Contact is taking a holiday!

Contact is taking a break after 25 years of bringing you news of Tibet and Tibetan issues. We are celebrating our 25 years by bringing you the story of Contact and the people who have made it happen, and our archive is still there for you to access at any time, and below you can read the story of Contact, how it came into being and the wonderful reflections of the people who have made it happen over the years.

When and how Contact will re-emerge and evolve will be determined by those who become involved.

Wangchen Dolma

June 11, 2013;

Wangchen Dolma, 31, a Tibetan nun, set herself ablaze at around 5 pm near the Nyatso Monastery in the Tawu region of Kham, eastern Tibet, in an apparent protest against China’s continued occupation of Tibet. Wangchen Dolma was taken to a hospital in Dartsedo after Chinese security personnel arrested her at the protest site. Wangchen Dolma succumbed to injuries on June 14 at around 8 pm at the hospital in Dartsedo.  The authorities secretly cremated the body at the hospital, denying the family to perform last rites and rituals for the deceased. It has also been reported that an unidentified Tibetan man, who tried to rescue Wangchen Dolma, was severely beaten and arrested by Chinese security personnel. His whereabouts is still unknown. Sources have indicated that all internet lines in the Tawu region have been shut down by regional Chinese authorities, limiting communications, and strict restrictions have been placed on the movement of local Tibetans and monks immediately after the incidents. Sources also said that family members of the deceased are under house arrest. Wangchen Dolma was the daughter of Tenzin and Youdon of Gyalbum Tsang (family) in Dragthok village in Minyag Drapa region of Tawu County, Tibet.

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