Tibet Leaders Seek Talks on Suicide Protest

Dec 12

By GORDON FAIRCLOUGH

PRAGUE—Exiled Tibetan leaders, alarmed by a wave of suicide protests andwhat they view as deteriorating human-rights conditions for Tibetans inside China, want to restart negotiations with the Chinese government, a senior Tibetan official said.

Tibet’s India-based government-in-exile floated its proposal for talks at the end of November, the official, Kelsang Gyaltsen, said Monday during a visit here by the Dalai Lama, Tibetan Buddhists’ spiritual leader. He said there has been no response from Beijing.

“It’s important to meet and find ways and means to defuse the very tense situation inside Tibet,” Mr. Gyaltsen, a Tibetan diplomat involved in past negotiations with China, said in an interview. “We are ready anytime, anywhere.”

Tibetan leaders say they seek to resolve grievances against Beijing’s policies on religious, cultural and other issues.

Chinese officials weren’t immediately available to comment.

Beijing has in the past blamed unrest in Tibet on the Dalai Lama, who earlier this year said he was stepping down from his political role, and other exiled Tibetans. The two sides last met in early 2010.

In October, two teenaged monks set themselves on fire near a monastery, Tibetan activists said. It was the latest in a series of self-immolations this year by Tibetans that the exile community says are a protest against restrictions on Tibetans’ civil rights and religious freedoms in China.

On Monday, the Dalai Lama, who was visiting Prague for a conference on human rights in Asia, declined to comment on the self-immolations. “At this moment, the best thing is silence,” he said, later adding: “It is very much a political question.”

When protests erupted across Tibetan-populated parts of China in 2008, Beijing responded with large-scale arrests and the deployment of security forces. Mr. Gyaltsen said “intensified repression” was the likely cause of suicide protests, which have tended to involve younger Tibetans.

These younger “generations of Tibetans ate much more politically conscious and assertive,” Mr. Gyaltsen said. They are “much more inclined to express their resentment and genuine grievances through public protests.” The protests result in crackdowns, leading to a “vicious cycle,” he added.

China has made large investments in infrastructure in Tibet in an effort to raise standards of living there. But many Tibetans are unhappy with Chinese policies which, among other things, place limits on religious practices.

In 2008, Tibet’s exiled leaders laid out a blueprint for what they considered an appropriate level autonomy for Tibet under which the region would remain part of the People’s Republic of China. Beijing wasn’t receptive.

Statement of the Kashag on the 22nd Anniversary of the conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama

10 December 2011

Today, we have gathered here to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the conferment of the Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1989. On this auspicious occasion, the Kashag extends warm greetings to fellow Tibetans in and outside Tibet and all friends of Tibet and supporters of human rights around the world.

The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in the name of scientist Alfred Nobel to honour leaders who have made  outstanding contribution to “fraternity between nations, abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace.” His Holiness the Dalai Lama was recognized by the Nobel committee for his “consistent resistance to the use of violence in his people’s struggle to regain their liberty.” This recognition enhanced, in an unprecedented way, the international visibility of the issue of Tibet and for this reason we remain eternally grateful to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and re-affirm our steadfast commitment to non-violence. This year His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in his own words, “voluntarily, happily and willingly” devolved all his political powers to a democratically elected leader, thereby fundamentally transforming the 369-year-old institution of the Dalai Lama. His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s vision is of a secular democratic Tibetan society, which can stand on its own feet, strengthening and sustaining the movement. This agnanimous decision to separate political and spiritual authority sends a strong message of true leadership. This gesture of the great 14th Dalai Lama is all the more respected around the world and has further strengthened his place among the pantheon of world’s great leaders. The Kashag fully supports the historic statement issued by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his reincarnation on 24th September 2011. The Kashag believes, in the eyes of Tibetan people and the world, the Chinese government has no legitimacy, credibility and authority with regard to reincarnation. Tibetans have absolute faith and loyalty to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and we believe he alone has the right and authority to determine his reincarnation, which is reinforced by the resolutions adopted during 11th Bi-annual Conference of Buddhist leaders in September 2011.

Today, as we also mark the 63rd Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it is unfortunate that conditions in Tibet have significantly worsened in recent times. The Chinese government continues to violate the most basic human rights of Tibetans enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Due to the occupation of Tibet and the crackdown that ensued the 2008 peaceful protests, civil and political rights of Tibetan people are repressed, not to mention economic marginalization, social inequality, cultural assimilation and environmental destruction. The human rights situation in Tibet has deteriorated so significantly that Tibetans are resorting to desperate and unprecedented acts. In 2011 alone, twelve Tibetans are known to have committed self-immolation out of which seven have died.

Kalon Tripa in his first official visit to the USA and Europe briefed prominent leaders and officials about the tragic situation in Tibet. They were greatly disturbed and expressed deep concern for the suffering of the Tibetan people and the urgent need to resolve the Tibet issue through peaceful dialogue. Accordingly, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that USA was “alarmed by recent incidents in Tibet of young people lighting themselves on fire in desperate acts of protest. “During these visits, Kalon Tripa reiterated His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s unequivocal and long-standing position that as a Buddhist, life is precious and thus, he has always discouraged drastic actions inside and outside of Tibet, as he did during the peaceful protests in 2008 and

several unto-death hunger strikes in exile. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is also deeply concerned about these tragic developments. Similarly, Kalon Tripa appealed Tibetans to end their unto-death hunger strikes in May this year in India, because we need to live and lead our movement. In the long-term interest of the Tibetan cause, we urge Tibetans to focus on secular and monastic education to provide the necessary human resources and the capability to strengthen and sustain our movement. As a gesture of mourning for the self-immolators and their families, the Kashag organized a day-long prayer on Wednesday, October 19, which was graced by the presence of His Holiness Dalai Lama and other important lamas. The Kashag urges Tibetans everywhere to recite mani or other prayers every Wednesday for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the victims of human rights violations in Tibet, including the self-immolators and their families. On Wednesday, January 4, 2012, during the Kalachakra teachings in Bodh Gaya, where the Buddha attained enlightenment, the Kashag will also organize a mass prayer so that the truth may prevail in Tibet. Human Rights Day is a time for people and governments to reflect about the meaning, importance and need for basic rights. To the government of China, we want to say that the only way to bring about real peace and stability in Tibet is by respecting the fundamental human rights of the Tibetan people. We call upon China to release all political prisoners who are sentenced under various pretexts without fair trial and to stop all repressive policies currently being implemented across Tibetan areas, and to resolve the Tibetan issue peacefully through dialogue.We would like people and governments everywhere to recognize and reward the long-standing and genuine commitment of Tibetans in democracy and non-violence. Such expression of support will go a long way in encouraging other movements and freedom struggles to follow suit, thereby paving a path to a more democratic and peaceful world for the 21st century. Lastly, we urge the United Nations and the international community to send fact-finding delegations to Tibet and assess the gross human rights violations and ground situation firsthand. Independent media and liberal Chinese intellectuals should also be allowed access.As always, we take this opportunity to express our deep appreciation to the government and people of India for their hospitality and generosity to Tibetans for more than five decades.

May His Holiness the Dalai Lama live long and may all his wishes be fulfilled.

Tibetans Burn for Their Faith and Freedom

The Communist Party cannot understand the meaning, or the power, of a believer’s sacrifice.

By TSERING WOESER

Leaving Lhasa for Beijing one month ago, I was relieved to no longer be living under martial law, with soldiers and police everywhere. But for Tibetans the pain follows wherever we go: The news that another Tibetan has set fire to herself arrives.

Thirteen monks and nuns have committed suicide as a protest since 2009. Most distressing of all is the sight of Palden Choetso, a 35-year-old nun, burning herself last month. The video runs no more than three minutes, and as soon as it begins one is surprised. The young woman’s entire body is wrapped in flames, but she stands erect, looking like a burning torch. I covered my face with my hands because the tears flowed like rain.

At first I imagined that she’d actually walked forward from within the flames, at the same time calling out the Dalai Lama’s name. Only after looking more closely did I realize that she had not moved a single step, but was bending from the waist while doing her utmost to stand straight. Meanwhile, the people on the street were screaming, looking on helplessly as the raging fire sapped her strength. When the young nun fell, she still held her hands together devoutly.

I wish I was the girl in the video wearing the Tibetan clothes who never screamed. Instead she proceeded toward Palden Choetso, who was engulfed in flames, and she threw a pure white khata to her as a sign of respect.

The Communist Party does not understand why this is happening. The despots only believe in guns and money. They not only have no faith themselves, they can’t even understand the power of faith to motivate acts of great selflessness.

Tibetans are not so foolish that they value their lives lightly. Rather it is the despots who have ignited the flames that engulfed these monks and nuns by pushing them to the point of desperation.

When a truly great disaster threatens any religion, there will always be a few believers who take the responsibility of becoming a martyr to protect it. During the Cultural Revolution, monks at the Famen Monastery near Xi’an committed self-immolation to stop the Red Guards from destroying their pagoda.

The Chinese cadres and police are in all of the monasteries of Tibet. They were sent by the Party to brainwash all the monks and nuns, make them denounce the Dalai Lama as a demon, and raise their hands to recognize the Communist Party as their savior.

The Chinese government is afraid that Tibetans who sacrifice their lives will inspire the living to resist. But no matter how it tries to hide the self-immolations and distort their meaning, the truth continues to get out. Even in that high elevation, where Tibet stands at the end of a muzzle of a gun, there will always be Tibetans ready and willing to become “burning martyrs.”

Their sacrifice has two meanings, one to protect their beliefs and the other to fight for their freedom. As they died, the burning Tibetans shouted, “Tibet needs to be free!” “Let the Dalai Lama return home!”

Ms. Woeser, a Tibetan poet, writer and blogger, lives in Beijing. This article wastranslated from the Chinese by Paul Mooney.

China objects to Dalai meet, calls off boundary talks

Indrani Bagchi, TNN | Nov 27, 2011

NEW DELHI: China demanded that India cancel a Buddhist conference in Delhi which the Dalai Lama was xpected  to address. The conference coincided with the boundary talks between Dai Bingguo and Shivshankar Menon also to be held here. India refused. China cancelled the talks.

Last week, China sent a message to India asking that the government prevent the Dalai Lama from speaking at the  Buddhist conference in the national Capital. A surprised government said the Dalai Lama was a spiritual leader and free to speak on spiritual matters, refusing to agree to China’s request.

The Chinese side upped the ante, demanding the Indian government cancel the conference. India refused to comply, saying this was a spiritual conference and the freedom was an essential part of New Delhi. The Indian side even promised full security to the Chinese delegates. Beijing refused and called off the talks. Although later Chinese officials said they wanted to hold the talks “very soon”, India has reacted coolly. The ball, said sources, is in Beijing’s court.

For a Chinese communist leadership in the throes of a leadership transition, the optics of Dai Bingguo breathing the same air as Dalai Lama may be difficult to sell at home. Sources said, this could have been the reason behind China calling off the talks.

The Chinese approach appeared to have hardened after the recent East Asia summit in Bali, where they showed their disapproval of India’s presence in the South China Sea. In recent months, China has successfully prevented the Dalai Lama from being present for an event in South Africa, by pressuring the South African government.

The Buddhist conference, being organized by the Ashoka Mission, will be held from November 27 to 30 to celebrate 2, 600 years of Buddha’s enlightenment and will host scholars and thinkers from 32 countries. The conference plans all-faith meetings, a dhamma yatra etc. The conference is being held in India because of the nation’s unique position as the birthplace of Buddhism.

Buddhism is also a new element of India’s Look East policy, with Nalanda university and a Buddhist outreach, New Delhi has successfully integrated its soft power with the religion to engage countries in southeast Asia as well as China, Japan, Mongolia and Korea. If India acted against the conference at the last moment, it would be counterproductive, apart from inviting collective wrath that it could not withstand Chinese pressure.

While China has promised $1million for the Nalanda University, it also proposed a “Lumbini project” at Lumbini in Nepal, the birthplace of Buddha. Earlier this year, a Chinese organization believed to be close to the party elite, had promised a $3 billion investment in Lumbini (which would translate roughly to 10% of Nepal’s GDP) with an airport, hotels, highways and a university.

While seemingly innocuous, India suspected that this could be used to promote China-friendly Buddhist leaders in all the three main schools of Buddhism – Mahayana, Hinayana and Tibetan Buddhism. Under Indian pressure, Nepal agreed to cut the Chinese links to the project. Sources here said, China wanted Lumbini to be the focal point for Buddhists in the world. At present, Buddhist travel to India to meet Dalai Lama and to visit Sarnath and Bodh Gaya. Besides, through a project like Lumbini, China may reckon it would be easier to “control” both religion and religionists.

While China is a communist state, its Buddhist traditions remain alive and well. Recent reports said Xi Jinping, who is scheduled to succeed Hu Jintao next year, was born of a Buddhist mother, close to the Dalai Lama, who was even given Buddhist funeral rites. Yet as the party boss next year, Xi has taken a harsh stance on Tibet, vowing to stamp out Tibetan “separatism”.

The recent dissonance between India and China have spanned everything from oil exploration in South China Sea to boundary issues, post-retirement sinecures for diplomats and Chinese stapled visas for Kashmiris.

Dalai Lama Questions Self-Immolations

VOA Tibetan

Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama expressed his worries about the increasing self-immolations by young Tibetan monks and nuns in eastern Tibet.

In an interview with the BBC Saturday, the Dalai Lama said he doesn’t encourage Tibetans to set themselves on fire and questioned the effectiveness of self-immolation as a form of protest against China.

“There is courage — very strong courage. But how much effect? Courage alone is no substitute. You must utilize your wisdom,” the 76 year old Buddhist leader told the BBC.

In eastern Tibet, 11 Tibetans have set themselves on fire since March, demanding greater religious freedom and return of Tibet’s spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.

China has blamed exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, for inciting the violence and called the self-immolation demonstrations immoral. The Dalai Lama on November 7 said hard line Chinese policies is the cause of a wave of self-immolations by Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns.

The Dalai Lama has blamed hard line Chinese policies, which he describes as “cultural genocide,” for a wave of self-immolations by Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns.

The exiled spiritual leader also said hard line Chinese officials have been sent to govern Tibetan areas over the past 10 to 15 years. He said that accounts for the desperate acts of the monks and nuns.

Most of the self-immolations have been centered around the Kirti monastery in Sichuan, where the first self-immolation took place in March.

The action prompted a harsh Chinese crackdown in which the monks and nuns have been subjected to re-education programs and armed security forces patrol the surrounding streets.

Circular from Special Envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Kasur  Lodi G. Gyari

Washington, D.C. 11th November 2011

I am sending this circular concerning the changes in the Tibetan  political governance and how these affect me and my work.

As you are aware, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in his far-sighted  wisdom, has undertaken yet another step in empowering the Tibetan people by his devolution of his political authority to the elected  Tibetan leadership.  This process is now complete with the relevant amendment of the Charter of Tibetans in Exile in May 2011, coming  into session of a newly empowered Tibetan Parliament in June 2011, and the assumption of office by a newly empowered Kalon Tripa in  August 2011.

In 1990 His Holiness the Dalai Lama had appointed me as Special  Envoy to be based in Washington, D.C for broader international relations. Following the enactment of the Charter of the Tibetans  in Exile in 1991 and my retirement from the civil service of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), I continued serving as the  Special Envoy of H.H. the Dalai Lama.  Since His Holiness was also the head of the Central Tibetan Administration until the recent  changes, there was no conflict in my assisting in the work of the CTA or other concerned officials and organizations.  In this  regard, I have also worked with successive heads of the Office of Tibet in New York, whether it was taking up CTA issues with the  United States Government or other work.

With the changes in the CTA’s structure, the Kashag informed me in  May 2011 of its intention to appoint me to a position under it, as per the amended Charter’s provisions.  I responded by reminding the  Kashag that I had retired from the CTA civil service long time back and so the Charter provision did not apply to my position. It has  been extraordinary privilege to have the opportunity to serve the Gaden Phodrang until the last moment of His Holiness’ direct  political leadership.

Following the recent changes in the governance system, I have  ceased any involvement with issues relating to the Central Tibetan Administration; be it at the broader level of taking them up with  the U.S. or other governments, or minor issues like issuing letters of introduction.  All such issues are being handled by the Office  of Tibet in New York.

This, however, does not imply that I do not have any desire to  assist in the work of the new Administration or that the new Kashag does not have any confidence in me.  It is merely a reflection of  the part of the process of clarifying the structure under the new system in place now. It goes without saying that I am fully  committed to extend whatever support and counsel I can offer to the new Tibetan leadership.  I have also had the opportunity to  discuss  this matter with the new Kalon Tripa, Dr. Lobsang Sangay.

I will be continuing in my present capacity as Special Envoy of H.H  the Dalai Lama for some time for the dialogue process, including in leading our efforts in our talks with the Chinese leadership, with  Envoy Kelsang Gyaltsen.  In this capacity, I will continue to be involved with governments, other organizations and individuals to  help with the dialogue process.

The present tragic situation in Tibet and the most repressive  policies of the Chinese authorities makes one wonder if it is even worth making any efforts for the dialogue. On the other hand the  prevailing situation confronts every sensible person that the only way is through dialogue.

Tragic Death of Tawu Nun after Self-Immolation

Today, at around 12.40 pm, a nun in Tawu County, Kardze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (TAP), set herself afire in protest against the Chinese government amid the continued repression of religious freedom and human rights in Tibet.

Palden Choesang, 35 years old, shouted slogans such as “Freedom in Tibet,” “Long live H.H the Dalai Lama,” and “Let the Dalai Lama return to Tibet” before she self-immolated near Namgyal Stupa, a huge stupa in Tawu County.

Latest reports state that nun Choesang died from severe burn injuries. Her body is being kept at Tawu Nyatso Monastery at this moment.

Choesang was born in Drogcho Village, Geshe Township of Tawu County, Kardze TAP. She was a nun at Dakar Choeling Nunnery in Tawu County.

Today was the last day of a ‘*Nyung-ney*’ practice, a religious fast by monks of Tawu Nyatso monastery and local Tibetans that was held in the premises of the Namgyal stupa. According to sources, nun Choesang self-immolated at a road nearby the Namgyal stupa.

Shortly after nun Choesang’s self-immolation, many police arrived, placing heavy restrictions on the area around Nyatso monastery.

Latest reports state that nun Choesang died from severe burn injuries.
Her body is being kept at Tawu Nyatso Monastery at this moment.

Press Release From The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile

Statement Of Gratitude To The World Community For Their Continued Support And Solidarity With The Tibetan Cause

Since the peaceful protests of 2008, the situation inside Tibet has been continuously deteriorating. The repressive and unjust policies pursued by the Chinese government with regard to Tibetan religion, Tibetan language, Tibetan culture, finance and politics are meant to oppress, discriminate and restrict and suppress the rights of the Tibetans. So much so, the Tibetans inside Tibet are increasingly becoming second class citizens in their own country.

The Chinese government has also been resorting to arbitrary arrests and torture of Tibetan youngsters and intellectuals, without giving a fair trial, while the Chinese settlers spread across the three provinces of Tibet have been resorting to illegal acquisition of traditional Tibetan lands, making the lives of Tibetan farmers and
nomads very hard.

And the Chinese government, instead of addressing the issues facing the Tibetans inside Tibet, keeps on denouncing His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his middle way approach for a genuine autonomy for Tibet through its false propaganda. Therefore, out of helplessness and desperation, 10 Tibetans including a nun, have self  immolated since March this year, calling for freedom and the safe return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet.

In view of the grim situation prevailing inside Tibet, the US Administration, Denmark’s Administration as well as the British and the European Parliament have expressed their solidarity with the Tibetan people through press statements, resolutions and discussions in their respective Parliaments. Similarly, various Non-governmental Organisations, Tibet Support Groups, Chinese Democratic Organisations and activists across the world have
carried out campaigns and activities calling for the world’s attention towards Tibet. The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile is deeply grateful and would like to express our appreciation and gratitude to all the support and help extended.

The Chinese government have imposed heavy restrictions and have suppressed the basic rights of Tibetans in the whole of Tibet particularly in the areas where, self  immolation protests have taken place recently. Therefore, we urge the United Nations and peace loving nations across the world to stand up for truth and justice and pressure the Chinese government for the human rights violations taking place there. Furthermore, an independent investigation should be carried out in the areas of  Ngaba in Amdo, Tawu and Karzey in Kham to ascertain the ground realities prevailing in the region.

The stories of development and a harmonious society churned out by the Chinese propaganda machinery is a lie and without any basis. It is a tactic adopted by the Chinese government to hide the truth and fool the world.

We also urge the various Non-governmental Organisations, Tibet support groups and individual Tibet activists to continue their campaigns and activities calling for the attention of the world and peace loving people towards the issue of Tibet.

German MPs urge Chancellor Merkel to raise Tibet with Hu Jintao

Phayul (Tuesday, November 01, 2011)

By Tendar Tsering

DHARAMSHALA, November 1: With the G-20 summit scheduled to begin in the next few days, a group of German Parliamentarians urged Chancellor Angela Merkel to raise the Tibetan issue during the summit.

The three German Parliamentarians – Mrs. Sabine Weiss MP (CDU), Mr. Harald Leibrecht, MP (FDP) and Mrs. Sabine Bätzing-Lichtenthäler MP (SPD) in an open letter urged Chancellor Merkel to boldly raise the issue of Tibet with Chinese president Hu Jintao at the summit.

“The situation inside Tibet is currently escalating at a dramatic pace. Tibetans need more political support, especially from Europe,” The MPs said.

“We should not convey the impression that human rights are being traded for economic success and commercial relations.”

The open letter also urged the German government to advocate for an immediate end to China’s repressive policies in Tibet.

“We hope that you can use the G20 Summit to call on the Chinese government to respond to the Tibetan people’s legitimate demands with a meaningful dialogue instead of force,” the letter said.

The MPs acknowledged the German Chancellor for meeting the Tibetan spiritual leader in the Chancellery in 2007, and applauded her for setting an example to other German leaders in the future.

In recent months, ten Tibetans in Tibet have set themselves on fire, calling for freedom in Tibet and return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile.

Tibetans and Tibetan supporters all over the world are gearing for a global campaign during the G 20 summit calling upon world leaders to put pressure on China to consider the genuine grievances of the Tibetan people.