Tibetan Headlines
Apr 3: COVID-19 Forces Monkeys from Towns
With India’s lockdown closing markets and keeping people inside the monkeys of Himachal Pradesh are being forced back to the jungles in search of food. In Shimla far fewer of the animals are on the streets with senior veterinarian, Dr Sandeep Rattan, believing “most of the monkeys have left Shimla in search of food and they may be feeding on the fresh shoots in forest area”.
Apr 3: Call for Tibetans Release
The US Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, Sam Brownback, has called for the release of religious prisoners due to the risks posed by COVID-19. In a wide ranging statement Brownback stated that imprisoned Tibetan Buddhists “should all be released in this time of pandemic”. The ambassador went on to add that governments should “state very clearly” that religious minority communities are not the source of COVID-19.
Apr 3: Report Criticises Tibetan Persecution
United Kingdom human rights group Christian Solidarity Worldwide has published a report criticising “the Stranglehold on Religious Life in China” adding that “the level of freedom of religion or belief in China is rapidly and significantly decreasing". The report details how “education camps” are used to “detain and torture Buddhist monks in Tibet while Buddhist monasteries share the fate of mosques in Xinjiang and are destroyed”.
Apr 2: Earthquake Hits Kardze
A magnitude 5.6 earthquake is reported to have effected Sershul County in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Kardze. According to officials in Sershul County “no casualties or collapsing houses were reported, and power and communication were not interrupted” by the quake which struck at 8:23pm local time.
Apr 1: Suicide in Mcleod Ganj
A young Tibetan man is reported to have hanged himself in Mcleod Ganj, India. Police report that the 26-year-old had been undergoing treatment for an undisclosed medical condition prior to taking his own life.
Apr 1: Time to Reflect for Tibetans in India
COVID-19 restrictions have forced the closure of prayer halls and monasteries but according to Geshe Ngawang Norbu the near 94,000 Tibetans in India are using the time “to introspect and reflect”. The official at Sera Jey Monastery, Bylakuppe goes on to add that in the absence of physical classes Tibetan monks “are utilising this time to study more” and “are conducting some lessons online and exchanging notes”.
Mar 31: Dalai Lama Applauds Indian COVID-19 Efforts
HH Dalai Lama offered his support to Indian authority’s efforts to contain COVID-19. The Tibetan spiritual leader is reported as expressing his “admiration and gratitude to governments across the world, including the Government of India, for the steps they are taking” adding that, “in particular, I appreciate the initiative India has taken with other SAARC countries to set up an emergency fund and an electronic platform to exchange information, knowledge and expertise to tackle the spread of Covid-19”.
Mar 31: Tibetans Detained for Listening to Dalai Lama
Two Tibetans are reported to have been detained by Chinese police for listening to the teachings of the Dalai Lama. Following their detention on December 30, 2019 Jampa Dorjee and his son are reported to have been released from custody. Authorities are reported to have recorded the phone numbers of all Dorjee’s family members, whilst the pair signed documents agreeing not to repeat “the offense of receiving their daughters’ phone calls or listening to the Dalai Lama’s teachings”.
Mar 31: Miss Tibet Pageant Cancelled
The Miss Tibet Pageant 2020 has been cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. Lobsang Wangyal, the pageant director, has advised that 18th edition of the contest is now scheduled to take place 4-6 June 2021 in Mcleod Ganj, India.
Mar 31: Bengaluru Man Helping Stranded Tibetans
Tashi Wangdu, himself of Tibetan descent, has been offering accommodation for a nominal fee as well as helping with a team to feed those in need. It is reported that in one day they have been able to feed about 100 people with Wangdu stating “I went looking for the smaller, isolated slum areas… managed to get some masks and food for them and I plan to do this with my staff everyday".
Mar 30: COVID-19 Afflicting Exiled Tibetans
The number of Tibetan exiles who have been infected by COVID-19 is reported to have risen to six. Reports indicate that Tibetans in Britain, France, India, Italy, the United States and Switzerland have tested positive. Two of these individuals, Jamyang Choegyal Kasho and Tenzin Choephel, are reported to have passed away. Chinese authorities maintain only one instance of the virus has been detected in Tibet itself.
Mar 29: Government Registration for Tibetans in India
Tibetans in India holding foreign passports have been requested by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) to ensure they are registered with their local Tibetan Settlement Office. The CTA advised that they may not be able to support visa extensions or exit permits for Tibetans who become stranded due to the COVID-19 lockdown should they fail to register.
Mar 29: All Reports Negative
The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has reassured Tibetans in Himachal Pradesh (HP) that tests of close contacts relating to the recent COVID-19 casualty have come back negative for the virus. Samples are reported to have been tested from family members, taxi drivers and a hotel where the deceased stayed. No new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in HP since the second day of a statewide curfew that was enacted on Sunday.
Mar 27: Another Tibetan Infected
The third case of a Tibetan being infected with the Coronavirus has been reported in France. Speaking to Voice of Tibet (VOT), Tenzin Penpa, President of the Tibetan Association in France confirmed the case and said the entire family is under quarantine for observation. Tenzin urged to take proper precautions as the death toll continues to rise in France.
Mar 27: Donation from His Holiness
HH the Dalai Lama has written to the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh to extend his support in combating the spread of COVID-19. “Since Himachal Pradesh has been my home for almost 60 years, I naturally feel an affinity for its people. Therefore, as a token of respect and sympathy, I am making a donation from the Gaden Phodrang Trust of the Dalai Lama to the Chief Minister's Fund,” to contribute in providing essential supplies for the needy members of the community.