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 60, 29 February, 2012

Solidarity with Tibetans Inside Tibet

www.thetibetpost.com

Political leader's New Year Message ToHis Fellow Tibetans

Dharamshala: - Tibetan political leader of theCentral Tibetan Administration based in India hasissued a message of greetings to all his fellowTibetan people those who commemorate this year'sLosar (Tibetan New Year), which falls on Feb. 22.A statement published on the Tibetan governmentwebsite, Dr. Lobsang Sangay sent his "warmestwishes to Tibetan people inside and outside Tibet,and all those around the world who are celebratingthe New Year."Tashi Delek to Tibetans and friends around theworld! Warm Losar greetings from Dharamsala,which falls on February 22", Dr. Lobsang Sangay,the political leader of Tibetan people said in thestatement."As requested, please do not celebrate Losar thisyear, but do observe traditional and spiritual ritualsby going to the monastery, making offerings, andlighting butter lamps for all those Tibetans insideTibet who have sacrificed and suffered under therepressive policies of the Chinese government.News from Tibet continues to be grim. Tibet isvirtually sealed off with foreigners not allowed toenter. Even Chinese tourists are prevented fromvisiting Tibet, and the military buildup is veryheavy. [The Chinese government has launched amassive crackdown on Tibetans who visited India

Dr. Lobsang Sangay, newly elected leader of Tibetan people sapeaking duiring a special event being held inDharamshala, India. Photo: TPI/File

By YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Dramatic climbing action in U.S. capital sendsdefiant message of freedom to Fifth Generation ofChinese leaders.Washington - Tibet activists welcomed China'sfuture President, Xi Jinping, to the U.S. capital byhanging a massive banner which stated, "XiJinping: Tibet will be Free" on the landmarkArlington Memorial Bridge.Against the iconic American backdrop of theWashington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial,two climbers - Bianca Bockman (age 31) of

Tibetans Fast at UN

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TYC Storm Chinese Embassy In Delhi

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Stop thedestruction of theTibetan people’s

identity

You are inour hearts andprayers every

day

Statement of the Tibetan Parliamentin Exile on New Year

Dharamshala: - Statement of the TibetanParliament-in-Exile (TPiE) on the occasion of theday-long Hunger Strike by its Members and thepublic on the first day of the Water-DragonTibetan New Year on 22nd February, 2012 at theTheckchen Choling, Main Temple, Dharamshala.Amongst the patriotic Tibetan men and womenwho have been committing the heroic act of self-immolations in Tibet under the two main slogansdemanding "the return of His Holiness the DalaiLama to Tibet" and "freedom and human rightsfor the Tibetan people", Venerable Tapey of KirtiMonastery set the trend on 27th of February, 2009.

Mr. Penpa Tsering, speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile delivering his official statement oduring theSolidarity Hunger Strike on the first day of Tibetan Losar at Tsuglhakhang, Dharamshala, India. Photo: TPI

By Tibetan Official Media: Tibet Net

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London: - Tibetans in Britain marked a troubled newyear with a vigil outside the Chinese embassy inLondon, which resulted in clashes with the policeas a member of the Chinese affiliation shouted aninsult at the peaceful gathering, mourning thepassing of a tragic year for Tibet under Chinesesuppression.

Human Rights Discussion with Xi

Washington: - During a meeting with Chinese VicePresident Xi Jinping, Barack Obama mentionedChina's human rights record while pro-Tibetan andpro-Uyghur protesters gathered outside of theWhite House.During the meeting, Obama not only told to Xi

President Barack Obama meets with Chinese VicePresident Xi Jinping in the Oval Office of the WhiteHouse in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, February 14,

2012. Xi is expected to be China's future leader and ison a one-week visit to the United States.

Photo: White House

Protest to China’s Future President

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New York: - Despite interference from the NewYork Police Department, Tibetan protesters havesuccessfully entered day three of their hungerprotest in front of the United Nations.H.E. 11th Shingza Rinpoche, Dorjee Gyalpo, and

Tibet Activists Unfurl Banner from ArlingtonMemorial Bridge to Protest Visit of China’s Future

President. Photo: TPI

Delhi: - Forty-eight Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC)members stormed the Chinese Embassy in NewDelhi this morning at 11:30 to protest the arrival ofLuo Huining, governor of Qinghai Province in thecapital city of India.Members of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress,

By Dane Holding, The Tibet Post

By The Tibet Post International

By Samuel Ivor, The Tibet Post

By Dane Holding, The Tibet Post

By The Tibet Post International

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for the Kalachakra Teachings. Several hundredTibetans have been detained and are being forcedto undergo political re-education.Please see the news release from Human RightsWatch] . We are extremely worried over what is

happening and what might happen inside Tibet.Under such circumstances, please do pray for allTibetans inside Tibet especially on the third, eight,tenth and fifteenth day of Losar, as these are

Since then, between the 16th of March, 2011 and19th of February, 2012, some 23 Tibetans both layand ordained, have committed self-immolation inTibet for the sake of Tibet and its people. TwoTibetans have done the same outside of Tibettotaling 25 so far. Fifteen of them including threenuns have lost their precious lives in the processand we have not been able to ascertain thecondition and whereabouts of the rest.We have also come to know from reliable sourcesthat on the 23rd of January, 2012 which was theoccasion of the celebration of the Chinese New

Members of the Tibetan Youth Congress storm theChinese Embassy in New Delhi toprotest visiting

Qinghai Governor, 16th February 2012. Photo: TPI

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Tibetans in Britain marked a troubled new year with avigil outside the Chinese embassy in London.

Photo: TPI/Sam

The Tibet Post2 TPI EXLIE29 February, 2012 Dharamsala

Chinese Government ContinuesViolent Crackdown in Tibet

Kalon Tripa Launches Tibet PolicyInstitute in Dharamshala

Dharamshala: - Inaugurating theTibet Policy Institute at the KashagSecretariat today, Kalon Tripa saidthe institute aims to carry outcomprehensive research works onall aspect of Tibet-related issues,which he underlined would help theadministration in framing policiesfor the next fifty years and makingthe Tibet issue a competent caseon the international platform.The Kashag attaches greatimportance to the Tibet PolicyInstitute, Kalon Tripa said, addingthat a clear and in-depth research materialson every aspect of Tibet issue would playa pivotal role in framing policies and plansfor the next fifty years.He underscored the need for theresearchers at the policy institute tocarry out research on both past andpresent political, environmental, andeconomical situation in Tibet, geopoliticsof China, US and Asia vis-a-vis the issueof Tibet.

By Tibetan Official Media: Tibet

Net

15th February, 2012 - Kalon Tripa Dr.Lobsang Sangay speaks at the launch of

Tibet Policy Institute at KashagSecretariat. Photo: TPI

auspicious days.March 10, our National Uprising Day, iscoming up soon. There will be manyother activities as well where Tibetansand our friends will be requested toparticipate. Please remember andobserve the guidelines issued by CTA,which is to organize and participate inevents peacefully, legally and withdignity. Peacefully because non-violence is our core principle. Legallyas we are in a democratic country andhave to follow the law of the land, andwith dignity because we are seeking ourfreedom and dignityTibet Lobby Day is also coming upwhen Tibetans and friends lobbyparliaments or the congress and sharewith members our concern over Tibetand the continuing repressive policiesof the Chinese government. This yearis especially important given the

unfolding tragedy inside Tibet.It is important that we do the best wecan to approach as many Congressionalmembers and Parliamentarians aspossible so as to make them aware. Ifpossible, please try to have a resolutionpassed in the parliament or have a gooddebate on the situation inside Tibet.This way the suffering of Tibetans insideTibet and their voices will be heard loudand clear around the world, particularlyby the leaders in Beijing.I would like to thank all those Tibetansand friends who participated in theglobal vigil on February 8. According tovarious accounts, hundreds of activitieswere organized around the world,thousands participated, and the day wasvery successful.In conclusion, I want to say to our dearbrothers and sisters inside Tibet that youare in our hearts and prayers every day."

Political leader's New Year Message......... Continues From front Page

Year, Tibetans in Tibet observed it as aday of mourning by holding peacefuldemonstrations. But the Chinese policeand the militia opened indiscriminategun-fire on them and 4 Tibetans inDraggo, 2 in Serta and 1 in Zamthangtotalling 7 were massacred.We have further come to know that onthe 8th of February of this year, the sametype of peaceful demonstrations hadtaken place in other places likeNangchen, Trindu, Zatoe, Golok,Chuchen, Chabcha etc while observing‘White Wednesday' which is thefavourable prayer day for the long lifeof His Holiness The Dalai Lama.However, as the Chinese governmenthad sealed of all internet and phoneconnection in most of the places in Tibetand especially those wheredemonstrations had taken place, we havenot been able to ascertain the scale ofoppression and the number of peoplekilled, tortured or arrested. There is ineffect, an unapparent military rule in Tibetat present and the Chinese governmenthas declared an open "war" on theTibetan people as whole.The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile hascontinuously been appealing to theGovernment of China and theInternational Community regarding theurgent situation in Tibet through itsseries of press statements. Recently, a

special delegation of the TPiE travelledto New Delhi to brief a number ofEmbassies of different countries aboutthe fast deteriorating conditions inTibet. We also wrote an open letter tothe Chinese President.Through this statement, we once againappeal to the Government of China andthe International Community asfollows:Appeal to the Chinese leaders:1. Withdraw the large reinforcement ofmilitary to reduce tension immediatelyand take measures to give dueconsideration to the aspirations of theTibetan people.2. Allow independent, non-partisan factfinding delegations to ascertain theground realities. If you have issues withthat, allow a Tibetan fact findingdelegation to visit Tibet.3. Stop the policies and programs aimedat destroying the identity of the Tibetanpeople. Provide religious freedom andundertake reconciliation measures toassuage the hurt sentiments of theTibetan people.4. Stop sedentarization of Tibetannomads and include Tibetanparticipation in environmentalstewardship by using their centuries oldwisdom of having lived on the TibetanPlateau.5. All developmental activities in Tibet

must give due consideration to Tibet'sfragile environment and should accruedue benefit to the native Tibetans.6. Release all political prisonersincluding Panchen Rinpoche GedunChoekyi Nyima, just as Burma did so tocreate more trust between the peopleand the government.7. Resume dialogue with the Tibetanswith the commitment and conviction toseek a lasting solution to the Issue ofTibet, and peace and stability in thewhole geo- strategic region.Similarly to the InternationalCommunity, we call upon the leaders ofthe free world to not only express yourconcern but also seek your interventionin de-escalating the prevailingdangerous situation inside Tibet andhelp find a lasting solution to the Issueof Tibet for a mutually beneficialagreement through dialogue.We are confident that while engagingconstructively with China, you will notrefrain from voicing your concern forthe values of democracy, equality,justice and basic human rights that youso very much cherish.Tibetan Parliament-in-ExileDharamsala: Dated: February 22, 2012Video Message of Mr. Penpa Tsering,Honourable Speaker of TibetanParliament-in-Exile is viewable intibetonline.tv

Statement of the Tibetan Parliament .......... Continues From front Page

By Dane Holding, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala - 16 February 2012.Chinese security forces have beenincreasing their efforts to deny Tibetanstheir freedom of expression in Tibet. Inthe past week, there has been anoutbreak of beatings and detentionscommitted by the Chinese government.On 13 February at around 2.30 PMTibetan time, Chinese security forcesextinguished the monk Lobsang Gyaltso,who had chosen to self-immolate inprotest, by beating him savagely.Lobsang Gyatso had shouted words ofprotest against the Chinese governmentbefore self-immolating, according to apress release by the Tibetan Parliamentin exile. After being beaten, he was takento an undisclosed location.Lobsang Gyatso is a 19-year old monkof the Kirti Monastery in Nagba County.He was the oldest of four siblings, andwas described as "one of the brightestin his class."At the same scene, a pair of Tibetanyouth and another monk were likewisebeaten by Chinese police. One of theyouths was able to escape with the helpof onlookers, but the other was detainedby security forces.Nagba County is now in lock-down andrandom searches are being conductedby Chinese police.On 11 February at around 11.00 AMTibetan time in Karze County, TashiPalden, openly protested the Chineseoccupation, demanded a return of HisHoliness to Tibet, and declared that,"Tibet needs freedom." As a result,Chinese police brutalized him andremoved him to an undisclosed location.

Tibetan Parliament and Kashag Meet on Critical Situation in Tibet, 14th February, 2012.Photo: Tibet Net

At the same scene, and unidentifiedbusinessman was also beaten by securityforces and removed to an undisclosedlocation. Sources allege that the Chinesepolice "confiscated" a valuable coralnecklace from this individual.On 8 February in the afternoon, a groupof Tibetans removed Chinese flags froma government building and a hospital inAkori Township in Choechen County.In addition, they distributed pamphletsabout Tibetan independence to locals.Chinese police arrived on the scene andbegan searches of the local population.Earlier, many Tibetan pilgrims who hadbeen visiting Nepal and India have beenrequired to register with the Chinesegovernment. About one hundred ofthese pilgrims have been detained bypolice and forced to pay for their ownroom and board. A group of ten to twentyhas been detained indefinitely at theNepal-China border.In addition, a new policy in Lhasa hasexpelled many of the residents who comefrom Kham and Amdo regions.In a press conference with Chinese PrimeMinister Wen Jiabao on the 14 February,Jiabo claimed that, "What is happeningin Tibet is being caused by a few monksencouraged by external forces. Their goalis to destroy the peaceful society that isdeveloping in Tibet, which benefitsneither Tibet nor the Tibetanpeople."The Tibetan Parliamentresponded by saying that, "Jiabao andthe Chinese Government clearly have nointerest in reviewing the causes ofviolence in Tibet, and they haveconstantly ignored our requests to do

so. Instead, Jiabao and the Chinesegovernment lie to cover up what ishappening by saying that those monkswho self-immolate are alive and well.""A good example exists in 2008, whenJiabao claimed that the Chinese were notshooting at the Tibetan people, despitegraphic, photographic evidence of deadTibetans.""If they want to realize why there is nopeace inside of Tibet, they cannot accuseoutsiders. They need to see the angerand frustration inside of Tibet forthemselves. The best way that they cando this is to allow international mediaand researchers into Tibet, and allowthose people to show them what is

happening."The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and theKashag on Thursday, February 14thhave jointly held a day-long meeting inview of the critical situation in Tibet,according to the Tibetan official media.Mr Penpa Tsering, Speaker of the TibetanParliament-in-Exile and Dr LobsangSangay, Kalon Tripa, chaired the meetingattended by Kalons (members of theKashag) and Parliamentary StandingCommittee at the parliamentarysecretariat. Extensive deliberations wereheld on efforts to be made by the Kashagand the parliament in view of theunending critical situation in Tibet andother important issues.

Kalon Tripa also expressed hope andemphasised the need to have competentresearchers and pledged to make everyeffort to realise this goal. He called on theresearchers including the staff of the TibetPolicy Institute and other CTA officials,to make best develop the know how and

their interests in researchworks on issues relating toTibet.Aiming to make GangchenKyishong, the seat of theCentral TibetanAdministration inDharamsala, as an"Intellectual Hub", KalonTripa said top researchersfrom India and abroad will beinvited to hold monthly andannual debates andsymposiums to hone theskills and knowledge of the

Tibetan researchers.Kalon Tripa praised the efforts made byformer researchers of the Central TibetanAdministration for their valuable researchwork and the materials published.In his remarks, Mr Thubten Samphel, thenewly appointed director of the TibetPolicy Institute, said the policy institutewould strive to focus on research towardsevolving policies to tackle challenges inthe coming fifty years in all spheres ofTibet issue."We highly appreciate and thank thedirector and staff members of theResearch and Analysis Unit for theirvaluable research works considering theresources available to them, said MrSamphel, who will take charge of the Tibetpolicy Institute on 2 March."To fufil the Kashag's aspirations,researchers at the policy institute wouldmake their best possible efforts to pooltheir energy and interests in all aspects ofthe Tibetan issue," he said.Mr Lobsang, Additional Secretary at theTibet Policy Institute, presented anoverview of some of the key researchworks carried out by the Central TibetanAdministration on the issue of Tibet tilltoday.

TPI TIBETThe Tibet Post 329 February, 2012 Dharamsala

A Tibetan Arrested AfterNangchen, Tibet Protests

By The Tibet Post International

Dharamshala: A Tibetanbusinessman named Tamdin (??), 32,from Nangchen County was arrestedin the Chengdu Shuangliu airport onLosar Febuary 22nd. He flew fromXining to Chengdu after participatingin a mass protest/pray-in NangchenCounty on Wednesday February 8th,2012.Tamdin's arrest was in connection tohis participation in the protests.Tamdin is a prominent Yartsa Gomposalesman and is said to have a strong

Teenage Self-immolation Death inZamthang, Eastern Tibet

Dharamshala: - On 19 February 2012,yet another Tibetan teenager sethimself ablaze and reportedly diedprotesting against the Chinesegovernment, in Barma Village,Zamthang County, Ngaba, easternTibet, (Ch Tibetan AutonomousPrefecture).According to a report of TibetanCenter for Human Rights andDemocracy based in India,Nangdrol,18 years old, set himself onfire at around 2 pm (Tibet Time) infront of the Zamthang JonangMonastery last Sunday, according tosources. He died on the spot.Police officers who reached at the spottried to take his body away but themonks of the Zamthang JonangMonastery managed to takepossession of the body. The monkslater performed rituals and prayers forthe deceased. Nangdrol was son offather Chensig and mother Nyingmo.The situation in eastern Tibet hasconsistently remained grim sinceMarch 2011 self-immolation by aTibetan names Phuntsok. 20 moreTibetans have self-immolated in

By The Tibet Post International

list of recent self-immolations in Tibet. Photo: TPI/Filestanding in Nangchen.According to Tamdin's family,according to Tamdin's family, there isno information about where he isbeing held.The source said "because no one wasarrested on the day of the protest, thepolice are after many young Tibetansfrom Nangchen now." "Many Tibetansare being arrested trying to get toChengdu" and the "Chengdu policeare working with Xining police" toarrest Tibetans residing in both cities.

Chinese Party Boss Demands Kirti Mon-astery Support Communist Party

By Dane Holding, The Tibet Post

kirti monstary in tibet.

DHARAMSALA: - A SichuanCommunist Party Boss recentlyimplored monks at Kirti Monasteryto cease their "separatist activities,"on 26 February.Liu Qibao, Communist Party chief ofthe Sichuan province, told the monksof Kirti Monastery to support TheCommunist Party, sources indicate.Likewise, he warned all citizens tocast aside separatist aspirations andobey all local laws imposed by theChinese."We should resolutely crack downon separatist activities and crimes ofall kinds, uphold state unification,ethnic unity and the normal legalorder. This upholds the basicinterests of the people and upholdstheir religious freedom,'' said Liu,according to a local SichuanNewspaper."Everyone is equal before the law.No matter whether you are a monk ora nun, you are a citizen first," thepaper continued.

Liu, despite being a party boss in anatheist government, is also quotedas having invoked Buddhistscripture in saying that, "thereshould be no reason to destroy aninnocent life." He was obviouslyreferencing the outbreak of self-immolations in Ngaba County since2009.Kirti Monastery, located in NgabaCounty, eastern Tibet, has been a hotbed of anti-occupation protests,including the recent self-immolationof the monk Lobsang Gyatso, 19, on13 February, which spurred additionalsecurity measures around Ngabacounty. Rigzin Dorjee, 19, formermonk of Kirti Monastery, also self-immolated on February 8.Ngaba County, l ikewise, hasaccounted for a great number of thetwenty-three self-immolations thathave occurred since 2009.Since the wave of self-immolationsbegan in 2009, a great number ofmonks have allegedly disappeared

from Kirti Monastery, while othershave been sentenced to lengthy jailterms on vague charges of"subversion."Shortly after the immolation ofLobsang Gyatso, a Guardian reporterwho snuck into the restricted areasof Ngaba County suggested that thearea was reminiscent of conflict zonesin Iraq and Northern Ireland, and thatweapons that the Chinese SecurityForces employed were reminiscent of"medieval" weapons.The recent outbreak of protests andviolence in Tibet has spurred theChinese government to explore newmeans by which to subvert theTibetan cultural identity.Zhu Weiqun, vice minister of theUnited Front Work Department of theChinese Communist Party andChina's point man for Tibet, hassuggested that providing Tibetans aseparate legal identity may be theroot cause of the unrest.Zhu has implored the the two housesof Chinese parliament - the NationalPeople's Congress and the ChinesePeople's Political ConsultativeConference - to review lawsconcerning Tibetan identity in legaldocuments during their upcomingsessions in March.Zhu continued by saying that suchlaws that identify Tibetans as separatefrom Chinese can only serve to erodeTibetans' sense of Chinesenationalism and national cohesion."The best way to achieve nationalcohesion is to stop giving them aseparate status as an ethnic minorityon identity cards, to stop allowingthem to use ethnic labels in for theirschools and autonomous regions, andto stop giving them special privilegesreserved for minorities." Zhu added.

protest of the Chinese rule in Tibetsince then. Choedon is the 24th

Tibetan since 2009 and the sixth thepast 8 days to self-immolate.

China Sentences A Young TibetanWriter to Two Years In Prison

By Dane Holding, The Tibet Post

Dharamshala: - The Chinese clamp-down on the Tibetan intellectual diasporacontinues to gather momentum. Chineseauthorities in Central Tibet (Ch: TibetAutonomous Region) have sentenced aTibetan author to a two-year jail term oncharges of writing a book about the 2008mass protests in Tibet, according to areport received on February 14th.Tsering Norbu, aged 28, was handed hissentence by a local court in Lhasa, thecapital of Tibet in December 2010, theIndia based Tibetan government in exiletold Reporters Without Borders, citingsources from inside Tibet. His Book wastitled "If You Have That Inhuman ActAnd Violent Crackdowns, I Have TheTruth of Compassion." (Translated fromTibetan)"After his sentence, Tsering was takento Chushul prison in Lhasa," a statementsaid. Tsering was sentenced by a localcourt in Lhasa due to his politicalactivities such as writing a book aboutthe 2008 protest, then later distributingto Tibetans in Lhasa and surroundingareas as well as Tibetan scholars,intellectuals, and writers.The author of the book, "If You HaveThat Inhuman Act And ViolentCrackdowns, I Have The Truth ofCompassion" was detained in 2010 andhad been held since that time, sourcessaid. He managed to distribute his booksin his hometown called Palyul, easternTibet and surrounding areas, then wasarrested by Chinese police in Lhasawhen he was distributing his book.He was born the son of the late Rigzin inRachab town, Dege Palyul county,eastern Tibet. He completed his studiesat the Rachab Monastery which islocated in Rachab town. He joined the

monastery when he was young. Sourcessaid, he was a very able student and usedto write many articles related to Tibetanhistory and related issues. His conditionand whereabouts are still unknown.Against the backdrop of a stream of 24self-immolations in Tibet in protestagainst Chinese rule, unrest in easternTibet with protestors shot by armedsecurity forces and a severely increasedmilitary presence, several of the mostpopular independently-run Tibetanlanguage blog sites hosted in China havegone offline as of February 3rd,according to a report.Since 2008 Beijing Olympic, China hascontinued to place a heavy restrictionon information inside Tibet, almost all ofTibetan websites related Tibet issueswere closed-down in past few years, saidsources. The new recent crackdown onsome important Tibetan websites; a blogsection of the website AmdoTibet hasbeen closed and a notice in Chinesereads: “Due to some of the blog usersnot publishing in accordance with thegoal of this site, the blog has temporarilybeen shut down, we hope that blog userswill have understanding!”Another very popular blog siteSangdhor.com is also offline, without anyexplanation. In October 2011, Sangdhorboldly published a poem titled“Mourning” that was about the self-immolations in Tibet. The poem wasquickly taken offline.On February 3rd: a blog siteRangdrol.net is also offline and containsan interesting notice in Tibetan. “Site off-line” suggests that the administratorshave removed the site, and the Tibetantext underneath reads: ”For the sake oflife, we are mourning and crying.”

The Tibet Post4 29 February, 2012 Dharamsala

Tibet Cut Off From The RestOf The World: Press Freedom

Watchdog

Paris: - Reporters Without Borders isalarmed at the blackout imposed byChinese authorities on the provinces ofSichuan and Qinghai, as well as theautonomous region of Tibet, preventingall media coverage of protest movementsthere.To this we must add disinformationactivities such as the recent hacking ofthe French-language weekly CourrierInternational by Chinese propagandists.“At least 15 Tibetan monks have setthemselves on fire since March last year,yet little information about this, or aboutthe recent demonstrations in Tibet, hasemerged,” Reporters Without Borderssaid.“Not only are foreign mediaorganizations prevented from coveringthese events, but the authorities havealso organized a veritable disinformationcampaign, using pro-government mediasuch as the Global Times, which playdown the disturbances and accuse the

By Reporters Without Borders

A screen shot of the official website of Paris based International Press Freedom WatchDog "Reporters Without Borders. Photo: RSF

TPI INTERNATIONAL

Yeshi Tenzing began their hunger strikeon Losar in an effort to convince TheUnited Nations to address ongoinghuman rights violations within Tibet,and to show solidarity with thoseTibetans within Tibet who areprotesting for their own freedoms.The hunger strikers have five requestsfor The United Nations, all of which areintended to either reveal to the worldthe egregious human rights abusescommitted by the Chinese Government,end the oppressive policies of theChinese in Tibet, or preserve Tibetanculture and identity."The Tibetan Youth Congress stronglycalls on governments of this world andthe United Nations to heed to thedemands of the Tibetans suffering inTibet. If you do not take theresponsibilities to sincerely uphold theuniversal fundamental rights of humanbeings, you become willing accomplicesto China's inhumane crimes towardsTibetans," stated a press release issuedby The Tibetan Youth Congress.H.E. Shingza Rinpoche is 32 years old.He was recognized as the reincarnationof 10th Shingza Rinpoche in 1993, andhe fled to India where he joined Sera

Monastery in southern India in 1997.He is a member of several TibetanNGOs, and has worked extensively inthe interest of preserving TibetanLanguage and culture.Dorjee Gyalpo, 58 years old, was bornin the Kyidong Pang-Shing region ofTibet. In 1960, he fled to Nepal, andlater moved to The United States underthe US Tibetan Resettlement Project in1993. He was an executive member ofthe RTYC Mainpat, and continues tobe an active participant RTYCMinnesota.Yeshi Tenzing, 38, was born in exile andstudied at CST Dalhousie. He was thepresident of RTYC Herbertpur for twoterms from 2004-2010.On the second day of the protests, NewYork Police ordered the removal of thetent in which the hunger strikers wereresiding citing ‘Occupy Wall Street'protests. Despite freezing rain thefollowing day, the hunger strike isongoing.Tsewang Rigzin, president of TheTibetan Youth Congress, commented,"Come rain, wind or NYPD, the hungerstrikers are not deterred and ready togo on until UN hears them."

Tibetans’ Hunger Strike atUnited Nations Enters Day

Three...... Continues From front Page

that China must follow the same traderules as all other world powers, butvowed to pressure China to improve itshuman rights record. "On critical issueslike human rights we will continue toemphasize what we believe is theimportance of recognizing theaspirations and rights of all people,"Obama said.Jay Carney, White HousePress Secretary, has confirmed that, inthe meeting, Obama mentioned specifichuman rights abuses inside of China.However, no information has beenreleased as to which specific issueswere discussed.In addition to the issue of human rights,Obama told Xi that, though hewelcomed China's "peaceful rise," heindicated that tensions will remain aslong as the economic and military rivalrycontinues. He also expressed hisdisappointment in China's resistance toUN action on Syria.Xi, who will assume the ChinesePresidency in March 2013, respondedby saying that he is interested inbuilding a "cooperative partnershipbased on respect."US Vice President Joe Biden andSecretary of State Hillary Clinton alsohad a "candid exchange" with Xi abouthuman rights abuses by the ChineseGovernment in Tibet.To this Xi responded that "China hasmade tremendous and well-recognised

achievements in the field of humanrights over the past 30-plus years, sincereform and opening up,""Of course, there is always room forimprovement when it comes to humanrights," Xi mentioned, echoing a similarstatement made by Chinese PresidentHu Jintao during a visit to Washingtonin 2011.He did not directly address any ofObama's criticism, but later cautionedU.S. leadership that addressing topicslike Taiwan and Tibet would only cause"further disturbance and damage" totheir countries' relationship.While the meeting was occurring, anumber of protesters gathered outsideof the White House and waved the flagsof Tibet and the Uyghur autonomousregion. The protesters' signs borestatements like: "Xi Jinping: Tibet willbe free!" and "Tibet is not a part ofChina!"Protesters believed that the meetingwas a critical moment in which Obamacould address human rights abusesinside of Tibet and the Uyghurautonomous region.Tenzin Dorjee, the Executive Directorof Students for a Free Tibet stated that,"we are here to amplify [Tibetan]voices and to send a message toPresident Obama that he should usethis opportunity to raise the issue ofTibet strongly and vigorously with Xi

Jinping ... and in fact as leader of thisfree and democratic country he shoulduse his influence and authority toimpress upon Xi that so long as Tibetremains oppressed and occupied theChinese government will never trulybe accepted by the internationalcommunity."Many of Obama's critics have used thisopportunity to criticize his"conciliatory attitude" towards China."Responsible nations must becommitted to confronting the Chineseregime on its dark human rightsrecord," said Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, theRepublican chair of the House ForeignRelations Committee, who accusedObama of "one dangerous concessionafter another" to China. RepublicanPresidential candidate Mitt Romneycalled Obama's meeting with Xi "emptypomp and ceremony."Much of what is being said regardingthe meeting between Obama and Xi,including what occurred during themeeting itself, comes during anAmerican election year. As aconsequence, it is difficult to say howmuch of it is generated by sincereconcern over human rights abuses andhow much of it is generated by a needfor American politicians to demonstratethat they are capable of pressuringChina, who is considered to be TheU.S.'s number one rival in the world.

US President Obama Raises Human Rightsissues with China's VP Xi

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international community of interfering.“Few media outlets are able to obtain first-hand information and fewer still manageto travel to the regions concerned.“Out of sight of the world, a major crisisis unfolding. Even Pyongyang has aninternational media presence, which isnot the case in Lhasa.”The press freedom organization added:“As in the past, the Chinese authoritiesaim to control the Tibetan people behindclosed doors, excluding journalists,foreign ones in particular, who might betroublesome witnesses of what ishappening.“They are also trying to restrict allcommunication between the region andthe rest of the world. The Internet is asecondary victim of the crackdown.Connections are cut off, access isblocked and content linked to the unrestis removed – any method can be used toprevent Chinese netizens taking over thebaton from journalists and publishing

news and information that mightembarrass Beijing over its handling ofthe Tibetan unrest.“Local community networks areparticularly targeted in order to nip inthe bud any attempt at mobilisingsupport online.”Crackdown in TibetMore than 20 police officers went to thehome of Gagkye Drubpa Kyab, ajournalist and teacher, in Serthar countyin Sichuan province, on 15 February andarrested him. He remains in detention.The writer Kalsang Tsultrim, known bythe pen name Gyitsang Takmig, wassentenced to four years’ imprisonmenton 30 December 2011. He had been heldwithout charge since 16 December 2010.He was previouslyarrested on 27 July2010 for “political error” and was releasedon 15 October that year on condition thathe did not participate in political activity.He had distributed a CD containing apersonal video message urging theinternational community to take actionand calling for the return of the DalaiLama. He detailed the suffering of theTibetan people and expressed concernabout the disappearance of their religionand culture, as well as human rightsabuses.Tsultrim had already received warningfrom the authorities about the message,recorded in June 2009.On 14 February, Reporters WithoutBorders also learned, from the Tibet PostInternational, of the sentencing inDecember 2010 of the writer TseringNorbu for publishing and distributing abook about the 2008 demonstrations inTibet. Police arrested him as he wasdistributing copies of his book in Lhasa,where is now in prison.Some journalists and writers choose togo into exile in order to be able to writeabout what is happening in their region.Such was the case of Gedun Tsering,who fled to the northern Indian city ofDharamsala where he published his book

“Ghost Writer”. The work is in the formof a journal of his journey to India andhis life as a refugee. Copies have beengiven to monasteries, schools anduniversities and Tibet’s four provinces.Online censorshipSince 24 January, Internet and cell phonenetworks have been severely disruptedwithin a radius of 50 km around Sedadistrict in Sichuan province, which wasthe epicentre of the violent protests.Websites of Tibetan exile mediaorganizations cannot be accessed.Discussion forums and blogs in theTibetan language, such as Sangdhor.comand Rangdrol.net, have also beenblocked since 3 February.On the same day the tag of Liu Zhiming(???), an investigative journalist with theEconomic Observer, who posted amessage about a demonstration on 23January, was removed from the micro-blogging site Sina Weibo. This is justone example among many of the removalof content referring to the currentdisturbances in Tibet.The strategy adopted by the Chineseauthorities, namely cutting off certainprovinces or regions from the media andonline worlds in order to subdue themsilently, is not new and has been appliedelsewhere.Tibet has already been the target ofparticularly harsh restrictions oncommunications. In May 2011, theInternet was a secondary victim of acrackdown on demonstrations in InnerMongolia. The region of Xinjiang wascut off from the outside world for severalmonths after inter-ethnic riots in theregional capital Urumqi on 5 July 2009.Response to measures aimed at foreignjournalistsForeign journalists, banned fromentering Tibet, have been prevented bythe police from covering demonstrationsby Tibetans in other Chinese provinces.In the last week of January in Sichuanprovince, a crew from CNN was arrested

at a toll barrier and prevented fromtravelling to neighbouring Tibet.Aware that such restrictions are unlawful,the authorities regularly cite bad weatheror the poor state of the roads to restrictaccess to the autonomous region.Consequently, journalists are forced toresort to clandestine methods to get intothe Tibetan-inhabited provinces.Jonathan Watts, a reporter for theGuardian, was among those whomanaged to elude the barriers and toreach the town of Aba (Ngaba inTibetan). He and others have spoken ofthe heavy military presence in the region.Foreign journalists suspected of wishingto defy police instructions are victims ofharassment by the security forces.Some have complained of beingfollowed, others that they have beenescorted to the airport by the police,questioned for several hours, forced towipe the pictures they have taken andhave had their equipment seized.Identity checks are not confined to presscards and passports but includetemporary residence permits, whichjournalists must carry with them at alltimes. These infringements create anatmosphere of constant surveillancewhich add to the stress levels and affectthe psychological well-being of somemedia workers.On 2 February, some foreigncorrespondents working in China askedthe authorities for free access to theprovinces that were closed to them. In astatement issued by the ForeignCorrespondents’ Club of China, whichis illegal and has no official status, theyclaimed the right to travel freely and tointerview anyone prepared to beinterviewed.Two days ago, the FCCC also urgedjournalists to take care and be alert intheir work.Social unrest a major worry for BeijingThe conditions in which foreign media

See Page 5 ...

The Tibet Post 529 February, 2012 Dharamsala

Jigme Guri's Impending Sentence:Arrest Warrant Surfaces

By Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy

Jigme Guri Arrest Warrant. Photo: TCHRD

Dharamshala: - igme, also known asJigme Guri, the intrepid monk fromLabrang Monastery who exposedChinese brutality to the outside worldmight be sentenced soon, Tibetanrights group based in Dharamshala,India said on Saturday, February 18th.It is learnt that on 1 January 2012 ataround 3 pm (Tibet Time), the KanlhoTibetan Autonomous Prefecture issueda procuratorate-approved arrest warrantfor Jigme, according to informationreceived by Tibetan Center For HumanRights and Demcracy (TCHRD).The warrant states that Jigme ischarged with engaging in activitiesaimed at splitting the country. Thewarrant (written in Chinese) furthernotes that Jigme is currently held in thePublic Security Bureau detention Centrein Tsoe (Chinese: Hezuo) city.Under the Chinese law, once the

TPI TIBET

Monk Self-Immolates In the Wake Of RestrictionsOn His Monastery

By Rajeshwari K, The Tibetpost

Dharamsala: 17 February - Dharamsala:Another Tibetan self-immolated in protestof oppressive Chinese policies inside ofTibet. Dhamchoe Sangpo self immolatedat around 6.00 AM Tibetan time in protestof recent restrictions imposed on theBongthak Ewam Tare Shedrup DhargeyLing Monastery in the Tsongon regionof Amdo, eastern Tibet. He passed awayshortly thereafter.Dhamchoe Sangpo, 38, was a monk of thesame monastery and the youngest of tensiblings. He spent the period from 1994-1997 in India studying at the DrepungGomang Monastery in southern India.He is the 24th Tibetan to self-immolatesince 2009.An earlier protest against proposed silvermining in the region by a monk namedKalsang resulted in heavy Chineserestrictions in the area. The monasterywas reported to have been surroundedby Chinese military personnel, who wouldoften interfere with prayer ceremonies andthreaten to seal up the building if themonks misbehaved.

Rohini attempted to jump the gate ofthe Embassy while shouting sloganssuch as "Luo Huning go back", "FreeTibet", Stop killing Tibetans".The protests by New Delhi Tibetancollege-going students conducted intwo batches lasted roughly 20 minuteseach after New Delhi police arrested allthe students. Many of the studentsreceived severe beatings from the Delhipolice at the time of arrest rendering oneof them in a serious condition who, hadto be rushed to the hospital.Qinghai Province has witnessed twoself-immolations and large-scaleprotests in the beginning of this yearalone. Sonam Wangyal also referred toas Sopa Rinpoche, from Darlag County,a respected religious figure in his 40'sdrank kerosene and set himself on fireon 8 January and Sonam Rabyang, amonk from Yuthung Villgae, LabTownship in his 30's self immolated on9 February. While Sopa Rinpoche diedthat same day, the fate of SonamRabyang is unclear.We wanted Mr. Luo to know that "theseevents of self immolations andresistance inside Tibet should be

viewed by the government of China asvery, very serious threat andunderstand the potential magnitudethat this represents," said Jigme,Cultural Secretary of the Tibetan YouthCongress."The sacrifices of these warriors clearlyexemplify that no amount ofbrainwashing, propaganda or so-calleddevelopment or violence, threat andoppression has penetrated the mindsand souls of the Tibetan people whowill continue to rise up and resist aslong as the occupation of Tibetpersist"."While situation inside Tibet remaindire and tense, for a Chinese leader tocome to India as a delegationrepresenting Tibetan Carpet at theIndia Carpet Expo scheduled to be heldfrom 17-20 February 2012 is not onlyinsensitive but arrogant anddistasteful," Jigme added.Although the students are currentlydetained in Chanakyapuri policestation, it appears that they will laterbe transferred to Tihar Jail. The groupconsisted of 25 girls and 23 boys all intheir early twenties.

Tibetan Youth Congress Storm ChineseEmbassy In Delhi

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workers try to function have beenworsening elsewhere in the countrysince February last year. Journalists whotry to report on the various protestsaround the country, particularly conflictsbetween residents and local authorities,have been the target of reprisals, whichclearly bear the hallmark of local or centralauthorities.On 15 February in Panhe in the easternprovince of Zhejiang, three journalistswere assaulted while they were coveringdemonstrations against the seizure andsale of land by the government, similarto protests late last year in Wukan overthe sale of land against local people’swishes.The French journalist Baptiste Fallevoz,of the television station France 24, andhis Chinese assistant Jack Zhang wereon their way to the scene when their carwas hit by another vehicle. They werethen attacked by thugs in plain clothes.Zhang, whose camera was smashed,received a severe blow to the head. Bothwere put aboard a plane for Wenzhou.Police attributed the incident to villagerivalries.On the same day, the Dutch freelance

journalist Remko Tanis suffered a similarassault. Tanis, who worked for theNetherlands Press Association, wasinterviewing protesters when about 100men burst into the building where he wasand severely beat him and seized hismemory cards and documents. Thejournalist said he was relativelyunharmed but he feared for the safety ofthose he had interviewed.The FCCC also reported an assault on avideo journalist who was attacked bysecurity agents in plain clothes who hithim several times in the face while he wascovering protests on Wangfujingshopping street in Beijing on 19 February.His equipment was seized.A dozen or so other journalists wereharassed and roughed up during thecrackdown.For their part, the Chinese authoritiescomplain that they receive a bad pressabroad, a criticism aimed expressly atforeign journalists who they say giveprominent coverage to dissidents,demonstrations, popular discontent andpollution, rather than the country’seconomic and cultural achievements.They accused 900 foreign reporters of

covering events in the country in anegative fashion, based on a doublestandard and a “Cold War mentality”. Tocounter what they see as biased coverageof the country, the authorities haveembarked on a campaign ofdisinformation. Courrier International,which translates and publishes excerptsof articles from international newspapers,was hacked by an official Chinesewebsite, China Tibet Online, forpropaganda purposes. It attributed anarticle translated from the Beijingnewspaper Huanqiu Shibao to the Paris-based weekly.The article, headlined “French media:harmony, development mostly desired forTibetans”, quoted a report from a remotearea of Tibet purportedly published inCourrier International. The article in realitycontained passages from HuanqiuShibao, which is part of the People’s Dailygroup. It condemned secessionist aimsof Tibetan exiles abroad and was neverpublished by Courrier International.China fell six places in the 2011-2012 worldpress freedom index compiled byReporters Without Borders, and nowstands in 174th places of 178 countries.

....... Press Freedom Watchdog...... Continues From front Page

procuratoracy organs approve a caseand issue arrest warrant, the personaccused will most likely be charged andsentenced.Monk Jigme was arrested in the eveningof 20 August 2011 by around 40 policeofficers of the Public Security Bureaufrom a hotel called 'Z-hong Yan' in Tsoecity, Kanlho Prefecture. Police officersraided his room and seized around 30portraits of the Dalai Lama, twocomputer systems and two laptops.The arrest warrant is the onlyinformation about Jigme Guri thatTCHRD has received since his arreston 20 August 2011.For more information on Jigme Guri,please visit the following links:1. More Details of Monk Jigme Guri'sArrest - 25 August 20112. Monk Jigme Guri Arrested Again - 24August 2011

The Tibetan Parliament's press releasestates that the Chinese military is currentlyconducting an intensive search of themonastery, but contains no further detailsregarding Sangpo's immolation.Expressing fear over continued self-immolations in the wake of increasinglystringent policies in Tibet, the Tibetan

Parliament has issued an open letter tothe Chinese Government. The lettercontains seven requests for ChinesePresident Hu Jintao, most noteworthyamong them the withdrawal of Chinesetroops from the Tibet and a request toend polices that erode the Tibetan culturalidentity.

06 July, 2011, Tibetans including monks and nuns celebrating the birthday of His Holinessthe Dalai in Tawao county, eastern Tibet. Photo: TPI

Teenage Monk Sets Self Ablaze as Wave of Self-Immolations Continues

By Dane Holding, The Tibet Post

Lobsang Gyatso, who self-immolated inprotest against Chinese rule over Tibet.

Photo: TPI/file

Dharamshala, February 13: Reportsindicate that Lobsang Gyatso selfimmolated at 2.30 pm Tibetan time on 13February 2012 in Ngaba, eastern Tibet.There is heavy restriction on movementof general public across the region.The 19 year old Tibetan monk is the24th Tibetan to self-immolate in protestof the Chinese occupation of Tibet since

2009, and was a practicing monk of theKirti monastery.Eyewitnesses claim that, while settinghimself ablaze, Lobsang Gyatsoshouted words of protest against therepressive Chinese policies in Tibet.Chinese police forces extinguishedLobsang Gyatso and took him to anundisclosed location. His whereaboutsat the time of this report are unknown.Armed police have been deployed alongthe main street in Ngaba andAt the scene, two Tibetan youths werealso allegedly beaten by Chinesesecurity personnel. One of the youthswas able to escape with the help ofonlookers, but the other was taken awayby Chinese police. He was described as"bleeding profusely from the head andarm."Since the immolation, local reports haveindicated that extra security personnel

have been deployed around Ngabatown and that people are being searched.A British reporter who had snuck intothe area claimed that the situation inNgaba town was similar to conflict zonesin Northern Ireland and Iraq.Additionally, he described the weaponsthat Chinese security forces used as"medieval."As of late, there has been a drasticincrease in self-immolations protestingthe Chinese occupation of Tibet. Siximmolations have occurred in the lastthirteen days to demand the return ofHis Holiness the Dalai Lama to hishomeland.The Tibetan leadership in exile andrights groups have expressed fear ofmore self-immolations and bloodshedas many parts of Tibet continue toexperience undeclared martial law underChinese security personnel.

6 29 February, 2012 Dharamsala The Tibet Post

A New Chinese Boss Appointed to RunTibetan Areas in Sichuan

Dharamshala - The Chinesegovernment has appointed a so calledlaw enforcement official to run Ngabaof eastern Tibet ( Ch: Aba prefecture inSichuan province), amid increasingprotests in the area.Liu Zuoming, a Han Chinese wasappointed as Communist Partysecretary of Sichuan province's Abaregion over the weekend. It is not clearwhether his transfer was prompted bythe latest unrest or part of a regularrotation of officials. His predecessor inAba, Shi Jun, was promoted to policechief for Sichuan.In a speech posted on the Abagovernment website, Liu told localofficials Saturday that they "mustcorrectly handle the relationshipbetween stability and development.There can be not the slightest relaxationon stability, nor the slightest paralysisor laxity."The 54-year-old has a track record ofalmost 30 years in law enforcement. Thearea has seen increased protests and aspate of self-immolations, according to

By The Tibet Post International

Taiwan Festival to PromoteTibetan Cultural Heritage

By Matthew Singh Toor, The Tibet Post

Tibet Culture Festival 2012 in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan. Photo: TPI

Taipei: - Tibetan artists and musicianswill gather in the Tawainese capital,Taipei, over the coming weeks to takepart in a festival promoting Tibetanculture and tradition.The first Free Tibet Festival, whichkicked off February 18 and runs untilMarch 11, will include a photoexhibition, film screenings, lectures,music, dance and theatricalperformances.Taiwan Friends of Tibet's presidentChou Mei-li said her organization andlocal theatre group Dark EyesPerformance Lab have worked togetheron the festival with the aim of givingthe Taiwanese public a betterunderstanding of Tibetan culture."For many Taiwanese, the mysteries ofTibetan Buddhism come to mind whenthey think of Tibet," said Chou, "but

Tibetans in Yulshul county of eastern Tibet ( Ch: Aba prefecture in Sichuan province)carrying a huge banner calls the return of His Hoiness the Dalai Lama. Photo: TPI

Hoboken, New Jersey and Tenzin Jigme(age 32) of Vienna, Virginia - rappelledover the edge of the bridge and unfurledthe 52' x 20' foot protest banner. Theywere later arrested along with MatthewZaccarino (age 32) of Milford,Massachusetts and Tenzin Yangsel (age25) of Queens, New York.The action kicked off a day-long festivalof protest in the capital by hundreds ofTibetans and their supporters includinga rally and march from the ChineseEmbassy to the White House, a massBuddhist prayer offering, life-sizepuppets, solidarity rallies, and acandlelight vigil."As a Tibetan-American born in Tibet,I have to speak out at this criticalmoment when Xi Jinping and theChinese government have literallydeclared war against my people and areshooting peaceful protesters in thestreets of Tibet," said Tenzin Jigme, ofthe International Tibet Network. "XiJinping has come here seekingAmerican friendship and approval, andPresident Obama, as the leader of thegreatest democracy in the world, hasthe power to influence Xi and stop thisbloody crackdown."Vice President Xi Jinping's visit comesas reports that Losang Gyatso, age 19,self-immolated in Ngaba town in easternTibet at 2:30pm Beijing Standard Timetoday. Twenty-four Tibetans have nowset fire to themselves in Tibet since2009, 11 since January 2012, in an

unprecedented show of defiance toChinese rule. In an effort to stop newsof the unrest reaching the world aftersecurity forces opened fire on protesterscalling for Tibetan freedom and thereturn of the Dalai Lama, the Chinesegovernment has sealed Tibet off toforeigners and journalists."Xi Jinping is here representing a regimethat is right now engaged in an-all outvicious assault on the Tibetan people,while at the same time directlysupporting the Syrian dictatorship inmassacring its own people," said BiancaBockman, member of Students for a FreeTibet. "Is Xi really the person that wewant our President to be on a date withon Valentine's day? I don't think so.Americans care most about freedom,democracy and basic human rights.""I believe that all Americans would wantto see freedom and independence forTibetans in Tibet, for Syrians in Syria,"said Tenzin Yangsel, of the RegionalTibetan Youth Congress of New Yorkand New Jersey. "Xi Jinping is arepresentative of a murderousauthoritarian dictatorship, and is in factthe last person President Obama shouldentertain at the White House onValentine's Day."A joint rally in support of freedom anddemocracy will be held outside theWhite House tomorrow by a coalitionof Tibetan, Chinese, Uyghur, Taiwaneseand human rights groups as Xi Jinpingand President Obama meet.

Tibet Activists to Protest Visit ofChina’s Future President

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The welcome of 2139, the Tibetan Yearof the Water Dragon, was a mournfulaffair, both in Tibet and across the globalcommunity.Defiantly, the British diaspora chose tostand shoulder to shoulder with thosesuffering in their homeland. AlthoughTibetans were to resist New Yearcelebrations and observe a period ofmourning for those suffering in a year ofself-immolations and unrest in Tibet, theBritish community gathered in Londonwith a series of prayers, speeches,traditional music, pledges, and peacefulprotest.Students for a Free Tibet UK highlightedthe positive use of Losar as a tool inexile: a tool to get peoples' attention tothe Tibet issue, a method for Tibetansinside to defy the Chinese authority, andas a tool for Tibetans living around theworld to be themselves and celebrate ourexistence."Today is Losar, Tibetan New Year, butinstead of celebrating, we are here in frontof the Chinese embassy" highlightedPhuntsog, a Tibetan student in histwenties. "We are standing against theChinese rule of Tibet, and in solidaritywith Tibetans who have self-immolated.

We want to strongly give this messageto China - allow media and the UnitedNations in Tibet, end the crackdown;give Tibetans basic human rights".Prayers were led by esteemed Buddhistmonk Geshe Tashi, marking the tragicloss of life in Tibet, which has witnessedat least 16 deaths from the desperate actsof self-immolation since March last yearalone.Representative of the Dalai Lama in theUK, Thubten Samdup, also gave amoving speech to a crowd of one-hundred, stating the importance ofdialogue with China, despite repression,adding:"Our struggle is never going to be aviolent one. One day it will prevail, notonly for us, but our children and theirchildren. I appeal to all of you not todespair."Traditional Tibetan singing,accompanied by skilled musicians,cheered the mood. Tibetans dressed intraditional chubas, held banners, andwaved the national flag; which is bannedunder Chinese rule. Obviously frustratedand embarrassed at the spectacle outsidethe Chinese embassy however, a memberof the Chinese assemblage who was

stood near the open doorway of theembassy, swore at the grievingprotesters, leading to a rush of aroundforty furious Tibetans gathering outsidethe entrance. Police immediatelyremoved the provocateur, and a largedelegation of constables, along witharound seven police vehicles,surrounded the protesters, who remainedpeaceful.Tibetans in Tibet marked the New Yearquietly amid a heavy security presenceby Chinese armed forces in major townsand cities. Tensions are expected toremain high amid the run-up to Marchthe 10th, the anniversary of the 1959uprising against Chinese rule, whichwitnessed the Dalai Lama's escape intoexile.Unlike the colourful and widelycelebrated Chinese New Year'scelebrations in Britain, Tibetans havemarked their traditional New Year withgrief and anguish. As the world turns ablind eye to the unfolding human rightscrisis in Tibet, global resistancecontinues. February 22nd, marked theend of a tragic year for Tibetans in Tibet.The year of the Water Dragon mustsurely offer a brighter future.

New Year Marked in Britain with Solidarity for those in Tibet...... Continues From front Page

TPI

we hope that people can obtain abroader understanding of the diversityof Tibetan culture through the festival."Since his Holiness the Dalai Lama'sflight to India in 1959, Tibetan culturehas gradually been eroded by theChinese authorities. Dharamshala, innorthern India - home to the Tibetangovernment-in-exile - has subsequentlybecome the hub of Tibetan culture inexile, and is visited by artists and writersfrom around the world, eager toparticipate in the preservation ofTibetan culture.The festival stems from a trip by HungHung, artistic director of Dark EyesPerformance Lab, to Dharamsala lastApril.Around 40 artists and musicians fromDharamshala and other internationalTibetan communities will participate and

perform - among them world-famoussinger Kelsang Chukie Tethong, whowill perform traditional Tibetan folksongs on March 3.JJI Exile Brothers - a rock bandcomprising three brothers living inDharamshala - will perform at the WallLive House on February 29. Their musicfuses traditional Tibetan music withrock, jazz and blues.The festival will screen 16documentaries by Tibetan, Taiwanese,European and American directorsbetween March 2 and 9, on issuesranging from human rights to religion,environmental protection andeducation. A photo exhibition aboutTibet prior to Chinese rule will also runthroughout the festival.

media reports.Aba, a sprawling region that rises fromthe Sichuan plain up steep valleys tothe Tibetan plateau, saw some of themost biggest protests in a rebellionagainst Chinese rule in 2008. Since thenthe government has poured ininvestment to boost the region'seconomy and heavy security to preventunrest, though protests - and self-immolations by monks and nuns - haveticked up over the past few years."We must strictly prevent and severelystrike at the activities of domestic andforeign hostile forces seeking to split,infiltrate and sabotage," Liu Zuomingwas quoted as saying by AFP in aspeech he gave to local officialsSaturday. "We must thoroughly smashany plot seeking to sabotage thestability of Aba and endanger the unityof the motherland," Liu was furtherquoted as saying.International media are denied accessto the area, making it difficult to verifyconflict accounts. Officials in the restivearea are under increasing pressure fromthe government to contain the protests.Last week, the Chinese Communist Partychief in so called Tibet AutomonusRegion sacked four officials for''endangering stability'' in the region,

Chinese state controlled media, Xinhuareported.The officials were alleged to have lefttheir posts in the Chamdho regionduring the Lunar New Year. The regionalgovernment had issued a warning toofficials to maintain stability or facedismissal or criminal charges.In a recent press conference withChinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao onthe 14 February, Jiabo claimed that,"What is happening in Tibet is beingcaused by a few monks encouraged byexternal forces. "A good example existsin 2008, when Jiabao claimed that theChinese were not shooting at theTibetan people, despite graphic,photographic evidence of deadTibetans," Penpa Tsering, the speakerof Tibetan parliament said in astatement.The situation in eastern Tibet hasremained consistently grim since theMarch 2011 self-immolation of a Tibetannamed Phuntsok. 23 more Tibetanshave self-immolated in protest of theChinese rule in Tibet since then.Lobsang is the 24th Tibetan since 2009and the seventh in the past 8 days toself-immolate. As many as 19 monks,nuns and ordinary Tibetans have setthemselves on fire over the past year.

The Tibet Post 729 February, 2012 Dharamsala

Midwest Tibetans And Supporters ProtestVisit of China’s VP Xi

By The Tibet Post International

Des Moines - Protests in Washington,and Iowa send defiant message offreedom to Fifth Generation of Chineseleaders. Tibet supporters and fivehundred Tibetans from Minnesota,Wisconsin, and Illinois traveled toIowa today to continue the wave ofprotests targeting China's futurePresident, Xi Jinping during his USvisit.In Des Moines, Tibetans ralliedcarrying flag draped coffins in asymbolic act of mourning and

Japanese Supporters JoinGlobal Solidarity Vigil for

Tibet in Tokyo

Tokyo: - Tibetans and Japanesesupporters organised a memorialservice to express their solidarity withthe Tibetans in Tibet in view of thespate of tragic self-immolations byyoung Tibetans and the Chinesegovernment's heavy-handedresponse to the Tibetans' peacefulcalls for freedom and human rights inTibet.The memorial service, organised bythe Office of Tibet at Gokokuji Templein Tokyo on 8 February, was part ofthe global solidarity vigil called by theCentral Tibetan Administration.Prayers were offered in both Tibetanand Japanese languages. A candlelightvigil also organised in the evening.

By Tibetan Official Media: Tibet Net

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

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

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

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

Contributors for this Editon

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

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

TPI INTERNATIONAL

A large group of Tibetans, many from Minnesota, bussed to Des Moines, Iowa,Wednesday, February 15th to protest conditions in Tibet. China's Vice President, who isexpected to be the country's next president, was in Iowa's capital city as part of his U.S.

tour. Photo: TPI

A Japanese priest lead a prayer service for Tibetans suffering repression in Tibet atGokoku-ji Temple in Tokyo, Japan, on 8 February 2012solidarity with Tibetans inside Tibet.

The Iowa stop follows days of pro-Tibet demonstrations in the nation'scapital, including the unfurling of amassive banner reading Xi: Tibet Willbe Free from a landmark bridge."When Iowa Governor Branstadmeets with Vice President Xi Jinping,he must publicly and vigorously raiseTibet and call for the end to China'sviolent crackdown. The valuesAmericans cherish most - humanrights, democracy, and freedom are notjust a ‘federal government

responsibility' but the moral and civicresponsibility of every electedofficial," said Tenzin Khando of theMidwest Coalition for Tibet. "We alsoappeal to Iowa State Senators tostand with Tibet and to support thecalls of Tibetans for freedom and thereturn of the Dalai Lama to Tibet," sheadded.Vice President Xi Jinping's visit comesjust two days after Losang Gyatso,age 19, self-immolated in Ngaba townin eastern Tibet. Twenty-four Tibetanshave now set fire to themselves inTibet since 2009, 11 since January2012, in an unprecedented show ofdefiance to Chinese rule.In an effort to stop news of the unrestreaching the world after securityforces opened fire on protesterscalling for Tibetan freedom and thereturn of the Dalai Lama, the Chinesegovernment has sealed Tibet off toforeigners and journalists."Governor Branstad should open hiseyes to the true face of the Chinesegovernment, a tyrannical oppressiveregime that has not only declared anall out assault on the Tibetan peoplebut also enabled the Syriandictatorship to massacre its ownpeople," said Gabriel Feinstein, aspokesperson with the MidwestCoalition for Tibet. Xi Jinping's nextstop is Los Angeles where furtherprotests await the Vice-President.

Ten of Twenty Seven Journalists Jailedin China Are Tibetans

By The Tibet Post International

Journalists prison in China. Photo: file

Dharamshala: - As the Chineseauthorities continue to ban access tojournalists attempting to report on thesituation inside Tibet, a global annualcensus on imprisoned journalistsconducted by a leading internationalNGO promoting press freedom revealsthat 10 out of 27 known journalistsimprisoned in China are Tibetans. Sixare Uyghurs.The Committee to Protect Journalists(CPJ) in its December 2011 PrisonCensus on China said that Tibetansand Uyghurs form the bulk ofjournalists jailed in China, adding thisunfortunate trend dates back to thewidespread 2008 and 2009 protests inTibet and East Turkestan (Chinese:Xinjiang) respectively. (Please clickhere for the CPJ Survey: http://w w w . c p j . o r g / i m p r i s o n e d /2011.php#china)

The ten imprisoned Tibetan journalistsare documentary filmmaker DhondupWangchen (sentenced to 6 years sinceDecember 28, 2009, detained in March26, 2008); Kunchok Tsephel GopeyTsang, online writer for Tibetan culturalissues website, Chomei (15 years sinceNovember 2009, detained in February26, 2009); Kunga Tsayang aka Gangyi,political essayist, photographer andenvironmental activist (5 years sinceNovember 2010, detained in March 17,2009); Tashi Rabten, writer /publisherof Shar Dungri magazine (4 years since2 June 2011, detained since April 6,2010); Dokru Tsultrim, the twice-detained monk writer for KhawaiTsesok journal (formal chargesundisclosed); Jolep Dawa, writer andeditor of Durab Kyi Nga magazine (3years since October 2011, detained inOctober 1, 2010); Choepa Lugyal aka

Meycheh, freelance writer for SharDungri magazine (formal charges andwherabouts are unknown, detained inOctober 19, 2011).The writer and editor Jangtse Donkhoaka Nyen and his fellow writer for SharDungri magazine Buddha weredetained since June-July 2010. Bothwere sentenced to 4 yearsimprisonment subjected to hard laborsince October 2010 while another writerfor Shar Dungri, Kalsang Jinpa akaGarmi who was arrested along withNyen and Buddha was sentenced to 3years in October 2010. In January 2011,the three were imprisoned subjectedto hard labor in Mianyang jail nearChengdu, capital of Sichuan Province.In light of extreme restrictions andcensorship laws placed on anyinformation related to Tibet as ''statesecrets'', the number that this surveythrows up may not be the completepicture. There might be more unknownand unreported cases of rightsviolations and power abuses on thepart of the Chinese government. JohnKamm of Dui Hua Foundation had saidthe current number could beinconclusive.Dechen Pemba, editor of High PeaksPure Earth reported on 1 February 2012that some very popular privately-runTibetan language blogs had goneoffline. According to Pemba, the offlinemessage on 1 February on the blog siteRangdrol.net said, â•œFor the sake oflife, we are mourning and crying.â• Butattempts by TCHRD to access the siteon 10 February met with a warning/error message.Likewise on 10 February, when TCHRD

tried to reach the blog section ofwebsite AmdoTibet, a curt offlinenotice in Tibetan said the blog wasunavailable from 1 February to end ofMarch 2012. But the 1 February noticeon the blog, according to Pemba said,''Due to some of the blog users notpublishing in accordance with the goalof this site, the blog has temporarilybeen shut down, we hope that blogusers will have understanding!''

His Holiness the Dalai Lama'sRepresentative to Japan, Mr LhakpaTshoko, and his staff attended the vigil.Mr Lhakpa Tshoko addressed thegathering about the deterioratinghuman rights situation in Tibet. Hereiterated the Central TibetanAdministration's deep concern overthe self-immolation incidents and theChinese authorities' killing of peacefulTibetan demonstrators for simplyclaiming their basic rights. He alsoreiterated the Central TibetanAdministration's urgent call forsupport from the internationalcommunity to press the Chinesegovernment towards resolving theTibet's problem through dialogue.

These are just few of the examples ofmany other Tibetan websites that areshut down frequently by the Chineseauthorities to block information andopinions inconvenient to the Chinesegovernment. This state-supportedpractice to gag Tibetan voice, byarresting and imprisoning theircollective spokespersons, steadilycontribute toward silencing theconscience of a people.

8 29 February, 2012 Dharamsala The Tibet PostTPITibetan PM Dr. Lobsang Sangay Calls

for Fact-Finding Mission in Tibet

By Dane Holding, The Tibet Post

DHARAMSHALA: - In the wake ofincreasing violence in Tibet, TibetanPrime Minister Dr. Lobsang Sanjaycalled for greater actions to be takenby the international community insupport of Tibet.During Dr. Lobsang Sanjay's visit toThe United States, he has indicatedthat he believes that the governmentsof the world should organize a fact-finding committee to enter into Tibetand reveal the human rights abusesbeing committed there."We want the Australian governmentor the US to send delegations toTibet as to find out what exactly ishappening, why Tibetans are self-immolating. Why they're protesting,why the repressive policies of theChinese government is resented byTibetan people. This kind of fact-finding delegation will provide abetter light as to what are the maingrievances of the Tibetan people, andhow best to find solutions," said ThePrime Minister in an interview withAustral ia BroadcastingCorporation's Emma Alberici.When Alberici asked The PrimeMinister if he had appealed tointernational powers to investigateTibet, he responded, "Yes, we have

Dr. Lobsang Sangay,Tibet's Political Head

Visits America and Europe

Dharamshala, India: In an attempt tospread awareness about the currentsituation in Tibet, Tibet's politicalleader Dr. Lobsang Sangay commencedhis 11-day official trip to United States,Canada and Europe yesterday.Amidst various other engagements,he is scheduled to deliver thePresident's Lecture Series address on‘Democracy in Exile: The Case for Tibet'at Western Connecticut State Universitytoday.He will be publicly addressing theTibetans living in New York city and

By Rajeswhari K, The Tibet Post

Tibet's political leader, Dr. Lobsang Sangay was interviewed by Emma Alberice ofLateline, Australian Broadcasting Cooperation (ABC). 21 February 2012. Photo: TPI

actually, from the Tibetan parliamentand [inaudible], and we have writtenletters to different heads of stateurging them, and we have issuedopen statements to internationalcommunity to send fact-findingdelegation to the United Nations aswell - to send special investigator toTibetan areas, and for journalists tohave access to the area so we knowexactly what is happening."He went on to mention that, thoughrepresentatives of The United Statesfrom Chengdu attempted to enterTibet, they were unable to do so dueto Chinese Security Forces.When Alberici asked aboutAustralia's efforts, she mentionedthat China and Australia had closeeconomic ties that may be preventingthe Australian government fromcondemning human rights abuses inTibet. Despite this, Lobsang Sanjayonly had words of praise forAustralian Foreign Minister PaulRudd's human rights record, as wellas his willingness to address theTibetan issue with Chinesedignitaries.During his trip to The United States,Dr. Lobsang Sanjay has alsoexpressed a great deal of optimism

regarding the Tibetan cause. In botha lecture in Western ConnecticutState University and in his interviewwith Alberici, Lobsang compared theTibetan cause to other "hopeless"causes like the end of Apartheid inSouth Africa, the end of the partitionof Germany, and Mahatma Gandhi'sstruggle against the Brit ishcolonizers.Despite this, he is quite aware thatthe situation in Tibet is getting direrwith each passing day. "...there ismore hardline reaction. [The Chineseare] sending more troops. They'recracking down on more Tibetans andno tourists are allowed now, nojournalists are allowed. Even Chinesevisitors are discouraged from visitingTibet. So they're really sealed off,"The Prime Minister said in hisinterview with Alberici.He expressed further concern that thesecurity may become more intensewith The Tibetan New Year andUprising Day fast approaching, "Weare extremely worried as to what kindof hard-line policies and crackdownthe Chinese government is going toimplement."He also expressed a great deal ofconcern over the Chinese reaction toprotests and self-immolations, "thelocal party official in Lhasa hasdeclared quote-unquote ‘war' onprotestors and Tibetans. Whichgovernment in the world woulddeclare war against their ownpeople?"When asked about the ballooningnumber of self-immolations occurredin Tibet, he offered only words ofsadness for the self-immolators,"They would choose to die thanleave. This is a sad commentary onthe failed policies of the Chinesegovernment."Dr. Lobsang Sanjay is currentlyvisiting the United States, Canada,and European Union over the courseof 11 days to spread awareness aboutTibet. He is scheduled to return toDharamshala on March 3.

Tibet's political leader, Dr. Lobsang Sangay addressing during a special event being held inDharamshala, India, 15th February 2012. Photo: TPI

Toronto on 25th and 26th Februaryrespectively and proceed to SouthTyrol in Italy on the 27th.He will meet with official dignitaries thesame day and attend various programsat South Tyrol and Trentino for twodays.29th of February will see Dr. Sangayvisit Dublin to attend the Gold Medalawarding ceremony by the CollegeHistorical Society (CHS) at TrinityCollege in Dublin, Ireland.He is scheduled to return to Dharamsala3 March 2012.

Tibetans To ObserveHunger Strike on Tibetan

New Year

Dharamshala: - Tibetan Parliamentin Exile will observe A Day longSolidarity Hunger Strike for thevictims of Chinese police firing andSelf Immolations in Tibet on the firstday of the Tibetan New Year on 22February 2012.After the completion of the officialceremony, presides over by HisHoliness the Dalai Lama at TsuglhaKhang, Dharamsala, the solidarityhunger strike will begin at 10.00am(IST).Aftermath the ser ies of se l fimmolat ions ins ide Tibet , the

By The Tibet Post International

The Tibetan Parliametn in exile speaker Mr. Penpa Tsering speaking to media in Delhiduring a fast being held in 2011. Photo: TPI/file

Tibetan Parliament in Exile has madeseveral press statements and sentan Open Letter to China's President,Hu Jintao, according to a reportpublished by the Tibetan officialmedia, Tibet Net. In the letter, theTibetan Parliament expressed deepanguish and concern a t theprevailing critical situation insideTibet.The program of the Solidarity Fastfor the victims of Police firings andSelf Immolation in Tibet, which is tobe held on the first day of Tibet NewYear. More details about the event.

Tibetan Protesters Arrested in NepaliCapital Kathmandu

By Dane Holding, The Tibet Post

Kathmandu: - Thirteen Tibetan exileswere arrested at The United Nationsbuilding in Kathmandu.They were appealing to The U.N. tosend an investigatory committeeinto Tibet to explore Chinese humanrights abuses."This protest is intended to urgeThe U.N. to pressure the Chineseauthorities to stop killing Tibetanprotesters," the exiles stated.According to government statistics,about 20,000 Tibetan refugees livein Nepal. However, thousands moreare believed to live in the countryas undocumented migrants.As of late, Nepal has come underincreasing pressure from China tocrush ant i -China or pro-Tibetactivities.