document

H.H Prays for Natural Disaster Victims Page 2 14th General Body Meeting of TYC Page 4 New Rules in Tibet Page 5 Protest in Lithang Page 9 10 Questions for Dr. Lobsang Sangay

Economy and Human Rights

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Bi-MonthlyB o d - K y i - Cha- Trin

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

Rs.5Vol. 01, Issue 23, 15 August 2010

51st Anniversary of TIPAwww.thetibetpost.com

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A symbol of economy buying the values of the HumanRights and Tibet. Photo: Desidgned/file

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Prays forNatural Disaster Victims

Dharamshala: His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama thismorning led a mass prayer service for victims of therecent floods in Drugchu County, eastern Tibet. Theceremony, held at the main Tibetan temple inDharamshala, began at 0730 and lasted over threehours. It was attended by the 17th Gyalwa KarmapaRinpoche along with hundreds of Tibetan exiles,Buddhist monks and nuns, and non-Tibetans.His Holiness said global warming could be to blamefor the devastating floods and mudslides across Asia,and made the following statement:"I have been deeply saddened by the loss of manylives and the destruction of property caused by thefloods in Pakistan and India. I have offered mycondolences and prayers as well as token donationstowards relief and rescue work."Pakistan officials say 14 to 20 million people facedirect or indirect harm as a result of unprecedentedflooding that has triggered the country's worsthumanitarian disaster. The United Nations believes1,600 people have died, while Islamabad hasconfirmed over 1,300 deaths."I am also very sad that there has been a massivelandslide in Drugchu [Chinese name Zhouqu],south-east of Kanlho [Chinese name Gannan], inGansu province of the Tibetan AutonomousPrefecture, in which many people have lost their lives.It is reported that this is one of the deadliest incidentsin decades. I understand that Premier Wen Jiabaovisited Zhouqu to oversee relief and rescue work."Meanwhile, Tibet's massive mudslide has killedover 1,150 people and hundreds are still missing.China claims that Drugchu has a population of

Italian Town Honours His Holiness

Prof Samdhong Rinpoche, PM of Tibetan governmentin-exile and Mr Penpa Tsering, the speaker of Tibetan

Parliament in-exile, Dharamshala, India.Photo: TPI/File

Flashfloods Ravage Leh

10Questions

for Dr. LobsangSangay

page 9......

Ladakh at winter, beauty of Buddhist manasterydisplays in this photo. Photo: TPI

I havethe strength

to become the nextPrime Minister

page 8.......

His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Karmapa Rinpoche among the Tibetan officials, monks, nuns, and lay praying forvitims of natural disaster in Tibet, Pakistan and Russia, Dharamshala, India on 14th August 2010. Photo: TPI/Sangay

127 Dead in Eastern Tibet

17th Karmapa opening a new about TIPA on 11 August2010, Dharamshala, India. Photo: TPI

By YC.Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

By Tibetan official media: Tibet Net

Dharamshala: The Tibetan Institute ofPerforming Arts (TIPA) on Wednesday marked51 years of excellence in preserving andpromoting traditional Tibetan theatre and operain exile. Tipa's anniversary coincides with theannual Tibetan summer festival of Yarkyi.

Dhasa: Over 113 people, including threeTibetans, are dead and 500 more are missingafter a mudslide devastated Leh, in the Ladakhregion of Jammu and Kashmir, India, yesterday(August 6). A full rescue operation is under

Dharamshala: It's a fact that, today, the developednations are far more advanced technologically andeconomically than in previous centuries, and theircitizens lead a "better life". But it does not meanthat Human Rights are better protected in this newcentury. An honest examination shows that the

134,000 and at least 45,000 people have evacuatedtheir homes."I pray for all those who have lost their lives andoffer my sympathy and heart-felt condolences tothe bereaved and all those who have been affectedby this natural calamity."According to experts, these very unusual floodsand the devastating fires in Russia [which haveburned 2,000 homes and killed 52 people] are

A small town in central Italy has presented its annual international prize - the Traglia - to HisHoliness the Dalai Lama Photo: AP

Jelsi: A small town in central Italy has presentedits annual international prize - the Traglia - to HisHoliness the Dalai Lama, in recognition of hisdoctrine of kindness, love and compassion. Theaward was received by Mr Tseten SamdupChhoekyapa, His Holiness' Genevarepresentative, on July 27 in Jelsi, Italy. Theceremony was organized as part of the town'scelebrations of Festa del Grano and wassupported by the regional government.In receiving the award, Mr Chhoekyapa said he

was grateful andencouraged that asmall town incentral Italyrecognised HisHoliness' work,and expressedconcern for theplight of theTibetan people.Over 20,000people from allover the regionattended the firstday of the annualfestival.Four monks fromthe GadenJ a n g t s eMonastery insouth Indiaconstructed asand mandala

and prayed for world peace. After the mandalawas dismantled, a long line of people queued toreceive a small portion of the sand."His Holiness the Dalai Lama's message of peaceand non-violence is very important for thegrowth of civilization," said Mr Michele Iorio,president of the Molise regional government,during a meeting with Mr Tseten SamdupChhoekyapa on July 28. Mr Iorio added that hesupports His Holiness' call for autonomy for theTibetan people.

By Megan Davis, The Tibet Post

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symptoms of a deeper malaise occurring due tounprecedented global warming and otherenvironmental causes."

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Dharamshala: The Tibetan Parliament-in-exile andthe Kashag (Cabinet) of the Central TibetanAdministration have expressed their deepcondolences for the victims of the floods andsubsequent mudslides that hit Drugchu region,northeastern Amdo province of Tibet, on Sunday.The death toll has risen to 337 according to Chinesestate media and 1,148 people are still missing asrescuers race against time in search of survivors.

127 people are reported dead and 2,000 more aremissing after devastating overnight floods and landslides

hit eastern Tibet's Drugchu county.Photo: Tibet CN

Dhasa: 127 people are reported dead and 2,000 moreare missing after devastating overnight floods andlandslides hit Drugchu (Chinese name: Zhouqu),the most easterly county town of the so-calledGannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in GansuProvince, according to Chinese state media.Thousands of military personnel and workers aretrying to rescue those trapped under vast amountsof mud and rock, after half of Drugchu town, hometo approximately 45,000 Tibetans, was submergedunder water.Xinhua, the Chinese state-controlled news agency,reports that 700 survivors have been rescued by

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The Tibet Post2 TPI TIBET IN EXILE15 August, 2010 Dharamsala

Shadow Hangs Over 14thGeneral Body Meeting of

TYC

Dharamshala: The 14th GeneralBody Meeting of the Tibetan YouthCongress (TYC) began yesterday inDharamshala, with a crucial andforthright discussion of the future ofits vice president, Dhodhup Dorjee,who was expelled earlier this year formisconduct. After five hours ofdiscussion, the majority of theattending members voted in favourof a demand for Dorjee's resignation.Various reports published by theTibetan media-in-exile predicted thatthe meeting, beginning yesterday,August 2, and set to last for a week,would be overshadowed by thecontroversy. His role in preventing aplanned hunger strike - a popularmethod of peaceful protest employedby the Youth Congress, which wasto take place in New York lastFebruary - resulted in his contentiousdischarge.Dorjee came under fire after writingto the US embassy requesting theyrefuse to issue visas to thoseintending to travel to America for thestrike, claiming that representativeshad not yet been selected andtherefore any visa request would befraudulent . In addit ion to thesubsequent invalidation of the visasof those members planning to attend,Dorjee continued to write to TYCmembers in New York and Jersey onthe matter.On 11th February the Vice President'sexpulsion was announced, with thesupport of seven out of nineexecutive members. There was nodoubt that the week's event wouldbear witness to heated debates overthe incident, particularly in light ofDorjee 's refusal to accept thedecision. "The matter wil l bediscussed, and whatever needs to becleared will be done in the meeting",the President of the Youth Congress,Tsewang Rinzin, announced prior tothe assembly.Despite this elephant in the room,there was much to celebrate as thingsgot off to a start yesterday morning.117 members from 47 regionalchapters of the TYC, includingmembers of parl iament andrepresentatives of non-governmentalTibetan organizations, gathered forthe opening of the meeting. It began

The 14th General Body Meeting of Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) began yesterday, 02,August, 2010 in Dharamshala. Photo: Sangay TPI


Miss Tibet Launches SignatureCampaign

By The Tibet Post

with all attendees standing to singthe Tibetan National Anthem and theofficial song of the Tibetan YouthCongress. A minute's silence waslater observed, in mourning for thoseTibetan people who have lost theirlives during the Chinese occupation.Tsewang Rinzin introduced theconference, which began with thepresentation of four awards.Firstly,the Most Active Regional ChapterAward went to Bylakuppe, southernIndia, fol lowed by the TibetanFreedom Award which was dedicatedto all those who took part in the 2008demonstrations for a free Tibet andthe courage they displayed. TheHeroism award went to those wholost their lives to the Chinese militaryduring the aforementioneddemonstrations and finally, to allthose who gave their t ime anddonations in order to aid thoseaffected by the Kyigudho Earthquakein April, the Social Service Award wasbestowed.The special guest at yesterday'smeeting was the Deputy Speaker ofthe Tibetan Parliament, Mrs. DolmaGyalri, who launched a new bookpublished by Lobsang Jimpa, formersecretary to His Holiness the DalaiLama. The book, which has beenpublished by the TYC, is a responseto the use of the Tibetan name ‘Yedor',under which the Chinese governmentcirculate critical articles about Tibetand other pro-Chinese CommunistParty propaganda.Gyalri later addressed the audience,stressing the need to struggle foreither Independence (which the TYCadvocates) or the 'middle wayapproach'. She reiterated that for theTibetan people, Tibet is not just theso-called Tibetan AutonomousRegion (TAR) stated by the ChineseGovernment, which excludes half ofKham and all of Amdo, but rather thewhole of the three tradit ionalprovinces that history has witnessedas part of Tibet.Despite the importance of theseevents, the rest of the day was setaside to focus on the Dorjee debatealone.As the old Tibetan saying goes, "ifthere is no unity in the home, therecan be no success outside of it".

Tenzin Norzom, Kingfisher Miss Tibet 2010, joined a signature campaign with activists inDharamshala on Friday Photo:TPI

Dharamshala: Tenzin Norzom,Kingfisher Miss Tibet 2010, joined asignature campaign with activists inDharamshala on Friday, protestingChina's oppression in Tibet.As a part of the drive, signatures ofthe people who support the TibetanMovement are being collected on a bigscroll. The banner will be laterpresented to the UN Secretary General,reported by Asia News Inernational."Firstly, as Miss Tibet, I have theresponsibility towards the Tibet cause.When I saw a non-Tibetan peoplecontributing his blood for Tibetanfreedom, it really inspired me. I came toknow him after I got my title. So, it reallyinspired me. I just feel like working withhim for the Tibetan cause," saidNorzom.Mahesh Yadav, an Indian activist whojoined the signature campaign, hasbeen making portraits of various worldleaders with his own blood for the pastfourteen years.Yadav painted a portrait of the USPresident Barack Obama, appealing forTibet's freedom."My blood is devoted to the freedomof Tibet, the support is important forthe independence of Tibet. I am goingto appeal the whole world with thismessage. I have painted BarackObama's portrait using my own blood.And this is a message to savehumanity. We have appealed the USPresident to save Tibet, because DalaiLama is fighting for non-violence," saidYadav.Meanwhile, a group of Tibetanvolunteers launched a website tocampaign for a candidate, LobsangSangay, for the ensuing polls to electthe Tibetan Kalon Tripa (Prime Minister)-in-exile.

"We have just launched a website calledkaluntripa.org and this is to campaign

for Dr. Lobsang Sangay. He is aHarvard law graduate and currentlyworking in Harvard Law University. So,many young Tibetans in exile would liketo see him as next Prime Minister of the

Tibet Government in exile," saidLobsang Wangyal.

An estimated 80,000 Tibetans arrived inIndia along with His Holiness the DalaiLama after an abortive uprising againstthe Chinese rule in 1959 and over theyears their numbers have swelled.

A group of Tibetan volunteers launched a website to campaign for a candidate of MrLobsang Sangay, Photo:TPI

UN Concern As Nepal Handover Refugees


Dhasa: The UN High Commissioner forRefugees has expressed concern overthe action taken by Nepal to repatriatethree Tibetan refugees in June earlierthis year, the International Campaignfor Tibet (ICT) has revealed. The move

has violated the "Gentleman'sAgreement" between Nepal and theUN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), whichsecured safe transit for refugees fromTibet as they travelled through toIndia. Established in 1989, when Nepal

ceased to provide Tibetans withrefugee status, this is the first violationof the pact since May 2003.In early June Nepalese police detainedtwo Tibetan monks, 20-year old Dawaand 21-year old Dorjee, and a 22-yearold woman called Penpa, in Nepal'sHelma district before they were takenback via helicopter to the Tibetanborder at Hilsa. Here they werecollected by Chinese securitypersonnel, and whilst one of the monkswas permitted to return to hismonastery, the other two refugees havebeen imprisoned."The UN High Commissioner forRefugees (UNHCR) is extremelyconcerned over the forcible repatriationof three Tibetan refugees," a UN officialsaid yesterday, in response to theNepalese contravention of internationallaw. It was also announced that theUNHRC had written to the NepaleseGovernment regarding the violation.The incident appears to be in responseto increasing pressure from China, oneof Nepal's major patrons, to rein in pro-Tibet activity within their territory.

Tibetan refugees are surrounding by arm forces of Nepal during 51st Anniversary ofTibetan National Uparising at Boudha, Kathmandu, nepal. Photo: TPI/Lhuboom

TPI DALAI LAMAThe Tibet Post 315 August, 2010 Dharamsala

His Holiness Praises India'sContribution to Peace and

Humanity

Delhi: India has contributed morethan any other nation towards thewell-being of humanity, Tibetanspiritual leader His Holiness the 14thDalai Lama told hundreds of studentsat Delhi University, during threesessions from August 9 to 10.His Holiness, who was delivering theProfessor DS Kothari MemorialLecture on Ethics for the NewMillennium, struck an instant chord

Tibetan spiritual leader H.H the Dalai Lama (C) arrives with Delhi University ViceChancellor Deepak Pental (R) to deliver a lecture in New Delhi on August 10, 2010. He

delivered a lecture on 'Ethics for the New Millennium' at the university's convention hall,in memory of the scientist and academic D.R. Kothari. Photo: AP

By YC.Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post I

His Holiness the Dalai Lama

to Visit Canada

Tibetan Canadian Cultural Centre (TCCC). Photo: TCCC

His Holiness the Dalai LamaReturns Home

hasa: After an eight-day visit toBuddhist monasteries and schools inNubra Valley, Ladakh region, Jammuand Kashmir, His Holiness the14th Dalai Lama has returned to hishome in Dharamshala. Boarding hisplane at Thoise Airbase yesterdaymorning (July 28), His Holinessspoke highly of his trip, saying, "Iam very happy that my programmehere went on successful ly and

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama returns to Dharamshala, India. Photo: TPI/File

Megan Davis, The Tibet Post

with the students with his quick wit,who broke into laughter as herecounted a series of amusinganecdotes.According to His Holiness, India'snon-alignment policy during the 1950sand 60s, which emphasised neutrality,was a manifestation of its historicalemphasis on non-violence.India's contribution to peace and well-being was much greater than

neighbouring states' he said and,"except for Emergency when therewas some fear," India had functionedwell as a democracy, urging the Indiancommunity to adopt a greater role inbuilding ahimsa (the avoidance ofviolence) and addressing conflict."We need a new method of humanvalues which can come throughpractice," he added.Asked to speak on Indo-Pakistanirelations, His Holiness stated,"Partition of the two countries was agreat tragedy. Mahatma Gandhi hadnot wanted it. Present-day Pakistanwould have been so much morepeaceful if there had not been anypartition."The two countries would have to learnto live together and discussions couldhelp in bringing this about, hecontinued, saying, "I believe this daywill come."Emphasising the need for non-violence, His Holiness stated that itshould be practised even with thelowest forms of life and that a non-violent cultural heritage is useful inthis regard. Pointing out that onecannot expect governments and theUnited Nations to do thingsovernight, he added: "Individualsmust make the change."On the question of China's role inTibet, the Dalai Lama declined tocomment, saying he did not want topoliticise the meeting.

Toronto: The Tibetan CanadianCultural Centre in south Etobicoke,Toronto, is undergoing a $6.6 millionrevamp - aiming for the October 23rddeadline when His Holiness the 14thDalai Lama is scheduled to visit for thegrand opening.According to Lhakpa Tsering, thecentre's administrative manager, thereis much to complete, includingrenovation of the front entrance,

gymnasium, assembly hall and ‘multi-purpose' room. Several unforeseenproblems meant that work did notcommence until early July and hasencountered some interruptions.The centre has around 5,000 to 6,000members and it is hoped it willaccommodate not only the Tibetancommunity but also wider publicgatherings and educationalprogrammes.

His Holiness's ScheduleUpdated

Dharamshala: His Holiness the DalaiLama's schedule for his forthcomingteaching tour has been updated, asreported on the Tibetan leader'sofficial website.Tibetan spiritual leader left thismorning to begin his tour which willtake place in Jispa, Lahual and the Spitidistrict of Himachel Pradesh.The Tibetan leader will confer theKeruka ( Tibetan-dechok) Initiation inJispa on 19 August and give teachings

on the following day.On 22 August His Holiness will give ateaching on Gyalsey ThokmeSangpo's 37 Practices of ABoddhisattva (laklen sodunma) inManali, 133 km away from Jispa.His Holiness' private officeapologized for the inconvenience thatthese changes caused, saying badroad conditions had been causingdifficulties in regard to the travellogistics.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the main Tibetan temple, Dharamsala. Photo: TPI

By Yangsham, The Tibet Post

hope to visit again in future".During the final day of his visit, HisHoliness gave a lecture onTsongkhapa's Lamtso Namsu to a15,000-strong crowd at DisketMonastery, before giving a separateaudience to 500 foreigners to whomhe expounded the promotion ofpositive human values and inter-faithharmony. Later in the day, HisHoliness inaugurated an eco-friendly

building at Lamdon Model PrimarySchool, where the room temperatureduring winter and summer is adaptedusing solar energy.Finally, His Holiness attended a publictalk by five Buddhist scholars,organised by the Nalanda and AtishaBuddhist associations. The formerseeks to introduce Buddhism to youngpeople, while the latter aims to teachessential Buddhist texts in local dialect.

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The Tibet Post4 15 August, 2010 Dharamsala TPI INTERNATIONAL

Economy Buys the Value of Human Rights and TibetBy YC. Dhardhowa, The Tibet Post

Prioritise Issue of Tibet:US Congressman

Dhasa: US Congressman Frank Wolf,urged the Obama administration to‘find its voice' on human rightsissues and prioritise the issue ofTibet during a speech at the Houseof Representatives on Friday (23rdJuly). As co-chair of the Tom LantosHuman Rights Commission, Wolfposited a detailed assessment of theUS government 's role in theprotection and promotion of humanrights in countries such as Sudan,China and Iraq, placing particularemphasis on the struggles of TibetanBuddhists, among other religiousgroups.His speech highlighted the

US Congressman Mr Frank Wolf Photo: AP


New Rules Further Restrict InternetAccess in Tibet

Dharamshala: Internet censorshiprequirements in Tibet have beenheightened in accordance with ordersfrom Chinese authorities for all internetcafes to install state-of-the-artsurveillance systems, according toindustry sources and local media. Thenationwide policy requires that allcomputers installed for use by thepublic in the so-called TibetanAutonomous Region (TAR) mustinstall the system by the end of themonth.The department has dispatchedengineers throughout Tibet to installthe new system in individual Internetcafes, and to train business ownersand technical staff in its operation.The Chinese Government claims thatone of the benefits of the newrequirements is the prevention ofminors accessing inappropriatematerial online, however, many believethat this is just a means prevent accessto media and social networking contentfrom outside China. The new systemwill allow for direct intervention fromabove if regulations change, takingaccess out of the hands of internetoutlet proprietors.The move comes after theimplementation of the ‘real nameregistration system' web policy that isalready functioning across Tibet,which requires all anonymouscomments to be removed, andprohibiting forum moderators as wellas forum users from using alias names."In brief I am not surprised becausethe whole world knows there is nofreedom of the media or freedom of

China;s censorship and Internet restriction. Photo: TPI/File

By Mega Davis, The Tibet Post

China Paid for Chris Carter'sTibet Trip

Dhasa: The position of Chris Carter, amember of the ruling New ZealandLabour Party, has come under scrutinyafter he kept a trip to China and Tibeta secret from party leaders. Carterclaims the trip was financed entirelyby the Chinese government, asopposed to taxpayer dollars, andtherefore he did not see it asnecessary to seek authorization forthe vacation.Mr Carter's controversial absence isanother in a succession of rule-breaking issues that have put hisparliamentary future in jeopardy. PhilGoff, the party leader, has expressedconcern over his colleague'scapabilities, suggesting that Carter'sirrational behaviour may be due to

Labour MP Chris Carter has been suspended and expelled from Labour's caucus.Photo: File


Chinese economy determines or buysthe value of ‘Western’ Human Rightsand democracy, particularly when itcomes to the most vulnerable aspectsof our world.Take the genocide of the culture andlanguage of the Tibetan people. It’sdifficult for a person without freedomto preserve ancient values and live ingenuine social harmony. Tibetans todayface not only the onslaught of Chineseculture and language, but they arecaught in a complex game betweenChina and its Western counterparts. Adirty war is being played out betweenthe shadow economy and HumanRights, the latter being able to authorHuman Rights abuses.Why are the economy and HumanRights treated differently, by the West,in the ‘special case’ of Tibet? The UnitedNations made an attempt to put HumanRights into a broader context, throughdecades of first-hand experience withTibetan refugees worldwide. TheEuropeans and Africans Unions treatthe Tibetan similarly, even as they playtheir economy games with China.Rather than simply killing the wholepopulations of prisoners from all partsof Tibet, the armed Chinese paramilitaryforces are carrying out programs oftorture. Torture can be either physicalor psychological, and it aims at the"humiliation or annihilation of the

dignity of a person." Physical torturemight include mutilation, beatings, andelectric shocks to lips, gums, andgenitals. In psychological torture,detainees are occasionally deprived offood and water for long periods, keptstanding upright for hours, deprived ofsleep, or tormented by high-level noise.China is forcing Tibetan politicalprisoners to admit to being ‘extremists’,‘separatists’ or ‘spies of Westernimperialism’, all of which amounts totreason. Torture is used also as a meansto carry out interrogations and extractconfessions or information. Today inTibet, torture is increasingly used as ameans of suppressing political andideological dissent, or for punishingpolitical opponents who do not sharetheir ideology, sympathise with Tibetanindependence or have communicationwith exiled Tibetans.Tibetans made an urgent appeal to theworld for more freedom of conscienceand against cultural and languageextinction in Tibet. The world needs acomprehensive definition of "UniversalHuman Rights", which should includethe right to religion and culture for allcitizens on earth, the right to be free from‘values’ created by speculators, the rightto protection of population and controlof their land, and the right to protect theirtraditional way of life.Why does the world treat Human Rights

differently from the economy inindustrialised China? Of late it's beenmy experience that, everyone seems tobe concerned about suffering in Tibetor Sudan. But when the Western worldsees a great chance and exchangebetween its economy and the Tibetanpeople, and witnesses Chinese humanrights violations with disgust – theythen fail to act. China has killed over1.3 million Tibetans and over 150,000have been forced to leave their country,including their spiritual leader. Why dowestern nations treat the last andlargest communist regime, China, asthough it were unworthy of theirdignity and the values of mankind?The Western countries achieve ahealthy economy and China practicesthe worst Human Rights violations inthe history of mankind. We say mediais a strong tool for democracy, and thistook form when China suppressed theuprising in Tibet in 2008, taking morethan 224 lives. But the westerngovernment failed to react to theseHuman Rights violations. I wonder ifthey have a heart that shows the samecompassion and solidarity towardsTibetans.The article is a personal opinion and itdoes not reflect the view of The TibetPost International. If you have anycomment, you will be able to reach theauthor at [email protected]

responsibility of Congress to defendthese oppressed groups. "Americamust stand up for the ideals uponwhich our own experiment in self-governance was founded. Americamust strike out against injustice,whatever form it takes. America mustbelieve that even the mightiest wallsof oppression can tumble and worktoward that end," he stated.Wolf used the opportunity to flag upinsufficient staffing at the SpecialCoordinator for Tibetans office , as wellas delays in the submission of the"congressionally mandated Report onTibet Negotiations", which is due toCongress annually on March 31st.

expression in China and Tibet" says Y.C.Dhardhowa, Editor-in-Chief andFounder of the Tibet Post International,an online Tibetan newspaper based inDharamshala, India. "China is not onlydeveloping their technology andinternet software but they are alwaystrying to prove their ability to censorwhat is going on in China, particularlywith regard to Tibet."Referring to the arrest and expulsion ofmany journalists in China during the2008 Olympics, and the prohibition of

many websites, radio stations and newsmedia, Dhardhowa expressed optimismabout the capabilities of those outsideChina to ensure that the full story canbe accessed."Visas were refused to those trying toresearch the true picture of events; theyalso banned news media, websites, andradio stations. But the Chineseauthorities cannot bury these things asoutside China and Tibet there are similarsoftware developments in response.China cannot hide the reality."

mental health issues.Revelation of the clandestine visit toChina, as well as attempts toundermine Goff, prompted his ejectionvia a unanimous vote from a caucus(party meeting) on Thursday (July 29),almost guaranteeing his permanentexpulsion from the party council onAugust 7.According to the New Zealandparliamentary candidate, the trip wasoffered to him by China four monthsago, to coincide with a conference onpoverty alleviation. Carter said thatduring the trip he spent six days inChina and one day in Tibet. He arguedthat the uproar about the trip was anattempt to conceal concern over Goff'sleadership.

The Tibet Post 515 August, 2010 DharamsalaTPI TIBET

Protest Footage Released on 3rd Anni-versary of Tibetan’s Arrest

Dharamshala: On the third anniversaryof his arrest, footage of Runggye Adak,a Tibetan nomad imprisoned forpublicly calling for the return of theDalai Lama and denouncing Chinesepolicy in Tibet, has been released bythe International Campaign for Tibet(ICT) as their steadfast global campaignfor his release intensifies.The footage reveals an excerpt of thespeech Adak delivered at the annualLithang Horse Racing Festival inKardze county, eastern Tibet, on 1August 2007, immediately after whichhe was arrested by Chinese police. Heis now serving an eight-year sentence

Chinese armed military personnels in Lithang County eastern Tibet. Photo: TPI


New Rules Further Crack Down onInternet Access in Tibet

Dharamshala: New internet censorshiprules imposed in Tibet this month arejust another in a succession of attemptsby Chinese authorities to monitor andlimit the amount of information andopinions accessed by and sharedbetween Tibetan people. All computersin the so-called Tibetan AutonomousRegion (TAR) which are intended foruse by the public must install new state-of-the-art surveillance software by theend of August.Policy regarding internet usage hasincreased dramatically since uprisingsin Tibet prior to the 2008 Olympics.Every individual is now required toshow their identity card before using apublic computer, as part of the ‘realname’ regime. Combined with the new

Dolkar Tso's Blog image, Photo: Dolkar Tso's Blog/file

By Mega Davis, The Tibet Post

Two Monks Stage Protestin Lithang

Chinese Military Truck Drives Through Lithang 12.23.08 (photo taken by Nick G.)

By Matthew Singh-Toor and Sangay

Dharamshala: On August 12 at 1100,two monks from Lithang county town,eastern Tibet, began a demonstrationin which they publicly displayedphotos of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.As the monks walked from Trung TrungKarmo market to the vegetable market,bystanders were reported to hear themshouting, "Long live His Holiness!".Local police came to the scene andattempted to arrest the monks but wereobstructed by onlookers.

residents whilst 45,000 have beenevacuated.Torrential rain began late on Saturday(August 7) and by last night the areawas witness to the worst single floodingincident in both China and Tibet thisyear, as landslides flattened largeexpanses of land and 300 housescollapsed.Many roads leading to the area have

been cleared and power in some partsof the county has been restored.However, regional media reports predictfurther cloudbursts for Tuesday andWednesday.Another report on August 8 stated thatthe Red Cross Society of China has sentemergency relief worth 320,000 yuan(47,000 US dollars) to aid the relief workby its local branch.

127 Dead in Eastern TibetLandslides


for his actions.The transcript, which has beentranslated by the International TibetSupport Network (ITSN), provides aninsight into political protest insideTibet seldom seen by the rest of theworld: "These things have happenedto us," says Adak. "Did you hear whathas happened to us? Although we canmove our bodies, we cannot expresswhat is in our hearts. You know? Thesedays there are those who say we don'tneed the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama isthe one that we six million Tibetanstruly [need]."As a result of his call for the Dalai

Lama's return, which was interpreted asa call for independence, Adak wascharged by Chinese authorities with‘provocation to subvert state power'and his speech was labeled a ‘majorpolitical incident', and resulted in alengthy prison sentence.Adak's son, 25-year-old JamyangLobsang, who now resides in India afterfleeing Tibet, has made a plea as part ofthe current campaign for the release ofhis father, who is said to be sufferingfrom stomach ailments and loss ofeyesight. "My father Runggye Adak isinnocent," said Jamyank. "What he saidis true and represents the wishes andaspirations of Tibetans inside Tibet."Following the arrest in 2007, over 200Tibetans congregated outside Lithangpolice station demanding Adak bereleased. The protesters were met withtear gas, stun guns, metal batons andfurther detainment. Several of thoseclose to Adak were also arrested,including his nephews Adak Lopoe andJamyang Kunkhyen, who are servingprison sentences of ten and nine yearsrespectively for informing internationalmedia of the speech.The footage released today by ICTexemplifies the lack of freedom thatTibetans are granted, and the direconsequences they must endure if theychoose to take a stand.The recording was captured by aWestern film-maker who was unawareat the time of the significance of whathe was shooting. He wishes to remainanonymous.

Details of the incident were reported toThe Tibet Post International by SermedLobga, a Tibetan monk residing in southIndia, who spoke with contacts from hishome town. He told us the Chineseauthorities in Lithang use many CCTVcameras to survey the public, and it islikely that the two demonstrators willbe identified and arrested.Sermed Lobga has detailed informationabout the monks' identities, which he isunable to divulge for fear of reprisals.

compulsory spy software, any materialbranded politically sensitive by theChinese government can be trackedand linked to the name of the violator.The Chinese have built a reputation aspioneers of computer software andhave come under scrutiny in the pastfor their hacking capabilities. Forexample, in 2009 Canadian researchersreported that computers almostexclusively based in China had used ahi-tech electronic spy system,GhostNet, to infiltrate files anddocuments from governments andhundreds of private offices worldwide.Researchers at the Munk Center forInternational Studies at the Universityof Toronto found that in less than twoyears 1,295 computers in 103 countries

had been infiltrated, including many atthe Indian embassy and His Holinessthe Dalai Lama’s exile centres in India.Although the researchers could notcertify whether the Chinese governmentwas involved, the development inChinese software was evident.Chinese authorities appear to be usingsimilar highly developed software tosuppress freedom of expression inTibet.Blogging websites in particular, whichgive Tibetans the opportunity to voicetheir opinions and converse with othersover diverse issues, have beensystematically shut down by Chineseauthorities in the past couple of years.Most notably in recent months, DolkarTso, the wife of a recently imprisonedand highly respected Tibetanenvironmentalist and activist, haswitnessed the permanent closure of fiveof her blogs in just four weeks. Dolkarbegan the first blog, “The Epic BehindHeavenly Beads”, on June 2nd 2010, justafter Karma Samdrup’s first trial waspostponed. It was closed down thefollowing day.Dolkar persistently started other blogsunder the same name, which were all shutdown within days - one when the trialrestarted, another following herhusband's sentencing, and one more theday Samdrup’s elder brother was alsosentenced. Her last blog was set up onJuly 6th. What Dolkar had to say wasclearly deemed undesirable material forthe public gaze by the ChineseCommunist Party (CCP).Reporters Without Borders have similarlyreported that two blogs written by

popular Tibetan poet Woeser (alsoknown as ‘Oser’) have been censored.The blogs, which included poems andessays about Tibetan culture, and werevery popular amongst students whowanted to renew their contact with Tibetafter being educated in China, wereclosed down by their host sites inresponse to government orders.Himalayanfontblog was another popularblog among writers and activists, andwas viewed by many as a bridge betweenTibet and the exile community. It too hasbeen completely shut down following abrief closure in January. The author ofthe blog announced the closure onanother website, saying “For emergencyreasons I was forced to close down.Writers and bloggers, we urgentlyrequest you to back up articles andimportant documents.”Popular blogging websites in Tibetwhich have been closed down include:* Dolkar Tso's Blog: http://drolkartso.blog.sohu.com/%20%20* Khawachen or Snowland: http://www.kawajian.com/* Tibetlanguage: http://www.tibettl.com/* Tibetanyouth : http://www.tibet123.com/bbs/* Himalayanfontblog: http://222.186.191.24/blog/

After extensive research it appears to bethe case that Tibet.cn, the officialChinese Government online newspaper- their most important tool forpropaganda regarding the region - is theonly Tibetan news website available tothose in Tibet.The following websites are closed toTibetan internet users:* Tibet.net* Thetibetpost.com* Phayul.com* Outlooktibet.com* Shambalapost.com* Pressoftibet.com* VOA Tibetan News: http://www1.voanews.com/tibetan/news/* Rfa.org/tibetan* Tibetsun.com* Tibettimes.net* Tibetexpress.net* Lhasapost.comWebsites of many human rights groups,pro-Tibet campaigns and someinternational news media organisationshave also been carefully censored orremoved by the Chinese authorities.Readers can check whether specificwebsites are available behind 'the greatfirewall of China' by visiting http://w w w. w e b s i t e p u l s e . c o m / h e l p /testtools.china-test.html and entering asite's URL.

The Tibet Post6 15 August, 2010 Dharamsala TPI TIBET IN EXILETibetans offered Special Prayers

For Drugchu Flood Victims

Dharamshala: Hundreds of Tibetansconverged at the main Buddhist templein Dharamshala yesterday morning(August 10) to offer special prayers forthe thousands of people affected byfloods and mudslides in Drugchucounty, eastern Tibet.The prayers, led by TromthokRinpoche, abbot of NamgyalMonastery, were offered in hope of theearly attainment of a good rebirth forthose killed and a quick recovery forthose injured. Tibetan governmentofficial media reported the prayers werealso offered for the well-being of allhumanity.The hour-long service was organisedby the Department of Religion andCulture of the Central TibetanAdministration. It was led by senior

Tromthok Rinpoche, the abbot of Namgyal Monastery and monks lead prayer service atTsuglagkhang for victims of devastating heavy rain and mudslides in Tibet's Drugchu.

Photo: Tibet Net/ Drubgyu Nyima


Five Kalon Tripa Candidates to JoinBylakuppe Debate

Bylakuppe: With just over a monthuntil the preliminary elections for theprestigious exile post of Kalon Tripa(prime minister), a group of volunteersin Bylakuppe Tibetan Settlement haveannounced a major public debate,Katri Droeleng Chenmo, to be held onSeptember 3.Five major Kalon Tripa candidateshave so far come forward to join thehistoric debate.At a press conference yesterday, thespokesman of the volunteer group,Mr Lobsang Dorjee, said, "Tibet'sspiritual and temporal leader, HisHoliness the Dalai Lama, who hasattained 75 years old, has widelyannounced that he is semi-retired andthat the major political leadership ofthe Tibetan Government in exile isbeing borne by the Kalon Tripa whois elected by the people.Mr Lobsang continued, "Thereforethe Kalon Tripa had not only emergedas the political leader recognized asthe head of the Tibetan Government-in-exile but also emerged as asignificant mark of advancement ofTibetan democracy and ourpreparation for the worst. So it is theprimary responsibility of the peopleand the need of the hour to elect aKalon Tripa who could fulfill theaspirations of the Tibetan people".Mr Lobsang said the organizers hadinvited over 13 main Kalon Tripacandidates, based on nominationsreleased by various associations,NGOs and groups, and had so farreceived confirmation from five

By The Tibet Post

The Tibet Post InternationalPress of Tibet(Head Office)1st Floor, Dolkhang House, JogiwaraRoad, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamsala, Distt.Kangra H.P 176219 India

Advicer Mr. Thomas KeimelAdvicer Dr. Vincent BrucelEditor Mr. YC. DhardhowaSub Editor Mrs. Yangyal ShamReporter Mr. SangayReporter Ms. Keary HuangCircular Ven Phuntsok DhondupPublisher Mr. Tenzin Kunga

I n t e r n a t i o n a lThe Tibet P st

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

E-mail: [email protected]

Tibetan Institute of Performing ArtsCelebrates 51st Anniversary


His Eminence the 17th GyalwaKarmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorjee gracedthe ceremony and other guestsincluded officials from the TibetanGovernment-in-exile andrepresentatives of Tibetan NGOs andmonastic institutions. Only selectedmembers of media were invited as the

celebration was a closed-door event.TIPA's director, Shosur SonamChoephel, outlined the history ofTibetan arts and opera, and promotedtwo new TIPA publications - OperaHistory and The History of TIPA. MrChoephel thanked the scholars andwriters who worked on the books,

including Geshe Beri Jigme Wangyal.In a brief address, Gyalwa Karmapasaid, "Among many cultural andreligious learning centres establishedby His Holiness the Dalai Lama aftercoming to exile, the TIPA has becomethe most important centre of thepreservation of Tibetan art and operaculture."The primary responsibility of TIPA isto preserve and promote the vastrepertoire of theatrical arts that hasbeen passed from generation togeneration in Tibet. Therefore, we mustexpress gratitude to the institute's pastand present members who haveceaselessly contributed towardsfulfilling His Holiness's wishes and thegood of Tibet's secular and religiousheritage. I call on the members tocontinuously make concerted efforts".The Yarkyi festival's final day incLudeddramatic presentations of the life ofGautham Buddha and music fromTibetan Mahayogini Jetsun Milarepa,who performed in a competition oftraditional song and dance.TIPA was established? by His Holinessthe Dalai Lama in August 1959 topreserve Tibetan artistic culture in theface of Chinese occupation. Theinstitute has 112 members, includingartistes, instructors, administrativestaff and craftspeople.

The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) on Wednesday marked 51 years ofexcellence in preserving and promoting traditional Tibetan theatre and opera in exileon 11

August 2010, Dharamshala, India. Photo: TPI

officials of Namgyal Monastery and wasattended by the entire staff of theCentral Tibetan Administration (CTA)together with hundreds of Tibetansfrom both monastic and lay communitiesin Dharamshala.According to a report on Tuesday byXinhua, the Chinese state-controlledmedia, the mudslides in Drugchu countyhave taken more than 700 lives and asmany as 1,400 people are still missing.Last week, Tibetans in Dharamshala alsoorganised a prayer ceremony for victimsof Ladakh floods that have left morethan 100 dead.On Sunday, both of the TibetanParliament-in-exile and the Kashag(Cabinet) of the Central TibetanAdministration expressed theircondolences to the flood victims.

candidates: Trisur T N Tethong;Tibetan Parliament Speaker Mr PenpaTsering; Deputy Speaker Mrs GyariDolma; scholar Mr Lobsang Sangeyand Mr Sonam TopgyalKhorlhatsang, secretary of theTibetan Homes FoundationMussoorie.The organizers told the press theobjective of the debate is to enlightenthe public on various aspects of theforthcoming elections and facilitatethe Tibetan people in making correctand enlightened decisions. Thedebate will afford the candidates theopportunity to explain their agendas,policies and leadership plans.Mr Lobsang added that, "At thiscritical moment, when Tibetandemocracy and the struggle havereached a historic threshold, copiousdebates were being held in Tibetancommunities the world over on theissue of next Kalon Tripa."However, so far, Bylakuppesettlement, which boasts of having thelargest contingent of diasporapopulation did not have the privilegeof hosting or savoring a public debateon the next Kalon Tripa on a scale thatinvolves major Katri candidates."Therefore we deem it highly crucialto provide the people here anopportunity to listen to our prominentleaders express their opinions anddebate key issues that matter most tothem and the struggle at large."Our democracy is strongest when ourleaders are accessible and participatein an open and honest discussionabout various national issues. Assuch, the participation of the Kalon

Tripa candidates in our debate is astrong testament to their commitmenttowards promotion of democracy andan accountable government."Finally, Mr Lobsang said thevolunteers organising the debatewould disband at the event'sconclusion.The Organizers (Volunteers)1) Mr Lobsang Yeshi, former VicePresident Tibetan Youth Congress2) Mr Pema Delek, former MP &President All India TibetanCooperative Federation3) MrTashi Wangdue, formerrepresentative Lugsam TibetanSettlement Bylakuppe4) Mr Lobsang Dorjee, PresidentRotary Lhasa Bylakuppe, advisorRTYC Bylakuppe5) Mr Tashi Delek, regional reporterBangchen Tibetan newspaper6) Mr Jigdrel Tenzin, regional reporterVoice of America7) Ven. Tsewang, Centrex memberTibetan Rights and FreedomRestoration Committee8) Ven. Gelong, Founder TibetanRights and Freedom RestorationCommittee (Centrex)9) Mr Gelek Jungney, former VicePresident RTYC Bylakuppe10) Ven. Sonam Dorjee, formerdisciplinarian Sera Jey Monastery11) Ven. Jangchup Choephel,Lharampa Geshe Sera Jey Monastery12) Ven. Yeshi Jangchup, LharampaSera Jey Monastery

Issued by:Bylakuppe Katri Droeleng ChenmoOrganizers

The Tibet Post 715 August, 2010 DharamsalaTPI INTERNATIONAL

European MP Initiative isLaunched

Dhasa: The second ETC OrganizingCommittee is launching the EuropeanChitue (MP) Initiative. This is aninitiative to engage in a pre-electionsearch for eligible candidates to runfor office in the upcoming TibetanParliamentary preliminary elections inOctober 2010, and the final electionsin March 2011.The role of the next parliamentaryrepresentatives from Europe is oftremendous importance, as the

ETC is a biennial assembly of all Tibetan Communities in Europe. Photo: TPI


Tibet Fest to Honour quakeVictims


Tenzin Norzom, Kingfisher Miss Tibet 2010, joined a signature campaign with activists inDharamshala on Friday Photo:TPI

Seattle: Seattle's 15th Annual TibetanFestival, Tibet Fest, scheduled to takeplace from 28th-29th August, will bededicated to the victims of the Kyigudoearthquake that shook the Tibetan regionin April this year.The Tibetan Association of Washington,who are organising the event, seeks tohelp young Tibetans establish strongerties with their cultural heritage through

A group of Tibetan volunteers launched a website to campaign for a candidate of MrLobsang Sangay, Photo:TPI

Hollywood Hits Dharamshala


number of Tibetans living in Europeis on the rise. According to theTibetan Charter-in-exile, Tibetansliving in Europe can elect tworepresentatives."I believe that it is important thatindividuals committed to the Tibetanissue, combined with a goodunderstanding of the Europeansystem, represent Tibetans living inEurope," said Thupten Gyatso,Chairperson of the ETC committee,

which started this initiative. However,during the last general elections to theTibetan Parliament-in-exile, only 36per cent of the registered voters, oraround 800 people out of 2224registered voters, elected the twodeputies from Europe."This is very disheartening. Ademocracy is only as strong as thepeople who participate in theprocess," Mr. Gyatso pointed out."While we expect the Central TibetanAdministration to find a solution toone of the hardest problems, we alsoneed to put in effort from our part asindividual Tibetans. As theoppression in Tibet continues, andthere is no immediate breakthrough inthe dialogue with the Chinesegovernment, it is imperative thatTibetans use the democratic systemto put forward our best candidates.This will improve our democracy andadd strength to our common cause."Tibetans living in Europe can visit theETC website (http://europetibetancongress.wordpress.com/) and nominate their candidates, whowill be listed as nominations are sentin. The criteria for candidates are thatnominee be over 25 years old, havecurrent residency in Europe, and holdsa green book. The ETC believes moreinformation and transparency willimprove the democratic process, andwas inspired by the Kalon Tripainitiative launched by Mr. ThubtenSamdup.

song, dance and folk tales, whilst residingin their new communities.The two-day event will feature aperformance from Tibet's best knownR&B singer, Phurbu T Namgral, alongwith traditional Tibetan performers, arts,handicrafts and foods. Expert speakerson Tibet will give talks, and a series ofworkshops will run throughout thefestival.

Dhasa: Richard Gere, a prominentHollywood actor and dedicatedadvocate of human rights in Tibet, haschosen outdoor locations inDharamshala and Ladakh for his newmovie, after permission to film in the so-called Tibetan Autonomous Region wasdenied by Chinese authorities. Mr Gerehas been planning the film for the lastfive years and has confirmed filming willbegin next month.Lobsang Wangyal, director of the MissTibet Pageant and close friend of the film-star, has said the movie is based on Tibet

and Buddhism. The finer details,however, are unknown. The TibetanInstitute of Performing Arts hasreportedly been contacted by Mr Gereto feature in the film.Mr Gere, who is chairman of the board ofdirectors of the International Campaignfor Tibet, has sponsored manyprogrammes for Tibetans living in exilesince his first visit to Dharamshala in thelate 1980s. As a result of his strongsupport for the Tibetan cause, the actoris permanently prohibited form enteringthe People's Republic of China.

US Must Urge China on Human Rights

Dhasa: A group of experts have urged theUnited States Congress to further theirefforts to press China on issues of humanrights abuses and reversals in their rule oflaw since 2008, Reuters reported onTuesday (August 2). The plea comes aftermounting evidence of a crackdown onethnic minorities and critics of the Chineseregime.Human rights and legal experts haveaccused Washington of downplayinghuman rights abuses in order to secureeconomic relations with Beijing.The Diu Hua Foundation, a US-based non-profit organization dedicated to improving

universal human rights through well-informed dialogue between the US andChina, has compiled a list of 5,800 peoplein China imprisoned for non-violentexpression of religious or political belief.Jerome Cohen, of the New York UniversitySchool of Law, told the congressional panelthat the statistics reveal a clearlyconcentrated effort to target politicalactivists and those who represent them incourt.The experts urged the panel to increasetheir annual human rights talks with Beijingto at least twice a year, raise the ranks ofofficial participation and concentrate onspecific cases as opposed to the generaltone preferred by Chinese authorities.


DEFENDING ACTIVIST LAWYERS:Professor Jerome A. Cohen, New York

School of Law, co-director of the U.S.-AsiaLaw Institute, is a leading expert on

Chinese law. (Gary Feuerberg/The EpochTimes)

Environmentalist's Appeal RejectedBeijing: An appeal by Karma Samdrup,the Tibetan environmentalist sentencedto 15 years imprisonment for graverobbery and dealing in lootedantiquities, was rejected outright by aChinese court on July 7th, theAssociated Press reported yesterday(July 3).The tomb-raiding charges againstSamdrup, the businessman and 2006Environmentalist of the Year, date backto a 1998 when looted items were foundin his possession. His lawyer, PuZhiqiang, has said he was unaware ofthe origin of the wooden artifacts andother antiques in question.There was no response to thedocuments filed by Zhiqiang for hisclient's appeal, which was rejectedwithout any explanation from the

Bayingolin Mongol AutonomousPrefecture Intermediate Court. Many ofSamdrup's supporters believe he isbeing made an example of due to hispublic role in environmental activism.Zhiqiang suspects the steadfastdismissal of the appeal may be anattempt at a cover-up.Since the initial ruling, Human Rights

Tibet environmentalist, Mr Karma Samdup visiting UN Building in New York in 2004.Photo/file/Woeser's Blog

Watch have reported that Samdrup hasbeen beaten by prison officials as wellas undergoing several months ofinterrogation, sleep deprivation, andthat he was drugged with a substancethat causes the eyes and ears to bleed.Attempts by the Associated Press tocontact the court for further informationhave fallen on deaf ears.


The Tibet Post8 15 August, 2010 Dharamsala TPI TIBET IN EXILE

way and workers continue to searchfor survivors, amid fears that thedeath toll could surpass 500, aftertorrential rain hit the Himalayanregion.Choglamsar, located 5km from Leh,is believed to be one of the worst hitvillages, where over 200 people arestill reported missing. Villages alongthe Chang La pass, the world's

Flashfloods Ravage LehBy Megan Davis, The Tibet Post

Condolences Offered ForFlood Victims


A message from the Tibetan Parliamentoffered their prayers to those injured in thetragedy and for the deceased, for whomthey pray for the attainment of an earlyrebirth. They also spoke of their fears forthose who continue to live in the low-lyingareas of the region, as rampant mining anddeforestation by the Chinese since theinvasion has made the area susceptible tosuch natural disasters. Hopes that the

Chinese government will recognise theeffects of their projects on Tibet's naturalenvironment were also expressed.The Kashag organised a special prayersession to take place early this morning atthe Tsuglagkhang Complex inDharamshala, in memory of those whoselives were lost and also to pray for therecovery of those injured, both physicallyand psychologically.

CTA Mourns Demise ofTPIE Secretary

Dharamshala: As a mark of condolenceand respect for the passing away ofTibetan Parliamentary Secretary MrPhurbu Tsering la, the Central TibetanAdministration (CTA) held a prayersession from 2-3pm today, after whichits remained closed for the day. MrPhurbu dedicated 37 years of his life tothe Tibetan civil service.Mr Phurbu, who had been ill for severalmonths, breathed his last at the TibetanDelek Hospital in Dharamsala on 29 July2010, at the age of 57.Mr Phurbu joined the CTA civil serviceas an accountant-cum-junior clerk at aTibetan settlement in Nepal's SoloKhumbu region on 16 August 1973.After completing his probation period,he served as a junior clerk in variouslocations, including the LugsungSamdupling Co-operative Society atBylakuppe, the Office of Tibet Affairsat Delhi, and progressed to becomeacting head of the Centre of TibetanReligious Artifacts at Dharamsala and

Mr Phurbu Tsering (2/5/1953 - 29/7/2010). Photo: Tibet Net

By Tibetan official media: Tibet Net

Dharamshala: Dolma Gyalri, the currentDeputy Speaker of the TibetanParliament in-exile, held a personal pressconference this morning at the LhapaTsering Memory Hall of the TibetanDepartment of Information inDharamshala, where she announced herintentions to run for Prime Minister(Kalon Tripa) in the upcoming elections."If the Tibetan people support me andgive me the chance, I have the strengthto become the next Prime Minister", shesaid.After thanking the journalists inattendance for coming, she spoke of thewell-known competition that surroundsthe election of the 15th TibetanParliament members and Prime Minister,and how people are paying far moreattention to the process than in previousyears."I held this press conference today inorder announce my future standing andto make clear my objectives for theelection," Dolma explained.A Member of Parliament (MP) since 1991,when she was first elected to the 11thTibetan Parliament in-exile, Dolma hasbeen continuously re-elected. "For thelast 19 years I have worked as hard as Ican in this position...but this year I havealready decided not to join thenominations for the 15th Parliament".As a Parliament representative of theKham (Dhotoe) region of Tibet, Dolmaused the opportunity to thank the peopleof this province for their support and forgiving her the chance to be an MP forthe last 19 years. However, she alsostressed that she applied herself equally

By Sangay and Megan Davis, TPI

an accountant at the securitydepartment from 1 September 1978 to10 October 1985.From 15 April 1987 to 2 January 1991,Mr Phurbu worked as manager of theTibetan Handicraft Centres atMundgod and Dekyi Larsoe Tibetansettlements in Bylakuppe.He was promoted to under-secretary on1 August 1992 and posted at theDepartment of Security. He continuedto work at the department till 23 August1993, after being promoted to deputysecretary on 15 June. He was promotedto joint secretary on 5 February 1999.From 19 March 1999 to 3 November2001, he worked as joint secretary atthe ealth department and electioncommission.Mr Phurbu was promoted to the postof additional secretary on 7 June 2007.He was the acting secretary for TibetanParliamentary Secretariat from 19 May2008 to 16 August 2008, and waspromoted to become the secretariat'ssecretary general on 1 June 2010.

second highest motorable highway,are also believed to have been sweptaway by the flash floods. The Leh-to-Manali road should be reopenedwithin a couple of days as heavyearth-moving equipment has beencalled into service. The road, one ofonly two lifelines to Ladakh, is a vitalaccess route for material relief, food,fuel and military supplies.

Dolma Gyalri Announces Run For Next Tibetan PM

to all Tibetan people in her work. "Thisis what I committed to when I took theoath to become a Member of Parliament,a promise I made most importantly to HisHoliness the 14th Dalai Lama.Dolma revealed that her decision to makeher intentions public was hindered byfears of the response to the fact she is awoman. Although she has neverexperienced gender inequality directly,something she feels very lucky to be ableto say, she was concerned that her statusas the first female to run for the prime-ministerial position would causeproblems.Until now, Dolma was anxious thatcoming out to society with herannouncement would be met bydifficulties."These days, I often think about suchthings. I am lucky enough to have been

born in a democratic state and live underHis Holiness; I have no direct experienceof the Chinese genocide in Tibet; I havestudied in school, been to college, andjoined different associations. During thistime I was never looked down upon as awoman, I had no idea about genderdiscrimination. I never had theseproblems."However, Dolma admitted, "If I was a manI would have perhaps already announcedmy intentions. But, thanks to the Charterof Tibetans-in-exile and the good leaderHis Holiness, we have gender equalityso to take this opportunity is veryimportant."The Deputy Speaker spoke graciouslyabout the commitment she would haveas PM and assured Tibetans that shehas the strength and dedication touphold this position.

Dolma Gyari, the current deputy speaker of Tibetan Parliament in-exile. Photo: TPI/file

New Dhotoe MP Nominees Announced

Dhotoe Leadership Nomination Committee Announced its nominees for 15th Tibetan Parliament in-exile on Satuarday at Hotel Tibet.Photo: TPI


Dhasa: The Dhotoe VolunteerCommittee for Leadership Nominationthis morning held a press conferenceat Hotel Tibet, Dharamshala, wherethey announced 27 nominees for theupcoming election of the 15th TibetanParliament. Ten members from each ofthe three traditional Tibetanprovinces will be voted in by thepublic.The nominations were discussed ontwo separate occasions by over 20

members of the newly foundedcommitte, who originate from aroundDhotoe (Kham) region of easternTibet. Information on each of thoseselected will be distributed to thepublic.At today's press conference, threerepresentative of the committee - Mr.Sangye Tashi, Geshe RinchenNgoedhup and Geshe Tashi Sonam -addressed those in attendance andspoke of the selection process. The

candidates were chosen for their activeroles in Tibetan society and for theirnotable education; both of which areseen as necessary attributes formembers of parliament.The primary elections are due to be heldon October 3, followed by the generalelection on 20 March 2011. The volunteercommittee said the candidates' rankingin the listings is not an indication ofqualification - rather, voters shouldexamine each candidate's profile.

The Tibet Post 915 August, 2010 DharamsalaTPI DR.LOBSANG SANGAY

10 Questions for Dr. Lobsang Sangay

Dr. Lobsang Sangay is a Senior Fellowat the East Asian Legal StudiesProgram at Harvard Law School. Hestudied at CST Darjeeling, BA (Hons)and LLB in Delhi University and in1992, was a member of the CentralExecutive of Tibetan Youth Congress(CENTREX). He did his LLM (Masters)in 1996, and in 2004 earned Ph.D.degree and became not only the firstamong six million Tibetans but alsofrom Himalayan region includingBhutan, Nepal and Mongolia.After spending six years doing researchmainly in Dharamshala, he wrote hisdoctoral dissertation on Democracyand History of Tibetan government inexile from 1959-2004 for which he wasawarded Yong K. Kim 95 Special Awardof Excellence. He also authored a bookon Human Rights in Tibetan language.He travels around the world givinglectures on Tibet and has published inseveral journals and books and wasselected as one of the twenty-fouryoung leaders of Asia in 2006 by AsiaSociety based in New York, USA. Dr.Lobsang Sangey, is being seen as astrong contender for the 2011 KalonTripa (Tibetan Prime Minister-in-exile)in the upcoming General Election.Following is the interview with Dr.Lobsang Sangay by Rinchen, a studentof University of Utah in U.S.1. You are considered as one of theleading candidates for the Kalon TripaElection. How do you feel?I'm humbled to see my name mentionedas a viable Kalon Tripa candidate. Iwould like to extend my heartfeltgratitude to fellow Tibetans for theirsupport and encouragement. WhetherI win or lose, I will do my best to liveup to their expectations and continueto work for our sacred cause.Ultimately, Tibetan democracy and itselectoral process should be the winnerwhich is only possible through publicparticipation and I will duly serve myrole to engage in every possible way.The fact that an ordinary Tibetanraised in a refugee settlement camp anda Central Tibetan School (CST) is seenas a potential Kalon Tripa is, in my view,evidence of the progress ourcommunity has made in the last fivedecades. It is a testament ofconfidence in the new generation ofTibetans which is the fruit of HisHoliness the Dalai Lama's far-sightedvision and his tireless effort to promotereforms and democratic practices in oursociety. The Tibetan Legal Charterstates that any able Tibetan above the

age of 35 can aspire for such a high-profile office in the TibetanGovernment-in-Exile.2. Your potential candidacy for KalonTripa has generated a good deal ofattention. Many Tibetans are keen toknow what you've been doing in theUnited States for the last fifteen years.I came to the United States in 1995 ona Fulbright Scholarship, and attendedHarvard Law School. After completingmy Masters, Harvard offered me ascholarship and I enrolled into a Ph.Dprogram there.Upon completing my Ph.D. in 2004, Iwrote to the Department of Educationin Dharamsala about my status, myacademic work including Track IIDiplomacy with Chinese scholars andsought their guidance. On 17 June of2005, Sherig responded with a decisionthat academic work at my universitywill be considered equivalent toTibetan community service, therebywaiving my service bond. The FulbrightProgram endorsed my academic andTrack II Diplomatic work and stronglysupported my stay at Harvard. On 13February 2007, the US Department ofState granted me a visa waiver. I gotappointed as a Research Fellow at theHarvard Law School and promoted toa Research Associate in 2008. I stillmaintain the Indian Certificate (IC) fortravels, including to India.On the academic front, in the lastfifteen years, instead of pursuing aprivate lucrative career as a lawyer likemost of my Harvard classmates, I havesteadfastly worked on how best to helpTibet and Tibetan people. I have takencourses from and interacted with thebest minds in the world on China,international politics, democraticconstitutionalism, leadership, conflictresolution, human rights, westernphilosophy and anything that willstrengthen the case of Tibet. I spendevery day trying to do something onTibet and regularly travel around theworld to promote the Tibet issue.3. To whom do you credit theaccomplishments you have had so farin your life, and who inspires you?I'm reminded of my graduationcommencement in 2004 when my goodfriend, the late Tendar la of the Officeof Tibet in New York, asked me a similarquestion for a piece for Phayul (http://w w w . p h a y u l . c o m / n e w s /article.aspx?id=7093&t=1). The threethings that I have and continue to beprofoundly grateful for are HisHoliness the Dalai Lama; my parents

who never understood why I tookmuch longer studying in Universitythan in high school; and the TibetanGovernment-in-Exile. When I didn'thave much, Tibetan government underthe leadership of His Holiness providedand protected me. Now having stoodfirmly on my feet both professionallyand personally, I remain committed indoing all I can to strengthen andsustain the achievements resultingfrom the hard work of elders in laying asolid foundation for the Tibetangovernment and our movement.4. Websites and current Blogospherediscussions have you and TenzinNamgyal Tethong la as the two leadingcandidates for the 2011 Kalon Tripaelections. Your thoughts?It is an honor to be mentioned alongwith Trisur Tenzin Namgyal Tethongla, whom I know well and have respectfor. I believe it's still too early as theinitial chatter and buzz has been mostlyinternet-generated through variouswebsites, blogs and chat rooms amongyouths and netizens but the majorityof Tibetans have limited access to theInternet.I've highlighted the dismal voterturnout in the 2006 Kalon Tripa electionwhere more than seventy percent ofeligible voters did not vote --- a lowerturnout than Iraq and Afghanistanwhere citizens voted in spite of voterintimidation and a real threat of beingkilled. (http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=26694) Will 2011 bedifferent? I'm hearing Tibetans mightwant something different than thestatus quo. Well have to wait and see.I hope we have much higher voterparticipation this time around.Regardless of who you vote for in theChitue and Kalon Tripa elections, Iurge every eligible Tibetan who canvote to register before the August 18,2010 deadline. Please contact yourlocal Tibetan associations ASAP.5. Some have highlighted theexperience of working in Dharamsalaas important requirements for theKalon Tripa post. Your thoughts?Like elections in any other country, theupcoming Kalon Tripa election willamong other things be a choicebetween the status quo and change.The people content with maintainingthe status quo will obviously play upthe experience card, but those wantingchange will be advocating for acandidate with a fresh set of eyes andideas.Recently, Indians voted for the statusquo and re-elected Prime MinisterManmohan Singh. Similarly, in 1988,Americans voted for the status quoand elected the then Vice-PresidentBush Sr. as the President of the UnitedStates of America. But recently in theUnited Kingdom, change asrepresented by David Cameron andNick Clegg (43 and 42 years oldrespectively) trumped the experienceof Gordon Brown and his Labor Party.Likewise the American Presidentialelections of 1992, 2000 and 2008, whenlack of experience in Washington DCwas made an issue but the advocatesfor change prevailed. In 1992, BillClinton defeated the incumbentPresident Bush Sr. Governor Bush Jr.of Texas defeated the more experiencedand Washington DC-based Al Gore in2000. In 2008, a young senator (46 yearsold Obama) surprised both his moreexperienced primary challenger (Hilary)

and his eventual opponent (McCain).So experience albeit important is notthe determining factor. Because, at onepoint, everyone starts anew or afreshas the President or Prime Minister, andfaces new sets of challenges andopportunities. Ultimately, like with anynew government, the success of KalonTripa will depend on team work. As longas you have a combination of seniorswith experience and wisdom, the youngprofessionals, women, and educatedpeople who have knowledge andrespect for Tibetan tradition andculture, the Kashag will succeed.In relation to my experience: eventhough I have not worked inDharamsala from 9-5 in an office, Iunderstand Gangchen Kyishong prettywell. Whenever I am invited by thegovernment, Parliament, TibetanYouth, Women or other organizationsto give lectures and workshops, I haveoften obliged. Having traveled therealmost every year and spent anywherefrom few weeks to few months, Iinteract and have strong relationshipswith every level of Tibetan leadershipwith the respected Kalons, Chitues,administrators in bureaucracy andactivists in non-governmentalorganizations. Having consulted anumber of them, many seem to beconfident that I can do the job.I have a fair understanding of politicsin Dharamsala, as I spent six yearsdoing research for my doctoratedissertation and interviewed the"who's who" of the Tibetan communityfrom late Kundeling Kungo, KungoTara, Sandu Rinchen to the presentKalon Tripa Samdhong Rinpoche notto mention the Kalons, Chitues, civilservants and personalities of NGOs.Having written extensively on thefounding of the Tibetan governmentand democracy from 1959 to 2004, Ibelieve I have a pretty good grasp ofthe inner workings of Dharamsala.Yes, administrative experience isimportant, but administration isessentially about law. Havingresearched the Tibetan constitutionand the Charter, Indian, American andother comparative constitutions, I ampretty confident that my twenty yearsof legal background will come in handy.It is not a coincidence that many of theworld leaders are lawyers. PresidentObama and Hillary Clinton are bothlawyers. Vice President Xi Jinping andVice-Premier Li Keqiang of China, whowill take over as President and PrimeMinister in 2012, have legalbackgrounds. President Ma Ying Jeouof Taiwan is also a lawyer.Most importantly, I'm very secure inknowing that I understand and canempathize with the average Tibetans. Iam familiar with the situation in theShichaks (Tibetan settlements). I knowwhat it feels like to go through anotherseason of poor harvest in the Shichaksor warm weather for the sweater-sellingseason in the winter. I have lived in aShichak, accompanied my parents onsweater-selling trips, and eaten theTingmo and Dal, the staple diet atvarious Tibetan schools. Because ofthese experiences, I would consider ita privilege to return to Dharamsala andserve under His Holiness.6. What do you see as some of the keyresponsibilities of the next KalonTripa?First we have to define whether theKalon Tripa is a leader or an

administrator. If Kalon Tripa is simplyan administrator, then experience, bothinstitutional and personal, is a must.However, His Holiness himself hasstressed, as our democracyprogresses, the Kalon Tripa shouldassume more political leadership.Organizational studies define the corequalities of leadership as vision/planning; the ability to communicateand inspire; the courage to lead andexecute, among many others, withexperience as an additional skill.For the Kalon Tripa as a leader, theprimary responsibility is to resolve theChinese occupation and alleviate thechallenges faced by our bravecompatriots in Tibet. Secondly, it is togain support from the internationalcommunity and to raise the profile ofthe Tibetan government which is ratherweak. Thirdly, the Kalon Tripa has tosustain and strengthen our exilegovernment in India while at the sametime securing support from the Indianpublic. Fourthly, the Kalon Tripa mustmonitor daily developments in Chinaand strategize our short and long termplans and policies to deal both withthe government and the people ofChina. Lastly, the Kalon Tripa must becognizant of the aspirations andanxieties of Tibetans inside andoutside Tibet, and must ensure thewelfare of the exile community both inAsia and the West. Within this it isimportant to interact with and nurtureour youth to engage in the Tibetangovernment and the Tibetanmovement.If therefore the Kalon Tripa is a leaderwith these responsibilities, the last twodecades of my life have given meextensive experience in all these fivecategories. My interaction withhundreds of top Chinese scholars aswell as intellectuals, diplomats andleaders from around the world havegiven me a close view of global realpolitik. In depth exchanges withscholars and students from Tibet haveenriched my understanding of theiraspirations, their current reality and thecomplex path towards resolution. Andneedless to say, growing up in Indiaprovided personal affinities withShichaks and Indian communities.7. Several Tibet Support Groups andactivists advocate using the Chineselegal system to make a case forTibetans inside Tibet. What wouldyou, as a legal scholar, bring to thetable if you were elected as the nextKalon Tripa?I have fifteen years of experiencedirectly interacting and debating withChinese scholars. I know quite a bitabout Chinese politics and laws as wellas the Chinese mindset. Through multi-track diplomacy, I have broughttogether hundreds of Tibetan andChinese scholars in unprecedentedways at various large conferences atHarvard.I am in agreement with Tibet supportersthat one tactic is to conduct a thoroughexamination of existing Chinese lawsand use them to alleviate challengesfacing Tibetans in Tibet. As VaclavHavel, the former President of CzechRepublic stated in his seminal book,"The Power of the Powerless," when astate mistreats people, it uses law as ajustification. Therefore, the power ofthe oppressed is to utilize the same lawto seek redress. It is a win-win

Dr. Lobsang Sangay is a Senior Fellow at the East Asian Legal Studies Program at HarvardLaw School Photo:TPI

By Rinchen, a student of University ofUtah in U.S

....... P 10

proposition, because you can proveeither that China does not abide by itsown laws if they do not implement theirlaws or if they do implement, then wecan gain our rights. As you might know,Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi andJawaharlal Nehru were all lawyers whoused their oppressors' laws to gain rightsfor their people. I humbly feel my yearsof having studied Chinese politics,Chinese laws and monitoring the legalsituation in China will come to good usein our movement.8. How does religion play a role in yourlife?Religion plays an important role in mylife. My late father was a monk in Tibet,but disrobed during escape and latersettled in India. Everyday, he recited hisprayers and imparted to me as a childthe importance of religion. My mother,who lives with me, prays daily and stilldoes her 108 prostrations despite kneeand back problems. My wife ends herday with a short prayer book. SinceAugust of last year, I have attendedthree teachings by His Holiness. I hopeto attend an upcoming teaching inDharamsala in September. I am doingmy best to fulfill my late father's partingwords, that one can only take religionwhen you leave this world. Obviously,these teachings help me pray for my latefather, loved ones, Tibetan compatriotsand sentient beings in the world. As thesaying goes, "Serving our society isalso dharma."9. You recently visited various Shichaksin India. Where did you go and do youplan to go again?Just to make it clear, before coming tothe US, I had visited many Shichaks indifferent capacities, including Himachaland Uttaranchal, Mainpat, Bylakuppe,Hunsur, Kollegal and obviously manysettlements in Nepal and the North Eastas I am from the area.This June I was invited by few

organizations to give a workshop on"The State of the Tibetan Movement:Ten Powers." I want to sincerely thankall those who organized the visit toShichaks, monasteries and schools. It'salways a humbling experience to visitthe Shichaks, and I feel at home in theShichak settlements.This time my India trip took me again toHunsur, Kollegal, Byllakupe andDharamsala. But it was my first time toMundgod. I also visited all the majormonasteries in Southern India, andseveral schools. Altogether with thisand previous trips, I have now visitedalmost sixty percent of all the shichaks,important monasteries belonging to theNyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, Geluk, andBon traditions, and many TCV and CSTschools. I hope to cover seventy fivepercent of all the shichaks before thepreliminary election (Oct. 3rd) for theKalon Tripa.\In addition to the shichaks and schoolsin India, I have met hundreds of fellowTibetans in North America, Europe andAustralia. My profession as a scholarenables me to participate in scholarlygatherings around the globe where Ihave met and interacted with numerousscholars from Tibet as well.I am a strong believer that one of thebest ways to consolidate and energizeour democracy is to strengthen thedemocratic process. I am fortunate tobe provided this great honor andfantastic opportunity to be a candidatefor this high profile position, so it isincumbent upon me to do my utmostbest. I traveled to Shichaks to meet withpeople, monks in monasteries andstudents and youth to understand theiraspirations, anxieties, optimism andchallenges. I strongly believe a goodleader is one who interacts with andunderstands people's mindsets. HenceI urge every potential candidate to traveland meet with fellow Tibetans as such

experience will only help you become abetter Kalon Tripa.I have engaged in debate in Switzerland,and in Portland, Oregon, and have anupcoming debate in San Francisco,California. I am doing my best to createawareness about our democraticsystem, and also learning a lot in theprocess. I hope that others will followsuit.10: Are you standing for the post ofKalon Tripa?I will issue a brief and simple pressrelease explaining why I will go throughthe preliminary round of the Kalon Tripaelection. This is another effort on mypart to strengthen our democraticprocess by taking every formal step ofa regular election campaign. So in thenext election, candidates will conductthemselves in a like manner andparticipate as in any other normalelection in any other democratic nation.When candidates are actively involvedin the election process, voters will alsobe actively engaged and involved. Ifthis happens, it will be my contributionto the Tibetan community, to ourdemocracy and to our movement.Please register by August 15th and govote in both the Chitue and Kalon Tripaelection. I wish the candidates all thebest and all my Tibetan brothers andsisters a better tomorrow. Tashi DelekDr. Lobsang Sangey can be reached [email protected]

10 Questions for .....

The Tibet Post10 15 August, 2010 Dharamsala TPISouth Zone Office Correctto Close Voter Registration

Dharamshala: The Central TibetanAdmistration's (CTA) BangaloreRegional Election Officer-cum-ChiefRepresentative was right to close voterregistration on August 7, according tothe Election Commission (EC) inDharamsala, which says many regionalelection offices in India and westerncountries had different closing dates.In a letter dated August 10, the ECcommended the south zone officer formaking "proper and successful"registration and said failure to registeron time by some individuals was due totheir apathy.

Chief Election Commissioner of Tibetangovernment in-exile,Mr Jampal Choesang,

new additional Election Commissioner Ven.Geshe Rigzin Choedak amd Mr Chutpar

Yangkho Gyal.Photo:TPI


This bears significance as Phayulwebsite posted a report on August 8which made allegations that the southzone office was tainting Tibetandemocracy by misinterpreting electionrules."This is to acknowledge your [southzone office's] seven-page letter," theletter read, "including the covering letterdated 9 August 2010, regarding voterregistration and copies of the relateddocuments on the notices to the publicon the voter registration that you hadsent through the heads of localorganizations."We commend the successful workcarried by your office on the voterregistration. Recently, a girl describingherself as a working staff in Bangaloretelephoned us that some people in thearea reportedly remained to be registered."We consider lack of awareness on thepart of individual persons for their failureto register despite extensive publicannouncements made by your office. Wealso conveyed to the caller that thesouth zone office had made no mistake.Kindly register until 18 August thosepeople who had failed to register andthe list should reach this office latest by25 August 2010".

Discussing the Middle WayDhasa: The three-day General Meetingof the People for the Movement of theMiddle Way began today in Dharamshala.The speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, Mr Penpa Tsering, attended asspecial guest along with around 100others, including representative membersfrom 15 regional chapters and envoysfrom Tibetan non-governmentorganisations.Attendees stood to sing traditionalTibetan songs to mark to beginning ofthe meeting, which were followed by anintroduction by Mr Doctor Kyenrob,coordinator of the middle way movement.Mr Yuten Gyaltso later reported on the

Tibetan Writer ShogdungFaces Trial

The Tibetan writer and intellectual Tragyal -pen name Shogdung, arrested by theChinese Government. Photo: files

By Matthew Singh Toor, The Tibet Post

Beijing: The Tibetan writer andintellectual Tragyal - pen nameShogdung - has expressed fears that hewill be executed by the Chineseauthorities for his anti-Beijing write-ups.He was arrested in April publishing the

book The Line Between Sky and Earth,reports Asian News International.Mr Tragyal, 47, who was an employeeof a state-run publisher, faces chargesof 'splittism'. The book, published inMarch, is a poetic, painstakingly writtenindictment of Chinese rule and a call fora 'peaceful revolution' against whatTragyal describes as Beijing's heavy-handed governing style.The public security bureau in thewestern province of Qinghai (Chinesename; Tibetan name Tso Ngon in Amdoprovince) needed a full month totranslate his Tibetan prose intoChinese. Officers searched his home,carted away computers, handwrittennotes and copies of the book,whilstTragyal stood by silently."He was perfectly serene in front of thepolicemen, and this somehow calmedmy fears," his wife wrote in an e-mail."I am naturally terrified at the thoughtthat once this essay has been madepublic, I will eventually have to endurethe hot hells and cold hells on earth,"the New York Times quoted him assaying. "I may lose my head because ofmy mouth, but this is the path I havechosen, so the responsibility is mine."

movement's activities and expenses overthe past year and a half.Penpa Tsering addressed the audiencewith the main tenets of the middle way

approach, which seeks genuineautonomy as opposed to completeindependence. He spoke of theimportance of the approach for thestruggle and why it is necessary toemphasise that this is the viewpoint ofthe majority of Tibetan people, not justHis Holiness the Dalai Lama.The next two days will focus on ways inwhich the people of Tibet can advancethe movement and how amiable relationsbetween Tibetans and Chinese(something which the Dalai Lama stronglyadvocates) can be promoted and achieved.The expansion of the movement and itsfuture developments will also bediscussed, as well as the election ofadditional coordinators.

Movement of Middle-Way held itsgeneral meeting in Dharamshala, India

on 3rd August 2010. Photo: TPIPhoto: TPI


China Sentences Two Tibetans in Eastern Tibet

Dharamshala: Two Tibetans, Geluk andWangchuk from Dege Jodha county,eastern Tibet, have been sentenced toone year each in prison on charges ofrefusing to sow crops, in protest againstthe Chinese government's policiestowards Tibet and Tibetans."The latest information tells us thatGelug was sentenced to one-and-a-half

years and Wangchuk to one year,"Geshe Monlam Tharchin on Saturdaytold The Tibet Post International.Ven Tharchin further reported that, "In2009 many Tibetans have been arrestedby the Chinese armed police in GojongCounty, Dege area, Eastern Tibet."After the crackdowns that took place in2008, Tibetans from many areas in DegeJodha district have continued to refuseto farm, to show solidarity for Tibetansfrom all over of Tibet. They resistChinese pressure to plant, sow and toilin order to remember those who havelost their lives under the Chinese, thosewho have been brutally beaten andarrested, and those who are missing.Local Chinese officials have informedTibetan farmers that they will beawarded 10,000 Yuan if they sow crops,and have even announced that theyplan to reward Tibetans who followgovernment orders with luxury carsduring the horse-race festival. But

instead of taking advantage of theseoffers, farmers continue to showsolidarity with those Tibetancountrymen and women who havesuffered under the crackdown.

The sources say that Chinese officialscontinue to practise the 'patriotic re-educating law', which forces localTibetans to denounce spiritual leaders,including His Holiness the Dalai Lama.The sources also say that, during thespring prayer festival, many Tibetanswere brutally beaten and arrested afterburning wild-animal skins, and thatmany are still missing .Last year, Tibetans in the followingareas of Dege Jodha district refused toplant crops or tend their fields for onemonth: Jiwariwa; Dragan; Tsanbha;Ambha; Godha; Dhotrengdha;Ketreng; Jodha; Washul; Gazi; Shilu;Nguldha; Thartse; Bhothang;Khathang; Radhoruwa.

Chinese military base in Karze county,eastern Tibet. Photo: TPI


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