Tibetan Information Office (TIO) is based in Canberra.

Update on Tibet Demonstrations, 28 March 2008

Afternoon update for Friday, 28 March 2008, last updated 3pm (IST) Re: Tibet demonstrations

28 March 2008

Ngaba (Ch:Aba) County, Ngapa “Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,” Sichuan province – Over 100 monks from Kirti Monastery arrested today.

Monk quarters in Kirti Monastery (Ngaba County) have been thoroughly searched by Public Security Bureau (PSB) and People?s Armed Police (PAP).

Monks have been forced to stay within their living-quarters.

Any items indicating reverence to His Holiness the Dalai Lama (such as his portraits etc.) are being taken away. Documents in their possession were also thoroughly examined.

Over 100 monks from Kirti Monastery have been arrested today.

Drakgo (Ch: Luhuo) County, Karze “Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,” Sichuan province – Protesters from Chokri Monastery warned about harsh legal consequences.

Three monks from Chokri monastery, whom Chinese authorities have blamed for leading the demonstration in Drakgo County on March 24, have been issued warnings by the Chinese authorities that, upon arresting them, they would face harsh legal consequences for the involvement in the demonstration.

Currently, the whereabouts of the three monks are not known. However, the names for the three monks can be confirmed. They are:

    1) Rigzin (from Jhang-drong village, Drakgo County)
    2) Choedak (from Khuyu-boor village, Drakgo County)
    3) Karma (from Gorong village, Drakgo County)

Drakgo (Ch: Luhuo) County, Karze “Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,” Sichuan province – Huge numbers being arrested

Six Chinese military trucks packed with military personnel arrived in Chokri Shuk-yul village, Drakgo County, and have been making arrests at a very alarming rate.

Nyarong (Ch: Xinlong) County, Karze “Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,” Sichuan province – People convey message through posters.

Many posters were pasted in various villages of Nyarong County.

Some of the posters read, “Tibet needs freedom and independence,” and “Long Live His Holiness the Dalai Lama.” Similar messages were also written on stone tablets.

Gatherings have been strictly banned in the areas.

27 March 2008

Staged events during foreign media visit backfires on China?s attempt to portray a calm and peaceful image of Lhasa.

China has been facing harsh criticism and condemnation from the world community for its aggressive handling of the recent demonstrations in Tibet.

China has also been criticized for the lack of independent press freedom in Tibet, and as a result a select group of foreign reporters (chosen by the Chinese Government) were taken for a government-managed tour.

In a carefully planned and controlled move, during the group?s visit to Tsuglag-khang (Jokhang) temple, three senior monks of the temple (pre-selected by the Chinese Government) were to interact with the foreign reporters. The other monks were specifically instructed to engage in monastic activities such as philosophical debating at the monastery courtyard while the media group was visiting.

Contrary to the “life is back to normal” image that the Chinese hoped to portray, numerous monks disrupted the government-managed tour by the foreign reporters. During the 15-minute outburst, the monks screamed that there was no religious freedom in Tibet and H.H. the Dalai Lama was not to blame for inciting the demonstrations in Tibet.

Tsegor Thang (Ch: Xinghai) County, Tsolho “Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,” Qinghai province – Tibetans want release of two

Tibetans from Holkha Town (Tsegor County) gathered in front of the Township headquarters. They requested for the release of Ribum Gyal (a guitarist) and young girl who were arrested during the demonstration on March 26.

No details can be provided now as to whether any of the two arrestees were actually released.

26 March 2008

Drakgo (Ch: Luhuo) County, Karze “Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,” Sichuan province – Two more monks from Chokri monastery arrested

Namgyal Tsering (former abbot of Chokri monastery) and Sonam Gyurmey (principal of the school run by Chokri monastery and a Geshe Lharampa (doctorate in Buddhist philosophy) graduate from Sera Je Monastery) both from Chokri monastery, Drakgo County, were taken away by Chinese Police under the pretence of a meeting they needed to attend. However, the two monks were arrested.

60-year-old women beaten by Township head

The officials of Chokri Getse Township, Dragko County, gave a public talk to vilify the image of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. A 60-year-old woman stood up during the session and said that she would never denounce H.H. the Dalai Lama.

She also said that Tibetans do not carry a “splittist” agenda, as the Chinese have often claimed. She then said that under no circumstance would she participate in the vilification campaign of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

When the woman was beaten by the Township head, her son Yeshe tried to intervene resulting in a fight between him and the Township head, who then had to be taken to the hospital. Yeshe was then compelled to escape from the area.

Tense situation in and around Gaden Rapten Nampar Gyalwai Ling monastery, Drakgo County

Gaden Rapten Nampar Gyalwai Ling monastery, Drakgo County, has been surrounded by the military, and very tight restrictions have been imposed on the monastery.

The people that led the protest on March 25 are being sought by the military.

People traveling on the streets near Gaden Rapten Nampar Gyalwai Ling monastery are being searched thoroughly.

Dartsedo (Ch: Kangding) County, Karze “Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,” Sichuan province – Protest held

A group of Tibetans held a protest. No further details available.