the tibet post international online newspaper

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 59, 15 February, 2012

Walk Campaign for Peace & Freedom

www.thetibetpost.com

Archbishop Desmond Tutu visits His Holinessin McLeod Ganj

Dharamshala: Archbishop Desmond Tutu beggedthe Chinese government to respect His Holinessthe Dalai Lama during a joyful meeting betweenthe Nobel Peace laureates today.Addressing the thousands of monks, nuns, familiesand schoolchildren who turned out in brilliantsunshine to see the Nobel Peace prize laureates atthe Main Temple in McLeod Ganj, Tutu describedthe 77-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader as theholist man he has ever met, adding: ‘I want to sayto the Chinese government that His Holiness isthe most peace loving person on earth.‘His Holiness has no army. He does not commandpeople with guns. His Holiness is not a separatist.‘Please you leaders in Beijing. Please respect him.'Devotees and well-wishers began filling the MainTemple at dawn, before His Holiness travelled toGaggal Airport to receive the South Africanarchbishop and his wife Nomalizo Leah Shenxane,who stopped off to see his old friend as part of afive day visit to India to promote Girls Not Brides,a global initiative against child marriage.In October, Tutu launched an angry verbal attackon South Africa's ANC government, branding it‘worse than the apartheid government' andthreatening to pray for the party's defeat, after itfailed to grant His Holiness a visa so that he coulddeliver a lecture at the archbishop's 80th birthdaycelebrations.

His Holiness presents a khatag to fellow Nobel Peace Prize laureate, archbishop Desmond Tutu, at the MainTemple in McLeod Ganj. Photo: TPI

By Sophie Jay, The Tibet Post

Brussels, Belguim: - On the 2nd February 2012,the new Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo helda press conference at the end of the diplomatic

See Page 3 ...

China justifies ‘war’ in Tibet

See Page 2 ...

Solidarity with Tibetans in Tibet

See Page 6 ...

Statement RegardingCritical Situation in

Tibet Page 5 ...

Teenage Nun LatestTo Self-Immolate

In TibetPage 3 ...

Tibetan Political Leader InauguratesNew Hospital in Kollegal

Dharamshala, India: - Kalon Tripa (the electedpolitical leader of Tibet), Dr Lobsang SangaySunday, January 29, inaugurated a new hospital inDhondenling Tibetan settlement in Kollegal insouthern India, calling on the Tibetans to raisetheir awareness on health and precautionarymeasures. His Eminence Gaden Tripa RizongRinpoche consecrated the hospital.Kunkyab Dophenling Hospital was built with thegenerous financial support and coordination of aJewish family based in Luxembourg and VimalaAssociation in Switzerland respectively.In his address, Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangaysaid the new hospital would be very helpful in

Dr Lobsang Sangay, Kalon Tripa ( Political leader ) of the Central Tibetan Administration. Photo: TPI

By Tibetan Official Media: Tibet Net

See Page 5 ...

Dharamshala, India: - On January 30, a group offour people; Namgal Dolkar Lhagyari, Joe Hamiltonfrom Germany and Tashi Namgyal and VenKonchok Norbu from Ladakh have completed theirone monk walk campaign from Bodhgaya, BiharState to Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. Withpresenting Mr. Penpa Tsering, the speaker of theTibetan Parliament, the group held a pressconference in Dharamshala on Monday.

Three Tibetans Self-immolate in Tibet

Dharamshala: - One Tibetan died and two otherserious injured by setting themselves on fire inSerta county, eastern Tibet in protests againstChinese rule on February 3, weeks after armedChinese forces troops opened fire on a crowd ofTibetan protesters in the region, leaving six dead,several others seriously wounded.One of them reportedly died on the spot but hisidentity and details are still unknown, according

This pic is taken in 2010 during one peaceful protestin Serta county, eastern Tibet for the protection of

the environnement. Photo: File

Belgian PM Urged To China

See Page 8 ...

DHARAMSHALA, February 11: Amidstcrackdown and opening firings following thewave of self-immolations in Tibet, China is

Elio_Di_Rupo

Oakland - Along with Chinese and VietnameseRights groups, worldwide campaign joined andorganized by United Nations For a Free Tibet willbe held in Argentina, Cost Rica, Emirates, India,Germany, Romania and many other countries onFebruary 8th, to show our solidarity with Tibetansin Tibet.Kalon Tripa calls for worldwide vigil and said entireTibet under martial law. In his first official statement

By The Tibetpost International


By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post


By Dennis Barbion, The Tibet Post

During today's public ceremony, Tutuaffectionately jibed his fellow Nobel Peace Prizelaureate, recounting the time he accompanied HisHoliness to a Seattle football stadium packed with60,000 people who had turned out ‘for someonewho can't even speak English properly!'

Emphasizing between giggles that he is not jealousof the fact that His Holiness is ‘loved byeverybody in the world,' Tutu promised his friendthat he would one day visit him in a free Tibet,urging God to hasten the day.

See Page 5 ...

See Page 4 ...

providing essential healthcare services not onlyTibetans, but also to the local Indian communityas well.Kalon Tripa emphasised the paramountimportance of taking and keeping oneself abreastof precautionary measures before one gets ill,adding that landing in hospital would be last resort.Directing the health department to organiseprogrammes to raise people's awareness on thehealth issues, Dr Sangay called on the Tibetans totake part in these activities.Kalon Tripa expressed his deep appreciation forthe valuable support rendered by the Jewish

Hao Peng, deputy secretary of the Communist Partyin Tibet and vice-chairman of the regional

government

The Tibet Post2 TPI VIEWS & ANALYSIS15 February, 2012 Dharamsala

By Denzi Yeshey, The Tibet Post

Wyoming, US: - Prior to the KalonTripa's January 26, 2012 statementrequesting Tibetans not to celebrateLosar (Tibetan New Year) which fallson February 22 this year, there weresome debates on how, what, and whyof Losar celebration. The request tonot celebrate Losar first came from theTibetan Youth Congress, Dharamsala,India on November 14, 2011.Following Kalon Tripa's abovestatement, Speaker Penpa Tsering lasupported the official position ofKashag (Tibetan cabinet) byconvening a press conference on Jan29, 2012 to announce fasting on thefirst day of Losar by members of theTibetan parliament in exile. ThoughKalon Tripa urged to observe basiccustomary rituals on Losar, it nowseems the 2012 Losar celebration isofficially discouraged.The decision to not celebrate Losarby the Tibetan government and non-government organization wasprimarily to show solidarity towardsthe sufferings endured by Tibetansin Tibet. The idea of solidarity isnothing new for Tibetans. It is an age-old practice where every Tibetanfamily mourns the loss of its member(or high lamas) in solidarity of thedeceased for at least seven weeks.During these seven weeks, thesefamily members shun any form ofovert celebration such as singing,rhyming, dancing, wearing newclothes and jewelries, and refrainingfrom other celebrations such as Losar,friend's wedding, communitygatherings, etc. This solidarity can beseen not merely as a practice but alsoin spirit. As time changes, the veryheart and spirit of solidarity seemschanging too.Before discussing the changing heartand spirit of Tibetan solidarity, letstake a quick look at how the word"solidarity" is defined in the presentglobalized world. According to theDictionary.com, it is defined as aunity of interests, sympathies, etc.,as among members of the same class.However, according to Coll insDictionary of Sociology, it seems thebasis of solidarity varies betweensocieties.In simple societies, it may be mainlybased around kinship and sharedvalues. In more complex societies,there are various theories as to what

An image sent to TPI says No Losar. Photo: TPI

A Few Thoughts on Solidar-ity And Tibetan New Year

Celebration

Your Pain is My Pain and YourFreedom is My Freedom

Washington: - A speech made by DrYang Jianli, President, Initiatives forChina, at the Tibetan Rally in front ofthe Chinese Embassy in Washington, 8February 2012.Last Friday, three Tibetans setthemselves ablaze within a single dayin eastern Tibet. This comes shortlyafter four Tibetans immolatedthemselves and others were killed inpeaceful demonstrations in Tibet duringthe month of January. In less than 3years, more than 20 Tibetans have self-immolated in protest against Chineserule. This rule has led to the killing of amillion Tibetans, the toppling ofthousands of temples, and the morethan five-decade-long exile of the DalaiLama. Each time tensions escalate,instead of showing concern and tryingto address root causes, Chineseauthorities respond with increasingforce and oppression.I have fallen into deep pain and sorrow.This is more than any heart can andshould take. The sufferings of theTibetans at the hands of the Chineseregime are unparalleled in the history ofmankind, but so is their brave andpeaceful resistance. The question ofTibet is not only a political issue butalso a moral one. All of humanity ischallenged. Every world leader musttake this moral test, and just like anyother test, one either passes or fails. Toour great dismay, many world leadershave so far either refused to take thetest or have failed it. Too many of themlooked the other way while our dearTibetan brothers and sisters werecrying in flames. Today, we are standinghere carrying this burning message fromTibet: give me liberty or give me death,we want freedom and we want ourspiritual leader His Holiness the DalaiLama to return home.Mr. President Obama, next week, you


contributes to a sense of socialsolidarity. The later definition makesyou wonder whether the Tibetandefinition of solidarity is changingor changed with a gradual shift in theTibetan society from simple tocomplex?The answer to the above questionmay be "Yes" as well as "No". It isindeed true that Tibetans now do notlive in a small neighborhood or townas they did few decades ago.Tibetans, especially in diaspora, arenow frequently migrating to megacities where the life and work is morecomplex. For instance, the thoughtof even attending a Tibetan socialgathering may have to align with job,family, and school schedules.Many Tibetans now live in aglobalized complex society. In thisscenario, the Tibetan solidarity mayhave changed with the changingcomplexity of its society. However, itmay not be as simple and conclusiveas it seems to be. Lets take a lookfrom an opposite angle at this newand complex Tibetan society bytaking Tibetan immigrant in the USas a case in point.With the official statement of KalonTripa, there seems to be unanimousconsent among the general Tibetansto not celebrate upcoming Losar andto show solidari ty towards thesufferings of Tibetans in Tibet.However, the solidarity in this caseis defined in a narrow and limitedsense. To make it clear, the solidarityis confined only to Losar celebration.It is deemed okay to celebrate X-mas,New Year, and other socialgatherings including dance partiesand concerts.In the coming few weeks, there willbe more such celebrations acrossTibetan immigrant communities in theUnited States. However, there will benothing as such during Losar. Howin the world is this solidarity inunison? What really is solidarity forTibetans? Is solidarity in Tibetandefinition only confined to Losar?Where are Tibetans shared valuesand interests? Or are Tibetans trulymore of a globalized citizen and lessof a Tibetan now?At the end, it may not be wrong toconclude, "Tibetan solidarity is verymuch alive in practice but lost inspirit".

will meet China's vice president XiJinping who, since last July, has beenfully in charge of Tibetan affairs andwho should therefore be heldresponsible for the recent crackdowns.Please summon the moral courageneeded to confront him in yourupcoming meeting in the White Housewith this simple and specific question:Why have so many Tibetans setthemselves ablaze? Please press China,using every power in your capacity asthe president of this greatest and mostpowerful democracy, to allow anindependent international investigationon the self-immolation cases. This is thevery least you should do in order topass the moral test which I think youmust take and cannot afford to fail.Dear friends, we should work togetherto urge the United Nations statemembers to remove China, the world'sleading human rights violator, fromspecial positions of power in the UnitedNations human rights system. China'smembership in the UN Human RightsCouncil will expire at the end of this yearand it should not be re-elected.

I often find that we live in a land ofshadows. Stark shadows cast by whatis worst in us on what is best. Withburning flames from Tibet, we shouldsee the shadows for what they are andsay that it is time to begin living in thelight.As a Chinese, I am proud that I havefought side by side with Tibetans formore two decades, yet this still cannotwash away all my shame. I am ashamedof what the Chinese regime, Chineseofficials, and Chinese soldiers havedone to my dear Tibetan brothers andsisters.Dear brothers and sisters, your pain ismy pain and your freedom is myfreedom. We, your Chinese brothers andsisters, will continue to join hands withyou in your cause of freedom; ournumbers in China are growing. Asbelievers in the true principles of humanrights, we will resolve to respect you asa people with every right to determineits own future. As believers in theprinciples brotherhood, we will resolveto continue to struggle side by side withyou for your freedom and ours.

Dr Yang Jianli, President, Initiatives for China attending a special event in Dharamshala,India. Photo: TPI

Tibetan Culture Day on Sunday 4th March in Brussels

Dharamsala: The "Tibetan CulturalCenter Belgium" is organising a"Tibetan Culture Day" on Sunday 4thMarch 2012 from 12.00-17.00 o'clock inBrussels ("Le Cercle", Rue Doyen

By Dennis Barbion,The Tibet Post

Boone nr. 6 in 1040 Brussels; metroMerode).On the programme:- from 12.00 o'clock: welcome, a tributeto H.H. the Dalai Lama, speech by the

representative of the Office of Tibet,religious chants by Tibetan monks,songs by the students of the Tibetanschools in Belgium (organised by theTibetan Cultural Center)- 13.00 o'clock: Tibetan-Indian buffet- 14.00 uur: tradititonal Tibetan singingand dancing from the three provincesU-Tsang, Kham and Amdo, workshopshow to make tsampa and Tibetan tea, ademonstration philosophical debatesby Tibetan monks- 15.00 o'clock: tea and bingo game (away to get to know the numbers inTibetan)- 16.00 o'clock: short film about Tibet(about the life of a Tibetan nomadcouple in Tibet)- 16.30 o'cock: election of the personwith the most beautiful chupa(traditional Tibetan dress)- 17.00 o'clock: final speech and thanks.Througout the day there will also becraft stalls and an exhibition ofpaintings. You can have your namewritten in Tibetan and there is aworkshop for children, how to makeTibetan prayer flags.The website of the Tibetan CulturalCenter is http://www.tibetcultur.be/.The entrance fee is 15 euro all inclusive,also the buffet, and free below 18 years.With kind regards, Dennis Barbion.

TPI TIBETThe Tibet Post 315 February, 2012 Dharamsala

Teenage Nun Latest To Self-Immolate In Protest Against

China's Rule

By Rajeshwari K, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala, India: - In the latestattempt to protest against the Chineserule in Tibet, an 18-year-old nun fromNgaba in Eastern Tibet self-immolatedon the evening of February 11.Tenzin Choedon, the 22nd Tibetan toself-immolate in protest of the Chineserepressive policies was a practising nunat the Mamae nunnery in the NgabaCounty.Eyewitness accounts state that sheshouted slogans of protest against therepressive rule and called for the returnof the Dalai Lama to Tibet she set herselfon fire at the junction close to thenunnery.Sources revealed that she did notsuccumb to her injuries immediately andthat the Chinese soldiers and police inthe vicinity took her towards Barkham.Her whereabouts from then on areunavailable.Sources from inside Tibet stated that thesoldiers have besieged the nunnery andthat there is no information on thesituation inside. They also stated thatmilitary presence has been intensified inthe region.

CNN Crew Detained Amid ChineseTibet Crackdown

Sichuan: It's after 10 p.m. when we see alight in the distance. We've traveled formore than three hours up a windy, icyroad in western China.Our hope is to get to the Tibetanautonomous zone, in the mountainousregion of Sichuan province, an areareportedly locked in an ever-growingspiral of violence. (Watch video)We're so close, only an hour or so away.And then the light.Within minutes, we grind to a halt. Apoliceman is flashing a flashlight in myface. Our Chinese driver is alreadyoutside the car. We won't be going anyfarther tonight.Roadblocks like this are strewn acrossthe back roads of this province. Forweeks, ethnic Tibetans and Chinesesecurity forces have been locked inconflict.Buddhist nuns and monks have beencarrying out ritual self-immolation. It is agruesome protest against what theyclaim is the ongoing oppression byChinese authorities.As our car turns back, our driver calls aTibetan contact. Something serious isgoing down. The Tibetan says his villageis crawling with police and the military.Later, local news reports tell of twoTibetans killed in protests.But many of the villages that straddlethe mountains are inhabited by HanChinese, the dominant ethnic group inChina. Inside the houses, lights are on,as people eat, watch TV and talk. We askwhat they're hearing. They tell us theyhave little time for the Tibetans. Theycall them lazy and accuse them of livingoff government handouts.One woman claims the Han Chinese arebeing targeted by violent Tibetan gangs.Local media reports say more than adozen people have already been killed.There is hysteria, bigotry and fear here.

By Stan Grant, CNN, January 31

justifying its ‘war' over the peacefulTibetan demonstrators."War and force is must to keep thesecurity in the Tibetan regions," saidHao Peng, the deputy party secretaryand vice chairman of the so called TibetAutonomous Region (TAR).According to the Chinese run officialnews agency, Xinhua, TAR deputysecretary even ordered to tighten upthe security in the Tibetan regions andstrongly urged the security forces tobe vigilant during the up comingTibetan New Year which falls onFebruary 22."Security officials should not takeholiday during the upcoming theTibetan New Year, and must be readyto shut down the Dalai Lama groups(peaceful protesters)," the deputyparty secretary said, permitting theChinese soldiers and police to useforce over the unarmed Tibetan

demonstrators.Sources also told Tibet Post that theChinese security personnel in Tibetwere relocating the places from one'slocal area to another place in order tobe the Chinese security personnel tobe more brutal and ruthlessness."Police officers in Chamdo weresending to Lhasa, and Lhasa securityofficials were sending to China to makethem more brutal and ruthless and useforce on the Tibetans wheneverneeded," the source said.Till date, 27 Tibetans have setthemselves on the fire in protest againstthe Chinese rule over Tibet including7 within weeks just after the beginningof this year.Tibetans in Tibet and outside Tibethave pledged to forego the upcomingTibetan New Year in show of solidarity,unity and support to the plight ofpeople in Tibet.

.... China justifies ‘war’ in Tibet.... Continues From Front Page

Housing around 350 nuns, DecheChoekorling, locally known as theMamae Nunnery is the largest nunneryin Ngaba and is located about threekilometres from the main town.In October 2011, Tenzin Wangmo, a 20-year-old nun from the same nunnery self-immolated in protest of the Chinese ruleof Tibet and succumbed to her injuries.Mamae Nunnery has been a hot bed ofactivism and many a nun has beenarrested, detained and imprisoned since2008.

OVERVIEWThe situation in eastern Tibet hasconsistently remained grim since March2011 self-immolation by a Tibetan namesPhuntsok.20 more Tibetans have self-immolated inprotest of the Chinese rule in Tibet sincethen.Choedon is the 22nd Tibetan since 2009and the sixth the past 8 days to self-immolate.As many as 18 monks, nuns and ordinaryTibetans have set themselves on fireover the past year.

Tibet Self-Immolation Toll Rises To 21 on Worldwide Vigil Day

Dharamshala, India: Even assupporters across the globe held vigilson February 8 following the call for thesame by Dr. Lobsang Sangay, thepolitical leader of the Tibetanadministration based in India to protestthe crackdown inside Tibet, anotherTibetan self-immolated as a mark ofprotest.Ringzin Dorjee a 19-year-old formermonk of Kirti Monastery, eastern Tibetshouted slogans in protest of theChinese rule as he set fire onto himselfat No. 2 primary school at NgabaCounty in eastern Tibet.

By Rajeshwari Krishnamurthy, The Tibet Post

The youngest of 6 siblings, he was amonk at Kirti Monastery till 2010.Witness accounts state that his bodywas taken by the Chinese soldiers andpolice stationed there to the countyhospital and then to Barkham (Capitalof Ngaba Prefecture).Sources also state that he wasgrievously injured and was on the vergeof death on the night of February 8, butno further information about hiscondition has been made available yet.Kirti Monastery in Ngaba County, Tibethas been politically charged ever sincethe self-immolation of a resident monk

called Tapey in February 2009.11 out of 21 self-immolators were eithermonks or former monks belonging toKirti monastery.Many parts of Tibet remain cut off fromoutside world with a prevailing situationof undeclared martial law makingexchange of information close toimpossible and highly risky.

OVERVIEW21 Tibetans self-immolated since 2011and 8 of them in 2012 alone.13 out of 21 have succumbed to theirinjuries and the statuses of the other 8are unknown.Two Tibetans in exile have attemptedself-immolation in India and Nepal.Most of the incidents have taken placein eastern Tibet but these incidents arenow spreading to other areas as well.Reports suggest that this crackdownhas intensified after leaflets calling forTibetans to skip New Year celebrationsthis year to pay homage to the martyrswere circulated in Drango.The declaration of the unnamed authorof the leaflets of his intentions to self-immolate on Losar (Tibetan New Year)has created a lot of stir in the region.Tibetan Prime Minister-in-exile, Dr.Lobsang Sangay called for a worldwidevigil to protest against the Chinesecrackdown in Tibet.

CNN logo. Photo: File

It is fueled by government secrecy and aconstant stream of military and policevehicles. Much of the province is inlockdown.In the capital city of Chengdu, policevehicles are seen moving into positionat dawn. Soon, they are on every corner,armed police patrolling the streets. Theyare tightening their grip on this heavilyTibetan populated neighborhood.It's hard to get people to talk here. Wesee a group of young monks on a cornerand wave them over. They agree to takeus to their living quarters. Here in a tinyone bedroom apartment, four bedscrammed against the walls and their foodtied in sacks, the monks tell us they areverbally abused and harassed by police,pushed to breaking point."I cannot bear it any longer - any more,"says one.They are far from their home in themountains; cut off they say, they cannoteven make contact by phone."We want to go but we cannot, you cansee all the security out there. Whereveryou go, they see you. We cannot goanywhere," he says.We ask if he's afraid, but he just looksat a picture of the Buddha, a smile onhis face."I can't explain," he says, "but I'm notafraid."In their pouch, the monks hold akeepsake of their spiritual leader theDalai Lama, too sacred to even showus. This pouch, they say, carries adream."We wish what all Tibetans wish for the

most: for the Dalai Lama to return to thepalace in Tibet."They know about the self-immolationof other Buddhists; they say theysupport them and vow it will continueuntil China leaves Tibet.For the Chinese government, though,these are dangerous men - part of whatthey call a "splittist" element,determined to tear Tibet from China.Throughout our interview, we have beenwatched. Later, our vehicle is followed.Our driver says his family has receivedthreatening phone calls.On our way to the airport, a car, rathersuspiciously, rams into the back of ourtaxi.As we make our way to the servicecounters, we are followed byplainclothes security talking constantlyon mobile phones. Eventually trying toclear airport security, we're grabbed bypolice. We are marched to an airportpolice station and detained andquestioned for five hours. Police keepsome of our video.They want to know who we spoke to,what we are doing here, where we'vebeen and why we want to cover thisstory. We have our own questions -questions authorities are answeringonly with roadblocks and police.Later, Chinese authorities black outCNNI when our report airs about thesituation in the ethnically Tibetan area.There are claims and counter-claims inthis dark conflict. All of it is beingplayed out behind a veil of secrecy inthe mountains of western China.

The Tibet Post4 15 February, 2012 Dharamsala

Canada, US, South AmericaJoin Worldwide Solidarity

Vigil For Tibet

New York: - Despite a cold wave thatswept through many part of the northAmerica this week, Tibetans and Tibetsupporters came out in big numbers inmany cities in Canada and the UnitedStates to take part in Global SolidarityVigil on February 8. Similarly, solidarityvigil and prayer service were also heldin 16 cities in Latin American region.Canada: In Victoria on the west coast,several dozens Tibetans and Tibetsupporters, including a contingent ofUniversity of Victoria students,gathered in front of the British ColumbiaLegislative building and took part in apeaceful solidarity vigil, waving Tibetanflags and placards. Judy Tethong, aVictoria resident and president of theCanada-Tibet Committee, whilespeaking to Times Colonist said, "Theworld is not paying attention and Tibetis being brutalized...China's continuedcrackdown in Tibet has provoked anunprecedented wave of self-immolations by Tibetan monks, nunsand laypeople."In Calgary in Alberta, dozens ofTibetans braved the chill and took partin a daylong fasting at the OlympicPlaza, which later culminated with acandlelight prayer service. Similarly inToronto on the east coast, hundreds ofTibetans and Tibet supporters gatheredat the Nathan Phillips Square ofdowntown Toronto and staged apeaceful Vigil, expressing their grief overthe loss of precious human lives in Tibetas a direct result of China's inhumanbrutality and showing their solidarityto the Tibetans in Tibet, who have beenfaced with untold sufferings.United States: In the national capital inWashington DC, a large number ofTibetans and Tibet supporters stageda peaceful vigil in front of the ChineseEmbassy in the capital city. Speaking atthe vigil, Chinese scholar anddemocracy activist, Dr. Yang Jianli, said:"The question of Tibet is not only apolitical issue but also a moral one. Allof humanity is challenged. Every worldleader must take this moral test, and justlike any other test, one either passes orfails." He further said, "The sufferingsof the Tibetans at the hands of theChinese regime are unparalleled in thehistory of mankind, but so is their braveand peaceful resistance." (Read Dr YangJianli's full speech)Similarly in Seattle, Los Angeles,Chicago, and San Francisco, hundredsof Tibetans and Tibet supporters stageda peaceful vigil outside the ChineseConsulate in the respective cities.A peaceful candlelight vigil was also


Solidarity vigil in Toronto, Canada, on 8 February 2012. Photo: Tibet Net

US To Raise Tibet's Grave Human RightsDuring China's VP Xi Visits

Dharamshala: - President BarackObama's administration said Friday thatit would raise the grave human rightssituation in Tibet during Chinese VicePresident visit to the country next week.China's Vice President Xi Jinping's tripwould be for him to understand issuesthat are important to America, includingthe situation in Tibet, and freedom ofspeech and religion, said White Housesenior director for Asian affairs, DanielRussel."We don't sacrifice the important issuesfor the sake of having a comfortablevisit," Russel told reporters."It is an area of grave concern for us towitness the increase of tensions in Tibetand Xinjiang. We are watching this,tracking very closely, with realconcern," Mr Daniel Russel, SpecialAssistant to the US President, toldreporters during a conference call."The US has spoken out about it, andwe use every opportunity to urge theChinese officials and leaders to exercisereal restraint and to safeguard thehuman rights and the fundamentalfreedoms of all of Chinese citizens,including in Tibet," he said."Part of our goal with respect to this

By The Tibet Post International

US President Barack Obama with Chinese Vice President Xi Jingping. Photo: File

TPI INTERNATIONAL

held in other cities such as New York,Portland (Oregon), Salt Lake City,Boston, Minneapolis (Minnesota),Burlington (Vermon), and Philadelphia.In New York City, hundreds of Tibetangathered at the Central Square inmidtown Manhattan to take part incandlelight vigil. While speaking at thevigil, a Chinese independent writer anddemocratic activist, Chen Pokong, said,"It is a shame on the part of Chineseregime that they resorts to racialdiscrimination while dealing withTibetan protesters in Tibet". "If aprotest takes place in China, theauthorities detain the key leaders andspare the protesters who took part inthe protests, whereas in Tibet, theauthorities do not spare the protestersand all are subjected to brutalcrackdown," he said.In other places such as Michigan,Ithaca, Indiana, Wisconsin (Madison,Santa Fe in New Mexico etc, theTibetans and Tibet supporters took partin a prayer service.Latin America: Pained with the level ofsuffering the Tibetan people have beengoing through in Tibet, Tibetsupporters and sympathizers in 16 citiestook part in Global Solidarity Vigil onFebruary 8.In Mexico, candlelight vigil and prayerservices were held in Mexico City,Morelia, Queretaro, Monterrey, andCiudad De Aguascalientes. During thevigil, the participants in respective citiesalso pasted their individual message ofsolidarity on the wall arranged at thevenue which turned out to be quiteemotional. In Mexico City, participantsalso sang Tibetan national anthem ledby a lone Tibetan doctor working at theCasa Tibet Mexico.In Brazil, solidarity prayer services wereheld in Recif, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo,Porto Alegre, and Florianopolis. Severaldozens Tibet supporters in each citytook part in the event to show theirsolidarity for the Tibetan people insideTibet.A solidarity vigil was held inMontevideo in Uruguay, Buenos Airesin Argentina, Bogota in Colombia, SanJose in Costa Rica, and Cusco in Peru,where encouraging number of Tibetsupporters took part in the event toshow their solidarity for the Tibetanpeople.At many of these vigils, poems on thecurrent situation in Tibet written byTibetans in Tibet were read to captivatethe attention of the participants andonlookers alike and educate them on thesituation inside Tibet. The poems

include "Fear in Lhasa" written byTibetan poet and blogger, Woeser, "ToAmye Machen" by an anonymousTibetan poet in Tibet pen-named "ThePlateau is My Home", and ""StrayingFar From Myself" by Dechen Hengme.These and other poems were translatedinto Portuguese and Spanish.

visit is for Vice President Xi tounderstand the issues that are importantto us, and that includes issues like thesituation in Tibet, like freedom of speechand freedom of religion and so on," hesaid in response to a question."This is an important part of our agendaand there's no reason that theconversations with Vice President Xiwould depart from our longstandingpractices," Mr Russel said."We routinely, regularly, invariably

raise our concerns about the humanrights situation in China and aboutChina's adherence to global humanrights norms. This is a central part ofour agenda," he said.Also on the agenda: North Korea, Iranand Syria, following China's decisionlast week to join Russia in vetoing aU.N. Security Council resolutionpressuring Syrian President BasharAssad's government over its violentcrackdown on opponents.

After CNN, now BBC discloses itstaste of Chinese Security


DHARAMSHALA, February 11-Afterweeks that the CNN crew shared itstaste of real China, the BBC disclosesthe unveiled and undeclared martiallaw in Tibet, and it shares of its owntesting time experience with theChinese security officials.In short video clip, the Beijing basedBBC correspondent DamianGrammaticas tells the world how he andhis team of journalists got detainedand forced out of Tibet by the ChineseSecurity forces."There is a massive mobilisation ofsecurity forces in the Tibetan areas,"Damian Grammaticas said, adding theNgaba where he and his team tried toenter into was totally cordoned off."So the police held us there for 9 hours.They try to force us to sign a documentpromising that we will not attempt toenter Tibet again. When we refused,they threatened us that within two daysour visas could be cancelled, and wecould be expelled from the country,"Damian said."China says the self-immolations areterrorism, but it wants to keep itscrackdown secret," the BBCcorrespondent said in the short videoclip."Four policemen followed us all theway around this village and one ofthem has been into our taxi. Police warnTibetans not to talk to us and watched

us everywhere," Damian said "Thepolice moved in and seized the Tibetanvillager who just moved up to talk tous and hustled him away. As we leftthe police chased, detained us againtrying to get us to handover what wehad filmed."In a similar manner, the CNN team lastmonth also disclosed its real taste ofChina while trying to enter into theTibetan regions from China."Our hope is to get to the Tibetanautonomous zone, in the mountainousregion of Sichuan province," CNN crewStan Grant reports, explaining that theywere detained and kicked out by theChinese security officials.Both the pioneer News Channels saidthat the Tibetan regions were virtuallylocked down and no media person isallowed to enter in the Tibetan regionsfollowing the string of self-immolations and Chinese open firingsin Tibet.Central Tibetan Administration basedin Dharamshala, northern India hasurged the Beijing government to allow

the international fact finding delegationand independent media into theTibetan regions.However, the Beijing government hasblamed the Tibetan spiritual leader andthe Central Tibetan Administration forthe wave of self-immolations in Tibetinstead of the changing their policiesfor Tibetans in Tibet, and the peacefulprotests are forcefully shutting downwith guns and weapons.While addressing thousands ofTibetans, Indians and foreign at apublic felicitation yesterday here in thetown, the South African Nobel PeacePrize Laureate Archbishop DesmondTutu described his fellow Nobel PeacePrize Laureate as the holiest personthat he has ever met, urging the Beijinggovernment to resume the dialoguewith the envoys of the Dalai Lama."His Holiness (the Dalai Lama) has noarmy, no soldiers and he doesn'tcommand people with guns. HisHoliness is not a separatist," the SouthAfrican Nobel Peace Prize Laureatesaid.

The Tibet Post 515 February, 2012 Dharamsala

Kalon Dicki Choeyang Issues StatementRegarding Critical Situation in Tibet


Kalon Dicki Choeyang during the press conference at DIIR auditorium, GangchenKyishong. Photo: TPI

Dharamsala: The Central TibetanAdministration is deeply concerned andalarmed over the recent news of three moreself-immolations in Serthar (Sichuan) onFriday, February 3, 2012. Kalon DickiChoeyang during the press conference atDIIR auditorium, Gangchen Kyishong.Unconfirmed reports state that threeTibetans were involved, two of them agedin the 60s and 30s respectively. All threehave sustained injuries, but their exactcondition and whereabouts remainunknown.We also hear reports of build-up of securityforces and police in and around the city ofLhasa, and its key monasteries, Ganden,Sera, and Drepung. Furthermore, draconianmeasures to restrict movement of Tibetansin the capital could further aggravate thetense situation in Tibet. With Tibetan New

Presenting Tutu with a Namgyal stupafor good luck, His Holiness, whoaddressed the crowds in Tibetan andEnglish, commented on their advancingyears, adding: ‘Maybe for one or twomore decades I will remain, but yourspirit will remain at least throughout the21st century. Of that I'm quite sure.‘Governments cannot always do muchto address negative feelings. Onlyspiritual leaders can do that.'Bishop for the Diocese of Amritsar, the

TPI EXLIE

Right Rev. P.K. Samanta Roy,representing the church of north India,described Tutu as the Mahatma Gandhiof South Africa, stating: ‘He has beenan inspiration to millions and he hasbeen my role model since I was a child.'Expressing the church's solidarity withthe Tibetan people, he said: ‘We believethat this world cannot go on withviolence. Archbishop Tutu has shownus the way. His Holiness the Dalai Lamahas shown us his way, and we need to

follow these leaders who show thesolidarity between all faiths.His Holiness's guest of honour wastreated to three cultural performancesby artists from the Tibetan Institute ofPerforming Arts, and dancers fromThangtong Lhugar and Dharamsala'slocal Indian Gaddi community.Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prizein 1984 for his role as a ‘unifying leaderfigure in the campaign to resolve theproblem of apartheid in South Africa.'

....Tutu visits His Holiness in McLeod Ganj.... Continues From Front Page

family and Vimala Association inbuilding the hospital.Health Secretary Mr Wangchuk Phasuras the special guest, andrepresentatives from VimalaAssociation, including Ms DeddeCarrani, who coordinated the hospitalproject, attended the inaugurationceremony. Other dignitaries presentinclude settlement officers from theneighbouring settlements and chairmen

of local assemblies.The new hospital came up after repeatedefforts to renovate the old hospital, firstbuilt in 1974, failed. The decision to buildthe new hospital was collectively takenby the hospital's executive secretary,secretary of health department andVimala Association.Later in the afternoon, Kalon Tripainteracted with the Tibetan settlersduring his public talk.

... Inaugurates A New Hospital in Kollegal

"It has been more than half a centurysince the Chinese invaded andoccupied the homeland of our mothersand fathers, Tibet. I, Namgal DolkarLhagyari, being a third generationTibetan in Exile, have the responsibilityof abiding to the aims and duties of ournation," said Namgayl in a statementon behalf of the group. "We have beenfortunate to find refuge in India andreceive education under the blessing ofHis Holiness the Dalai Lama and wehave the responsibility to fulfill HisDreams and live up to the expectationsof our forefathers. To fight for our rightsprudently, to have vision for therestoration of our independence, andto practice freedom of expression, arethe basic principles of our people in this21st century.""Since the brutal incursion in 1950,the

Red Chinese have killed more than 1.2million Tibetans and destroyed around6000 holy monasteries which wereestablished for more than a thousandyears. Massive immigration of molliesof Han Chinese in Tibet has resulted inthe fading away of Tibetan identity andunique culture. The nationwideuprisings in 1959,1989 and in 2008allfollowed by brutal crackdowns, showboth the pressure under which Tibetansare forced to live but also theirdetermination to end the occupation oftheir sacred homeland.The guidance from the accomplishmentof the Great Dharma kings of Tibet, andthe sacrifices of the countless Martyrsof our nation have constantly been asource of inspiration to all of us andthis is evident from the recent selfimmolations by Tibetans in Tibet which

have added the urgency to all of ouractions and we know that it is simplynow or never.Recently I was able to visit Europe atthe invitation of Joe Hamilton and hisfamily. My first stop on the trip was inDachau, a small city near Munich inSouthern Germany. This is the site ofthe fist concentration camp that wasbuilt by Hitler and the Nazis in 1933;this was the closest I had been to relateto the pain of the political prisoners inTibet and an opportunity for me todeepen my understanding of howhistory is sadly repeating itself at thecost of Tibet and its people. So manythings I saw there reminded me of detailsmy father had disclosed to me abouthis more than twenty years ofimprisonment; the torture, pain, fear,hunger and cold. I remember seeing and

touching the deep scars on his wristsand ankles because of the simple factof being confined to a small place andchained 24hours a day in his hands andfeet.For all of these reasons I have decidedto use my freedom of movement andinitiate this Walk of faith for peace andfreedom in Tibet. Very recently, I attainedIndian citizenship which has given meeven more opportunities to serve mypeople. Being an Indian citizen couldnever erase the Tibetan within me ormy duty toward Tibet and my ancestors.Therefore, this Walk if faith is a walk tocompete the prayers of His Holiness, aWalk to follow the footsteps of my fathera Walk to explain the trauma of Tibet, aWalk of justice, a Walk to honor thededication if the Tibetan martyrs and awalk to reunite the Tibetan people.The Walk vegan on the 9th Jan fromBosh-Gaya during the Kalachakra after

a special audience with His Holinessthe Dalai Lama who gave us blessing inthe form of His presence and Hisencouraging words. We havecompleted the walk which started fromBodh-Gaya to other holy sites ofBuddhist across India and Nepalnamely; Sarnath, Kushinagar andLumbini. While we proceed with ourWalk, the main activities we have donewere arranging a series of Buddhistvirtuous actions such as offerings,prayers, purification, giving alms incharity, releasing lives and so on.Long live His Holiness the Dalai Lama,the head ornament of the samsara andmay his prayers and wishes for all of uscome true and may the sincerity andfortitude of Tibet and its martyrs foreverflourish."You can reach Namgyal Dolkar Lhagyariat (+91) 812.2876 and Joe Hamilton (+91)812.2638

... A Walk Campaign for World Peace and Freedom In Tibet.... Continues From Front Page

Year on February 22nd and the March 10thanniversary of the 1959 Tibetan uprisingcoming up, we fear there will be furtherbloodshed and loss of lives. The CentralTibetan Administration, the Tibetancommunity's democratically-electedrepresentative, urges the internationalcommunity to directly and immediatelyengage the Central Chinese leadership toassert its control over local authorities andforbid police violence and shooting ofunarmed citizens.Drastic actions, such as the self-immolations, indicate to us that the Chinesepolicies in Tibet have reached new levelsof repression. Not mere acts of protest,these actions convey a message whichcannot be ignored. They represent anemphatic rejection of the continuedoccupation of Tibet and repressive policies

of the Chinese government. They standfirm for the freedom of the Tibetan people.Over fifty years ago, thousands of Tibetanswere forced to flee into exile due to theChinese occupation of Tibet. Since then, abroad global network of friends of Tibethas been built. Today, at this critical time,we wish to express our heartfelt gratitudeto all those individuals, non governmentalorganizations, Tibet support groups, andthe various foreign governments who haverecently publicly expressed their concernfor the present situation in Tibet. Yourunwavering support for truth and justicehas made it possible for the Tibetan issueto still be alive.We call on the Chinese government toaddress the underlying grievances of theTibetan people. Only then, will there be alasting solution to the escalating tensionsin the region and the longstanding disputebetween Tibetans and the Chinesegovernment. As witnessed recently,Tibetan areas have been closed off andmembers of the press have been deniedaccess. The international community mustlet leaders in Beijing know unequivocallythat the world is concerned and closelywatching events inside Tibet.To show solidarity and to raise its voicein support of the fundamental rights ofthe Tibetan people at this critical time, weinvite the international community toparticipate in a worldwide vigil for Tibeton February 8, 2012. We request everyoneto conduct these vigils peacefully, inaccordance with the laws of your country,and with dignity. In Dharamsala, theCentral Tibetan Administration will holda prayer service at 3 PM at theTsuglakhang-Main Temple.

Candlelight Vigil Protesting ChineseCrackdown Held in Delhi

By Rajeshwari K, The Tibetpost

New Delhi, India: Nearly hundredstudents from all over India cametogether on January 28 by holding acandle light vigil in honour of theTibetans who gave up their lives inprotest of Chinese repressive policies.This solidarity vigil, organized byStudents for a Free Tibet (New Delhi)was held at Delhi University and was topay homage to the martyrs of the Tibetanindependence struggle and to protestthe continued violation of basic humanrights by the PRC.The numbers of incidents of protests,self-immolations and other forms ofconfrontation between the Tibetans andthe Chinese have risen in the past oneyear.Between March 2011 and February 2012alone, 17 Tibetans have self-immolatedin protest of the Chinese repressivepolicies and two others were shot deadby the Chinese police inside Tibet.Provinces of Kham and Amdo are goingthrough most unrest and it has been sosince the March 2008 Uprising.

"The Chinese police in Tibet celebratedthe Chinese new year by opening fire onTibetans who were protesting peacefullyagainst religious repression," statedRinzin Choedon, Programme Coordinatorof Students for a Free Tibet, New Delhi."The Chinese will never let anythingcloud their agenda of suppression andelimination of the Tibetan people,religion, culture and language," sheadded."I am an Indian and I still support theTibetan cause and their solidaritybecause I value human rights, I valueJustice and whatever the Chinesegovernment is doing in Tibet is completeinhuman. That's why I am here, to standin solidarity and support for Tibet,"stated an Indian member of SFT whoparticipated in this vigil.As a part of this action plan, they aim tovisit various universities, bureaucratsand other influential people to supportthe Tibetan cause thereby urging theChinese government to stop thecrackdown in Tibet.

6 15 February, 2012 Dharamsala The Tibet Post

Solidarity With And Prayers For TibetanHeld in Russia and France

Dharamshala: - In support of andsolidarity with Tibetan people sufferingunder the Chinese government's brutaland repressive policies on Tibet, theprayer service was held in several citiesin Russian Federation on 8th February, aworldwide vigil and prayer day called bythe Central Tibetan Administration-in-exile.The prayer was participated by friendsand supporters of Tibet and Tibetans,and Buddhist fellows in Moscow, St.Petersburg, and in the capitals of threetraditional Buddhist Republics: Buryatia,Kalmykia and Tuva.In Moscow, Tibet Culture & InformationCenter, the official agency of CentralTibetan Administration-in-Exile,organized the prayer and Tsog offeringat Open World Center and it was joinedby Russian Buddhists, traditionalBuddhists from Tuva, Kalmykia andBuryatia currently residing in Moscow,and other friends and supporters of Tibetand Tibetans. Paying the homage to thetwenty Tibetans who self-immolated inrecent years for the just and noble causeof Tibet and Tibetan, Representative ofH.H. the Dalai Lama to Russia & CIS,Nawang Rabgyal, briefed the assemblyon the deteriorating and urgent situationprevailing in Chinese-occupied Tibet.In Elista, capital of Kalmyk Republic, theFriends of Tibet Society (FTS) organizedthe vigil at three schools and laterconducted prayer service at Chenrizigand Telo Buddhist Centers. Chairwomanof FTS, Mrs. Antonina Kookueeva,briefed the gathering about Chinesegovernment's repressive policies onTibet, intensified crackdown andundeclared martial law in Tibetan areas.The Friends of Tibet Society also sentmemorandum addressed to ChineseEmbassy in Moscow asking the Chinesegovernment to change its repressive andharsh policies against the peacefulTibetan people. A small group of Tibetancommunity organized prayer at theirresidential temple in Elista lightingthousands of candles dedicated for the


Tibetans and Supporters inBrussels Join Worldwide

Vigil for Tibet

By Dennis Barbion, The Tibet Post

Tibetans and Supporters in Brussels, Belguim Join Worldwide Vigils for Martyrs of Tibet,8th January 2012. Photo: TPI

Brussels: - At request of Kalon TripaDr. Lobsang Sangay, the Tibetan PrimeMinister in exile, there have been masssolidarity vigils for Tibet worldwide on8th February 2012, to commemorate thevictims who died in Tibet because of theharsh oppression by the Chinesegovernment, and the Tibetans who self-immolated.Since March 2011, 21 Tibetans have setthemselves on fire in East Tibet, 8 since6th January 2012.A new wave of protests broke out in Tibetlast month, with demonstrators callingfor freedom in Tibet and the return of theDalai Lama. Chinese security forces haveresponded to these peaceful protests byopening fire on demonstrators, killing atleast 5 Tibetans and seriously injuringmany more.These protests are a cry to the outsideworld for help. All those who have self-immolated have called for freedom forTibet and for the return of the Dalai Lama.China's merciless and violent crackdownthroughout Tibet is intensifying Tibetangrievances and exacerbating theresentment felt across Tibet.On 8th February 2012, candle vigils were

TPI WORLDWIDE VIGIL FOR TIBET

organised all over the world: in the USA,Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina,Colombia, Costa Rica, the UnitedKingdom, Belgium, The Netherlands,France, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Austria,Germany, Poland, Norway, Sweden,Ireland, Scotland, Estonia, Australia,New Zealand, India, Japan, Korea,Dubai. Thousands of people stood upfor Tibet and participated in thispeaceful event, demanding that Chinaacknowledge the growing crisis andimmediately address Tibetan grievancesbefore more lives are lost.fore more livesare lost.The Tibetan community in Belgium andthe International Campaign for Tibethave organised a candle vigil inBrussels, in the heart of the city of theEuropean capital. Despite the fact thatis was very cold and even freezing thatevening, lots of Tibetans participated,lighting candles and prayingcontiniously for two hours intemperatures of -4° Celsius. ManyBelgian Tibet supporters came to showtheir support and solidarity too, whichwas heartwarming for the Tibetanpeople. 150 people in total participated.

Australia Joins Global Vigil forTibetan Martyrs

By Carly Selby-James, The Tibet Post

Tibetans and Supporters in Australiagathering for Worldwide Vigils for Martyrsof Tibet, 8th February 2012. Photo: TPI

Melbourne: Tibetans and theirsupporters in cities across Australia havejoined in the world-wide vigil held onWednesday night (Feb 8), to showsolidarity with the now more than 20Tibetan monks, nuns and lay personswho have self-immolated in the last 12months in Tibet.The vigil held in Australia's capital city,Canberra, hosted renowned Tibetanpoet and activist Tenzin Tsundue who iscurrently touring the country promotingthe Tibetan cause at various events.

Vigils were also held in Sydney's MartinPlace, Federation Square in Melbourne,the China Town Mall in Adelaide, Perth'sChinese Consulate, as well as in Hobart,Brisbane and Port Macquarie."We try to stand on behalf of them (ourbrothers and sisters in Tibet) and raisethe voice of their suffering" statedNigan Gotsang, president of NSWTibetan Community, also adding that itwas an act aimed at sending a messageto Julia Gillard (Australia's PrimeMinister) and Kevin Rudd (the Ministerof Foreign Affairs, who is fluent inMandarin).The vigils took place after an appeal fromKalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangey to exilecommunities and support groups aroundthe world, following the recent deadlycrackdown on hundreds of Tibetanprotesters in Drakgo County and theclosing off of Tibet to foreign touristsand journalists.At least 6 Tibetans have reportedly beenshot dead by police and there are gravefears for scores of others detained byauthorities.

Solidarity vigil in Paris, France, on 8 February 2012/Photo by Laetita Scuiller.Photo: Tibet Net

welfare of Tibetans in Tibet.In Ulan Ude, capital of Buryat Republicin Siberia area, Tibetan Communityorganized prayer and Tsog offering atKun-kyab Buddhist Center, which wasjoined by Buddhists and friends of Tibet.Ven. Gedun, Head of Tibetan Community,briefed the gathering about the currentprevailing situation in Tibet. The prayerservice was also held in Kyizil, capital ofTuva Republic, border to Mongolia. InSt. Petersburg, some members ofAryadeva Buddhist Center held prayerat Buddhist Temple called Kun-tse-choeling Datsang, which was built in1915 by Avang Dorjiev (Tsen-shabNgawang Doreje), Envoy of the great13th Dalai Lama to Russian Tsar, also withfinancial contribution from the 13th DalaiLama.Solidarity Vigil in FranceParis, 8 February 2012: Braving thefreezing European cold-wave, hundredsof Tibetans and Tibet supporters todaymarched from French National Assemblyto Avenue Alma Marceau, the locationof Chinese Embassy in France, to jointhe global solidarity vigil here in Paris.Around 300 Tibetans and Tibetsupporters gathered in front of theNational Assembly to show theirsolidarity with the Tibetans inside Tibetand to condemn the brutal repression by

the Chinese authorities in Tibet. Amongthe participants were also members ofthe Chinese dissidents and democracymovement as well as Vietnamese, apartfrom French supporters.Highly charged protesters raised slogansto call on the international communityand specifically the French governmentto intervene in addressing the underlyinghuman rights problems faced by theTibetan people under repressive Chineserule.A one minute silence was observed topay tribute to those Tibetan men andwomen, who sacrificed their preciouslives for the restoration of freedom andTibet, and particularly in homage ofthose 21 Tibetans who have self-immolated in the past years.At Avenue Marceau, where the marchculminated, statements from the CentralTibetan Administration were read out inboth Tibetan and French languages.A "hundred lamp offering" was alsolighted to remember the sacrifices ofTibetan people before the close of theprogramme which began around 4 pm inthe evening and lasted for more than 2hours.Reports of similar vigils have also beenreceived from other French cities andtowns such as, Bordeaux, Pau, Nimes,Clermont Ferrand and Metz.

Worldwide Tibet Vigil Marked inUK with Prayers and Solidarity

By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post

Tibetans and Supporters in London, Ukgathering for Worldwide Vigils for Martyrsof Tibet, 8th February 2012. Photo: TPI

London: Standing in solidarity with thosein their homeland, Tibetans andsupporters gathered outside the Chineseembassy in London on WednesdayFebruary 8th, calling upon China to stopthe killing of innocent Tibetans. As theday unfolded, reports emerged of thelatest and the 21st Tibetan to self-immolate, highlighting the urgency of theglobal need to address the deterioratinghuman rights situation in Tibet.At least 150 demonstrators braved thechilly streets of London to mark their

support, and a smaller demonstration waswitnessed in Edinburgh. Black ribbonswere worn over the mouths of manyparticipants to highlight how Tibetans arebeing forcibly silenced in Tibet, a movingsight for passing Londoners during thecold February evening.Tibetan monks led a series of prayers,highlighting the sense of mourning andloss among the community globally forthose who had lost their lives, and thechorus of chanting brought home theissue and loss to all those who could hearthem.Thubten Samdup, Representative of theDalai Lama in the UK and Northern Europegave a heartfelt speech during the fourhour vigil.In an exclusive interview for the Tibet PostInternational, Thubten Samduphighlighted:"It is very moving to see that so manypeople have come here to show solidarity.It is so sad to see so many lives havebeen lost and that the internationalcommunity are looking the other way"He added:

"I think the time has come, for theinternational community to recognise thatthe Tibetan struggle has been a non-violent one, that requires recognition, andalso it deserves rewarding. We havegathered here today to send a messageto the Chinese, but more importantly, weare here to send a message to Tibetans inTibet that they are not alone".Last week the Tibetan Prime Minister inexile, Lobsang Sangay, called for theworld-wide vigils on February 8 to expresssolidarity with Tibetans in Tibet and to,"send a loud and clear message to theChinese government that violence andkilling of innocent Tibetans isunacceptable."Dr Sangay said: "Stability cannot berestored in Tibet through violence andkillings of Tibetans. The only way to resolvethe issue and bring about lasting peace isby respecting the rights of the Tibetanpeople and through dialogue." He calledon the international community to, "showsolidarity and to raise your voices insupport of the fundamental rights of theTibetan people at this critical time. I requestthat the international community and theUnited Nations send a fact-findingdelegation to Tibet and that the world mediabe given access to the region."

TPI TIBETThe Tibet Post 715 February, 2012 Dharamsala

Fotos falling from Tibet shows scenes ofChinese crackdown in Serta


DHARAMSHALA, February 4-Amidst Chinese censorship andpropaganda, a series of black mailedgraphic images from the Tibetanregion of Serta unveils the ongoingcrackdown in the Tibetan region.The Director of the Students for FreeTibet, India, Dorje Tseten told themedia that the series of recent photosfrom Serta shows that China has notbeen telling the truth about thedemonstrations in recent weeks."The Chinese government says likethose protestors were shot on selfdefense but in the picture we canclearly see the protestors are likeunarmed, they are protesting withnon-violent protest and then policecrackdown the protest very brutallyand kill Tibetans," Dorje Tseten said,adding that the photos show Chinese

Authorities Take Away Tibetansfrom Lhasa to Unknown Location

Dharamshala: Hundreds of Tibetanpilgrims who were earlier arrested bythe Chinese police on their way toTibet from Nepal have been forciblytaken away in train to a undisclosedlocation, reports coming from Tibetsay.The report says at around 10 am (Tibettime) 31 January Chinese securityforces surrounded those Tibetans atthe railway station in Tibet's capitalLhasa and then put them in a trainbound for China.

By Tibetan Administration Media: Tibet Net

on the recent killings of Tibetans inTibet, Kalong Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangayurged Tibetans and Tibet supportersall over the world to take part in a globalvigil on Wednesday, February 8.In two separate incidents, earlier thisweek, hundreds of Tibetans took outdemonstrations calling for the return ofHis Holiness the Dalai Lama anddemanding freedom in Tibet. Protestsin Drango county, flared up on Mondayafter local Chinese Public SecurityBureau officials arbitrarily arrestedTibetans on suspicion of theirinvolvement in the appearance of leafletsand posters around the town followingthe wave of self-immolations in theregion. The posters had warned of moreTibetan self-immolations if the Chinesegovernment did not listen to Tibetanconcerns. Eyewitnesses in the regionhave confirmed the death of six Tibetansin police firings.A day later, at least five Tibetans sufferedfatal bullet injuries in police firings inSerthar, where over 600 Chinese securitypersonnelbrutally suppressed a peacefuldemonstration by Tibetans calling forTibet's independence.Referring to the recent police firings, DrSangay noted that China's "gruesomeacts" and "systematic repression ofTibetans" has led to the.growth of "resentment and anger"amongst Tibetans against the Chinese

government since the massive uprisingof 2008." He said, "Basic human rightsare being denied to Tibetans, the fragileenvironment is being destroyed, Tibetanlanguage and culture is beingassimilated, portraits of His Holiness theDalai Lama are banned, and Tibetans arebeing economically marginalised."While addressing Tibetans in Tibet, DrSangay promised that their sacrifices willnot go in vain. He said, "We hear yourcries loud andclear. We urge you not to despair andrefrain from extreme measures. We feelyour pain and will not allow the sacrificesyou have made go in vain. You all are inour heart and prayers each and everyday."At this "critical time," we call on theinternational community to showsolidarity and raise our voices in supportof the fundamental rights of theTibetan people, and remind the Beijinggovernment that violence will neveraddress the genuine grievances ofTibetans and restore stability in Tibet.The Chinese authorities shouldunderstand that "The only way toresolve the Tibet issue and bring aboutlasting peace is by respecting the rightsof the Tibetan people and throughdialogue," said by Dr Sangay.Since March 2011, 16 Tibetans have settheir bodies on fire demanding the returnof the Dalai Lama from exile andprotesting China's continued

occupation of Tibet.Thus, in light of the recent repressionby Chinese authorities in Tibet, we arehere to urge the International Society topressure the Chinesegovernment to:1. Allow Human Rights groups andInternational observers to monitor thesituation in Tibet.2. Resume talks with His Holiness DalaiLama and the Central TibetanAdministration.3. Allow His Holiness to return to Tibetand grant Tibet a Genuine autonomywithin the framework of a Chineseconstitution.United Nations For a Free TibetFederation For A Democratic ChinaThe Vietnamese Heritage and FreedomFlag Movement[End]*The United Nations for a Free Tibet(UNFFT) works to raise awareness ofgross human rights violations committedagainst Tibetans in their homeland bythe Communist Chinese Army which hasoccupied Tibet for more that 60 years.Our mission is to educate the public andto advocate for an end to the oppressionand atrocities brought by the brutalCommunist Chinese occupation. Withover 35,000 members spread across theglobe, we are a strong ally of Tibet.UNFFT is registered in the United Statesas a non-profit 501(c)3) tax exemptorganization.

Worldwide vigil in solidarity with Tibetans in Tibet.... Continues From Front Page

riot police brutally beating up theunarmed Tibetan demonstrators, anddragging down to the police stationin the region.While the Tibetan exile world is beingdisturbed with the growing number ofdeaths in protests against the Chineserule over Tibet, the Beijinggovernment has been fabricating thetruth-blaming the Tibetandemonstrators and using the normalfaulty forceful security measures inTibet.Lobsang Sangay, the Tibetan primeminister has also said ‘he is gettingalarmed' by the growing number ofChinese military personnel movinginto the Tibetan regions of Ngaba,Serta, Golok, and so called TibetanAutonomous Region.Following the Chinese open fire in

three incidents, Tibetans believe thatat least a dozen got killed and dozensgot wounded in recent weeks.Tibet Expert at Columbia University,Robbie Barnett said that the recentprotests in Tibet signal what it couldbe after the Dalai Lama era."If the Dalai Lama dies without anyresolution, it will take a half centuryto build trust again," he explainingthat the Dalai Lama's death in exilewould be so significant to Tibetans itcould ruin prospects for a reasonableTibetan-Chinese relationship.According to exile sources, 17Tibetans in Tibet have burnedthemselves, calling for freedom inTibet, and return of the Tibetanspiritual leader the Dalai Lama fromexile.The whole area of Tibet known as theroof of the world is being sealed offby the Chinese police road checkpoints on the roads from China as wellas from Nepal, and armed Chinesesoldiers manning the day to day lifeof the Tibetans inside Tibet.The Dharamshala based members ofthe Tibetan Parliament will sit on aday-long fast on coming Wednesday,and Tibetans through out the worldhave also vowed to do the same onthe same day to show solidarity andsupport to the plight of people insideTibet.Declaring to forego the upcomingTibetan New Year, Tibetans andTibetan supporters in more than 100cities across the world are going tofast on the first day of the TibetanNew Year which falls on February 22.

Those Tibetan pilgrims had beenrecently arrested at numerouscheckpoints en route to Tibet on theirreturn journey from pilgrimage to Nepaland other places.The report further says the arrestedTibetans would be interrogatedwhether they are planing any politicalactivities after detaining them at anunknown location.No further details are available abouttheir current whereabouts and wellbeing.

Dicki Chhoyang to inaugurate theTibetan Global Vision Conference


DHARAMSHALA, February 8- TheMinister for Department of InternationalInformation and Relationship, DickiChhoyang will inaugurate the thirdTibetan Global Vision Conferencetomorrow.The Tibetan Non GovernmentalOrganization, Empowering the Vision isscheduled to held the third Global VisionConference at Tibetan Vocational TrainingCenter in Selakui, Dehradun in the Indianstate of Uttarakhand.The Tibetan Minister will address the five-day conference on the topic of "Youth asan Ambassador & Nation Builder" afterthe inauguration.Former Tibetan Prime Minister, Prof.Samdhong Rinpoche is also in scheduleto speak on "How to lead a meaningfullife" on the second day of the TibetanGlobal Conference.According to the official website of theNGO, the target of its global conferenceis the Tibetan students, and almost all theparticipants are Tibetan college studentsstudying in and around the Indian citiesin India.The upcoming conference will also be aneye opener for the student-participantsas the conference has invited a group ofits perfessional networks to guide thestudents for a better and brighter career.

The first two conferences were held atAsia Plateau in Panchgani, Pune, and thisis the first time the conference is beingorganized in Selakui, Dehradun. The pastconferences have been very successfulin outreaching to the youth andsupporting their personality growth andevelopment, the organizers said.Other Key Speakers for the upcomingconference include Mr. Arun Kapur, theChair of the ENVISION Trust, andFounding Director of Vasant ValleySchool, Delhi, and Mr. AshvinSubrahmanyam, Country Manager, KraftFoods Taiwan Ltd."I have attended second globalconference and I found it was reallyinspiring and highly educating," TenzinPalden said, adding that such conferencesare must in Tibetan society to producemore and skilled perfessionals.Pelma Dolker, a Tibetan college studentin the Indian capital New Delhi also hasmuch to appreciate the NGO and its routineconferences."I have attended the second globalconference, and I am going to attend thistime also. I feel the conference not onlyinspires us but helps us to build networkswith our perfessionals who are workingin different fields across the world," PelmaDolker said.

8 15 February, 2012 Dharamsala The Tibet PostTPI EXLIE

Kalachakra Organising CommitteeDeclares Account Statement


Dharamshala, India: - The organisingcommittee of the 32nd KalachakraInitiation released a statement of incomeand expenditure incurred during the32nd Kalachakra Initiation at BodhGaya.A total income of Rs 32,93,33,249.00(Thirty two crores ninety three lakhsthirty three thousand two hundred andforty nine) was earned while expensesof Rs 25,78,33,249.00 (Twenty five croreseventy eight lakhs thirty threethousand two hundred and forty nine)was incurred for the Kalachakara

Water-filter Project In Ti-betan Settlements Mainpat-

Summer 2012

Brussels: - In 2009, Dennis Barbion andhis wife Marijke Reynaert from Belgiumstarted a shoe project for the Tibetanrefugees in Dharamshala on their owninitiative. That year they gave a newpair of shoes to 80 Tibetans. In 2010,this project was continued as anindependent venture of the BelgianNGO "Tibetaanse-VlaamseVriendenkring" (Tibetan Flemish Circleof Friends). With the fundraising, theBelgian couple was able to give a newpair of good quality shoes to 426Tibetan refugees!During their stay in Dharamshala in April2011, Dennis and Marijke got manyideas and suggestions for new projectsfor the Tibetans at other places in India,in the Tibetan settlements. After theirtrip to India in Spring 2011, they set upa fundraiser for the construction of amortuary for the Dhonden Old People'sHome (OPH) in Chauntra, a TibetanElder's Home near Bir, and a waterfilterproject for the Tibetan settlement inMainpat.DONDEN MORTUARYWhen a new pair of shoes was donatedto all the elderly people at the DhondenOPH in April 2011, the director and staffof the home and the responsible of theTibetan settlement office there, told thatthey wanted to build a small mortuary, aseparate building where a dead bodycan be kept for some time after someonepassed away. Until then there was noseparate place to keep the body so itwas kept in the room for minimum threedays, depending on the procedure andthe availability of wood for thecremation. As the Elder's Home nor theTibetan settlement in Chauntra had

By Carly Selby-James, The Tibet Post

to an information received by The TibetPost International. Total twenty self-immolations in protest against Chineserule in Tibet since Feb 2009.Two other seriously injured in accident,identified as Tsering, around 60 fromTsaptse village and Kyari, around 30from Bumshul village, they are in criticalcondition. The current situation stillremains tense in Serta county, easternTibet as China's hard-line policies inTibet are creating great tension, saidsources from inside Tibet."As witnessed recently, Tibetan areashave been closed off and members ofthe press have been denied access. Theinternational community must let

leaders in Beijing know unequivocallythat the world is concerned and closelywatching events inside Tibet," Ms.Dicki Chhoyang, the Tibetaninformation minister told reporters onMonday.More Chinese security forces weredeployed in the area making an alreadytense situation more volatile after theself-immolation of the three Tibetanslast Friday. Serta and neighboring areashave been under lockdown with heavymilitary presence since protests brokeout in January 2012.Sources from inside Tibet to TPI havealso stated that communication hasbeen completely cut off in Serta andneighboring areas after a string of

Three Tibetans Self-immolate in EasternTibet, One Reportedly Dead

.... Continues From Front Page

Initiations, the statement said.The remaining 7 crores and 15 lakhs hasbeen disbursed for charitable purposesthrough registered organisations, itnoted.One crore each has been allocated forthe Central Tibetan Administration'sTibetan Children Educational WelfareFund, Central Tibetan Relief Committee,the Department of Religion and Cultureand the Tibetan Voluntary HealthAssociation.The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and theLibrary of Tibetan work and Archives

had also been allocated one crorerupees each.The remaining one crore fifteen lakhshad been donated to the Bihar ChiefMinister's Emergency Relief Fund insupport of the annual eye campsconducted for local residents,educational resources for Indian childrenliving in the vicinity of Bodhgaya, forthe renovation work in progress at theMahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya,encourage and protection of naturalenvironment in Bodhgaya.The donations have been made with aview to support higher education and toprovide better health care in the Tibetancommunity as well as for the welfare ofTibetan refugees particularly the newlyarrived monks and nuns, officials said.We would make the accounts availablefor public scrutiny for a period of oneyear until 10th January 2012, they added.The 32nd Kalachakra Initiationconcluded successfully on 10th January2012.A total of 2,00,000 (two lakh ) peopleattended the Kalachakra, of whom morethan 35,000 were from the monasticcommunity, 9000 came from Tibet, 74,000were from the Tibetan diaspora, 65,000were from the Himalayan regions and10,000 were foreigners from 66 differentcountries.

Exiled Tibetan LeaderCalls for UN Intervention

in Tibet

By Rajeshwari K, The Tibetpost

Dr Lobsang Sangay, Kalon Tripa (Political leader ) of the Central Tibetan

Administration. Photo: TPI

Dharamsala, India: Expressing hisconcern over the increasing Chinesemilitary repression inside Tibet,Lobsang Sangay, Tibetan PrimeMinister in Exile strongly urged theUnited Nations to intervene and saveTibetan lives."We are very disturbed by thegrowing number of Chinese militarypersonnel and many more trucks andtrucks load of paramilitary forces withautomatic machine guns movingtowards Tibet," he said."We are very disturbed and wecondemn the killings of innocentTibetans who are simply assertingtheir freedom of speech," statedSangay and called on the UnitedNations to send fact-findingdelegations to investigate China's

hardliner policies inside Tibet.Condemning the Chinese militaryinvasion into Tibetan areas and therecent incidents of public shootoutsat protestors agitating againstChinese authoritarianism, he said,"The Chinese government should alsodo their own investigation, anobjective, truthful investigation whichwill clearly reveal that their hardlinerpolicies are not working.""These policies are ought to berevised and more moderate policiestowards the Tibetan people should beintroduced," he concluded.OVERVIEWAn estimated 80,000 Tibetans, alongwith their spiritual leader, the DalaiLama, had arrived in India in 1959 afteran unsuccessful uprising againstChinese rule.China has ruled Tibet sinceCommunist troops marched in 1950Since February 2009, a total ofseventeen Tibetans inside Tibet have

self-immolated in protest of theChinese repressive policies anddemanding for the return of the DalaiLama.Twelve out of the Seventeensuccumbed to their injuries and therest are either in a poor shape or arebattling for life.Sources have revealed that threeTibetans were killed and severalothers injured when the Chinesepolice opened fire on the Tibetanswho had gathered to protest inDrango region of the Kham provinceon the day of the Chinese New Year.Reports suggest that this crackdownhas intensified after leaflets calling forTibetans to skip New Yearcelebrations this year to pay homageto the martyrs were circulated inDrango.The declaration of the unnamedauthor of the leaflets of his intentionsto self-immolate on Losar (TibetanNew Year) has created a lot of stir inthe region.

protests against the Chinese repressivepolicies kept taking place. No means ofcommunication involving telephone, faxand internet have been able to beestablished.

finances for the construction of thismortuary (including excavation,structure, slab work, roofing andelectricity), Dennis and Marijkedecided to help and to startfundraising.At the end of December 2011 thefundraising for this mortuary projectwas finished and the money was sentto the Dhonden OPH. The works havealready started and the first pictureson our online photoalbum on Picasa:h t tps : / /p icasaweb.google .com/dbtibetprojects.WATERFILTER PROJECT INMAINPAT:There are quite a lot of Tibetansettlements across India. The livingconditions there are very difficult andthere's poverty as well, without muchrelief. Some villages are better thanothers but life is hard in all thesettlements, with lots of needs unmet.Mainpat is in Central India and it's onethe poorest Tibetan villages in wholeof India. Mainpat was the first Tibetansettlement that was established by thegovernment of India in 1962 torehabilitate 1,400 Tibetan refugees whocame to India in the aftermath of theChinese occupation of Tibet in 1959.Mainpat is very remote, the nearesttown is Ambikapur and is situated at50 km from Mainpat. The condition ofthe road is very bad; it takes aboutone hour and a half or two hours bycar.Mainpat consists of seven camps andthe settlement faces numerousproblems from the annual heavy rainfall.Monsoon remains for almost four tofive months. Mainpat suffers frominescapable rain water problems, andabove all the rain water they use is notpure. Therefore we set up thiswaterfilter project. The fundraising isfor the purchase of a waterfilter foreach family in Mainpat that doesn'thave a waterfilter yet and for the localOld People's Home, to overcomediseases like malaria and other illnessesthat people suffer from because of thedirty rain water.The water storage of one waterfilter is15 litres. The price of one waterfilter is50 euro (70 US Dollars), but alldonations are welcome. All thewaterfilters will be bought and installedon the spot in the Summer of 2012.

The Tibet Post 915 February, 2012 Dharamsala

Violence Is Not The Answer To Tibet,Says US Senators' Resolution

Dharamsala, India: ‘Violence is not theanswer to the legitimate grievances ofthe Tibetan people'Washington: Senator Dianne Feinstein(D-Calif.) introduced a Senateresolution expressing deep concernabout the current situation in Tibet andsteadfast support for the Tibetanpeople.In introducing the resolution, SenatorFeinstein said, "Once again, we haveseen how harsh and counterproductiveChinese policies have heightenedtensions and led to deadly violence.Violence is not the answer to thelegitimate grievances of the Tibetanpeople. We must raise our voice withthis resolution to call on Beijing torespect the right of Tibetans to practicetheir own religion freely and preservetheir distinct cultural and linguistic


TPI INTERNATIONAL

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: [email protected]

Contributors for this Editon

Keary Huang TaiwanMathew Singh Toor IndiaSophie Jay USACarly Selby-James AustraliaSamuel Ivo UKColleen McKown USDennis Barbion BelguimRajeshwari K IndiaYC. Dhardhowa IndiaSangay Dorjee IndiaPema Tso India

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

Tibetans and Supporters ToJoin Worldwide Vigils for

Martyrs of Tibet

Dharamshala, India: - The politicalleader of Tibet, Dr. Lobsang Sangay'sadministration has called for worldwidevigils on 8 February in view of thecritical situation inside Tibet followinga series of self-immolations and therecent killing of peaceful Tibetanprotesters by the Chinese securityforces."As Chinese everywhere werecelebrating the first couple of days ofthe Year of Dragon on January 23rd and24th, 2012, Chinese police firedindiscriminately on hundreds ofTibetans who had gathered peacefullyto claim their basic rights in Drakgo,


Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the political leader of Tibet, addressing during a special function inDharamshala, India. Photo: TPI/file

Serta, Ngaba, Gyarong, and otherneighboring Tibetan areas. Six Tibetanswere reportedly killed and around sixtyinjured, some critically," the Kashag(Cabinet) of the Central TibetanAdministration said in a statementThursday.To express our deep sadness andsolidarity with the Tibetans who havesacrificed their lives for Tibet's cause,Tibetans and supporters around theworld would take part in worldwidevigils and prayer services onWednesday, 8 February, the statementsaid.Dr. Lobsang Sangay's cabinet called on

identity."According to press reports and theInternational Campaign for Tibet, sincethe beginning of the Chinese New Yearon Monday, security forces in Sichuanprovince have three-times opened fireon Tibetans who gathered peacefullyto protest Chinese policies on Tibet.Since March 2011, at least 16 Tibetans(including four this month alone) haveset themselves on fire and at least 12have died.Senator Feinstein's resolution:·Mourns the death of Tibetans whohave self-immolated and deplores therepressive policies targeting Tibetans;·Calls on the People's Republic ofChina to suspend implementation ofreligious control regulations, reassessreligious and security policiesimplemented in Tibet, and resume adialogue with Tibetan Buddhistleaders, including the Dalai Lama;·Calls on the People's Republic ofChina to release all persons that havebeen arbitrarily detained; to cease theintimidation, harassment and detentionof peaceful protestors; and to allowunrestricted access to journalists,foreign diplomats, and internationalorganizations to Tibet;·Commends His Holiness the DalaiLama for his decision to devolve hispolitical power in favor of a democraticsystem;·Congratulates Tibetans living in exilefor holding, on March 20, 2011, a

competitive, multi-candidate electionthat was free, fair, and met internationalelectoral standards; and·Reaffirms the unwavering friendshipbetween the people of the UnitedStates and the people of Tibet.In 1978, Feinstein (who was serving asmayor of San Francisco) invited theDalai Lama to visit San Francisco. Inthe 1990s, Feinstein carried three lettersto President Jiang Zemin from the DalaiLama requesting a face-to-face meeting."As a friend of China and the DalaiLama, I am saddened to see thesituation in Tibet deteriorate to thispoint," Feinstein continued. "In myview, the Dalai Lama's concerns aredriven by a strong Tibetan belief andexperience that the ChineseGovernment continues to suppress theTibetan culture and way of life.""I urge the administration to work withour friends and allies in theinternational community and call onthe Chinese Government to begin asubstantive dialogue with the DalaiLama on national reconciliation,respect for the Tibetan culture, andmeaningful autonomy for Tibet," saidFeinstein.Senators Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.),Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Barbara Boxer(D-Calif.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), JohnMcCain (R-Ariz.), Jim Webb (D-Va.) andMark Udall (D-Colo.) cosponsored theresolution with Senator Feinstein.(Read full text of the resolution)

US Senator Feinstein, Photo: TPI

the Tibetans to wear traditional dress, ablack mouth cover on that day and reciteritual prayers (Tib: Den-Tsik Monlam).The Kashag requests everyone toconduct these vigils peacefully, inaccordance with the laws of their country,and with dignity.Dr. Sangay requests Tibetans not tocelebrate Losar (Tibetan New Year),which falls on February 22 this year.However, it calls on Tibetans to observethe basic customary religious ritualssuch as going to temple, burning incenseand making traditional offerings.

World Parliamentarians call for UNFact-finding Mission to Tibet


DHARAMSHALA: Expressing its deepconcern over the reports of killing ofTibetans by the Chinese securityforces in northeastern Tibet and thelockdown of Tibet, the InternationalParliamentarians has called for a UN-led fact-finding mission to observe thesituation in Tibet.In a statement on 31 January,International Network ofParliamentarians on Tibet (INPaT) saidit is extremely concerned for the newsthat several Tibetans in Draggo, Kardzeand in Dzamthang, Ngaba have beenshot dead by Chinese security forceslast week."INPaT considers the use of force notan acceptable response on the part ofthe Chinese authorities towardpeaceful protests carried out byTibetans to excercise right to freedom

of expression and assembly," thestatement said."INPaT remains deeply concerned thatthese cases of extrajudicial killings ofTibetans has happened in thebackground of self-immolationprotests by 17 Tibetans since 2009with 12 of them having succumbed totheir injuries."INPaT deplores that according tovarious sources there is a massivedeployment of security forces in Tibetwith journalists and other independentobservers prevented from visitingTibetan areas, especially in Sichuanprovince."INPaT calls upon the Chineseauthorities to provide adequateinformation on the well-being andwhereabouts of Tibetans who havebeen detained since the first self-

immolation last year by Ven. Phuntsokon 16 March and to withdraw thesecurity measures imposed, includingat religious institutions."INPaT welcomes thatparliamentarians in many countrieshave expressed their concerns on theoverall human rights situation in Tibet,especially after an alarming number ofself-immolation protests by Tibetans.While remaining in solidarity with theaspirations of Tibetan people, INPaTjoins the call upon Tibetans not tosacrifice their valuable lives throughself-immolations but instead maintaintheir collective voice and strength toface the challenges from the Chineseauthorities."INPaT calls upon the Chineseauthorities to promptly follow-up onits invitation to the UN HighCommissioner for Human Rights toconduct a fact-finding mission toChina and that such a visit ensuresadequate time for observing thesituation in Tibet. INPaT believes thatsuch a visit by the United Nationschief human rights official can helpconvey an independent assessmenton the human rights crisis faced bythe six million Tibetans," thestatement noted.133 Members from 33 worldwideParliaments who took part in the 5thWorld Parliamentarians' Conventionon Tibet (18/19 November 2009, Rome)adopted the "Rome Declaration onTibet" which constituted theInternational Network forParliamentarians on Tibet (INPaT).

10 15 February, 2012 Dharamsala The Tibet PostTPIWorldwide Vigil Day Calls Fact-finding Delegations To Tibet

Over two thousand Tibetans and supporters gathering in New Delhi, India to pay theirsolidarities with Tibetans who lost their lives inside Tibet, 08th January 2012.

Photo: TPI


Delhi, India: - Delhi, India: - Thousandsof Tibetans and supporters gathered atJantar Mantar, New Delhi, the capital ofIndia on February 8, to "highlights thecritical situation of the Tibetan peopleinside Tibet and to express theirsolidarity to those who have sacrificedtheir lives in acts of protest against theoppressive Chinese regime."These mass demonstrations come aftertwenty Tibetan self-immolation protestsin Tibet, in addition to armed Chineseforces opening fire on Tibetans inDrakgo, Serta and Zomthang county ofeastern Tibet, reportedly leaving at leastten dead and over three hundredwounded in total. More than one hundredTibetan youths from Delhi also tried tostorm the Chinese embassy in the Indiancapital to show solidarity with Tibetanswho have sacrificed themselves forTibet."Despite the Communist Government ofPRC's claim of having created a paradiseon earth in Tibet in the last 52 years, thegrowing frustration of Tibetans againstthe Chinese policies is evident," a

More Concrete Actions fromInt’l Community On Tibet:

Political Leader

Dharamshala: - Expressing grave concernover the well-being of Tibetans in Tibetin view of the Chinese military build-up inTibet, Kalon Tripa has called for moresubstantive support from the worldcommunity to end the Chinesegovernment's repression in Tibet.Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay,Supreme Justice Commissioner NgawangPhelgye, Deputy Speaker Lopon KhenpoSonam Tenphel and Kalons reciting'Words of Truth' with the public beforethe Candle Light Vigil at Tsuglag Khang,Mcleod Ganj on 08 February 2012."Hundreds of convoys carrying Chinesemilitary personnel with automatic machineguns are moving towards Tibet. We fearmany Tibetans might face unfortunateexperiences," Kalon Tripa Dr LobsangSangay told hundreds of Tibetans andsupporters gathered at a solidarity vigilin Dharamsala today."We really feel the Chinese governmentis preparing for something really tragic.Hence it is critical that the internationalcommunity must intervene now to showsupport for Tibet and Tibetan people,"Dr Sangay said.

By Tibetan Administration Media:Tibet Net

contact days, an annual meeting with allthe Belgian ambassadors and ministers.The head of the Belgian governmentstated: "the fundamental principle ofhuman rights is the key point in theforeign policy, along with thestrengthening of democratic institutions,the rule of law, a good management, andrespect for the rights of everyone, fromthe majority but also of the minority."In October 2011, the Belgian Tibetsupporters Dennis Barbion and IlseKeysabyl have written a letter already tothe Prince of Belgium Philippe, inconnection with the human rightsviolations in Tibet and China. TheBelgian Prince had just finished a hugetrade mission to China then. "I have readyour letter with much attention. I will takethis into account and pass it on to anumber of counselors, and also to mystaff for further investigation," said ElioDi Rupo."The letter to the Belgian Prime Ministerstated that "every person anywhereshould have the fundamental humanrights, as enumerated in the UniversalDeclaration of Human Rights of theUnited Nations in 1948, and adopted andapproved by many countries.Respecting human rights in a country isfundamental. It is the basis of a stableand peaceful society where all citizensare respected equally, withoutdiscrimination. Any form of

discrimination and oppression based onorigin, race, color, sex, language, religion,political or other opinion, and thisindividual, by institutions, organizationsor governments, should always beindicted and convicted, on a national orinternational level. Every human beingshould have the right to free speech, theright of assembly, freedom of practicinghis religion, employment without anyform of slavery, education, participationin culture and so on.""Freedom, the urge for freedom, bothindividually and in society, is perhapscharacteristic for every human being.""Democracy is another basis for a goodand balanced society. The democraticsystem is a political form of governmentthat involves a whole population andalso the opportunity to participate indecision making. Democracy is a form ofequality for all citizens. A multipartysystem and participation in the electionsfor everyone, with the right to be elected,is crucial.""You are probably aware of the violent,military invasion of Tibet by the ChineseRed Army in 1950. Thousands ofinnocent victims, adults and children, losttheir lives. This was no ‘peacefulliberation of the Tibetan people' as theChinese authorities claim for many years,quite the contrary. Since then, thispeaceful and tolerant people are affectedenormously by the heavy repressiondirected from Beijing."

"Although China is a major economicsuperpower now, the people in Tibet andChina suffer from a dictatorial regime, aone-party-system without anyopposition. Even having a differentopinion is not allowed. Anyone whoexpresses a different view than that ofthe CCP gets arrested and liquidated.Political prisoners often have to endurethe most intolerable and disgustingtortures, and China is also a leader in thenumber of death sentences. A party cardand ‘loyalty to the party' and its leadersis the only opinion that is accepted andrespected.""In addition, there is also the censorshipand manipulation of all the informationand news by the Chinese government.The reality is always packed according tothe ideas and position of the CCP.""A recent study by the Tibetan Centerfor Human Rights and Democracy haspointed out that the situation in Tibet wasvery terrible last year. 2011 was one of themost repressive years ever. Human rightsorganizations have sounded the alarmregularly, but in vain... Because of theterrible oppression and inhuman livingconditions, since March 2011 to date (7February 2012) there have been alreadynineteen (!) self-immolations by Tibetansin Tibet. It is a very deplorable act ofdesperation, a terrible cry to the outsideworld to draw attention to the oppressionand enslavement they have to undergo,with the hope for change and more human

living conditions and more freedom... It'ssomething that those young Tibetans,including several monks or nuns, canonly hope and dream of when they setthemselves on fire in a public place... Whatwould it be to live in such conditions, andhow desperate must someone be for sucha terrible deed?""Both the European Parliament and manyother parliamentarians, for example in theUnited States, Germany, France, Canadaand Australia, and prominent figures suchas Archbishop Tutu and Richard Gere,have condemned the very violent reactionof the Chinese government on this self-burnings, and they called for respectinghuman rights and more freedom. Themonasteries and villages as Ngaba wherethe self-burnings have taken place, arereal military bases now, where thousandsand thousands of Chinese soldiers arestationed, and where control and ordersare very strict.""The lack of freedom and restrictions inChina have an impact on all residents, alsoother minorities like the Uyghurs and thepeople of Inner Mongolia, and even theordinary Chinese citizens. Everyone isconsidered to respect and follow the lawsand regulations of the ChineseCommunist Party only, as there is nodemocratic nor multiparty system. Manyof the universal human rights are violatedon a large scale, with all the unfortunateconsequences for the people...""When we, ordinary Belgian citizens who

Belgian PM Urged To Keep Human Rights Central In The Foreign Policy.... Continues From Front Page

statement of the Delhi Tibetan SolidarityMovement explained."With the self-immolations of Tapey in2009, and beginning with the selfimmolations of Lobsang Phuntsok on16th March 2011, 20 Tibetans have selfimmolated so far in Tibet, out of which,13 have succumbed to their injuries. Thestatus of 7 others is still unknown. Thelast 7 cases have been reported inJanuary and February this year alone.Two Tibetans in exile also attempted self-immolation in India and Nepal," said aletter of the solidarity movement to Dr.Manmohan Singh, the prime minister ofIndia."Thousands of other Tibetans in Golog,Ngaba and Gyarong have peacefullydemonstrated in the last few days. Theremay be many other unreported cases.Communications to all these areas havebeen cut off. Security in all of Tibet hasbeen stepped up and massive militaryreinforcements has been reported that hasresulted in heightened tension betweenTibetans and Chinese authorities," thesolidarity movement said.

"China's assimilation policy coupled withmass migration of Han Chinese into Tibetin the past 52 years has turned theTibetans into a minority community in theirown homeland," it continued."China's single window policy ofdevelopment as the one and only meansto resolve conflicts with no respect forlocal sentiments has not only contributedto flooding Tibet with Han Chinese, buthas led to the unscrupulous extraction ofTibet's mineral resources therebyaffecting Tibet's ecology," it stated."Control of Buddhist learning in themonastic institutions by strict andirrelevant laws prohibits religiousfreedom," it added."Independent media, diplomats and eventourists have been barred from visitingall areas where recent incidentsoccurred. All pleas to allow independentfact-finding delegations have beendenied. Communication has beenbarred, and that forbids the free flow ofevidence from inside Tibet of what hasactually happened," the statementfurther said."Ever since the Chinese occupation ofTibet in 1959, China has turned thetraditional Tibetan provinces into a realhell by killing and torturing Tibetansmercilessly to eliminate the root of ourlanguage and cultural identity," saidTenzin Kunzhang, a 34 Tibetan man,who was participating in the event.Tibetans in exile on Wednesday againappealed to the internationalcommunity, UN and governments to callon China to review its existing policieson the Tibetans in order to have a trulyharmonious society and genuinelyuphold international Human Rightsstandards and norms. They also calledon China to allow independent fact-finding delegations and members of themedia to visit the effected areas and toseek the complete withdrawal of Chinesemilitary from Tibetan monasteries.

Kalon Tripa Dr. Lobsang Sangay, SupremeJustice Commissioner Ngawang Phelgye,Deputy Speaker Lopon Khenpo SonamTenphel and Kalons reciting 'Words of

Truth' with the public before the CandleLight Vigil at Tsuglag Khang, Mcleod Ganj

on 08 February 2012. Photo: TPI

"The Tibetans in Tibet are giving up theirlives because the occupation of Tibetand repressive policies of the Chinesegovernment is unacceptable," KalonTripa said."We really appreciate statements issuedby different countries like the US andEuropean countries. But we would liketo seek some more concrete actions tosend delegates to Tibet to investigatethe reality and the military build-up inTibet, deaths and torture of Tibetans,and the reasons why there is repression,why Tibetans are self-immolating,"Kalon Tripa added.He urged the US to pass the Senateresolution to show support to theTibetan people.Kalon Tripa urged the internationalmedia, including those working in China,to make more efforts to go to Tibet andobjectively report why the Tibetans areself-immolating. "If the world mediacannot go to Tibet, we never know whatelse is happening inside Tibetan areas,and how many more Tibetans are beingkilled and dying," he added.Kalon Tripa said the Chinesegovernment's response towards theChinese people's protest in Wukang inGuangdong province show thediscrimination against the Tibetanpeople. He said Guangdong governorfired local communist party officials,gave powers to the protesting groupsand addressed their grievances."Whereas in Tibet, several hundredTibetans gathered in Dragko area, butthe Chinese police indiscriminately shotTibetans and killed them. So, the worldis watching that there is a blatantdiscrimination towards Tibetans becauseChinese can protest, their grievancesaddressed, whereas Tibetans cannotprotest," Kalon Tripa said."If the Chinese government thinks theTibet issue can be solved throughviolence, force and intimidation, then it'snot going to happen because theTibetan spirit is strong. The Tibetan spiritwould remain strong until freedom isrestored in Tibet and His Holiness theDalai Lama return to Tibet," Kalon Tripasaid.

stand up for Tibet and its people, andwho are concerned about human rightsin Tibet and China, hear the guidelines ofyour foreign policy, we can only applaudthis: that respect for human rights is mostimportant, and also the promotion andstrengthening of the democratic principle,respect for the rights of all citizens,including minorities.""There are many people who have a heartfor Tibet and its people, also in Belgium.It is also in their name that we send thisletter.""We express our hope that the emphasesof foreign policy are not just empty words,but that real and concrete action is taken,to establish more freedom and betterliving conditions for Tibetans in Tibet,the Chinese people but of course alsoelsewhere.""We thank you for an answer and lookforward to the implementation of theforeign policy with the emphasis onhuman rights, and to a positivedevelopment in the countries where adictatorship still is in power."

the tibet post international online newspaper

Documents

tibetsee page

holiness isthe

tibetan spiritual leader

kalon tripa political

comarchbishop desmond

tutu describedthe

tibet netsee page

peace freedomwww