fun games which everyoneparticipated in. Beautiful live Tibetanmusic was played by a trio of musicians,and rallying calls were made byspeakers. The Tibetan community inBritain stood shoulder to shoulder atthe weekend with their brothers andsisters in Tibet, proving that they wouldstand up for Tibet.

Tibetan Voices Heard in London:Peaceful Demonstration

... Continues from front Page

By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post

previous performances, Mr Gereapplauded the administration for makinggreat strides in the fields of micro finance,education, health and communications.He, however, said the failure is in Tibet.So we should to improve the lives ofTibetans in Tibet, he added.To another query on what is the Tibetanmovement's strength, he said "everystaff of the administration has to step upto offer their strength and work togetherwith the Kashag. All of you have a heavyresponsibility to shoulder."In conclusion, Kalon Tripa Dr LobsangSangay said Mr Gere saw thepreciousness of Tibet, acted on it andbecame a foremost Western friend to playa pivotal role in internationalizing theTibetan freedom struggle."In the time of crisis, the Tibetan peoplehave a man to bank on," said Dr Sangayas the auditorium once againreverberated with thunderous applause.

Tibetan community.A Geneva based Swiss writer whotravelled to Lhasa in 1999 addressedthe rally. She told Tibetans "Never giveup"."I saw with my own eyes the mostimportant movement - the strength ofTibetan resistance against Chineseoccupation," she said. "We cannotaccept what is happening in Tibettoday."The Tibetan Parliament in Exile'sSpeaker Mr Penpa Tsering arrived inZurich on 20 October at the invitationof the Swiss Tibetan FriendshipAssociation. On the evening of 21October, Mr Tsering along with twoother panelists spoke on the changestaking place in Tibetan democracy postHis Holiness the Dalai Lama'sdevolution of his political authority inMay 2011.He said the Tibetan parliament and the

Tibetan public must extend support toKalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay, whois now the political leader of the Tibetanpeople. He said Dr Sangay shallsucceed and his success will be Tibet'ssuccess.He gave a detail account of thechanges leading up to and after HisHoliness the Dalai Lama devolved hispolitical authority to an elected Tibetanleadership to the members of theTibetan community on 22 Octoberevening in Zurich.The speaker said great changes aretaking place in the Tibetan society. Hecalled on the Tibetans to remain united.We must resist what is not good forthe society, he said adding, theChinese want to divide our communityas much as possible.Mr Penpa Tsering will meet with UNofficials on Monday to present anappeal.

International Tibet Networkmeets in Dharamshala

By . Sloyan, The Tibetpost International

Dharamshala: The International TibetNetwork will hold its third regionalmeeting from 14 - 16 October inDharamshala, India, the home of theTibetan exiled government and H.H.the Dalai Lama.The meeting, which includesparticipants from India, Nepal,Australia, Burma, Taiwan, Thailand,Dubai, Peru, UK and USA, takes placeat a critical time for Tibetans in Ngabacounty, western China, which has seena wave of self-immolations sinceMarch.The meeting will focus on

implementing the campaign "Enough!Global Intervention to Save TibetanLives". The campaign aims to lobbygovernments to pursue a coordinatedresponse to the human rights crisis inTibet. It also aims to fosterinternational support for Tibetans andpressure China to lift the securitycrackdown in Ngaba.The meeting will be addressed byTibetan Kalon Tripa (Prime Minister),Dr. Lobsang Sangay. Minister forInternational Relations, DickiChhoyang, will also attend the openingsession.

The Tibet Post 531 October , 2011 DharamsalaTPI TIBET IN EXILE

Kalon Tripa Graces Golden JubileeCelebration of CST School Darjeeling

Darjeeling: Gracing the golden jubileecelebration of Central School forTibetans at Darjeeling as the specialguest, Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangaysaid he hope to see more professionalscoming out of this school in the future.Addressing the landmark occasion,Kalon Tripa expressed his gratitude tothe school and said his childhood wasspent here and that he received his basiceducation in this school.Moreover, as per the Central TibetanAdministration's policy of unity,innovation and self reliance, he assertedthat the administration will give itswholehearted efforts for the return ofHis Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama toTibet.At the end of the ceremony, a play inEnglish was staged and a souvenir waspresented to all the guests.

By Tibetan Administration OfficialMedia. Tibet Net

Dr. Lobsang Sangay, head of the Central Tibetan Administration, Dharamshala, Indiaduring an event being held in August, 2011. Photo: TPI/File

Indian supporters were: MP and memberof Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet,Mohan Singh; Â BJP vice-chairman,Hoshyari Bhagat Singh; and journalistand veteran Tibet supporter, VijayKranti.On October 20, around 1,000 womenincluding Tibetan MPs, Â nuns,students, professionals, mothers andactivists led a rally from Ramlila groundto Jantar Mantar, in Delhi.The final day of action, October 21, sawmore than 1,500 young Tibetans leadanother rally from Ramlila to JantarMantar, during which severalparticipants painted their bodies withthe names of the Tibetans who haveself-immolated in Ngaba.Artists from Tibetan Institute ofPerforming Arts performed solidaritysongs at the closing session, and theevent concluded with a candlelight vigil.Prior to the rallies, a delegation of TibetMPs lobbied Indian governmentofficials, political party leaders and 17foreign embassies with the followingcalls for action:- To strongly urge the Peopleâ•TMsRepublic of China to respect thefundamental right of the Tibetans tofreely practice their religion.- To strongly urge the People's Republicof China to review its existing policiesin Tibet in order to have a trulyharmonious society.- To appeal to Internationalgovernments and the United Nationsto call on China to genuinely uphold

international human rights standards.- To call on China to allow internationalindependent fact-finding delegationsand media to visit Tibet and in particularKirti Monastery.- To call on China to completelywithdraw Chinese military presencefrom Kirti Monastery.- To call on China to clarify the conditionand whereabouts of Lobsang Kalsang(age 18), Lobsang Konchok (19),Kelsang Wangchuk (17) and NorbuDamdul (19).International response to recent eventsin Tibet has included US StateDepartment spokesperson, Mark Toner,on October 17 saying, "We urge Chinaand its leaders to respect the rights ofTibetans, to address some of thepolicies in these Tibetan areas that havecreated tension and to protect theTibetans' unique religious culture andlinguistic identity."On October 21, Mr Andreas Peschke,speaker of the German foreign ministry,appealed to China to change its policyin Tibet, in order to reduce tension,saying, "The federal government isappalled at the rising number of self-immolations in the Tibetan regions ofsouthwest China."Australian Green Party leader, SenatorBob Brown, also made a statement onOcober 21, calling on the Australiangovernment and world leaders to speakup for Tibetans.Report submitted by: YoudonAukatsang and Dhardon Sharling,Tibetan Solidarity Movement.

.....Show Solidarity Over Self-Immolations ... Continues from front Page

invitation to attend this gathering, I saidI would be present in any form wheneverit concerns the issue of Tibet."Major Mankotia, who was a formercabinet minister of Himachal Pradesh,said "large influx of Chinese populationinto Tibet threatens the survival of theTibetan as a distinct people and theiridentity and heritage."He prayed that may His Holiness theDalai Lama live long and fulfill the dreamof every Tibetan and Indian. May HisHoliness the Dalai Lama and his peoplewould be back in their homeland oneday, he added.

In his remarks, Indresh Kumar, a seniorIndian leader, expressed deep concernover the deteriorating human rightssituation in Tibet and paid homage tothe nine young Tibetans who self-immolated for freedom and the return ofHis Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet.He evinced optimism that His Holinessthe Dalai Lama and his people wouldone day return to his homeland withdignity and freedom.He also said that the world governmentsshould keep aside vested interests andwork unitedly towards securing a durablesolution to the problem of Tibet.

An inter-faith prayer service, the first ofits kind in Dharamsala, was alsoorganised during the symposium. Priestsfrom different faiths such as Christianity,Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism and Buddhismoffered prayers for peace and harmonyin the world.Mrs Dolma Gyari, Kalon for theDepartment of Home and Mr TenzinPhuntsok Atisha, Secretary forInternational Relations of the CentralTibetan Administration, attended thesymposium. Members from both theIndian and Tibetan communities joinedin large numbers.

Indian Leaders Express Strong Support for Tibet's Cause ... Continues from front Page

Tibetan Women's AssociationCommemorates First Woman

to Self-immolate

By Matthew Singh-Toor, The Tibet Post

Thousands Join Tibetan Solidarity Movement To Highlight Critical Situation in Tibet,New Delhi, India, 19th October 2011. Photo: TPI

Dharamshala: - The Tibetan Women'sAssociation (TWA) and its 56 chaptersworldwide are today holding solidarityactions in commemoration of TenzinWangmo, who died after a seven-minute self-immolation protest onOctober 17.Peace rallies, candlelight vigils andprayer services are being staged to markthe first self-immolation by a Tibetanwoman. In a press release, the TWA saidself-immolation is considered to be thehighest form of peaceful protest.Wangmo, a nun in her early 20s, wasfrom Ngaba Dechen Choekorlingnunnery the largest nunnery in Ngaba

county, eastern Tibet.She set her body alight and maderounds of the Sumo bridge - at acrossroads near her nunnery, 3km fromNgaba County market calling, "We wantthe return of His Holiness the Dalai Lamato Tibet,"• and "We want religiousfreedom in Tibet."Wangmo"s self-immolation is the ninthsuch case in Tibet, and she if the fifthperson to die from the act.The TWA today urged the Chinesegovernment to withdraw the troops fromTibet and  allow Tibetans their basichuman rights: freedom of speech,movement and religious practice."

Kalon Tripa also visited differentsections of the school on the occasion.Mr Apurva Chandra, the joint secretary

of ministry of human resourcedevelopment of India, was the chiefguest at the event.

Protests Held in Wake of Self-immolationand Worsening Crisis in Tibet

Dharamshala, India: A candlelight vigilwas held in Dharamshala, India, lastnight in the wake of ongoing self-immolations inside Tibet. Two youngTibetans set themselves on fire lastFriday, bringing the total number ofself-immolations since March to seven.The vigil, organised by the localTibetan Youth Congress (TYC), beganat the bus stop in upper Dharamshala(home to a large exiled Tibetancommunity) and made its way down tothe town's main temple.Speaking at the event, MandieMcKeown from the International TibetNetwork, called for coordinated globalintervention to stop the unprecedentedatrocities being carried out in Ngaba."China ignores governments thatspeak out, even punishes them, [that'swhy] governments have to act togetherso that China is forced to listen" shesaid.Earlier in the day, a large rally was helddemanding the Chinese government toend its repressive policies in Ngabacounty, western China. Protesters setoff from the main temple in upperDharamshala, carrying Tibetannational flags and shouting slogans

By P. Sloyan, The Tibetpost

Protestors in Dharamshala demand China end repressive policies in Ngaba county, 14thOctober 2011. Photo" TPI/ P. Soyan

demanding Tibet's independence andinternational intervention in theongoing crisis in Ngaba.In a statement, the TYC recognised the"horror and grief" of the self-immolations. "We in exile stand with[Tibetans living under Chineseoccupation] in solidarity and honourtheir sacrifices by raising our voices inthe freedom struggle for Tibet.""China's systematic repression andtyrannical rule in Tibet - stationing

officials in the monasteries,disappearing monks by the hundreds,shutting down phone lines, cutting offthe internet, installing surveillancecameras and military checkpointseverywhere have driven Tibetans tobreaking point," said Tashi Wangden,president of the TYC in San Francisco.Many Tibetan businesses inDharamshala closed as a sign ofsolidarity with the Tibetans insideTibet.

6 31 October , 2011 Dharamsala The Tibet PostTPI TIBET

Prayers and Protests: Tibetansmourn following immolations

Thousands Join Solidarity MovementTo Highlight Tibet's Critical Situation

Dharamshala: - The TibetanParliament-in-Exile under the banner ofTibet Solidarity Movement isorganising a series of activities in NewDelhi to express solidarity with plightof the Tibetan people inside Tibet andto highlight the grim situationprevailing there.A Tibetan Parliamentary delegationand Tibetans from different parts ofIndia and Nepal have gathered in theIndian capital to carry out the activities.The Tibetan parliamentarians are alsovisiting various embassies andprominent Indian leaders to apprisethem of the situation in Tibet.The repression in Tibet, particularly inNgaba and Karze in northeastern andeastern Tibet this year, has pushed nineyoung Tibetans to commit self-immolation in protest. Five of theseyoung Tibetans died and the fate ofother four remain unknown. All of themraised slogans demanding freedom inTibet and the return of His Holinessthe Dalai Lama to his people andhomeland.Speaking to the media during a 24-hourfast at Jantar Mantar in New Delhiyesterday, Mr Penpa Tsering, Speakerof the Tibetan Parliament, said "TheTibetan Solidarity Movement is deeplysaddened and moved by the recenttragic acts of self-immolation by monksof Kirti Monastery in Ngaba District,northeastern Tibet. We are gravelyconcerned about the deterioratingsituation inside Tibet that has driventhe Tibetans to such desperate acts.""We strongly urge the People'sRepublic of China to respect thefundamental right of the Tibetans tofreely practice their religion and toreview its existing policies in Tibet inorder to fulfill the aspirations of theTibetan people for a truly harmonioussociety ," he said.

By Tibetan Administration OfficialMedia: Tibet Net

Dharamshala, India: The Tibet Post hasreceived reports that largedemonstrations were held in Ngabacounty, eastern Tibet, on Wednesday 19October. Ngaba has witnessed eight self-immolation incidents since March.Large numbers of Tibetans, dressed intraditional clothing, gathered in the streetsof Ngaba reciting Mani mantra (Buddhistprayer) in a demonstration of solidarity.Tibetans in surrounding villages also tookpart by wearing traditional Tibetanclothing, reciting prayers and fasting.It is reported that on two occasions,protests were attempted howeverneither were successful. Police andsoldiers wielding firearms managed todisperse the crowd.In India, demonstrations were held inDharamsala, home to HH the DalaiLama, and the capital, Delhi.Thousands of local Tibetans andsupporters gathered in Dharamsala'smain temple for a day long prayerservice. HH the Dalai Lama attended asdid Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay.In Delhi, over 3000 Tibetans marchedfrom Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi'smemorial site) to the Jantar Mantarunder the banner of the Tibet SolidarityMovement yesterday.The demonstrations come after the ninthself-immolation in Tibet this year. 20 year-old Buddhist nun, Tenzin Wangmo, setherself on fire on October 17 while

An Indian dignitary addresses a 24-hour fasting as part of the Tibetan SolidarityMovement organised by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile to garner international

community's support to press China to end its repressive policies in Tibet, especially inNgaba, Tawu and Serthar, which has been witnessing tragic self-immolations by youngTibetans and firing by security forces on peaceful Tibetan protesters/Photos: TPiE

Armed Chinese paramilitary force deployed in Ngaba county, eastern Tibet, 19thOctober 2011. Photo: TPI/File

By P. Sloyan, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - Reports coming fromTibet say a monk of Karze monastery inKarze in eastern Tibet has set himselfon fire this morning. Dawa Tsering, ayoung Tibetan monk, self-immolated at9:30 am during a ritual dance event inKarze. He was taken to a hospital, buthis condition and whereabouts remainunknown.While on fire, monk Dawa Tsering raisedslogans demanding the return of HisHoliness the Dalai Lama to Tibet,equality, and freedom in Tibet. Othermonks who were gathered there for thereligious ceremony tried to extinguishthe flames and then immediately tookthe injured monk to Kandze People’sHospital in the monastery car.A Kandze monastery monk, DawaTsering, aged around 38, is son of father

By The Tibet Post International

Protests Continue in EasternTibet: 10th Self-Immolation

Delek and mother Dontso.Monk Dawa’s health is describedcritical. Latest reports fear that thechances of his survival are very slim.Monks of Kandze monastery havebrought him back to the monastery.ATibetan Monk Self-Immolates in EasternTibet.A total of ten Tibetans have self-immolated within Tibet in protestagainst Chinese rule and continuedrepression in the Himalayan region.Several events, including mass prayers,rallies and candlelight vigils, organisedby Tibetans and supporters around theworld, have highlighted the situationand urged the governments around theworld including UN and EU to condemnthe Chinese government's oppressionof Tibetans and to continue to raise withChina in the strongest diplomatic terms.

... Continues from front Page

"Tenzin Wangmo, a 20-year-oldBuddhist nun from Dechen ChoekorLing Nunnery in Jakorma, Ngaba county,staged a self-immolation protest at theSumdo bridge below the nunnery, about3 km from the county town." She shouted ‘Let His Holiness theDalai Lama return to Tibet!', and ‘WeWant Religious freedom in Tibet!,' thenset herself on fire and marched for abouteight minutes."Wangmo is the first Tibetan womanfrom the region to self-immolate inprotest against Chinese atrocitiesagainst the Tibetan people.Witnesses say other nuns from DechenChoekor Ling refused to hand overWangmo's body to the Chineseauthorities."Since no armed military forces andpolice personnel were present at theprotest site," said Ven. Tsering, "herbody was taken back by nuns.""Local Chinese authorities demanded

that the nun's body either be handedover or buried the same day," hecontinued, "but we have not been ableto learn what happened after that." Shortly afterwards, soldiers and policedeployed, and sealed off the nunneryand surrounding villages."Dechen Choekor Ling nunnery, alsoknown as Mama nunnery, is situatedaround 4km northwest of Ngaba countytown. It belongs to the Gelug sect ofTibetan Buddhism and is the largestnunnery in Ngaba, with a community of350 nuns.Prior to Wangmo's death, the last self-immolation attempt took place onSaturday when a 19-year-old man sethimself alight in the central market inNgaba town.According to sources inside Tibet,another Tibetan man who committed aself-immolation protest on October 15has been removed from Ngaba county,but details of his present whereabouts

and state of health are unknown.Tibetan shops and restaurants in thecounty remained closed on October 16in solidarity with the protest.In a separate incident on Sunday, twoTibetans, Gonga and Druklo, were shotand wounded by security forces duringa peaceful protest outside a policestation at Tseshul in Serthar, Karze,eastern Tibet.During the protest, five other Tibetanswere arrested: Rindhoe (age 26), Choega(23) Bori (19) Rigzoe (18) and TsewangKyi (19).The Chinese government has nowdeployed heavy armed forces inTseshul.A total of nine Tibetans have self-immolated within Tibet in protestagainst Chinese rule and continuedrepression in the Himalayan region.Several events, including mass prayers,rallies and candlelight vigils, organisedby Tibetans and supporters around theworld, have highlighted the situation.

Ninth Self-immolation Protest in Tibet,Woman Dies for Freedom

... Continues from front Page By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

shouting for the freedom of Tibet. Shedied immediately. The Chinesegovernment has so far failed toacknowledged that the incident tookplace.In the past few days, meetings held acrossNgaba county have ruled that monksand nuns are prohibited from sayingprayers for those who have died as a resultof anti-government protests. Local leadersand family members of any deceased havebeen told they will be held responsiblefor any protests. The compulsorymeetings were attended by individualsfrom each village and each household.In seemingly related incidences, onOctober 17, Kirti monk Puntsok, age 28,of the Siriktsang house in Naktsangmavillage, Cha township, was arrestedduring the night. He was taken from hisroom at the monastery by policemenwho beat him as they took him away.His room was thoroughly searched. Hispresent whereabouts are unknown.On October 15, Kirti monk JigmeChoepel of Soruma village, Choejetownship, was also arrested. Hispresent whereabouts is unknown.Several laypeople were reportedlyarrested on October 15th following theself-immolation protest by NorbuDramdul, but their names and otherdetails are not known.The motives behind the recent wave ofarrests remain unclear.

He further called on China to allowinternational independent fact-findingdelegations and media to visit Tibetand in particular Kirti Monastery. Heurged China withdraw Chinese militaryfrom the Kirti Monastery and clarifythe condition and whereabouts ofLobsang Kalsang (age 18), LobsangKonchok (19), Kelsang Wangchuk (17)and Norbu Damdul (19), who have self-immolated in protest against it'srepressive measures. (Fact sheet onself-immolation incidents in Tibet).He appealed to governments and theUnited Nations to call on China togenuinely uphold the internationalhuman rights standards.The situation inside Tibet has beendeteriorating since the 2008 uprising.It has become even more urgent withincreasing cases of self-immolation byyoung Tibetans who are using thisextreme method of protest to raise theirvoice against the oppressive Chineseregime. Tibetans in Tibet are drivento these drastic acts to resist politicalrepression, cultural assimilation,economic marginalization and

environmental destruction.The Kirti monastery in Ngaba Districtin northeastern Tibet is the site ofseven self-immolations this year. Themonastery witnessed large scale non-violent protests, many of whom weresubsequently detained. Themovement of the monks is strictlycontrolled and the monks are beingsubjected to "Patriotic Re-educationcampaign". Reportedly, there is a hugeChinese military presence inside theMonastery where they haveoutnumbered the monks. This appearsto be a long-term strategy asresidential quarters are beingconstructed within the premises of themonastery.On 19 October, over 3,000 Tibetansfrom all over India and Nepal will takepart in the Global Solidarity Fast atRajghat followed by peace march ledby Tibetan monks and nuns.On 20 October, Tibetan women will leada peace march from Samta Sthal toJantar Mantar followed by a day-longprayer service. Young Tibetans willcarry out a similar activity the next day.

31 October , 2011 DharamsalaThe Tibet Post 7US 2011 Annual Report Paints

a Grim Picture of Tibet

On Wednesday, 12nd October 2011, United States Congressman Chris Smith introducedthe bipartisan annual report of the Congressional-Executive Commission on how human

rights and the rule of law have been playing out in China. Photo: TPI

By P. Sloyan, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala, India: Despite itsgalloping economy and increasinginfluence in global affairs, a reportreleased last week paints a grimpicture of the underbelly of the world'snewest superpower, communistChina.The United States Congressional-Executive Commission on Chinareleased its annual report on October10 monitoring human rights and thedevelopment of the rule of law inChina. The report documents adisheartening state of affairs insideChina where religious intolerance andpolitical persecution persist.Chairman of the commission andUnited State's congressman ChrisSmith said "China's leaders haveactually tightened their grip onChinese society, and grown moreaggressive in disregarding the verylaws and international standards thatthey claim to uphold."The portrayal of the situation insideTibet was particularly grim.

THE TIBET-BEIJING DIALOGUE

The report urged the Chinesegovernment to engage in substantivediscussions with the Dalai Lama orhis representatives on protectingTibetan culture, language, religionand heritage.Referring to the stalled dialoguebetween the Tibetan exiledgovernment and Beijing, theCommission noted that "the DalaiLama's withdrawal from exiled Tibetanadministrative affairs has the potentialto alter dialogue dynamics byeliminating the basis for the [Chinese]government and Party to characterisehim as a 'political' figure."However such calls appear to befalling on deaf ears. Attacks on theDalai Lama in Chinese media and byChinese government representativescontinued during the past year.China portrays the exiled spiritualleader as "the boss of splittism" anda "double dealer" who, "under thesignboard of religion," seeks to"deceive religious believers' simplefeelings" according to Zhang Qingli,Secretary of the Tibet AutonomousRegion (TAR) Party Committee.China considers the Dalai Lama asubversive threat to its control ofTibet, which the Chinese invaded inthe 1950s forcing him into exile, and itbans acts of homage to him in Tibetand adjoining areas of Chinapopulated by ethnic Tibetans.

Tibetans and Supporters ShowSolidarity with Oppressed

People of Tibet

Taipei, Taiwan: - Tibetans andTaiwanese supporters gathered tooffer prayers and observed a 12-hourfast in Liberty Square in Taipei City on19 October to mourn and remember theyoung Tibetans, who have protestedChinese government's repressivepolice in Tibet through self-immolation. The Tibetan community inTaiwan organised the event withsupport from Tibet support groups ofTaiwan.The prayer service began from 9am

By Tibetan Administration Official Media. Tibet Net

His Holiness the Dalai Lama's representative, Mr Dawa Tsering, addressing the specialprayer service and fast in Taipei on Wednesday, 19th October 2011 for Tibetans suffering

in Tibet. Photo: TPI

TPI INTERNATIONAL

with the recitation of scriptures led by25 Tibetans monks sitting in front ofplacards, bearing the names andpictures of those who sacrificedthemselves for freedom in Tibet.Tibetans and Taiwanese alike joinedinternationally co-ordinated action for"International Solidarity Day onSupporting Tibet".Another event of the day was shavingof heads by 8 Tibetans, one Taiwaneseand one Thai national to mourn thedeath and unknown conditions of

young Tibetans who have chosen tosacrifice their lives for freedom andreturn of His Holiness the Dalai Lamato his people and homeland.The former deputy secretary-generalof the President's Office, Ms Yen Chu-lan, attended the event and expressedher admiration for those who hadsacrificed their lives for freedom andhuman rights in Tibet. She said: "Iknown how hard it must be for theirfamilies and friends, since my husband,Deng Nan-jung also fought for thefreedom of speech in Taiwan throughself-immolation in 1989. Everyone whocares about human rights should showour support and concern for the nineTibetan Tibetans, as well as for theirfamilies and friends."The other speakers include Lin, Jia-Fan, chairperson of TaiwanAssociation for Human Rights; MrChou, Mei-Li, chairperson of TaiwanFriends of Tibet; Ms Chien Yu-Yan,Taipei city councilor; Prof. Chen Ta andProf. Sun Che-Pan are both members ofChinese Tibetan Association of Taiwan.Mr Dawa Tsering, Representative of HisHoliness the Dalai Lama to Taiwan, toldthe gathering that people have chosento sacrifice their lives to call for freedomand justice in Tibet, and for us who arealive, it is our inevitable responsibilityto carry on their hopes and aspirations.He has also urged Buddhists in Taiwanto lend their helping hands to fellowBuddhists who are suffering to maintaintheir identity and faith in Tibet.Mr Dachompa, president of TibetanAssociation, thanked the participantsfor their support.

Germany calls on China to act againstself-immolations over Tibet

By Deutsche Welle

Exiled Tibetans take to the streets to pay their respects to the dead monks.Photo: Deutsche Welle

Bonn, Germnay: - There is rising concernabout a spate of self-immolations amongTibetans monks and nuns protestingagainst Beijing's policies in Tibet.Germany and the US have called on Chinato respect religious and cultural identity.Just a few days ago, a young nun setherself on fire in protest against China'spolicies in Tibet. Tenzin Wangmo, whowas 20 years old, died of her injuriesshortly afterwards. She became the ninthTibetan in Sichuan province to commitself-immolation this year and the firstwoman. According to the organizationFree Tibet and the InternationalCampaign for Tibet, five of them at leasthave died."There have been calls for the return ofthe Dalai Lama, for religious freedom andfor freedom for Tibetans in Tibet," KaiMüller from the International Campaignfor Tibet told Deutsche Welle, adding thatfive of the self-immolations occurred in

October alone.Free Tibet said in a press release this weekthat Tenzin Wangmo had killed herself inprotest against two Tibetans being shotby Chinese security forces. It pointed outthat the incident was not isolated andthat self-immolations were being usedincreasingly to protest against Chinesepolicies in Tibet.International concernOn Friday, a German foreign ministryspokesman told reporters that theGerman government was appealing "toChina to change its policy in Tibet toreduce tensions." Berlin has alreadycalled on Beijing to ensure greatertransparency over the situation at theKirti monastery in the city of Ngaba,which has been under virtual lockdownsince a young monk named Phuntsogset himself on fire in March. Theincident sparked mass protests and ledto a police crackdown. There is now a

significant police presence in the areaand according to Free Tibet and theInternational Campaign for Tibet severalmonks from the monastery have beendetained by the authorities.On Wednesday, the US State Departmentexpressed similar concerns about thereports that a Tibetan nun had set herselfon fire. "These acts clearly representanger and frustration with regard toTibetan human rights, including religiousfreedom, inside China," its statementread.China blames Dalai LamaThe Chinese government has accusedexiled Tibetans of encouraging the self-immolations, and said they are "terrorismin disguise." It says the "Dalai group"has "played up such issues to incitemore people to follow suit," beatifyinginstead of criticizing the protests."We don't encourage these really drasticand desperate acts, but at the same timewe understand the motivation behindthem," responded Thubten Samphel, aspokesman for the Tibetan government-in-exile.Meanwhile, Lobsang Sangay, the primeminister of the government-in-exile, paidtribute to the "courage" of the nineprotestors and said exiled Tibetans"stand in solidarity with theirindomitable spirit."Tsegyam, the head of the China Desk atthe Private Office of the Dalai Lama, toldDeutsche Welle that the Tibetanspiritual leader, who has condemnedself-immolations in the past, would nothold a public speech about theincidents, and would instead call onTibetans to fast for a day in solidarityand protest.Author: Christoph Ricking (act)Editor: Manasi Gopalakrishnan

RELIGIOUS REPRESSION

Freedom of religious expression hasbecome increasingly reduced andregulated, according to the report.Control over "Tibetan Buddhistaffairs" has been further enforcedthrough Chinese Communist Partypolicy.Buddhist monasteries also appear tobe suffocating in red tape. As ofAugust this year, the Chinesegovernment and 9 out of 10 Tibetanautonomous prefectural governmentshad created "regulatory measures"that substantially increase "the state'sinfringement of freedom of religion inTibetan Buddhist monasteries andnunneries" the report noted. In oneprovince, regulations had beenintroduced on "Tibetan Buddhistaffairs" to conform with CommunistParty objectives. The new regulationsimpose greater supervision andmonitoring of the monasteries.Other measures require TibetanBuddhist institutions to:* Promote patriotism toward Chinaand adhere to socialism;* Seek government approval for thedesignation of monks and nuns;* Conduct classes educating monksand nuns on patriotismtoward China and adapting TibetanBuddhism to socialism;* Adhere to government regulationsto recognise and approvetrulkus ( reincarnations of lamas);* Place restrictions on ''religiouspersonnel'' who wish to travel.China also continued to assert thegovernment's intention to control theselection of the next Dalai Lama. TheTAR Party Committee rejected theDalai Lama's claim that he had solelegitimate authority over his ownrebirth. In July 2011, the Dalai Lamarejected Chinese government'sintrusion into the matter of TibetanBuddhist reincarnation as a"disgrace."

TIBETAN CULTURE UNDERTHREAT

Cultural expression continues to beseverely punished according to thereport. Writing essays on ' ' thesituation inside Tibet'', downloadingbanned songs, and possessing animage of the Dalai Lama were allgrounds for arrest or imprisonment.The use of the Tibetan language,which has already being reducedunder Chinese policies, looks to be

... Continues On Page 10

8 31 October , 2011 Dharamsala TPI ARTS & CULTURE

Tibetan Artist TransportsTwenty Tonnes of soil from

Tibet to India

Kalon tripa, Dr. Lobsang Sangay walks on Tibetan soil at TCV, near Mcleod Ganj,Dharamshala, India, 26th October 2011. Photo: TPI

By Matthew Singh-Toor, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - The Tibetancontemporary artist Tenzing Rigdol hastransported 20,000 kg of soil from Tibetto Dharamshala, northern India, to builda site-specific installation.Constructed as a raised platform, theinstallation Our People, Our Land allowspeople to stand and walk on Tibetansoil. A microphone is also provided forvisitors to express their feelings.The work’s design was inspired by theTibetan national flag and the history ofTibet. It was inaugurated this morningby Kalon Tripa (political leader)Lobgsang Sangay.

The Tibet Post

Felicitation Event in Honorof Tibetan Doctor, T. Wangdi

Thanks Giving Program in honor of Dr. T. Wangdi M.B.B.S (Cal) former Chief MedicalOfficer of the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre (TRSHC) was held on Sunday, the 16th

October 2011 at the Centre in Darjeeling. Photo: TPI

By The Tibet Post International

Dharjeeling: - The much awaitedThanks Giving Program in honor of Dr.T. Wangdi M.B.B.S (Cal) former ChiefMedical Officer of the Tibetan RefugeeSelf Help Centre (TRSHC) was held onSunday, the 16th October 2011 at theCentre in Darjeeling. The Program

Prior to the opening ceremony, Rigdoloffered a sample of the soil to HisHoliness the Dalai Lama at hisresidence. He reported that his Holinesswas delighted to touch the soil, and thathe used his finger to write in it Tibetanletters for ‘Tibet’At TCV, a crowd of monks, nuns,teachers, staff and other Tibetanstouched and walked on the installationand made prostrations. They alsoprayed tearfully and spoke about theirfeelings for their homeland.On 18 September 2008, Rigdol’s father,Norbu Wangdu – a refugee in the United

States - passed away. His dearest wishwas to visit Tibet before he died.Unfortunately, this did not come topass.Rigdol took inspiration from his father’swish, his own sense of helplessnessand the longing of Tibetans in exile toreturn to their country.The installation’s location is significantto the artist, as Dharamshala - alsoknown as Little Tibet - is the seat of theTibetan government-in-exile and hometo the largest Tibetan populationoutside of Tibet.In a press release, the organization Faceof Tibet said, “The dangerous journeytaken to transport the soil, whichencompasses the borders of manycountries and their numerouscheckpoints, is in itself significant andraises questions about border controland the nature of sovereignty.“Rigdol’s installation provides a formof resistance against authoritarianpower, by giving voice to those whohave been uprooted from their land. Inmany ways, it enables the displaced toreturn home.Tenzing Rigdol was born in 1982 inKathmandu, Nepal, to a Tibetan refugeefamily. His work encompasses manymedia, including painting, sculptureand video. He is trained both in Tibetanand Western art traditions. He currentlylives and works in New York.When asked, at the press conferencewhich concluded the event, where thesoil came from and how it wastransported, Rigdol said a documentaryhas been made of the process, whichwill be screened at a later date.The installation will remain at TCV forthree days, after which the Tibetanpublic will be welcome to take samples

Tibet’s Reign of Fire: The Symbolism of Self-Immolation

Clockwise: Lobsang Phuntsok, 20, of Kirti monastery in Ngaba; Tsewang Norbu, 29, ofNyitso monastery in Karze, Lobsang Kelsang, 18 and Lobsang Kunchok, 19, of Kirtimonastery; Norbu Damdul, 19, former monk of Kirti monastery; Choephel, 19 andKhaying, 18, former monks of Kirti monastery and Kelsang Wangchuk, 19, of Kirtimonastery; Out of these, Lobsang Phuntsok, Tsewang Norbu, Khaying and Choephel

died. Photo: FIle

By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post

London: A wave of protest has fannedacross the Tibetan region recently: theself-immolation of Buddhist Monks.Five Tibetan teenagers have self-immolated in just one week, and a furtherthree self-immolated and died sinceMarch of this year. The cases of protestare occurring in Tibetan ethnic regionsof China's Sichuan province, largelyaround Kirti Monastery of EasternTibet, which has witnessed a largesecurity crackdown by Chinese forcessince the immolations began in March,and a forced exodus and ‘patriotic re-education programme' of around three-hundred Tibetan monks.

The protesters, all reportedly monks orex-monks, are calling out in the mostpowerful manner they can withoutharming others, highlighting thegrowing discontent and need to addressthe situation in Tibet, for aninternational intervention for basichuman and religious freedoms, and forTibetan freedom.Through the act of burning themselvesto death, by going against the verywishes of their spiritual leader the DalaiLama- and by performing violenceagainst themselves, the monks sinagainst Buddhism itself - what is thesymbolism of their desperate actions.

And why immolation?The notion of a devout Buddhist monkconsidering taking a life isinconceivable to many, and TibetanBuddhists particularly are renowned fortheir pacifist, mild manner. This is a viewthat aligns with their spiritual leader -the Dalai Lama. Yet with mountingsuppression of cultural and religiousidentity, Tibetans remain vigilantlyunwilling to hurt the very people thatharm them, a stance that, in othersituations, remains alarmingly rare in the21st century.The act of immolation does not intendto hurt anyone but the perpetrator. It isboth solemn and macabre.The young monks who take their lives,all of whom are aged below 30, haveturned to themselves as a means ofexpressing their anguish, to their ownbodies as a tablet on which to write theirmessage to the world.The symbolism of the body beingdestroyed in such a public, excruciatingmanner, highlights the need for a voiceamong the voiceless, an identity amongthe masses. It ties in symbolically withthe Buddhist belief, that one should bethe selfless, and the impermanent natureof one's body. It reflects the deep seatedbelief of the revered BodhisattvaMedicine King, who repeatedly set hisbody ablaze for twelve hundred years,in an effort to spread the light ofDharma, according to the Lotus Sutra.Reports from the region highlight thatthe monks, who self-immolate bothalone and in pairs, have often shoutslogans of ‘Free Tibet', and commonlyhold images of the exiled spiritual leader

of Tibet, the Dalai Lama.Death by fire is surely an agonising,violent and drawn out method of takingone's own life in the hope that itimproves the situation for theircountrymen. It is conducted in public,under the gaze of onlookers, and it is aslow lengthy process. It does notguarantee death at all, it only assurespain.The fact that the monks burnthemselves to death is a pattern thathas emerged in Tibet that was carriedover from Southeast Asian protests,similarly by Buddhist monks. It alsooccurred occasionally during the Arabspring, and is more common acrossIndia's history. Burning to death issimultaneously violent and passive,deafening and silent. In a sense it isculturally resonant of cremation, abaptism of fire as the protesters stepinto the next life, yet among Buddhists,a markedly spiritual taboo.If the hugely revered, exiled spiritualleader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama, is unableto quell the reign of fire that is sweepingacross the region, then what hope dohis successors in exile have? Recentlyappointed Prime Minister in exile KalonTripa Lobsang Sangay must be feelingthe pressure, since becoming the solepolitical leader of Tibetans in exileduring the bloodiest year for Tibetansin Tibet since the 2008 uprisings.The knee-jerk reaction from Chineseauthorities, and of police who attend tothe self-immolations, is immediately toextinguish the flames and remove theprotesters from the public gaze as soonas possible. A sense of embarrassment

is arising from China that harmony hasnot occurred between them and theTibetans. After decades of suppressionand attempted integration Tibetans arestill highlighting the desperate need forindependence and respect.The most recent immolations have noteven made it onto Chinese news agencywebsites, and when they do, they oftenconflict with reports coming directlyfrom Tibet.Reports that emergehighlight that many of the monks donot die immediately; for those who do itis often days later in the custody of theauthorities. They are jarred out of theiragonising final act, and their messagesmothered by the very people they wishto be rid of.Meanwhile, the Tibetan community inexile mark the sacrifice of the monks witha mixture of horror and admiration, asincident after incident surfaces fromTibet. Dharamshala, the North Indiancommunity of Tibetans in-exile, hostsprayer vigils and peacefuldemonstrations every time a monk self-immolates. Enormous banners withgrainy images of the deceased monksfaces hang from the temple gates, saton a backdrop of photo-shopped flames.The warning signs are rising from Tibet.China needs to address the issue, andthe international community need towake up to the fact that Tibetans in Tibetare crying out for their culture, theiridentity, and their religious freedom.They are turning away from the adviceof Chinese authorities, the Tibetangovernment in exile, and their ownreligious beliefs, to send an incrediblypowerful and symbolic final message.

of the soil.At the press conference, LobsangYeshe, a monk from Kirti monastery inDharamsala, suggested that it would befitting to distribute the soil to Tibetansettlements across India. At present,there are no arrangements to do so, butYeshe suggested that more soil couldbe brought and distributed in the future.

began at 10:15am with Doctor-la lightinga butter lamp in front of the portrait ofHis Holiness the Dalai Lama.A video message for Dr. T. Wangdi fromTrisur Gyalo Thondup (elder brother ofHis Holiness the Dalai Lama andhusband of late President Mrs. GyaloThondup of the TRSHC) was screenedcongratulating and thanking him for hisservices to the people of Centre andthe region as a whole. This was followedby an introductory speech by Mr.Tsultrim Dorjee Chunang, ProgramOrganizer, outlining the purpose for theoccasion and giving a brief synopsis ofDoctor-la's life and work.Dr. T. Wangdi-la was then presented aThangka of Buddha Shakyamuni

Continues On Page 9...

TPI INTERVIEWS & RECAPThe Tibet Post 931 October , 2011 Dharamsala

Resistance through Resilience: Tibet'sPM on the Tibetan Struggle

Dharamshala: - On October 23rd, ThePrime Minister of the TibetanGovernment in exile, Lobsang Sangaysat down for an interview with SanjayThapar of CNN IBN, on The Devil'sAdvocate. They discussed two mainissues- the cause of Tibet in the faceof China's steadily augmentingeconomic and political power, alongwith the recently flared debate on howHis Holiness the Dalai Lama'ssuccessor is to be elected.It has been 60 years since the Chineseoccupation of Tibet and the HisHoliness, the Dalai Lama was forcedinto exile. With China emerging as thesecond most powerful country in theworld, is Tibet today a lost cause?'asked Mr. Thapar.Tibet's issues with China todayThe Prime Minister, indomitablyoptimistic, insisted that the Tibetanspirit is strong and this will be the keyto their victory. Only recently, Tibetansolidarity was displayed to the worldwhen Tibetans in 30 countriesparticipated in the election andjubilation of the Kalon Tripa. Theskilled guidance of His Holiness theDalai Lama, and the resilient spirit ofthe Tibetans is what will keep theissue alive, even after His Holiness'passing away.The reality that must be faced,irregardless, is that although thephilosophical debate is easily won bythe Tibetans, the political realities areat odds with their cause. Theinternational community must tiptoearound China, who wields power byvirtue of having become an economicheavyweight, underwriting Americandebt and supporting large Europeaninvestments. Thapar's argument isthat Tibet's issues with China todayare much more powerful than theyever were; with the Western world inrecession, who will stand up for Tibetand risk the annoyance of Hu Jintao

By Brionie Pereira, The Tibet Post

On October 23rd, The Prime Minister ofthe Tibetan Government in exile, Lobsang

Sangay sat down for an interview withSanjay Thapar of CNN IBN, on TheDevil’s Advocate. Photo: TPI/File

and which are key to successful flyingto their destination.Meanwhile, the earth in Dharamsalaglowed with a celestial star ofHollywood. And for the Tibetancommunity, Richard Gere bringsmessage of encouragement and supporttowards their struggle. It was a doubledelight for the staff members of theTibetan administration as Mr Gereinteracted with them on a range ofTibetan issues.The staff members gave a thunderousapplause as he walked into Gangkyiauditorium accompanied by Kalon TripaDr Lobsang Sangay.Dr Sangay described Mr Gere as aweather-tested friend, who though bornas an American, is very much Tibetanin heart. His passion for Tibet is well-known to the extent that it jeopardizeshis film career with a semi-ban on hisvisit to China. Dr Sangay said theTibetans have always been very gratefulto him for putting his Hollywood careerat risk.Recounting how he came into contactwith the Tibetan cause, Mr Gere said

his curiosity and quest for happinesslanded him at a small Tibet hamlet inKathmandu in 1970.Later, noted writer John F Avedon whowrote "In Exile from the Land of Snows"raised my passion to go to Dharamsalato know more about Tibet, hereminisced."It struck me very deeply when HisHoliness the Dalai Lama told during ourfirst meeting that the Tibetans need helpand that especially from the Westernfriends," he said.He said the Tibetan people have wondeep and heartfelt friends across theworld for contributing greatly throughtheir rich culture and religion. "Weconsider you as the best of who youare. We can never repay what Tibetanshave contributed to the world," he saidsolemnity in his voice.On asked if he is seeing any changes inforward movement of the Tibetan issue,he said it is of paramount importance tokeep the community united. The heartsof the Tibetan people have remainedunchanged. The three generations ofTibetans have done very well,

especially in education and health, headded.Responding to a question on theprevious performances, Mr Gereapplauded the administration formaking great strides in the fields ofmicro finance, education, health andcommunications.He, however, said the failure is in Tibet.So we should to improve the lives ofTibetans in Tibet, he added.To another query on what is the Tibetanmovement's strength, he said "everystaff of the administration has to stepup to offer their strength and worktogether with the Kashag. All of youhave a heavy responsibility toshoulder."In conclusion, Kalon Tripa Dr LobsangSangay said Mr Gere saw thepreciousness of Tibet, acted on it andbecame a foremost Western friend toplay a pivotal role in internationalizingthe Tibetan freedom struggle."In the time of crisis, the Tibetan peoplehave a man to bank on," said Dr Sangayas the auditorium once againreverberated with thunderous applause.

Richard Gere Brings Message of Strong Support to People of TibetBy Tibetan Administration Official Media. Tibet Net ... Continues from front Page

(especially blessed and signed by HisHoliness the Dalai Lama) and a Citationby the Tibetan Settlement Officer, Mr.Tsewang Tashi as a mark ofappreciation and gratitude on behalf ofall ex-TRC members worldwide.A brief bi-lingual inspirationalbiography of Dr. T. Wangdi entitled 'OurBeloved Doctor' was released on theoccasion. Brief speeches devoted to thegood doctor were presented by theTibetan Settlement Officer, Mr. TsewangTashi, the Manager of the Centre Mr.Dorjee Tseten and the Principal of theCST Darjeeling Mr. Tashi Dhondup. Dr.Wangdi then presented a veryemotional speech outlining his life'swork and mentioning many incidents.Tears flowed freely from all theassembled people during his talkincluding from Doctor-la himself.A short cultural interlude of songs anddances from the Centre's staff, workers,senior and junior boys and girls werepresented which was thoroughlyenjoyed by one and all. The shortprogram came to an end with a Vote ofThanks by Mr. Phuntsok, programorganizer. Many photo sessions withDoctor-la and his gracious wife Mrs.Dorjee Lhamo took place as aremembrance for posterity.Gifts were presented to Dr. Wangdi bythe monasteries, the CST Darjeeling andex-TRC members. Scarves from all theCentre people, local TibetanAssociations etc. were presented toDoctor-la and his wife includingCentre's first lady Doctor Mrs. L.Wangdi."It is a great pleasure to be here today;I feel highly honored to stand here andaddress all the TRCians, Ex and present.Thank you for remembering me andarranging this Thanks GivingProgramme," said Dr. T. Wangdi."I am very happy to accept the awardgiven to me. I dedicate this award toour ex-president Mrs. Thondup-la andthe incumbent president, Sey KushoKhedroop-la, without the uidance andmanagement of whom, the hospitalwould not have survived for so long,"he added."Year 1959 saw an influx of lots ofTibetan Refugees to Darjeeling andalong with them, came the problems of

health. A hospital especially forTibetans was essential to meet thehealth challenges and in 1963, with thehelp from American EmergencyCommittee, this hospital wasestablished," he said.'My long term relationship with theCentre was very enriching, and over aperiod of time the Centre with many fondmemories of an association that wasboth stimulating and inspiring. I workedfor the Centre for almost 42 years of mylife and this has given me immensesatisfaction and happiness for beingable to serve the Tibetan community andtoday," said Dr. Wangdi.Members of all the government andnon-governmental organizations likethe Regional Tibetan FreedomMovement, Associations from U-Tsang, Do-toe and Do-med, RTWA,RTYC, Manjushree Centre of TibetanCulture (MCTC), Parents TeachersAssociation, monasteries like DrukSangag Choeling, Guru Sakyamonastery, Ogyan KunzangChokhorling monastery, TsechuAssociation Nyingmapa monastery andBokar Ngedon Choekhorlingmonastery, Chagpori Tibetan MedicalInstitute and Men-Tsee-Khang.Others honoured in the event wereCentre's first nurses such as SisterKunchok Lhamo, Sister Philip, SisterPema Dechen and Dr. (Mrs.) L. Wangdi.Mentions were also made of thoseSisters not present such as SisterMargaret, Sister Namgyal, Sister Pembaand Sister Shobha. Mrs. Deoki Philip,Head Mistress of Centre's NurserySchool was also honoured during theevent. After the program all thoseassembled numbering more than threehundred people were provided a simpleyet sumptuous lunch.The organizers Sonam Dorjee,Phuntsok, Tsultrim Dorjee (Bhai) andTsultrim Dorjee Chunang thanked allfield coordinators Sonam Choezom,Kunchok Tashi and Rinchen Dorjee(USA), Phuntsok Tashi (Canada),Kunga Tashi (Holland), Passang Dolma,Lhakpa Bhuti (India) and all the ex-TRCmembers in India and abroad for theirgenerous donations and cooperationfor the event as well as the TRC staffand workers for what turned out to be amost successful program.

... Continues from Page 8

and Wen Jiabao? One is reminded ofthe most recent debacle that sparkedoutrage around the global Tibetandiaspora- the denial of a visa to HisHoliness to visit South Africa forArchbishop Desmond Tutu'sbirthday. Even Barack Obama, themost powerful political leader in theworld, treads lightly around the Tibet-Beijing issue. "Even when he meetsthe Dalai Lama, he won't do it in theOval Office, but in an inconsequentialroom called the Map Room", for fearof antagonizing Chinese sentimentand thus jeopardizing their economicinterests.Sangay says that he understands theambiguity and subsequentapprehension of the world over China,but Tibet and China have shared atorrid history spanning over 2000years, and thus the Tibetans are‘genetically disposed' tounderstanding their intricacies. Heclaims that although the horizonseems to be darkening in regards toTibet's freedom, the Tibetans willwork hard to make it possible, just asthey did in 1913, when they securedthe Dalai Lama's return to Tibet after3 years of exile. Moreover, the PrimeMinister calmly states, "There will beups and downs- that's why we call itthe ‘Tibetan struggle',but we arepersistent.. . . i t is high time theinternational community rally with us'.Echoing the Dalai Lama's pastcomments on India's timidity, he alsoexpressed his wish that the Indiangovernment speak up more for thecause of Tibet, but maintained thatIndia had done the heaviest lifting inregards to the situation and theTibetans were extremely grateful to be‘humble guests' of the country.

China Profiting From Its Alliances

Mr. Thapar, not convinced of hisoptimism, persisted that evenalthough public sentiment andstrategic sensibility point in thedirection of India having a strongerstance towards Tibet, the governmentstill does not do so. "Although thereare a variety of issues", agreedSangay, "it is for Indian leaders todebate, discuss and formulate a long-term policy regarding Tibet". Hecompared the struggle to that ofGandhi and Nelson Mandela, andstated that the long term goal andstruggle of Tibet is based on Buddhistphilosophy, which is around 2,600years old, surely capable of outlivingcommunism's meagre 100 year stint.The Kalon Tripa claims that globaldiplomatic immunity is validated bythe argument that each country mustprotect its economic interests, ‘ButChina itself is profiting from its

alliances with India and America- soyou help China profit, compromiseyour morals, and remain scared andanxious of them! In which case, whois really losing?' he asks, beckoningfor the international community tostand up for the imperative democraticprinciples of freedom, dignity andidentity, that they all enjoy in theirown countries. Nonetheless, no oneseems to be listening. Since becomingPrime Minister in August, LohsangSangay has repeatedly expressed hiswillingness to open up a peacefuldialogue with China, but they havenot heeded to his requests. Sangaydeclares that if Communist Chinapropogates the principles of rule oflaw, harmony and peace, then theyshould fulfill these principles in actionand reciprocate the sincerity of theTibetans in resolving the issue non-violently.Thapar then expressed concern overdiminishing hope and an unequalstruggle between super-power Chinaand Tibet. The hardlining Chinesesuccessor, Xi Jinping, waiting in thewings to take Jintao's position, willnot make the situation much easier.XiJinping, addressing an audience inLhasa this July, declared "We willthoroughly fight against separatistactivities by the Dalai clique and workto smash any plot to destroy stabilityand jeopardize national unity inTibet".

China Treats Religion as Poison

Thapar and Sangay also discussed theissue of the succession of HisHoliness, the Dalai Lama, sparked bya comprehensive statement made byHis Holiness on the 24th of September,suggesting that the next Dalai Lamacould be recognized and chosenduring his lifetime and not necessarilyby reincarnation. According to Thapar,the statement was a strategy toprevent the Chinese from appointinga successor after His Holiness' deathand taking over authority of thisreligious office.The Chinese almost immediatelyrejected the statement, claiming vetoon the issue of succession. Accordingto the Chinese Foreign Ministryspokesmen, Hong Lei, the Dalai lamain his own lifetime cannot identify hissuccessor, and the title of Dalai Lamacan be conferred by the CentralGovernment alone. Sangay's responseto this is that the Chinese governmenthas no basis to reject His Holiness'statement; as a Communistgovernment, they ‘treat religion aspoison' and have no credibility orlegitimacy in such spiritual matters.Sangay is sure that despite theChinese verdict, Tibetan Buddhistsworldwide- even the 200 millionChinese Buddhists residing in China-will abide by His Holiness' decision,whatever it may be.Sanjay Thapar posited relevantquestions to the Tibetan issue, eachanswered by the Tibetan PrimeMinister with undettering positivity.The Kalon Tripa says that they arebanking on the resilience of Tibetanspirit and their fundamental beliefs.Even despite darkening horizons,diplomatic immunity and the unweildlyChinese opposition, ‘miracles canhappen'.

10 31 October , 2011 Dharamsala The Tibet PostTPI TIBET

threatened further. A series ofstatements by government officialsrevealed plans "to reduce the statusand level of use of Tibetan languageduring the period from 2010 to 2020."Government projects have also beenannounced that many Tibetansbelieve threaten their culture andidentity. Nearly two thirds of theTibetan rural population -1.43 millionfarmers and herdsmen - had beenmoved into new housing, accordingto the TAR government, to make wayfor new development projectsincluding a number of railwayprojects.Economic development that placegovernment priorities aboverespecting or protecting the Tibetanculture and environment incitedprotests and subsequent detentionsin many Tibetan regions during 2010-2011.The report noted that the economicand technological progress in Chinafailed to lead to commensurate gains

in the area of human rights and rule oflaw.According to the Commission'sPolitical Prisoner Database contained1,134 records of Tibetan politicalprisoners detained on or after March10, 2008. It noted that this figure was"certain to be far from complete." Lackof information and lack ofaccountability made politicalprisoners inside China difficult toaccurately monitor.In response to the report, China onWednesday lashed out at theCommission saying it interfered withChina's internal affairs."The so-called commission alwayswatches China through colored lens,distorts facts and interferes in China'sinternal affairs. China is firmlyopposed to such moves," saidForeign Ministry spokesperson JiangYu. "We urge the commission to stopreleasing such kind of reports andstop erroneous acts that interfere withand harm the Sino-US relations."

...Annual Report Paints a Grim Picture of Tibet ..... Continues from Page 7

French Parliamentarian ExpressStrong Concern on Human

Rights in Tibet

Mr Jean-Louis Bianco, a Deputy in the French National Assembly and the Vice Presidentof Parliamentary Group for Tibet/File photo

By Tibetan Administration OfficialMedia. Tibet Net

Dharamshala: Expressing shock at thespate of tragic self-immolations byyoung Tibetans in Tibet, a Frenchlawmaker said "France's voice must beheard on the international stage andurged the government to implement apolicy which would ensure enforcementof human rights in China.""I have been closely following the tragicevents that have been occurring in theNgaba Region and I am greatlyshocked. I have also read the letter sentby the president of the associationEmergency Tibet to French President,Nicolas Sarkozy, urging him to publiclycondemn the repression againstTibetans and to rally the heads ofdemocratic states to issue a jointdeclaration of protest," Mr Jean-LouisBianco, a Deputy in the French NationalAssembly and the Vice President ofParliamentary Group for Tibet, said in astatement."On June 1st 2011, I joined forces withmy socialist comrade, Patrick Bloche, inaddressing the government by puttingthe question concerning the treatmentof Tibetan monks and of minorities inChina to the Minister of State and to

the Ministers of foreign and Europeanaffairs," he said."This question actually allowed us tocall on the French government toimplement a policy which would ensureenforcement of human rights in China.This followed the self-immolation of ayoung Buddhist monk from the KirtiMonastery on March 16th 2011 and thewave of repression ordered by theChinese Communist Party in thatregion.""The Minister assured us that Frenchpolitical leaders in charge of variousfunctions regularly and openlyaddressed their Chinese counterpartson the subjects of human rights and theneed for bilateral talks," he added."The self-immolation of five youngmonks in the Sichuan Province withinthree weeks clearly shows thedeterioration of the situation and pointsto the failure of such a policy (if such apolicy ever existed at all) and theabsolute necessity of reacting bymaking France's voice heard on theinternational scene."I will continue to do my part for theTibetan cause," Mr Bianco said.

Respect Tibetans' Rights, AddressWrong Policy: US Tells China

Armed Chinese paramilitary force deployed in Ngaba county, eastern Tibet, 19thOctober 2011. Photo: TPI/File

By Tibetan Administration OfficialMedia. Tibet Net

Dharamshala: - Expressing theirserious concern over recent spate ofself-immolations by Tibetans insideTibet, the US government urged Beijingto address counterproductive policiesin Tibetan areas that have createdtensions, and to protect Tibet's uniquereligious, cultural, and linguisticidentity.Asked if the US have raised the issueof Tibetan self-immolations with theChinese government, a StateDepartment spokesperson said: "Yes,we have, and we remain seriouslyconcerned by reports, since April, ofeight Tibetan Buddhist monks and onenun self-immolating at or near theNgaba Kirti monastery.""These acts clearly represent angerand frustration with regard to Tibetanhuman rights, including religiousfreedom, inside China," thespokesperson said during a daily pressbriefing in Washington, DC, on 18October.

"We again call on the ChineseGovernment to respect the rights of allChinese citizens who peacefullyexpress their desire for internationallyrecognized freedoms, particularly torespect the rights of Tibetans, and toresolve the underlying grievances of

China's Tibetan population.""We urge Chinese leaders to addresscounterproductive policies in Tibetanareas that have created tensions; andto protect Tibet's unique religious,cultural, and linguistic identity," thespokesperson said.

Tibetans in Australia Strike OutsideChinese Consulate

The Tibetan community in Melbourne,Australia has 19th October joined theglobal Hunger Strike of October 19thcalled for by HH the Dalai Lama in

response to the recent stream of self-immolations in Tibet, gathering outside

the Chinese consulate in the state's capital.Photo: TPI/Carly Selby-James

By Carly Selby-James, The Tibet PostInternational

Melbourne: The Tibetan community inMelbourne, Australia has today, 19October joined the global Hunger Strikeof October 19th called for by HisHoliness the Dalai Lama in response tothe recent stream of self-immolations inTibet, gathering outside the Chineseconsulate in the state's capital.The group chanted slogans and heldseveral minutes' silence in honour ofthe young martyrs who have given theirlives in the struggle for greater freedomfor Tibetans under Chinese rule.Several speakers addressed thegathering including Robert Perry, of theAustralia Tibet Council (ATC); SonamDolker from the Tibetan Women'sAssociation; the President of theChinese Democratic Party and Tian AnMen Times Managing Director Frank

Ruanjie; as well as the head of theChina-Tibet Friendship Association inAustralia and Mr Tenzin LobsangKhangsar.During the evening a candle-light vigilwas held in Federation Square, thebusiest part of the city, where The eventwas covered by members of Chineseand Australian press and the day'sproceedings were also filmed as part ofa documentary.Similar Hunger Strikes were held todayin cities around the world to showsolidarity with the Tibetan cause, andanother is to be held this Friday inSydney in honour of the growingnumber of Tibetans sacrificingthemselves for freedom, a trend whichis sadly showing no signs of relentinganytime soon.

Special Prayer Service Heldin Tokyo for Tibetans in Tibet

Japanese and Tibetans Observe PrayerGathering for Tsewang Norbu, Tokyo,

Japan. Photo: TPI

By The Tibet Post International

Tokyo: Tibetan Community in Japanheld a special prayer service at JoenjiBuddhist Temple for the monks whocommitted self-immolation to raisevoice against the Chinese repressiverule, and to call for freedom and justicein Tibet. The prayer service is intandem with the major prayergathering being held in India, and

throughout the world on the day topay homage and respect to thosebrave souls who gave their lives forthe country.Mr. Lhakpa Tshoko, Representative ofLiaison Office of His Holiness theDalai Lama for Japan & East Asia,briefed the gathering on criticalsituation unfolding in Tibet, and therepressive measures adopted by theChinese authorities, which has led tothe desperate attempts by the monksand a nun to get their voice heard byinternational community. He describedthe situation in Tibet akin to martiallaw state, wherein people live underconstant fear of being arrested andtortured.Rev. Kobayashi of FederationBuddhist monks for Tibet, lamentedthe Japanese media's regrettableattitude in not highlighting the gross

human rights violation taking placein Tibet. He said that Japanese mediaas well as the public should expresstheir support for Tibetans' struggle forfreedom and justice. He announcedthat the Federation is going to held apress conference at Tokyo ForeignCorrespondent club next week to briefthe media about what really ishappening in Tibet.Despite being a regular working day,Japanese and Tibetans filled theBuddhist prayer hall. Heart sutraprayer was recited both in Tibetan andJapanese languages. Dolma, guruprayer and dentsig monlam were alsorecited. Members of Students for freeTibet Japan chapter organizedsignature campaign to call for globaldiplomatic intervention in resolvingTibet issue.At the end of the prayer gathering,Mr. Lobsang Yeshe, President ofTibetan community in Japan thankedthe participants and requested fortheir continued support for freedomand justice in Tibet.

Police is largely ethnically Chinese, andunder the direct authority of the ChineseMinistry Public Security. Therefore, itcould be recalled to China. Lower-levelpolice forces in Tibet are more ethnicallyTibetan. These officials would have tomake up the backbone of the new Tibetanpolice.

An Amnesty?On a related note, the new Tibetanadministration would have to decidewhether to prosecute or forgive any rightsviolations that occurred under the oldChinese regime. His Holiness is clear thathe feels there is “no purpose…seekingretribution for their past deeds.”We agree, on pragmatic grounds, thateven the topmost collaborators, like PemaCholing, should be able to retire in peaceor move to China if they wish. However,this is a decision that would have to bemade by the entire Tibetan population.

Economic RestructuringHow would the economy be transitioned?Tibet’s current economy depends onmassive, consistent infusions of Chinesecapital to pay for large-scale infrastructureand most urban salaries.This system is economically untenablebecause it is not self-sustaining. In part,this is an outcome of official Chinesepolicy, which is to make Tibet dependentupon – and thus tied to – China.This system has been described bydevelopment economist Andrew Fisheras 'boomerang aid', since any fundsinvested in Tibet by China go right backto China (the companies and workers whoare hired are almost entirely Chinese).Tibetans are left with infrastructureprojects that they may or may not want,as well as a legacy of increased Chineseimmigration.Clearly, Tibet the 'day after' will have tomove to a new economic system, in partbecause the withdrawal of massiveinfusions of cash from Beijing would bean economic shock.Economic change is never easy, andsometimes it involves painful measures.Tibetans should be prepared for this, andshould be warned that the economictransition may be difficult. However, if thereis an identified goal, temporary pain maybe worth bearing.Again, Tibetans will be starting from alow baseline. In 2010, the annual per capitaGDP of Tibet was $2,300 for urbanresidents and $639 for farmers andherders.It is the urban residents whose incomewould be most threatened by a politicaltransition. A high percentage of urbanresidents get their income or pensionsfrom various Chinese state-controlledbodies, whereas rural Tibetans largelysurvive on self-derived subsistenceincome.Therefore, the new administration wouldhave to pay special attention to ensurethat it retained the loyalty of urbanTibetans, whose personal economicsituation may (if temporarily) decline inthe transition to a new Tibetan order.On the subject of property rights, legalscholars such as Michael Heller ofColumbia Law School have studied post-communist societies like Hungary, wherethe fall of communism left property rightsunclear or even conflicting. One of thetasks of the new administration would beto ensure that any uncertainty overproperty rights was resolved quickly andequitably.In the longer term, if we were to make arecommendation on how the economy

should be reshaped, we would suggestthat the goal is a Tibetan economy that isdiversified and grounded on freecompetition and equal opportunity.We believe that the government shouldstick mainly to governing - it should helpestablish a fair playing field for the privatesector, but should not generally runbusinesses itself. Property rights shouldbe protected, including intellectualproperty. Regulation should be kept to aminimum.There should be a strong antitrustenforcer, to ensure that monopolies donot choke off innovation. There shouldalso be an independent anti-corruptionwatchdog to ensure that any state assetsthat are privatized are done sotransparently, to avoid the 'cronycapitalism' of many former communiststates.It is likely that significant sectors of theTibetan economy may continue to bedominated by Chinese migrants who havesettled in Tibet. This is something thegovernment would have to deal with in afair way that respects the human rights ofall people living in Tibet.It is also a fact that Tibet's economy wouldbe deeply linked with the Chineseeconomy. The infrastructure and currentdevelopment in Tibet are both geared toproviding China with raw materials, anddepending on China for basically allcapital and manufactured goods and muchof its human resources. This is a truththat would have to be addressed.Overall, it is likely that the private sectorwould focus on agriculture, livestock,tourism and manufacturing, and inindustries where Tibetans have acomparative advantage, such as carpetweaving. But this would not be enoughto provide a better life for all.Additionally, Tibet would need to developcapital-intensive sectors such as miningand hydropower. Although environmentalprotection would be critical, it should notbe the only factor - the people’s right to adecent livelihood must also be weighedin.Citizens of countries like Norway benefitfrom carefully managed resourceextraction. The Asian Development Bankrecently funded a $200m public-privatehydropower project in Bhutan that willgenerate 114 megawatts annually for saleto India.Tibet should explore similar deals for thebenefit of its people.

Funding the governmentHow would government expenses bemet? According to official Chinese reports,the projected TAR government budgetfrom 2011-2016 is RMB 300 billion, or about$9.4 billion per year. This figure is not veryinformative, however, as the vast majorityof these funds will be spent on themassive infrastructure projects theChinese government is building.For the five-year period from 2006 to 2010,the TAR government spent approximately$258m on healthcare. By comparison, thetotal revenue for tourism in Tibet in oneyear - 2010 - was about $1.05 billion.Of the above figures, the one that standsout most is the $258m spent for healthcareover a five-year period, which works outto $51.6 million per annum. With a TARpopulation of three million, that comes outto a miserly $17 per person annually. Oursuspicion is that education spending issimilarly abysmal.Clearly, a new government in Tibet wouldbe starting from a very low baseline. Evensuch a low baseline, however, would beexpensive to achieve. The 2010-2011

budget of the exile CTA was only Rs 916million, or $19.2 million. The questionwould be how much is needed for the'day after' in Tibet, and how to raise thismoney.First, some reasonable projections areneeded of just how much would beneeded in the first few years. Then, theTibetan people should consider howmuch could reasonably come throughinternal revenue, international loans, andother sources - for example, holdinginternational tenders for mining rights incertain carefully controlled areas of Tibet.

UtilitiesHow would utilities be maintained?Currently, utilities in Tibet, such as power,urban water supply, sewerage, andtelecommunications are state-controlled,meaning that they are controlled by thegovernment or government-ownedcompanies like China Telecom and ChinaMobile.In the case of electricity supply, Tibet fornow remains disconnected from theChinese power grid. Much of Lhasa’spower comes from the awful Yamdrok Tsohydropower plant and the geothermalplant at Yangbachen.Other cities in Tibet get power from otherrenewable and non-renewable sources. Itis ikely that almost all power plants arerun by Chinese managers and engineers.Would these workers stay on, or wouldthe new Tibetan administration beprepared to take over the operation ofthese plants?Tibet’s telecommunications are alsoprovided by Chinese state-ownedcompanies. In theory, there is nothingpreventing these companies fromremaining, but Tibetans should be waryof having all telecommunication at themercy of China.Telecommunications connectionsbetween Tibet and the outside world areall currently routed through China,meaning that, regardless of whom theprovider is, China controls Tibet’s linksto the world. These connections areprovided through a Lhasa-Gormo fibre-optic line that was laid in 1999, andsupplemented by satellite teleports inLhasa and probably other cities.There are solutions to this. It istechnologically simple to re-orient asatellite antenna to point toward anysatellite above the horizon. A new Tibetantelecommunications provider couldcontract with a global satellite companylike Intelsat or SES for transponder spaceto connect to the world without goingthrough China.In the longer term, Tibetans would alsoprobably want to look at laying a fibre-optic line to India.

ConclusionThe above discussion is just a start andrepresents some preliminary thoughts ofthe Tibetan Political Review editorialboard. We claim no more (or less) right todiscuss these issues than any of the othersix million Tibetans.Moreover, we firmly believe that the finaldecisions cannot be made except with thefull consent of the vast majority ofTibetans who live in Tibet.Tibetans in exile should lay downsuggestions for Tibetans as a whole toconsider, and discuss and debate whenthey are free to do so, in preparation forthe 'day after', when they have to makethe decisions.We believe the day will come when allTibetans will be able to freely decide theirdestiny. And it will help immensely to have

already begun grappling with the difficultissues that will be forthcoming.We believe that a think tank, establishedby the CTA and tasked with this question,would go a long way towards meetingthis goal, but that this is a discussion inwhichall Tibetans should participate in any waythey can.The views expressed are those of theauthor or authors, and do not necessarilyrepresent the views of The Tibet PostInternational (TPI).

Tibetan Freedom and the 'Day After'... ..... Continues from Page 2

31 October , 2011 DharamsalaThe Tibet Post TPI INTERVIEWS & RECAP 11Kalon Tripa: China Practices Systematic

Destruction of Tibetan Culture

Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay addressingthe day-long special prayer service and

fasting held as a gesture of solidarity withTibetans inside Tibet. His Holiness the

Dalai Lama joined the prayer and fastingorganised at the main Tibetan temple, in

Dharamshala, on 19 October 2011. Photo: TPI/YC. Dhardhowa

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - Dr Lobsang Sangay,the political head of the Central TibetanAdministration, this morning said theTibetan people have been undergoinguntold suffering for the 60 years sincecommunist China's occupation of Tibet.Speaking during a 24-hour mass prayerand fasting event in Dharamshala,northern India, Dr Sangay said that,although China masks its activities withpropaganda, it actually practicescolonialism and the systematicdestruction of Tibetan culture, religion,language and the environment.The prayers and fasting are being heldas a gesture of solidarity with the nineTibetans who have self-immolated sincelast year, and with those sufferingincarceration for speaking up for therights of the Tibetan people.The event is also being attended NobelPeace Prize Laureate and spiritual leaderof Tibet, His Holiness the 14th DalaiLama, His Holiness the 17th GyalwangKarmapa, and Kirti Rinpoche, head ofKirti Monastery in India.Below is a transcript of Dr Sangay'sspeech:"For the last 60 years since communistChina's occupation of Tibet, the Tibetanpeople have been undergoing untoldsuffering."Through its propaganda, Beijingshows a different image, but in realityChina practices colonialism and thesystematic destruction of the uniqueTibetan culture, religion, language andenvironment and, because of this,Tibetans have peacefully demonstratedtime and again."Particularly in 2008, Tibetans from allwalks of life and from all three provincesof Tibet rose against Chinese rule bycalling for freedom for Tibet and thereturn of His Holiness the Dalai Lamato Tibet."These demands were made clear notonly to the Chinese leadership but tothe international community as well."Sadly, the Chinese government,instead of seeking truth from facts,continues to hold a hard-line positionand has driven the Tibetan people to adesperate situation."The Tibetan religious community is

particularly hard hit, as so-called workteams have been sent into monasteriesand nunneries to promote politicalindoctrination."As a result of these repressivemeasures, since March this year thesituation in Ngaba, Tawu and Serthar,etc, has turned critical as many peoplehave either been detained, arrested orimprisoned."To date, nine young Tibetans haveself-immolated in protest against thehard-line policies of the Chinesegovernment, and to demand freedom forTibet and the return of His Holiness theDalai Lama."They are: Lobsang Phuntsok, 21, fromKirti monastery, Ngaba, who set himselfon fire on March 16; Tsewang Norbu,29, from Nyatso monastery in Tawu,who self-immolated on August 15;Lobsang Kalsang and LobsangKonchok, both from Kirti monastery,who set themselves on fire onSeptember 26; Kelsang Wangchuk, 17,also from Kirti monastery, who sethimself on fire on October 3; Khaying,20, and Choephel, 19, former monks ofKirti monastery, who self-immolated onOctober 7."On October 15, another former monkof Kirti monastery, Norbu Damdul, sethimself on fire. On October 17, TenzinWangmo, 20, from DechenChoekhorling Nunnery, Ngaba self-immolated to protest against Chineserule."

"Five of these young Tibetans havedied. The condition and whereaboutsof theother four are unknown."Therefore, the Kashag [cabinet] isholding a day-long special prayerservice, coinciding with Lhakar [‘WhiteWednesday,' or His Holiness the DalaiLama's ‘soul day'], in solidarity withthose Tibetans who have sacrificedtheir lives for the cause of Tibet, andparticularly those who self-immolated,their families and those sufferingrepression in Tibet."Therefore we pay homage to theircourage and stand in solidarity withtheir indomitable spirit."As requested by the Central TibetanAdministration, Tibetans in exile areorganising activities in their respectiveplaces. The Kashag would like torequest every Tibetan and Tibetsupporter to carry out their activitiespeacefully and in accordance with locallaw."We would like to appeal to the Chinesegovernment to immediately stop itsrepressive policies in Tibet, and toresolve the issue of Tibet throughpeaceful means."We would like to appeal to the UnitedNations to send fact-finding delegationsinto Tibet."We would also like to request [China]to allow free access to the media so thatthe international community could knowthe real situation in Tibet."We extend our heartfelt gratitude toHis Holiness the Dalai Lama for leadingthis special prayer service and for takingpart in the fast."We would also like to extend ourgratitude to His Eminence GyalwangKarmapa and HisEminence Kasur Kirti Rinpoche, andthank everyone present here today."Finally, we stand in solidarity with ourbrothers and sisters in Tibet and prayfor the earliest resolution of the issueof Tibet."

12 31 October , 2011 Dharamsala The Tibet PostTPI TIBET

The Tibet Post InternationalHimalayan Literacy Trust(Head Office)1st Floor, Exile HouseRoad, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamsala, Distt.Kangra H.P 176219 India

Advicer Mr. Thomas KeimelAdvicer Dr. Vincent BrucelEditor in Chief Mr. YC. DhardhowaChinese Editor Ms. Keary HuangProject Manager Mathew Singh ToorTibetan Editor Mr. Sangay DorjeeAssistant Editor Ms. Pema TsoCircular Ven Phuntsok DhondupPublisher Mr. Sonam SangayEditor, Tibet Post Europe Mr. James DunnDesigner Mr. Sangay Dorjee

Tele: 0091-1892-224641Moble:+91-9882423566

E-mail: editor@thetibetpost.comwww.thetibetpost.com

Contributors for this Editon

Keary Huang TaiwanMathew Singh Toor IndiaPatrick Sloyan AustraliaCarly Selby-James AustraliaSamuel Ivo UKColleen McKown USBrionie Pereira IndiaDennis Barbion BelguimDolkar Tso IndiaYC. Dhardhowa IndiaSangay Dorjee IndiaPema Tso India

I n t e r n a t i o n a l

Rights Group Urges China toEnd Crackdown on Tibetan

Monasteries

Clockwise: Lobsang Phuntsok, 20, of Kirti monastery in Ngaba; Tsewang Norbu, 29, ofNyitso monastery in Karze, Lobsang Kelsang, 18 and Lobsang Kunchok, 19, of Kirtimonastery; Norbu Damdul, 19, former monk of Kirti monastery; Choephel, 19 andKhaying, 18, former monks of Kirti monastery and Kelsang Wangchuk, 19, of Kirtimonastery; Out of these, Lobsang Phuntsok, Tsewang Norbu, Khaying and Choephel

died. Photo: FIle

By Tibetan Administration OfficialMedia: Tibet Net

Asia Regional Meeting of Tibet Sup-port Groups in Dharamshala

Around 50 Tibet supporters from Asia,Europe and America are taking part in thethird Asia regional meeting convened bythe International Tibet Network, whichbegan this morning at the TCV school inupper Dharamsala. Photo: by Sangay

Kyab/TibetNet

By Tibetan Administration OfficialMedia. Tibet Net

Melbourne Tibetans Hold Vigil for KirtiMonastery in Tibet

A candlelight vigil was held here inMelbourne, Australia, 14th October 2011.

Photo: TPIBy Carly Selby-James, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala, India: - Human RightsWatch (HRW) has urged the Chinesegovernment to immediately removeexcessive security measures imposed onTibetans in Tibet, particularly in Ngabaand Karze counties in northeastern andeastern Tibet, where seven Tibetanshave self-immolated in protest againstthe repressive measures.In a report on October 12, HRW said that,since the 2008 uprising in Tibet, theChinese government has imposed drasticrestrictions on Tibetan monasteries inNgaba, which include security raids,arbitrary detentions of monks, increasedsurveillance within monasteries, and apermanent police presence insidemonasteries to monitor religiousactivities."These measures appear to have fueledtensions between Tibetans and Chinese

Dharamshala, India: Around 50 Tibetsupporters from Asia, Europe and Americaare taking part in the third Asia regionalmeeting convened by the InternationalTibet Network, which began this morningat the TCV school in upper Dharamsala.The meeting aims to generate newstrategies, strengthen unity and co-ordination among the Tibet SupportGroups across the globe towardsrestoring freedom for Tibetans insideTibet. Participants from Nepal, England,Peru, Australia, Belgium, Spain, the US,Taiwan and India have gathered for themeeting.The meeting of Tibet supporters at thismoment is significant in view of the grimsituation prevailing in Ngaba innortheastern Tibet and other Tibetanareas. Since this March, six youngTibetans in Ngaba in northeastern Tibetand one from Tawu in Karze in easternTibet have set themselves on fire inprotest against China's occupation andrepression of Tibet.In his address, Kalon Tripa Dr LobsangSangay said the meeting is an indicationof Tibet supporters' strong commitmentto the Tibetan people and Tibet. Heappealed to the supporters across worldto keep their support stronger in the yearsto come.Speaking on the devolution of HisHoliness the Dalai Lama's politicalauthority to the elected Tibetanleadership, Kalon Tripa said "His Holinesshas transferred his political powers to the

Melbourne: Members of the Tibetancommunity in Melbourne, Australia andtheir supporters have come together thisThursday and Friday night (13th and 14thOctober) to join in the urgent global callfor restraint in Tibet's Ngaba region, wherea series of self-immolations carried out bymonks and lay-people have recentlyincurred the brutal wrath of the Chineseauthorities.The congregation drew the attention andcuriosity of passers by, particularly onthe Friday when the second part of thevigil was held in Federation Square, theheart of the city. Many who passed thedemonstration clapped or shouted pro-Tibet slogans, while Flyers handed out

authorities in the region," the report said,"contributing to desperate acts ofprotest by individuals, including self-immolations, the latest two on 7 October2011.HRW's China director, SophieRichardson said, "Security measuresdesigned to curtail the right to freeexpression, association, and religiousbelief in Tibetan monasteries are notlegitimate. Even worse, those measuresare exacerbating the tensions. Instead,the government should address theregion's underlying grievances."In its assessment of Chinese governmentstatistics, HRW said, "The increase ingovernment spending on security inNgaba and Karze in eastern Tibet since2002 has contributed to provocativepolicing techniques such as monasteryblockades and the mass detentions ofmonks that have repeatedly contributed

to local discontent and unrest."The increased security measures appearto have been a major factor in theescalation of tensions that have led toseveral protests in which monks tried toset themselves on fire to bring attentionto the situation in Ngaba."HRW urged the Chinese government torelease information about thewhereabouts and well-being of all the

by volunteers heralded an 'Urgent Call forRestraint in Ngaba'.It is also worth noting that many Chinesealso stopped to photograph the spectacleand ask some questions. The crowd-drawing vigil had been called in memoryof the five Tibetans who gave their livesover the past ten days in tragic protest toChinese oppression in their homeland. Inattendance were members of theMelbourne Tibetan community, includingrepresentatives of the Australia-TibetCouncil.During the immolation protests, those whoare now being called the Tibetan martyrswaved the Tibetan flag while calling forreligious freedom, shouting slogans andholding up pictures of His Holiness theDalai Lama, the possession of which isconsidered illegal by the Chinese insideTibet.The three young monks who gave theirlives are Lobsang Kalsang and LobsangKunchok, on September 26nd; andKalsang Wangchuk, October 3rd. All threewere aged between 17 and 19 years old,and are believed to have been relatives ofthe young Phuntsok, the 21-year-oldmonk from Kirti monastery who sethimself alght in protest in March of thisyear. On October 7th, just a few days ago,two former Kirti monks Choephel, 19, and

Kanyang, 18, also set fire to themselves.In each case Chinese authorities werequick to act and surrounded the burningfigure before viciously beating the bodyand putting out the flames. Whisked awayby security personnel, the cause of deathis not certain. Paramilitary Armed Policehave held Kirti under heavy guard sinceMarch, hundreds of monks have beenremoved and 'patriotic re-education' hasbeen reinforced. Roads and tourism havebeen blocked and rumours have circulatedof a violent crackdown and starvationwithin the monastery.Rich in natural resources includingvaluable mineral deposits and the sourceof much of Asia's water supply, Tibet is aregion the Chinese are likely to hold ontotooth-and-nail. It is undoubtedltyattention to incidents such as these thatis making the communist regime feeluncomfortable and threatened, andcausing them to go to desperate lengthsin an attempt to control the sufferingpopulation of a land it invaded more thanhalf a century ago.For the Tibetans, as recent events clearlyshow, life in Tibet has become unbearableand unless China heeds the warnings ofinternational state observers and changesits policy on Tibet, there will be much moretragic unrest to come.

elected leaders". Dr Sangay said hedeliberately used the word "transfer"instead of "devolve" in view of thedifferent interpretation in the media thatan old chapter has closed and a newchapter has begun. "Rather the transferof political powers to the elected leadersis the continuation of the Tibetan politicalleadership and its legitimacy since 1642,"he said.Kalon Tripa said: "the Tibet SupportGroups must come up with productiveand result-oriented action plans, addingthat the Central Tibetan Administrationwill not influence their agendas anddominate their actions. TSGs have toformulate their own action plans andexecute it autonomously," he added."The CTA has to conduct its workautonomously. But the administration

monks forcibly removed from Kirtimonastery, to ensure that itsmaintenance of public security does notencroach on internationally guaranteedrights, and to address Tibetans'fundamental grievances.It also urged all governments concernedwith human rights in China to articulatepublicly their concerns about thedeteriorating environment, and to pressthe Chinese government to addressTibetans' rights."Recent developments in and aroundKirti monastery show the terrible humancost of ongoing repression," said MsRichardson. "Clearly the Chinesegovernment can't spend its way out ofthis problem. Genuine stability is theresult of protecting - not denying -people their rights."

would fairly remain accessible to TSGs toshare their thoughts and exchangeinformation, so that we could maintaintransparency in our relationship. We willtry that what we do will not underminethe TSGs and hopefully the latter willextend its co-operation in the same way,"Kalon Tripa said.Describing the prevailing situation inNgaba county in northeastern as "urgent"following the self-immolations by sixmonks of the Kirti monastery, Kalon Tripacalled on Tibetans and supporters aroundthe world to join a day-long prayer andfasting on next Wednesday, 19 October,to express and show our solidarity withTibetans inside Tibet."Kirti Rinpoche would partake in theprayer service at our invitation and all theCTA staff would attend the day-longevent," Dr Sangay added.He said the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exilewould also hold a series of campaigns inDelhi from 18 - 21 October, which includea day-long hunger strike on 18 October.In her brief remark, Ms Dicki Chhoyang,Kalon for the Department of Information& International Relations, said she wasvery happy to join the first TSG meetingsince taking charge as Kalon. As themeeting coincides with the beginning myterm, hopefully it augurs very well for thebuilding of our relationship over the nextfive years, she added."We believe in keeping an open channelsof communication with TSGs across theworld, respecting the fact that we aremutually autonomous," Kalon DickiChhoyang said."As the situation unfolds in Tibet, I hopewe would work together to keep theexisting initiatives going and find newsways so as to take the movement forwardto improve the situation inside Tibet," shesaid.Responding to questions from membersof TSGs, Kalon Tripa reaffirmed theKashag's commitment to pursue theMiddle-Way Policy towards resolving theissue of Tibet.He stressed that the negotiations with theChinese government should be based onthe reality in Tibet.On being asked about the Kashag's effortsto reach out to the Indian community,Kalon Tripa said "we would be travellingto different parts of India to reach out toIndian youths including students togarner their support."He said the Tibet Policy Institute is beingset up and the institute's secretary ordirector would announce its completionand launch next week.