Tibetan Headlines
Mar 14: New National Parks
The Third Pole National Parks are five new national parks planned for Tibet, reports Chinese state media the China Daily, with a “core purpose” of protecting nature, although the report admits that local ecotourism will benefit. Park “construction” will start this year around the Gangdise mountain range in western Tibet.
Mar 14: Cash for “Loyalty”
People living in Markham county in Tibet are required to pledge loyalty to the ruling Chinese Communist Party if they need state assistance, reports Radio Free Asia. People have to memorise the names of top Chinese leaders and sing the Chinese national anthem if they want to benefit from the new poverty alleviation programme, or risk being left without help.
Mar 13: China Solicits Support
Beijing is soliciting support ahead of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) adoption of its Third Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report on China this week. The Vietnam Peace and Development Foundation a government-sponsored non government organisation, is reported to be issuing a supporting statement to the UN saying that China is promoting religious freedom in Tibet and east Turkestan (Xinjiang).
Mar 12: Hepatitis and Tuberculosis
A two day workshop on Hepatitis B and Tuberculosis prevention and management was organised by the Central Tibetan Administration health department. The follow-up workshop discusses the status of Hepatitis B in the Tibetan community and management protocols were drafted on the first day. The second day will discuss Tuberculosis and the treatment of drug resistant strains.
Mar 12: Womens Uprising Day
The Tibetan Women’s Association led a rally in Dharamshala to mark the 60th anniversary of Tibetan Women’s Uprising in Lhasa in 1959. They called on the United Nations and world leaders to press China to resume dialogue with the representatives of HH the Dalai Lama to resolve the Tibetan issue and to put an end to atrocities in Tibet.
Mar 11: Tibetan Uprising Day
The 60th anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising is marked across the world by Tibetans and supporters. In Dharamshala the Tibet government-in-exile held an event led by its president Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, along with chief guests former Botswanan President Ian Khama and veteran Indian legislator Shanta Kumar. On March 10, 1959 thousands of Tibetans were killed during a peaceful protest in Lhasa against the Chinese invasion of Tibet.
Mar 11: Parliamentarians in UK
A delegation from the Tibetan Government-in-exile visiting London met United Kingdom Members of Parliament at a meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet in the UK Parliament. Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok spoke at the meeting which was chaired by Rt Hon Tim Loughton MP, with two Labour MPs and members of the Tibetan community UK and Tibet supporters attending.
Mar 8: Prosperity in Tibet?
Wu Yingjie, China’s Party chief in Tibet, has claimed that Tibetans in Tibet are prosperous under the Communist leadership and that Tibetans feel more affection for the Chinese government than for HH the Dalai Lama. He also said that the right to preserve language is respected in Tibet - despite the documented persecution of Tibetan language activists including the imprisoned Tashi Wangchuk.
Mar 8: Prayer Service
A prayer service was held in Tsuglakhang, the main temple in Dharamshala, by the Central Tibetan Administration to express solidarity with, and pay respects to, the Tibetans who lost their lives during the peaceful demonstrations of 1989. On March 8, 1989 hundreds of peaceful Tibetans demonstrators were killed when the Chinese authorities declared martial law and opened indiscriminate firing.
Mar 7: UK Remembers
In London, United Kingdom, members of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet laid a wreath at the Innocent Victim’s Memorial, Westminster Abbey to mark the 60th anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising in Lhasa. They were joined by Khenpo Kadrak Ngodup Sonam, Member of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile who is in the UK. And in Northampton, the Tibetan flag was raised for the 20th consecutive year.
Mar 6: Visit in Jeopardy
The forthcoming visit to Dharamshala by Ian Khama, the former President of Botswana, has been opposed by the Botswana government. Mr Khama has been invited by the Tibetan Government-in-Exile to be the chief guest at the forthcoming Tibetan Uprising Day event but his government has objected, citing unwillingness to risk upsetting China.
Mar 6: Unprecedented Snow
The blizzards which have been affecting the Qinghai plateau in Tibet since December continue unabated, with more expected. Chinese state media Xinuhua reports that more than 26,000 head of livestock have died and estimates the direct economic losses at 84.3 million yuan (US$12.6 / £9.5 million ).“More than 4,600 people and 72,000 livestock have been relocated, and 39,000 tons of fodder transported in“.
Mar 5: Surveillance Intensifies
In Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, visiting Tibetan pilgrims are being interrogated by police in the runup to the anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising on March 10. Police are also questioning Tibetan businessmen. Local sources have told Radio Free Asia that pilgrims are being ordered not to take part in political activities and to keep their mobile phones switched off.
Mar 4: More Rest
His Holiness the Dalai Lama, speaking at the Tenshug or long-life offering led by Professor Samdong Rinpoche, has reiterated his need to rest saying, “In order to live long and healthy, I must now recline from public teachings and engagements and get more rest instead.” Regarding the prayers for his long life, he said, “I am certain that your prayers will surely bear positive results.”
Mar 2: Abuse Investigated
In Toronto, the online abuse directed at Chemi Lhamo, 22, the Tibetan girl who was elected Student Union President at the University of Toronto, is being investigated by police. Her victory, and an anti-Chinese speech by Rukiye Turdush, a student of Uyghur origin, had both sparked a Chinese backlash with threats and abuse. There is concern that Beijing is monitoring university activities.