Jailed Tibetan health worker hospitalised again in a serious condition Vol. 04, Issue 153, Print Issue 77, April 15, 2016 Failed policies causing Tibet’s ecosystem: Speaker
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Honest cultivates warm-heartedness: His Holiness By Jane Cook: April 15, 2016
Speaker Penpa Tsering interacting with Tibetan school captains and teachers at the Parliamentary secretariat, 14 April 2016. Photo: CTA/DIIR By Molly Lortie: April 15, 2016
Dharamshala — “Tibet’s ecosystem are undergoing major transformations due to climate change and failed policies of Chinese government,” the Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile said during a meeting with a delegation of school captains from 19 Tibetan schools based in India and Nepal. Mr Penpa Tsering met with a delegation of school captains Thursday at the Tibetan Parliamentary secretariat. He highlighted the milestones in the evolution of Tibetan democracy in exile. Highlighting the critical situation inside Tibet, Speaker explained the environmental destruction in Tibet as the most urgent issue facing the world. He said that “Tibet’s ecosystem are undergoing major transformations due to climate change and failed policies of Chinese government–including receding glaciers, shrinking and disappearance of thousands of lakes, drying of wetlands, thawing of permafrost, and reduced flow regimes in many rivers.” “Tibetan democratic polity under the supervision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama has undergone several major transitions; establishment of CTA in Mussoorie in 1959 which later shifted to Dharamshala in 1960, establishment of Tibetan Parliament in 1960, the framing of the Constitution for future Tibet in 1963, the adoption of the Charter for Tibetans in exile in 1991 and the direct election of Kalon Tripa in 2001 thereby announcing his semi-retirement from political role, and then eventually the complete devolution of His Holiness’ political authority to the democratically elected leadership in March 2011.” He also spoke about the functions of the Tibetan government, annual meetings, topics of interest, and the democratic system of electing the representatives to parliament.
New Delhi — Showing concern for others and conducting ourselves in an honest and truthful way, is cultivating warm-heartedness, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said during his talk at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in New Delhi, India on April 9, 2016. IIT Director Prof K Tyagarajan expressed delight at his visit and invited him to address the audience, which he did. “It is indeed a great honour for me to have this opportunity to share some of my thoughts with you. Many of the problems we face today we created ourselves. Although there were also great developments, during the 20th century some historians say more than 200 million people were killed in violence. Today, we should think ‘enough’s enough’. If, as a result of such violence the world had become a better place some people might say it was somehow justified, but that is not the case. “In fact, although many in Japan, Europe and North America say they are fed up with violence, what is taking place in North Africa, the Middle East and elsewhere is a symptom of the mistakes we made in the 20th century. Hundreds of people are dying every day because of violence and starvation. To remain indifferent would be immoral. As human beings we are social animals. Our well-being is dependent on others. We function in a global economy, while climate change is affecting us all with no regard for national boundaries. “In the context of our interdependence we have to find a way to create a happier world. We need a secular approach to moral principles that respects not only all our religious traditions, but also the views of those who have no such belief.” He said that scientists are beginning to show that if we have a more compassionate outlook we find peace of mind, whereas a
Principal Ameeta Mulla Wattal and Springdales Schools Director Dr. Jyoti Bose look on as His Holiness the Dalai Lama answers questions from the audience during his talk at Springdales School in New Delhi, India on April 9, 2016. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL
constantly agitated mind is bad for our health. “I sometimes tease young women,” His Holiness said, “because they spend time and money on cosmetics and making their faces
Protest against job discrimination, 16 Tibetans arrested in Tibet
look good, while the more important factor is inner beauty. And by that I mean having a genuine concern for others’ well-being. That is a far sounder basis for building a good relationship.” He observed that while our existing education system is oriented mostly towards material goals it would be more balanced if it also incorporated a sense of inner values from a secular point of view. To discover them he suggested we draw on our common experience, common sense and scientific findings. P- 2... Middle Way Approach is the only solution: Skyong
Former PM calls for “Unity” among Tibetans
A group photo of the school captains with Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay following the interaction. Photo: CTA/DIIR By Yeshe Choesang: April 15, 2016
Former Kalon Tripa Prof Samdhong Rinpoche during his talk at the Gyuto Monastery in Dharamshala, India. Photo: CTA/DIIR By Yangchen Dolma: April 15, 2016
Dharamshala — Former Tibetan Prime Minister Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche has expressed the need for unity among the Tibetan people. Its very important for the collective merit of the Tibetans which he said might disintegrate if the Tibetans don’t be careful about bringing disappointment to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. “Since we are human beings with flaws, we must leave behind the matter of who and where the mistakes were made,” Rinpoche said during first day of his teachings at Gyuto Monastery on Tuesday, April 12. “It is useless to point fingers at each other, he said adding: “Rather we must focus on rectifying it in order to avoid it in future. It is also important that we must make effort to enhance our collective merits.” He also spoke on the need for unity among Tibetans. “The main source of unity will be through being compassionate, respectful and being cooperative towards each other,” he said. “We must always profoundly pray for the well being and long life of His Holiness and we must also frequently pray that we Tibetans never lose his blessings,” he stressed.
On April 8, 2016, a group of Tibetans Marchu County of Tibet protesting agains the Chinese government, accusing authorities of discrimination in filling the jobs available. Photo: TPI By Yeshe Choesang: April 08, 2016
Dharamshala - Over sixteen young Tibetans were detained in Marchu County of Tibet’s Amdo Province where they staged a peaceful protest the local Chinese government over job discrimination against Tibetans. The arrest came after a group of Tibetan graduate students in Marchu County in Gansu Province (traditionally in Tibet’s Amdo Province), on Friday, April 8, 2016 staged protest against the Chinese government over job discrimination against Tibetans students and favoritizing “outsiders.” Sources said that the local Chinese government has recently issued a notice to several offices, include the forest department, saying that the graduate students will no longer be allowed to work in government offices in the County. Most of the Tibetans worked for 3-4 yrs at these various government offices. As a result, they were disadvantaged by not being assigned a job from the government, because of their education qualification as an excuse. Authorities abusing their positions and appointing graduates from outside the area. Examinations for public servants being conducted unfairly or unjustly, disadvantaging Tibetans who have been working for the government for 3-4yrs. Photographs received by the TPI also show a group of at least 15 Tibetan university graduates risk arrest to protest job discrimination. In front of a local government building, they
carried a large banner saying “Stop outsiders, it needs to change, the government jobs that should be beneficial for all. We haven’t broken the law.” Their complaint alleges that the local government is discriminating against minority students by punishing them more frequently and more harshly and favoritizing people from other areas. The protesting graduates were reported to fear that local officials take bribes or seek other advantages in return for appointing graduates from other areas, the sources said, adding: “Since their arrest, their conditions and whereabouts remain unknown.” it’s not the first time the unemployed Tibetan graduates have protested against Chinese government over corruption and jobs discrimination. Dozens of Tibetans staged a public protest gather outside government buildings in Marchu County, north- eastern Tibet, on 10th April, 2013 where they handed out leaflets explaining how they are disadvantaged when it came to finding work. Local Tibetans say the language of business and higher education is Mandarin in Machu County, north-eastern Tibet (Ch: Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Gansu Province, China), making it easier for Chinese immigrants to take the best jobs and forcing Tibetans to adopt the language of the occupying power in an attempt to overcome economic disadvantages. The unemployed Tibetans have risked detention, beating and imprisonment to stage a public protest for several times over their failure to find jobs.
Dharamshala — The Middle Way Approach is the only realistic solution to resolve the Tibet issue. And it will be successful some day, Sikyong said during a meeting with a delegation of school captains from 19 Tibetan schools based in India and Nepal. Dr Lobsang Sangay Thursday met the students delegation who are in Dharamshala as part of a leadership workshop organised by the Department of Education. Sikyong spoke on education policies of the 15th Kashag to the current situation inside Tibet. He also spoke about the critical political and human rights situation prevailing inside Tibet and the official policies of the Central Tibetan Administration to resolve these issues. He also spoke on the scholarship programs of the education department particularly the Sikyong Scholarship, which is the most prestigious scholarship awarded to a Tibetan student in exile. Sikyong said that the resolution of the Tibetan issue relies strongly on the success of the Sino-Tibetan dialogue process. “The Middle Way Approach is the only realistic solution to resolve the Tibet issue. And it will be successful some day. However, till then, we should exert concerted effort and formulate policies to ensure the sustenance of the Central Tibetan Administration,” he said, adding that galvanising international support for Tibet and remaining united against the common adversary is our most powerful strategy. Sikyong also highlighted five-important aspects of the Tibetan struggle that strengthens the Tibetan movement, namely the valour of the Tibetans inside Tibet, the need to study and understand social changes in China, growth of international support for Tibet, the support of India and the Indian people, and a vibrant Tibetan democratic administration. Further speaking on the Tibet issue, Sikyong said that the narrative of contemporary Tibet issue could be effectively compressed into five M’s – Mistake, Misinterpretation, Misunderstanding, Middle Way Approach and Mutual understanding. P- 2...
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OPINION TPI NEWS Tibetans around the world cast Editorial: their votes to elect Sikyong From the Legal Standpoint Tibet has not lost its statehood I
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April 15, 2016
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The Tibet Post International
Let Gao Yu receive treatment in Germany: Watchdog urges China
April 15, 2016
Dharamshala — In the course of Tibet’s 2,000-year history, the country came under a degree of foreign influence only for short periods of time in the 13th and 18th centuries. Few independent countries today can claim as impressive a record. As the ambassador of Ireland to the UN remarked during the General Assembly, “for thousands of years, for a couple of thousands years at any rate, Tibet was a free and as fully in control of its own affairs as any nation in this Assembly, and a thousand times more free to look after its own affairs than many of the nations here.” Tibet has maintained throughout its history a distinctive national, cultural, and religious identity separate from that of China. Chinese archival documents and traditional dynastic histories, including those pertaining to periods of Manchu and Mongol rule, never refer to Tibet being made “an integral part” of China. Several countries, including Mongolia, Bhutan, Nepal, British India, and Czarist Russia recognized Tibet as an independent nation or dealt with Tibet independently of any Chinese Government. In 194950, China launched an armed invasion of Tibet in contravention of international law. At the time of Chinese occupation, Tibet possessed all the attributes of statehood under international law including a defined territory and population, an independent government, and the ability to conduct domestic affairs and independent international relations, as found in 1960 by International Commission of Jurists. From a legal standpoint, Tibet has not lost its statehood. It is an independent state under illegal occupation. Neither China’s military invasion nor the continuing occupation by the People’s Liberation Army has transferred the sovereignty of Tibet to China. The Chinese government has never claimed sovereignty of Tibet by conquest. In fact China recognizes that the use or threat of force (outside the exceptional circumstances provided for in the UN Charter), the imposition of an unequal treaty, or the continued illegal occupation of a country can never grant an invader legal title to territory. Instead its claims are based solely on the alleged subjection of Tibet to a few of China’s strongest foreign rulers in the 13th and 18th centuries. Despite these facts and figures, some countries and their corporations continue to support communist China economically. This shows their blatant lack of respect for these critical issues of political and religious freedom and human rights. Nations that claim to want peace must be courageous and act in the interests of basic freedoms and human rights rather than simply in the interest of economic gain or global resource exploitation. Tibet’s status following the expulsion of Manchu troops is not subject to serious dispute. Whatever ties existed between the Dalai Lama and the Manchu emperors of the Qing Dynasty were extinguished with the fall of that empire and dynasty. From 1911 to 1950, Tibet successfully avoided undue foreign influence and behaved, in every respect, as a fully independent state. Tibet maintained diplomatic relations with Nepal, Bhutan, Britain, and later with independent India but relations with China were strained. The Chinese waged a border war with Tibet while formally urging Tibet to “join” the Chinese Republic, claiming all along to the world that Tibet already was one of China’s “five races.” In an effort to reduce Sino-Tibetan tensions, the British convened a tripartite conference in Simla in 1913 where representatives of the three states met on equal terms. Despite the British delegation reminding his Chinese counterpart that Tibet had entered the conference as an “independent nation recognizing no allegiance to China,” the conference was unsuccessful and did not resolve the difference between Tibet and China. It was, nevertheless, significant in that Anglo-Tibetan friendship was reaffirmed with the conclusion of bilateral trade and border agreements. In a Joint Declaration, Great Britain and Tibet bound themselves not to recognize Chinese sovereignty or other special rights in Tibet unless China signed the draft Simla Convention that would have guaranteed Tibet’s greater borders, its territorial integrity and full autonomy. China never signed the Convention, however, leaving the terms of the Joint Declaration in full force. Tibet conducted its international relations primarily by dealing with the British, Chinese, Nepalese, and Bhutanese diplomatic missions in Lhasa, but also through government delegations travelling abroad. When India became independent, the British mission in Lhasa was replaced by an Indian one. During World War II Tibet remained neutral, despite combined pressure from the United States, Great Britain, and
China to allow passage of raw materials through Tibet. Tibet never maintained extensive international relations, but those countries with which it did maintain relations treated Tibet as they would with any other sovereign state. Its international status was in fact no different from, say, that of Nepal. Thus, when Nepal applied for United Nations’ membership in 1949, it cited its treaty and diplomatic relations with Tibet to demonstrate its full international personality. While China claims that Tibet has always been a part of China, Tibet has a history of at least 1300 years of independence from China. In 821 China and Tibet ended almost 200 years of fighting with a treaty engraved on three stone pillars, one of which still stands in front of the Jokhang cathedral in Lhasa. The treaty reads in part: Both Tibet and China shall keep the country and frontiers of which they are now possessed. The whole region to the East of that being the country of Great China and the whole region to the West being assuredly the country of Great Tibet, from either side there shall be no hostile invasion, and no seizure of territory… and in order that this agreement establishing a great era when Tibetans shall be happy in Tibet and Chinese shall be happy in China shall never be changed, the Three Jewels, the body of Saints, the sun and the moon, planets and stars have been invoked as witness. The three stone pillars were erected, one outside the Chinese Emperor’s palace, one on the border between the two countries, and one in Lhasa. During the 13th and 14th centuries both China and Tibet came under the influence of the Mongol empire. China claims today that Tibet and China during that time became one country, by virtue of the Mongols domination of both nations. In validating this claim, it must first be remembered that virtually all of Asia was dominated by the Mongols under Kublai Khan and his successors, who ruled the largest empire in human history. Second, the respective relationships between the Mongols and the Tibetans and between the Mongols and Chinese must be examined. These two relationships were not only radically different in nature, but they also started and ended at different times. Tibet came under Mongol influence before Kublai Khan’s conquest of China and regaining complete independence from the Mongols several decades before China regained its independence. While China was militarily conquered by the Mongols, the Tibetans and the Mongols established the historically unique “priest patron” relationship, also known as cho-yon. The Mongol aristocracy had converted to Buddhism and sought spiritual guidance and moral legitimacy for the rule of their vast empire from the Tibetan theocracy. As Tibet’s patrons they pledged to protect it against foreign invasion. In return Tibetans promised loyalty to the Mongol empire. The Mongol-Tibetan relationship was thus based on mutual respect and dual responsibility. In stark contrast, the Mongol-Chinese relationship was based on military conquest and domination. The Mongols ruled China, while the Tibetans ruled Tibet. The Mongol empire ended in the mid-14th century. In 1639, the Dalai Lama established another cho-yon relationship, this time with the Manchu Emperor, who in 1644 invaded China and established the Qing Dynasty. By the middle of the 19th century, the Munchu influence in Tibet had waned considerably as the Manchu empire began to disintegrate. In 1842 and 1856 the Manchus were incapable of responding to Tibetan calls for assistance against repeated Nepalese Gorkha invasion. The Tibetans drove back the Gorkhas with no assistance and concluded bilateral treaties. In 1911 the cho-yon relationship came to its final end with the fall of the Manchu Dynasty. Tibet formally declared its Independence in 1912 and continued to conduct itself as a fully sovereign nation until its invasion by Communist China in 1949. As pointed out earlier, the Chinese government has not claimed to have acquired sovereignty over Tibet by conquest. Indeed, China recognizes that the use or threat of force (outside the exceptional circumstances provided for in the UN charter), the imposition of an unequal treaty or the continued illegal occupation of a country can never grant an invader legal title to territory. Its claims are based solely on the brief conquests of China’s strongest rulers in the thirteenth and eighteenth centuries. This being established, how can China – one of the most ardent opponents of imperialism and colonialism – excuse its continued presence in Tibet, against the wishes of Tibetan people, by citing as justification Mongols and Manchu imperialism? On October 28th, 1991, US Congress under a Foreign
Chen Guangcheng, a Chinese human rights lawyer who has been living in the United States for the past four years. Photo: RSF By Emma Stone, TDT: April 14, 2016
Adoption of the Trade Secrets Directive by the European Parliament: Investigative journalism must be guaranteed. Photo: EFJ By Emma Stone, TDT: April 14, 2016
Brussels, 14 April 2016 – The European Parliament Thursday adopted the Directive on the protection of Trade Secrets. European journalists and media associations are concerned that this Directive could put journalists at risk therefore limiting their ability to investigate and report about businesses. This comes at a time when the “Panama Papers” revelations have reaffirmed the essential role that journalists, whistleblowers, and media play in informing citizens about issues of public interest. The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), Reporters Without Borders (RWB), the European Magazine Media Association (EMMA), the European Newspaper Publishers’ Association Authorization Act passed the resolution wherein they recognized “Tibet, including those areas incorporated into the Chinese provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan, Gansu and Qinghai, “AN OCCUPIED COUNTRY” under the established principal of international law”. The resolution further stated that Tibet’s true representative is the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in exile as recognized by the Tibetan people. The resolution stated that it is the policy of the United States to oppose aggression and other illegal uses of force by one country against the sovereignty of another as a manner of acquiring territory, and to condemn violation of international law, including the illegal occupation of one country by another. In the 1950s and 1960s the United States repeatedly condemned what it characterized at China’s aggression against Tibet and actively supported the United Nations in both condemning China and calling for Tibet’s right to self determination in General Assembly Resolutions 1353 (1059), 1723 (1961 and 2079 (1965), stating “the United States believes that our objectives must include the restoration of human rights of the Tibetan people and their natural right of self-determination.” The turning point in Tibet’s history came in 1949, when the People’s Liberation Army of the PRC first crossed into Tibet. After defeating the small Tibetan army and occupying half the country, the Chinese government imposed the so-called “17-Point Agreement for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet” on the Tibetan government in May 1951. The presence of over 40,000 troops in Tibet, the threat of an immediate occupation of Lhasa, and the prospect of the total obliteration of the Tibetan state meant the agreement was signed under duress, therefore lacking validity under international law. Meanwhile in Tibet today, religious persecution, violations of human rights, and the wholesale destruction of religious and historic buildings continue on a constant and regular basis. Tibetans inside Tibet continue to resist the destruction of their national identity despite the loss of 1.2 million brothers and sisters. Our new generations must be determined to regain the country’s freedom passed down by our older generation. The creation of Tibetan democracy within exile is a significant achievement for the progress of human society and an important symbol of modern civilization. Freeing Tibet could set an example to the world. It could become a symbol of change and a model for fighting against abuses of human rights, women’s rights, and political, religious and cultural freedoms across the globe. It could be an example of democracy loving people overcoming authoritarian rule and injustice.
(ENPA) and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU - UER) take note of the adoption of the Trade Secrets Directive by the European Parliament today in the plenary. The undersigned organisations understand that the aim of this Directive is to protect European companies from industrial espionage but have continuously expressed concerns about the serious implications it could have on media and journalists’ freedom. Despite valuable improvements of the original draft, the newly adopted Directive still raises doubts as to whether journalists and in particular their sources - whistleblowers - are appropriately protected. Exceptions foreseen under Article 5 for the exercise of freedom of expression and information are not clear enough, which means that safeguards for freedom of the media will largely depend on how national governments implement the Directive. In addition, whistleblowers are potentially left exposed insofar as they will be held to prove that the disclosure of information is made “for the purpose of protecting the general public interest”. This could lead to significant legal uncertainty and chilling effects on journalists as they would be required to prove that the whistleblower’s intention was in line with the requirements of the Directive before even being able to use disclosed public interest information. EMMA, ENPA, the EFJ, RSF and EBU and their national affiliates will therefore pay close attention to how EU Member States transpose this European Directive in order to make sure that it is not being misused for the purposes of restricting media freedom, and journalists’ and whistleblowers’ activities.
Honest and truthfullness... He noted, for example, that we all need friends and that friendship is based on trust, which arises when we show concern for others and conduct ourselves in an honest and truthful way. Ultimately this is related to cultivating warm-heartedness. One of the ways of approaching that is to develop an understanding of how our minds and emotions work. His Holiness repeated that ancient Indian psychology as expressed in the Nalanda tradition continues to be relevant today. Scientists are finding it very helpful for learning about the mind. Once again His Holiness urged young Indians to pay attention to their own rich heritage. He reiterated that approached from an academic and secular viewpoint this valuable knowledge can be of interest and use to anyone. A science of mind can appeal to all 7 billion human beings and so contribute to human happiness. His Holiness concluded his talk on ‘Ethics and Happiness’ by proposing that since action that brings joy and happiness can be regarded as ethical and action that results in misery and unhappiness can be seen as unethical, human happiness is the criterion for ethics rather than religious belief. In the subsequent question and answer session, His Holiness was asked the secret of his robust health and he replied, laughing, that it was a secret. He added that keeping the mind open and sharp is one factor and getting 8-9 hours sleep a night is another. Another question prompted him to say that there is no place for fear in religious teachings pointing out that the Buddha had been able to explain about suffering and its origins because he also explained its cessation and the way to achieve it.
Paris — Reporters Without Borders (RSF) says they are joining Chen Guangcheng, a Chinese human rights lawyer who has been living in the United States for the past four years, in urging the Chinese authorities to allow journalist Gao Yu to travel to Germany to receive medical treatment. “RSF is relaying the video in which Chen calls for a worldwide campaign in support of Gao, who was given a seven-year jail sentence almost exactly a year ago (17 April 2015) and who was released from prison to house arrest in November,” the media watchdog has said in a statment issued on Thursday, April 14, 2016. “We appeal to the international community to actively support Gao Yu and to press the Chinese authorities to allow her to receive medical treatment,” said Benjamin Ismaïl, the head of RSF’s Asia-Pacific desk. “The raid by 20 policemen on Gao’s home on 31 March was the exact opposite of the message we were hoping for. The government must end its policy of intimidation and keep the promises it has made with regard to this journalist.” Addressing the Chinese Communist Party in the video, Chen says: “You are mistaken if you think you will gain by openly breaking your promise.” Gao’s lawyer, Shang Baojun, reported in February that, contrary to an earlier undertaking, the authorities were refusing to allow Gao to leave China and were refusing to give her the money she needs for medical care. Gao suffers from lymphadenopathy, a swelling of the lymph nodes resulting from an infection, inflammation or possibly cancer. While in prison, she also had repeated cardiac problems, which date back to her first spell in prison in 1989. China is ranked 176th out of 180 counties in RSF’s 2015 World Press Freedom Index.
Middle Way Approach...
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Sikyong attributed the occupation of Tibet as a mistake, which caused widespread ecological destruction, and political and human rights violation in Tibet. Misinterpretation is referred to as the Chinese government’s attempt to misinterpret the mutually beneficial Middle Way Approach. Misunderstanding is the outcome of the Chinese government’s false propaganda, which led to a wrong perception of Tibet among the Chinese public. Middle Way Approach is the official policy proposed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and adopted by the Tibetan Administration to resolve the Tibet issue. The final M which stands for mutual understanding refers to the renewed understanding and affinity between the Chinese and Tibetan people as a result of the Middle Way Approach.
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Asked where his home is His Holiness replied that of course he’d been born in Tibet, but for 57 of his 81 years he has regarded India as his home. He recalled a Tibetan proverb that wherever you’re happy you think of as home and whoever is kind to you, you think of as parents. He added that when he was setting off for his first visit to Europe in 1973 the BBC’s Mark Tully had asked him why he was going and he’d told him that he considered himself a citizen of the world. In that context what concerns him now is the well-being of all 7 billion human beings alive today. Finally, the only woman to put a question to him at IIT asked if compassion can be taught. His Holiness recommended she read Shantideva’s ‘Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life’ (Bodhicharyavatara), which is available in Sanskrit and English. He said that hearing an explanation of it in 1967 from the Kinnauri Lama, Khunnu Lama Rinpoche, an Indian, had transformed his life. He said it contains ten chapters, the first in praise of the awakening mind. The 4th, 5th and 6th chapters explain the practices of tolerance and forgiveness, while the 7th and 8th explain the value of altruism, compassion and overcoming self-centredness. He said the 9th chapter dealing with philosophical views could only be clearly understood by reading other books too. However, he added, having tried for 60 years, he felt that these ideas can be understood. What is involved is the gap between appearance and reality. Things appear to have an independent existence, but the reality is they are empty of such an existence. Realizing this takes effort and because knowledge is involved it requires study and thought.
April 15, 2016 Tibet 3 We can’t change the past, but we can His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet condoles Kerala tragedy
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shape the future: Tibet’s leader
A view of the American Embassy School gymnasium, venue for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s talk in New Delhi, India on April 8, 2016. Photo/Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL By Molly Lortie: April 10, 2016
New Delhi — “The past can’t be changed, but we do have the opportunity to and create a happier world,” His Holiness the Dalai Lama said during a visit to the American Embassy School - New Delhi, India, on April 8, 2016. Arriving at the American Embassy School in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi’s diplomatic enclave, the morning of April 8th, His Holiness was welcomed by the Director Paul Chmelik and nearly 300 young children waiting to greet him. The school choir sang a song based on the Hindi and Tibetan greetings ‘Namaste’ and ‘Tashi Delek.’ His Holiness then addressed the audience, totaling 1,500 students, teaches, and guests. “Young brothers and sisters and older brothers and sisters, I am happy to be here again. Time moves on; nothing can stop it. The 20th century has gone and we’re more than 15 years into the 21st century. The past can’t be changed, but we do have the opportunity to shape the future and create a happier world. And who will do that? Those of you who are young today, in one or two decades from now, I’ll be gone. But even if I’ve ended up in hell, I’ll take a break to come back and see how you’re doing. If you’re working for peace and a more equitable world, when I get back there I’ll tell the wardens of hell that they can reduce its size. But if I find you are still engaged in violence and discrimination on the basis of race, nationality, faith or social status, I’ll report that hell should be expanded to accommodate everyone who’ll be destined to arrive there. Because of the changes you can make, you are the basis of our hope.” He continued speaking on the topic of peace, telling the children, “we are still at the beginning of the 21st century and I believe that if we make the effort, starting now, we can make the world a more peaceful place by the latter part
of the century. We have to try. The human population is growing and climate change is having its effect. On top of that we have created more problems. Violence breaks out because our negative emotions run out of control. Human rights violations, for example, arise as a result of causes and we have to think about what those causes are. They are related to anger and a lack of respect. We can counter these if we cultivate warm-heartedness and concern for others. Then there’ll be no place for bullying or exploiting others.” His Holiness explained that human beings are social animals, who cannot survive on their own without the support of a community. Therefore, he said, to think only of our own benefit is narrow minded, whereas taking care of others is like a farmer’s tilling the soil of his fields to ensure a good crop. He pointed out that where small communities in the past were largely self-sufficient, we are now very interdependent. We need each other. In the meantime, climate change affects us all wherever we are, and our global economy is interdependent. This is why we need a sense of concern for all the 7 billion human beings alive today, rather than creating divisions among ourselves. “Bringing about change in the world will depend on those of you who are young now making an effort on the basis of vision. I appeal to you to think about what I have said and how you can make it work.” His Holiness then fielded questions from students on a variety of topics, from optimism, courage, his pets, kindness and science. Finally, he asserted that change in the world begins with individuals transforming themselves. The occasion ended with the Director, Paul Chmelik expressing the school’s thanks to His Holiness for sparing the time to come and talk to them. There was an exchange of gifts and His Holiness returned to his hotel for lunch.
By Yeshe Choesang: April 12, 2016
Dharamshala — The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has expressed condolences over the loss of lives in Kerala temple fire tragedy on Sunday. “Moved by deep sadness at the injury and tragic loss of life suffered by pilgrims in a fire at Puttingal Devi temple in Kollam early on Sunday,” His Holiness the Dalai Lama has written to Kerala Chief Minister Shri Oommen Chandy. “I would like to express my condolences to you and the families who have lost loved ones, as well as those who were injured in this devastating tragedy,” he said. “I understand that everything is being done to treat those injured and that rescue and relief efforts are well underway,” His Holiness the Dalai Lama said in his condolence letter. “As a token of my sympathy, I would like to make a donation from the Dalai Lama Trust towards the relief efforts,” he added. The office of the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala, India, said that His Holiness has concluded the letter with an assurance of his prayers.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama praying during a ritual ceremony session in Dharamshala, India, in 2010. Photo: TPI/Yeshe Choesang
At least 110 people were killed and over 350 injured when an fireworks show set off massive explosions and caused a huge blaze at the Puttingal temple in the coastal town of Paravur located about 60 kms
from Thiruvananthapuramin. ‘The impact of the explosion brought down the building where the crackers had been stored, trapping many,’ according to Indian media reports.
Jailed Tibetan health worker hospitalised again in a serious condition
Lhasa before being moved to the police hospital in the capital for emergency treatment, in 2012.
A latest reliable source has confirmed that for “the second time Choedon was hospitalised for emergency treatment due to the serious health condition.” “The date of when she was admitted to the hospital and other details are not yet known but recently learned that her health condition is serious,” TPI source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. According to earlier reports, she was undergoing labour in a prison near Lhasa. She had worked at a clinic near Norbulingka before taking retirement few years back, following which she took her residence at Ramoche. She was arrested without valid charges during the peaceful protests by Tibetans in Lhasa in March 2008. Choedon has been denied any right to meet her family members since her arrest. Constructed from forced labour, the prison was open in 1965 and has an estimated population of over a 1000 captives, of which the majority are political prisoners. Details of the brutal treatment and squalor conditions are well known and documented throughout human rights groups.
city of Mandalay and surrounding communities. Several strong aftershocks jolted the region after the initial quake struck at 7:42 a.m. local time. State-run Xinhua news agency said the tremors were felt in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage. Strong tremors, lasting for about a minute, were felt in Tibet after a 7.2-magnitude quake hit Myanmar on Wednesday. The earthquake has struck Myanmar, the several reports, with shaking felt across the region, including India and Tibet. Shaking was also felt as far away as Bangkok in neighboring Thailand. The earthquake also shook several parts of northeastern India, as also West Bengal, Bihar,
Jharkhand and even Delhi, the Indian capital and Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. This earthquake occurred at intermediate depth, according to the US Geological Survey, which means it took place within the Indian tectonic plate as it subducts beneath Eurasia. left at least people 26 dead and caused significant damage around the epicenter in northern Myanmar Residents were seen rushing out of their houses. According to Xinhua report, a 7.2 magnitude quake jolted Myanmar on Wednesday. The epicentre was at a depth of 130 kilometres, the centre said in a statement. In March 2011, at least 75 people died when another powerful temblor hit Myanmar near the borders with Laos and Thailand.
By Yangchen Dolma: April 04, 2016
Dharamshala — A Tibetan political prisoner who is serving a 15-year sentence on false charges of ‘espionage’ is said to be seriously ill due to torture in prison and hospitalised again for emergency treatment. Yeshe Choedon, a 57-year-old retired Tibetan doctor named Yeshe Choedon was given 15-year imprisonment by the Intermediate People’s Court in Lhasa on charges of allegedly leaking out secrets to the outside world during the peaceful protests in March 2008. The Chinese court had announced in the verdict passed on November 7, 2009 that Choedon’s political rights would be also withheld for five years. According to earilier reports, Choedon is being held at a labour camp near Lhasa, more than likely to be Dragpchi Prison near the capital Lhasa, the largest of its kind in Tibet. But the sources said her health deteriorated in Chushul Prison in the outskirts of the Tibetan capital,
Yeshe Choedon, a retired health worker, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for sharing information about the situation in her country. Photo: TPI Yeshe Choedon, a retired health worker, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for sharing information about the situation in her country. Photo: TPI
Nude photos of a Chinese woman in Tibet spark heated online debate Myanmar earthquake: Report says strong tremors felt in Tibet By Molly Lortie: April 14, 2016
Dharamshala - Massive earthquake of 7 magnitude hit Myanmar on Wednesday (April 13, 2016) evening resulting in strong tremors in Tibet. A wide stretch of Southeast Asia was rocked Sunday morning by a powerful jolt that left at least people 26 dead and caused significant damage around the epicenter in northern Myanmar. Officials said 12 others were missing and 230 were injured. The 6.8 magnitude shaking collapsed a bridge and a gold mine, and damaged several old Buddhist pagodas. Hundreds of other buildings were also wrecked by the temblor, which sent terrified residents running from their homes in the country’s second-largest
Tibetan political leader congratulates Myanmar President-elect By Yeshe Choesang: April 04, 2016
Tibetan netizens upset by pictures of a Chinese woman posing nude beside holy lake in Tibet. Photo: Weibo blog By Yeshe Choesang: April 14, 2016
Dharamshala — After several nude photos of a Chinese woman went viral on Weibo, a Chinese social media, Tibetan netizens strongly condemned her for disrespecting Tibetan culture and the Tibetan way of life. The controversial images were spread online after a Tibetan woman posted them to her Weibo blog on Monday night. Many netizens agreed with her, saying what the woman did disrespected Tibetan culture, igniting another controversy. They show the woman posing for pictures around the Yamdrok Yumtso Lake, one of holiest lakes in Tibet, located about 100 kilometers from Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. However, the Chinese authorities have not responded again. They said that this is not the first time a Chinese woman attempted to disrespect the Tibetan way of life and disrespect to the dignity of Tibetan people. There were several pictures that showing Chinese visitors with bad manners are a fairly common sight, making themselves aggressive and culturally insensitive. No matter whether its a statue of Buddha, or a sacred place to the Tibetans, many Chinese tourists never stopped to behave aggressively in Tibet. Many critics say that the Chinese government has made no effort to help Chinese people understand or respect
Tibetan culture. This is what is happening not only in Tibet, but Chinese tourists are behaving badly around the world, according to multiple media reports. Chinese tourists have been getting such a bad name for themselves that the government released a tourism law in 2013 that called on its citizens to mind their manners on holiday. However, in 2015, a series of photos showing a nude model posing in the Capital City of Tibet has sparked heated online debate. But, the Chinese authorities have not responded accordingly. These photos were posted on Weibo by Wang Dong, a Chinese photographer, on May 17. The photos show the Chinese nude model straddling a stone slab and posing with a stone pillar. Even many Chinese netizens criticized the photos for ‘tarnishing the solemnity of the Tibetan holy city and corrupting public morals.’ But Wang Dong said it is natural to take nude portraits at tourist attractions. Wang she shamelessly said: “I do not intend to deliberately defame any culture or civilization.” Though not officially acknowledged, China is today home to 300 million Buddhists thus making it the country with the world’s largest Buddhist population.
Dharamshala — Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay today congratulated Mr U Htin Kyaw who was elected by the Myanmar Parliament as the first civilian President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar in more than five decades. In the message, the Tibetan political leader said: “I, on behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration and the entire Tibetan people, heartily congratulate you on being sworn-in as the new President of Myanmar.” “You represent the democratic progress, heroic perseverance and the noble reconciliation of the people of Myanmar under the peaceful leadership of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. It is indeed a sign of Myanmar’s tremendous resilience and a source of strength and inspiration for the entire world including the Tibetan people,” Sikyong said. “I wish you success in your efforts to make Myanmar a better and happier place as the new President. At the same time, I hope that you will raise your vital voice to forge a quick resolution of the Tibet issue. Tibet, besides sharing a common Buddhist heritage, is unified with the people of Myanmar by their deep commitment to democracy, the universality of human rights, religious harmony, and the brotherhood of all peoples,” Dr Sangay added.
Mr Htin Kyaw became the first-elected civilian president of Myanmar in 50 years following Daw Aung San Suu Kyi-led National League for Democracy (NLD) party’s massive victory in the Burmese general election in November 2015. Mr Htin Kyaw got 360 of the total 652 votes in a joint session of the Upper and Lower Houses yesterday morning. Second vice-president Henry Van Thio, 58, a little-known ethnic Chin Christian and an NLD MP in the Upper House, was elected with 79 votes. Ms Suu Kyi, 70, cannot be president because of a clause in the junta-era Constitution that bars anyone with foreign relatives from the post; her two sons are British citizens. But she has said she will be “above” the president, indicating Mr Htin Kyaw will be her proxy. She also told NLD MPs recently after his nomination that he had been chosen on three criteria - loyalty, discipline and qualifications. The president-elect has a master’s degree in economics from Rangoon University and studied computer science in London and, briefly, management in the US while working for 12 years in the foreign affairs ministry. During Ms Suu Kyi’s 15-odd years of detention, he was one of the few allowed to see her. During a short period of freedom for her in 2000, he was jailed for four months for trying to help Ms Suu Kyi take a train out of Yangon in breach of the junta’s travel restrictions.
A couple of hours after the vote, leaders around the world, including US President Obama and Indian Prime Minister Modi sent their congratulations to U Htin Kyaw on being elected president of Myanmar, saying they will work together to strengthen diplomatic ties with Myanmar. The party of democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi has won a majority in Myanmar’s parliament last year and World leaders had congratulated her on a landmark victory in the country’s first free election in 25 years.
U Htin Kyaw (left), newly elected president of Myanmar, walks with National League for Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi at Myanmar’s Parliament in Naypyitaw. Photo: Burma Daily
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TPI NEWS
April 15, 2016
His Holiness views Thank You Dalai Lama photo exhibition
Tibet-2016-04-10-Delhi-Dalai-LamaHis Holiness the Dalai Lama looking at an exhibition of photos by Vijay Kranti at the All India Fine Arts & Crafts Society in New Delhi, India on April 10, 2016. Photo/ Jeremy Russell/OHHDL By Tibet New: March 29, 2016
New Delhi — His Holiness the Dalai Lama viewed a photo collection entitled ‘Thank You Dalai Lama’ on display at the All India
Fine Arts & Crafts Society in Delhi, on Sunday, April 10th,. The collection is the work of Vijay Kranti, photographer, journalist and friend of Tibetans for over 40 years. Kranti greeted His Holiness and described the exhibition as, “an Indian photographer’s artistic tribute to the success story of a peaceful and brave refugee community, its monk leader the Dalai Lama and their magnanimous hosts — the people and Government of India.” Accompanying His Holiness in viewing the exhibition was BJP General Secretary Ram Lal and columnist and BJP Rajya Sabha Member Balbir Punj. Together they were escorted around the exhibition, where His Holiness took interest in many photographs, noting how much younger some of the people in them looked.
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Taiwan Cross-Strait Policy Association member Chang Shihhsien speaks during a news conference announcing the results of the organization’s new poll in Taipei Thursday, April 14, 2016. Photo: Wang Yi-sung, Taipei Times By Yangchen Dolma: April 15, 2016
aipei — China’s threat to reduce economic exchanges and insistence that Taiwanese President elect Tsai Ing-wen abide by the ‘1992 consensus’ seems to have the opposite effect, said a report by the Taipei Times, the daily Englishlanguage newspaper in Taiwan. Most Taiwanese do not subscribe to the “one China” policy, or the idea that Taiwan is part of China, a survey conducted by the Taiwan CrossStrait Policy Association showed, the report said on Friday, April 15, 2016. According to the survey, 59.7 percent of respondents said that president-elect Tsai Ingwen “should not state in her inauguration speech that both sides [of the Taiwan Strait] belong to ‘one China,’ while 22 percent said she should,” association secretary-general Anson Hung told a news conference in Taipei. “Asked if they think Tsai should give in if China openly threatens to reduce the number of Chinese tourists to Taiwan, 60.4 percent said they still believed that she should not say Taiwan and China are parts of ‘one China,’ while 24.7 percent said she should,” Hung said. Asked if Tsai should give in to the threat that China would suppress Taiwan’s international space, 60 percent of respondents said she should not; 57.2 percent also said she should not give
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The Tibet Post International
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Horoscopes for the Month of April, 2016 Sorces: Always Astrology ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Your intuition will be right on. Follow your feelings in matters pertaining to financial investments. Time to deal with institutional environments, government agencies, and matters of a private nature this month. You need to take a break with the ones you love. You can come up with solutions to the problems responsible for inefficiencies at work. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday. TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) Plan a day of enjoyment with them. You will be a bit of a spendthrift this month. Money problems will get worse if your partner hasn’t been playing by the rules. Involvement in groups of interest will bring you in touch with important individuals. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Think about starting your own small business, Travel could bring you the adventure and excitement you require. You can make drastic changes in your professional direction this month. You will be drawn to individuals who can provide you with both intellectual conversation and physical passion. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday. CANCER (June 22-July 22) You should put your efforts into creative projects. Social events will be plentiful. You will be ready to jump on anyone who gets in the way of your progress this month. Try to be precise in your communications. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Take a second look; another person’s philosophy may be extremely different from yours. Don’t let friends convince you that you should contribute to something you don’t believe in. Efforts made to improve yourself will turn out to your satisfaction. Visitors may relieve the tension. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You should put in some extra hours developing that creative idea you have. All your energy should be directed into moneymaking opportunities. Plan some family outings. Be firm when dealing with matters pertaining to your environment. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Set a limit, or you’ll wind up on a tight budget. Take time to look at any outdated papers or possible investments. Trips will be enjoyable, and communication with your lover will clear up any misconceptions. Help children with important projects. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Unfortunately, your personal life may suffer from a lack spare time. Look into real estate. You should be promoting your ideas. Your creative talent will prove to be lucrative if put to proper use. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Try to do things with children that will enable you to bond closer to them. Avoid lending money or belongings to friends. Try to convince a good friend to take a holiday with you. Don’t be taken advantage of by any fast talking salesperson trying to part you from your cash. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Take care of chores that have been hanging over your head. Digestive disorders will be a result of family squabbles. Take time to catch up on gossip and make plans to do a little adventure travel. Be careful of disclosing personal information. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Try not to judge too quickly. You need to sit back and enjoy. Go out shopping this month. You can make career moves that will bring you a much higher income. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Don’t get involved in secret affairs or underhanded involvement’s. Be firm when dealing with matters pertaining to your environment. You can expect to have problems with your mate if you’ve been spending too much time away from home. You will feel the limitations if you have been overdoing it. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday.
E XILE 5 TPI NEWS 15th Tibetan Parliament final Sikyong candidates apologise toTibet’s leader over decline of morality April 15, 2016
The Tibet Post International
session concludes, calls for strong unity
Speaker Penpa Tsering delivering his closing remarks during the 11th session of the 15th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, 1 April 2016. Photo: CTA/DIIR By Yangchen Dolma: April 07, 2016
Dharamahala — The 15th Tibetan Parliament-inExile concluded its 11th and final session Friday with a strong resolve to promote and practice unity, cooperation and harmony among the various groups and sections of Tibetan society. In his concluding remarks at the 11th session, Speaker Penpa Tsering has appealed Tibetans to respect the verdicts passed by the parliament based on democratic principles. “I take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment and responsibility towards the Tibetans inside
Tibet,” the Speaker said, when he expressing solidarity with the Tibetans inside Tibet. “I solemnly urge everyone to sustain the spirit and momentum of our struggle, upholding the values and morals of our culture,” Mr Tsering said. “The official announcement of the election result will be made in the following days. As member of a democratic society, we should all respect the election results and work constructively in accordance with the democratic values of the Charter for Tibetans-in-exile,” he said while stressing the need for coordinated efforts to strengthen the Tibetan struggle. The Speaker also urged the Tibetans across the world to leave differences behind, saying “Now the elections are over, the story, whom do I support in the elections, also over now, it’s time for us to have new thoughts, leaving all our differences behind.” “It is also of vital importance for us all to put all efforts together,” collaborating with the new leadership who will take the responsibility. “It is time to put a new effort to fight for the cause” the Speaker said, adding: “Otherwise there would be no reason for us to have an enemy like China.” Mr Tsering also noted that he saw many writings and drawings attacking the candidates during the elections, and said, “This creativity could now be used in service of the Tibetan cause.” He emphasised that Tibetans should all work for the Charter of the Tibetans-in-exile, and not make individuals more important than the Charter. The speaker applauded the members of the Parliament and members of the Kashag, led by Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay for their cooperation in conducting the session successfully. The 11th session of the parliament began on 21 March 2016. This is the last session of the 15th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile.
Sikyong expresses worry over moral decline in Tibetan community By Yeshe Choesang: March 30, 2016
Dharamshala — Terming moral values as the foundation and soul of Tibetan people, the democratically elected political leader of the Tibetan people, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay expressed deep worry about the declining moral values among the Tibetans. The Kashag came out with a clarification after His Holiness the Dalai Lama expressed deep concern about the declining moral values among the Tibetans and called for better care and services to sick and destitute people. “We need to be practical. Attractive appearances alone will not help, but that will be an empty glory,” said His Holiness the Dalai Lama who was speaking on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Men-Tsee-Khang, the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute. “We have sustained thus far. To think that it will be alright in the future as well will be wrong. We have to take responsibility and be careful, and try to stop where things are going wrong.” “We speak about moral values and ethics, but in reality, these are degenerating in our society,” the Tibetan spiritual leader said while expressing his deep concern about the declining moral values among the Tibetans. Addressing the parliament, Sikyong said that “declining morality is a serious issue in almost all communities these days. However, it is really unfortunate that the Tibetan community is also witnessing a similar trend when we have a leader like His Holiness the Dalai Lama who always advise moral upbringing and compassion.” “It is even more unfortunate that the Chinese government used election related issues to criticise the Central Tibetan Administration,” Sikyong said, adding: “Even the New York Times has run an article recently denouncing the issues that were mainly focused during the election.” “All these are a dangerous development for the Tibetan
movement and we should be very careful,” Sikyong said, stressing that all those who participated in the Tibetan election should bear it in mind. Speaking about His Holiness’ concern over the situation of health in the Tibetan community, Dr Sangay said that “The Kashag accords highest of the highest importance to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s observation of deplorable health condition and the lack of preventive measures in the Tibetan settlements.” The Tibetan political leader told the Parliament that “since the advice from His Holiness on March 23, the Kashag held a series of discussions and provided unanimous directives and advisories to the health Kalon,” Sikyong on behalf of the Kashag affirmed a vigorous health campaign in the next three years and assured concrete results in ensuring robust public health in the Tibetan community. Besides these two focal issues of concern, Dr Sangay further spoke about the Kashag’s efforts to alleviate poverty in the Tibetan community with particular emphasis on older Tibetans who are under the care of old age homes. The Tibetan Cabinet also highlighted the changing political and economic situation in China, India and other neighboring countries, and its impact on the Tibetan movement. Sikyong expressed his solidarity with the sufferings of the Tibetan people inside Tibet, particularly the selfimmolators and the Tibetan political prisoners. Dr Sangay also explained that there is no change in the repressive policies of the Chinese government in Tibet and that the Tibetans living in the free world should exert more effort to alleviate the sufferings and fulfill the aspirations of the Tibetan people inside Tibet. “It is only because of the valour of the Tibetans inside Tibet that Tibetans outside Tibet can walk with their heads held high,” Sikyong said.
Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay speaking on the floor of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, March 29, 2016. Photo: TPI
By Yangchen Dolma: April 07, 2016
Dharamshala — Reaffirming their commitment to ensure unity and harmony amongst Tibetans inside and outside Tibet, the two final candidates vying for the post of Sikyong 2016, have expressed their deepest apologies to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and asked for forgiveness over recent declining moral values among Tibetans while engaging in the election processes. The two candidates for Sikyong 2016: Incumbent sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay and current Speaker of the Speaker of the Parliament in-Exile Mr Penpa Tsering Thursday held a joint press conference at Lhakpa Tsering Memory Hall in Dharamshala, where they expressed regret and apologies to the Tibetans inside Tibet if the recent events have caused disappointment and sorrow. Speaking at the press conference, Mr Tsering said that “His Holiness the Dalai Lama has expressed concern on the declining morality of Tibetans during the centenary celebration of Mentseekhang on 23 March. Similarly, the state oracle Nechung and Tsering Chenga issued an advisory recently, admonishing the election-related activities of the two candidates and their supporters which had a tone of regionalism and groupism, thus causing deep sorrow to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.” “Therefore, I offer my profound apology to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the same,” Mr Tsering told reporters gathered at the headquarters of the Central Tibetan Administration. He also appealed the public with folded hands to stop all electionrelated negative activities which are causing serious distress and disunity. “Whatever has happened in the lead-up to the election has already happened. We can’t change it anymore. What we can do now is think of the future,” he said. Mr Tsering also added that ‘there are no personal grudges or differences between the two final candidates and called on the public to do the same and exert concerted effort to achieve harmony in the entire community’. Recalling an advice from His Holiness the Dalai Lama to both of them recently, he said: “Holding both of us in his hands, His Holiness the Dalai Lama told us recently that it is the responsibility of both of us to harness unity among the three traditional provinces of Tibet following the election.” “Now that the election is over, we urge you to stop all election-related negative activities. It is your democratic right to support your preferred candidate during the election. However, now we should stop leveling baseless allegations including editing the Nechung oracle video to disrepute people. It is unfortunate that we couldn’t leave even the gods and oracles out of this,” he said, urging once again to his supporters to shut down the various chat groups on social media and elsewhere. Dr Lobsang Sangay during the joint press conference, with a deep sense of regret called for a strong unity amongst Tibetans and urged everyone to cease all election-related negative activities to reaffirm harmony and fulfill the vision of His
The leaders smiled broadly and appeared to be a sense of unity, Mr Penpa Tsering shakes hands with Dr Lobsang Sangay at the joint press conference in Lhakpa Tsering Memorial hall, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala, India, on April 7, 2016. Photo: TPI/Choneyi Sangpo
Holiness the Dalai Lama. “As per the recent advisory of the oracles, there is a strong need for unity and guarantee of faith in the community. When there is unity and bonding, our collective merit increases, which has a parallel impact on His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s lifespan. Therefore, as I have said before, it is of extreme importance that we maintain our unity and the sacred bond of affection for all,” Dr Sangay said. “The election is over now. I agree, that in the lead up to the election, there were a few unfortunate instances, which have caused sadness among the public. For that, I offer my sincere apologies.” “Most important of all, I offer my deep apology for causing sorrow to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and pledge that the Kashag would move forward with resolute conviction and bearing His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s advice in our hearts, we will fulfill those noble ideals and aspirations,” Sikyong said. Sikyong also promised vigorous health and welfare measures to uplift the poorer section of the Tibetan community. “According extreme importance to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s advice, we are formulating a series of programs in health and poverty reduction to create a robust and vibrant Tibetan community. The next Kashag would implement it in earnest,” he said. “We don’t have a more valuable and precious leader like His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The unity of the Tibetans inside and outside Tibet and the success of the Tibetans in exile are all due to His Holiness. Even if you look at history, there is not a single individual more important and resourceful than His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the Tibetan people,” Sikyong added. “Therefore, I promise that I would do my best to fulfill the aspirations and vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and urge the public to do the same,” he said. Sikyong further called on the public, particularly his
own supporters, to stop the division of the Tibetan community along the lines of regions and groups out of a warped sense of loyalty, and work rather for a better future of the Tibetans inside and outside Tibet. The two 2016 Sikyong candidates also expressed regret and apologies to the Tibetans inside Tibet if the recent events have caused disappointment and sorrow. They both have shown themselves responsible with a strong sense of friendship throughout the press conference, by shaking their hands and smiling, appears to be what has caught the Tibetan media attention. The apology came after His Holiness the Dalai Lama expressed deep concern about the declining moral values among the Tibetans. “We speak about good moral character and behavior, but in reality, these are degenerating in our society,” he said. “We need to be practical. Feel-good appearances will not help. That will be empty glory. “We have sustained thus far. To think that it will be alright in the future as well will be wrong,” His Holiness said, adding: “You have to take responsibility and be careful, and try to stop where things are going wrong.” The PTI new service reported that the first directly elected Kalong Tripa, Professor Samdhong Rinpoche did not vote in the Tibetan general election as he felt disappointed by the adversarial campaigning of the candidates. He told the Indian newspaper that he boycotted the election process because that the elections were not fought on “Tibetan ethics”. The newspaper further quoted Rinpoche as saying: “The next generations of Tibetans, however, must know that the exiled set-up, which was founded in April 1959, was based on the principles of cooperation and not of competition. The practices being adopted by our contenders now are the same as regular political parties. These are not going to benefit in any way.”
Myanmar,” Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, the Deputy Speaker said in a message. “We are sure that under your Excellency and Hon’ble Mrs Aung San Suu Kyi’s dynamic leadership, Burma will have peace and prosperity. We look forward to witness a new chapter in the history of Burma under your dynamic leadership and guidance of Mrs Aung San Suu Kyi. The Tibetan People shall always stand by you in your future endeavors,” he added.
Mr Htin Kyaw got 360 of the total 652 votes in a joint session of the Upper and Lower Houses yesterday morning. Second vice-president Henry Van Thio, 58, a little-known ethnic Chin Christian and an NLD MP in the Upper House, was elected with 79 votes. Mr Htin Kyaw is a close friend and confidant of Nobel peace prize laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi. He was handpicked by her to run Myanmar’s government because a constitution drafted by the former junta bars the democracy champion from the top office.
Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile congratulates Myanmar President-elect By Yangchen Dolma: April 04, 2016
Dharamshala — The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Saturday congratulated Mr U Htin Kyaw who was elected by the Myanmar Parliament as the first civilian President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar in more than five decades. “On behalf of all the Tibetans in and outside Tibet, the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile would like to heartily congratulate you for being elected as the President of the Republic of the Union of
A “deep and disturbing” decline in media freedom: Watchdog says By Yeshe Choesang: April 14, 2016
Paris — The 2016 edition of the World Press Freedom Index, which Reporters Without Borders (RSF) will publish on 20 April, shows that there has been a deep and disturbing decline in respect for media freedom at both the global and regional levels. The RSF in a statement said that “the 2016 edition of the World Press Freedom Index, which Reporters Without Borders (RSF) will publish on 20 April, shows that there has been a deep and disturbing decline in respect for media freedom at both the global and regional levels. Ever since the 2013 index, Reporters Without Borders has been calculating indicators of the overall level of media freedom violations in each of the world’s regions and worldwide. The higher the figure, the worse the situation. The global indicator has gone from 3719 points last year to 3857 points this year, a 3.71% deterioration. The decline since 2013 is 13.6%. The many reasons for this decline in freedom of information include the increasingly authoritarian tendencies of governments in countries such as Turkey and Egypt, tighter government control of state-owned
media, even in some European countries such as Poland, and security situations that have become more and more fraught, in Libya and Burundi, for example, or that are completely disastrous, as in Yemen. The survival of independent news coverage is becoming increasingly precarious in both the state and privatelyowned media because of the threat from ideologies, especially religious ideologies, that are hostile to media freedom, and from large-scale propaganda machines. Throughout the world, “oligarchs” are buying up media outlets and are exercising pressure that compounds the pressure already coming from governments. All of the Index’s indicators show a decline from 2013 to 2016. This is especially the case for infrastructure. Some governments do not hesitate to suspend access to the Internet or even to destroy the premises, broadcast equipment or printing presses of media outlets they dislike. The infrastructure indicator fell 16% from 2013 to 2016. The legislative framework has registered an equally marked decline. Many laws have been adopted penalizing journalists on such spurious charges as “insulting the president,” “blasphemy” or “supporting terrorism.” Growing self-censorship is the knock-
on effect of this alarming situation. The “media environment and self-censorship” indicator has fallen by more than 10% from 2013 to 2016. Every continent has seen its score decline. The Americas have plunged 20.5%, above all as a result of the impact of physical attacks and murders targeting journalists in Mexico and Central America. Europe and the Balkans declined 6.5%, above all because of the growing influence of extremist movements and ultraconservative governments. The Central Asia/Eastern Europe region’s already bad score deteriorated by 5% as a result of the increasingly glacial environment for media freedom and free speech in countries with authoritarian regimes. Published by Reporters Without Borders annually since 2002, the World Press Freedom Index measures the level of freedom available to journalists in 180 countries using the following criteria – pluralism, media independence, media environment and selfcensorship, legislative environment, transparency, infrastructure, and abuses.” See the 2016 World Press Freedom Index on the RSF. org website from 20 April onwards.
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April 15, 2016
TPI NEWS
Back Page Focus
The Tibet Post International
Popular Tibetan writer asserts his innocence in letter from prison
Druklo, pen name Shokjang, a 32-year-old Tibetan writer and blogger, Sangchu County, Amdo region of north-eastern Tibet. Photo: TPI/File By Molly Lortie, April 06, 2016
Dharamshala, India — The popular Tibetan blogger and intellectual Druklo, more widely known by his pen name Shokjang, has written an eloquent and remarkable letter from detention appealing against his three-year prison sentence. The letter was circulated on Chinese social media, was handwritten in Tibetan and addressed to the Qinghai Higher People’s Court. There was widespread dismay when Shokjang was detained by security police on March 19, 2015, and sentenced to three years in prison, with numerous netizens expressing their sadness, and Shokjang’s innocence. An intellectual, blogger and writer, Shokjang is known for his reflective and thought-provoking articles on issues of contemporary concern such as ethnic policy and settlement of nomads.[1] His letter to the authorities is dated February 24 (2016), although it has only just reached Tibetan exiles, including the former Tibetan political prisoner Golog Jigme, who now lives in Switzerland, and who knew Shokjang in Tibet. According to sources, Shokjang is still being held in detention in Rebkong (Chinese: Tongren), Qinghai, where he was first arrested, and has not yet been transferred to a prison. The precisely-worded text of Shokjang’s letter both conveys the absurdity of the charges against him and reveals a fellow feeling with Chinese and other Tibetans who experience similar ordeals. He writes: “China is a vast country with 56 different nationalities, and Tibetans are one of the largest minorities. I am a Chinese citizen, and as a Tibetan intellectual, I have to be concerned for the precious lives of my own kin. If doing so is called ‘instigating separatism’, nothing is more laughable. I might joyfully and voluntarily serve my sentence, but I never want to be a person without regard for the lives of his brothers and sisters. Come to that, I would do the same for our Chinese brothers and sisters.” Shokjang’s open letter details for the first time the elements of the case against him, which he says the Malho (Chinese: Huangnan) People’s Court (in Qinghai) describe as ‘inciting the splitting of the nation’. In his letter Shokjang gives a nuanced and sophisticated analysis against characterizing his writings as ‘separatist’, focusing on the use of the word ‘instigating’ or ‘inciting’ ‘separatism’ : “If one talks about instigating separatism, I have not written even a word of separatism, much less instigated it. If I write about an incident in which I suffered harm, and that becomes an unfounded accusation against me, and I write an appeal to the court about the incident, that does not make me a separatist. Helplessly subject to a punishment that makes your flesh creep the more you think about it, I appeal to the Higher People’s Court to look for the objective truth.” In his precise and reasoned argument, Shokjang points out that his right to written expression is enshrined in, and protected by, the Chinese Constitution, and writes that if he is a ‘splittist’, then so, potentially, are Chinese and Tibetan tourists who post observations about their experiences in Tibet on social media: “If such situations in the cultural sphere turn into serious political issues, issues of national separatism, does that make visitors from both nationalities who post photos and other observations on the situation at Kumbum monastery on the internet into perpetrators of separatism? By this logic, only a minority of the general public would not be considered as separatists or instigators of separatism.” Shokjang also conveys the peaceful approach
of Tibetans to their situation, underlining that the reason he reproduced a section from a book about the 2008 protests by another Tibetan writer, Tagyal (pen name: Shokdung), was because: “I do not want to see any more of such tragic bloodshed. I will never fight to secure my own happiness through shedding the blood of others.” Tightening oppression in Tibet and an emphasis on uprooting ‘separatism’ has created a more dangerous political environment for Tibetans in expressing their views. As a result a new generation of Tibetans is paying a high price with their lives for peaceful expression of views in a political climate in which almost any expression of Tibetan identity or culture not directly sanctioned by the state, no matter how mild, can be characterized by the authorities as “splittist” and therefore “criminal.” The following is full text of Shokjang’s letter that translated into English by The International Campaign for Tibet (ICT), sent to the Tibet Post International based in Dharamshala, India. APPEAL To the Qinghai Higher People’s Court My name is Drukar Gyal, or Druklo in short, and my pen-name is Shokjang. I come from Khagya village in Gengya area of Sangchu (Chinese: Xiahe) county, Kanlho [Gannan] prefecture.[2] On March 19, 2015, I was detained by Rebkong (Chinese: Tongren)[3] county Public Security, and held in the detention centre there from the 20th. On May 5, the formal announcement of my arrest came. On July 21, the Malho (Chinese: Huangnan) Prefecture Intermediate People’s Court convened; I presented the defence that my actions were not illegal, and the court’s deliberation was postponed for over seven months, until the second session on February 17 2016, which announced a sentence of three years imprisonment with two years suspension of political rights. As I myself cannot accept this judgement, I have written this appeal to the provincial Higher Peoples Court, cherishing the hope of justice being done. The Malho Peoples Court has condemned the matters I wrote about as “inciting the splitting of the nation”. The main points are (i) A composition about the freedom of religious belief posted on the internet; (ii) A written account of the events of March 16 (2015), when police and soldiers came to search my hotel room at gunpoint;[4] (iii) Reproducing a short section from the book ‘The Division of Heaven and Earth’ on the internet;[5] (iv) Sharing a news report that the Chinese government would hold talks with His Holiness the Dalai Lama on matters unrelated to Tibetan independence; (v) Reproducing on the internet an internal video clip of Chinese police beating ordinary Chinese people in the street; (vi) Having copies of six books, including ‘Sky Burial’ by Wang Lixiong, on my phone.[6] Concerning the first four points, while I presented the case for my defence earlier, the present sentencing document rules that my arguments citing the constitution and so on are without foundation. If even the provisions of the Chinese constitution are not valid arguments, I find the basis for the Intermediate People’s Court’s decision hard to understand. With the merest of hopes, I am restating my case that my actions were not illegal, along with an unreserved statement of my position, and request that you the provincial Higher Peoples Court give it full consideration. 1. Freedom of religious belief is an important right of citizens defined by the constitution.
On the basis of this constitutional right, my composition expressed my view of the restrictions imposed by armed soldiers on the occasion of the ‘flower offering’ ceremony at Kumbum monastery,[7] and addressed my readers on awareness of the right to religious belief. Any citizen has the right to comment on developments in society according to legally guaranteed rights, while conveying awareness of the law to others is a responsibility. I have only exercised my right and responsibility according to the constitution, and made no mention of separatism etc. as they allege. With regard to the overall relationship between religion and politics, I clearly wrote that I was expressing my opinions on the outcome of politics dictating to religion and the outcome of religious rights dictating politics; the former [is discussed] in the present composition, and the latter is still unwritten. To put it straight, this was basically just a short piece that has nothing to do with a serious political allegation like “splitting the nation”. The Malho Intermediate Peoples Court cited a fragment of what I wrote, “...this is not just trampling on the Tibetan people’s right to freedom of religious belief, but on the right of the Chinese people as a whole to religious freedom”, to accuse me of having a separatist attitude. If knowledgeable people were to examine this, would they not find it laughable? Not only did I not make even the slightest reference to separatism, my statement posits no distinction between the Chinese and Tibetan peoples. Their talk of separatism does not establish what is being separated from what. At that time, the situation at the Kumbum Flower Offering ceremony [Monlam Chenmo, marked by a massive presence of armed troops] was widely discussed on the internet, with lots of devotees giving their opinions one after another, as you well know. After seeing these things, I simply wrote down what I thought, and the photos inserted in my text were entirely borrowed from others, none of them were taken by me. As someone staying in Labrang, my camera lens cannot reach Kumbum monastery, as any ordinary person would understand. Further, straightforwardly writing down my view of the situation at that time is my right to written expression, a right enshrined in and protected by the constitution. If such situations in the cultural sphere turn into serious political issues, issues of national separatism, does that make visitors from both nationalities who post photos and other observations on the situation at Kumbum monastery on the internet into perpetrators of separatism? By this logic, only a minority of the general public would not be considered as separatists or instigators of separatism. Won’t such extreme suspicion make for an authoritarian stranglehold? Doesn’t it contradict the core socialist values of “freedom, democracy, equality, transparency, upholding law...” etc. being propagated by President Xi Jinping and others? Won’t this apparent deliberate dereliction of the decisions of the top leadership be ridiculed by nations from the four corners of the world? Won’t future generations be ashamed? I request the Higher Peoples Court to review this carefully. 2. On the evening of March 16 (2015) I was in a hotel in Rebkong [Tongren]. Late at night, two people wearing police uniform and army uniform and carrying guns came inside saying they needed to search the place. When I asked them to show some documentary proof, they pointed their guns at me and loudly intimidated me. That was the first time I have experienced the terror of facing the barrel of a gun pointed at me. Such unspeakable, unimaginable intimidation embittered me towards the Rebkong security [forces]. Confronted with those, whether policemen or gangsters I knew not, I wrote that [account of events] in the hope of getting the protection of the security authorities and the public. In case those searching me at gunpoint that night really were police and army personnel, is it not illegal to conduct a search without a warrant? The injured party here is myself, and the proper object of the court’s protection is me. In case they were gangsters, I am even more so the injured party, and the one due to be protected by the court. However, quite unbelievably, the court instead accused me not only of inciting separatism, but of fabrication, saying “Results of police investigation confirm the use of fabrication and incitement to cause unrest” [quoted in Chinese]. As to whether my account is fabricated, take another look at the CCTV footage from that day, and it can be clearly seen. The term ‘instigatory’ is a mystery. If one talks about instigating separatism, I have not written even a word of separatism, much less instigated
it. If I write about an incident in which I suffered harm, and that becomes an unfounded accusation against me, and I write an appeal to the court about the incident, that does not make me a separatist. Helplessly subject to a punishment that makes your flesh creep the more you think about it, I appeal to the Higher People’s Court to look for the objective truth. 3. The short extract from ‘The Division of Heaven and Earth’ [a major contemporary work by the Tibetan author Shokdung] was copied by someone else and posted on the internet. In the course of my involvement with it, I wrote: “Look at this again and again, and think about it again and again” there. The reason for that is that I do not want to see any more of such tragic bloodshed. I will never fight to secure my own happiness through shedding the blood of others. China is a vast country with 56 different nationalities, and Tibetans are one of the largest minorities. I am a Chinese citizen, and as a Tibetan intellectual, I have to be concerned for the precious lives of my own kin. If doing so is called “instigating separatism”, nothing is more laughable. I might joyfully and voluntarily serve my sentence, but I never want to be a person without regard for the lives of his brothers and sisters. Come to that, I would do the same for our Chinese brothers and sisters. 4. The news about the Chinese government talking with the Dalai Lama was an internal thing. I shared it from my friend’s Weibo [Chinese social media] page. It is extraordinary that even sharing a piece of internal news can be illegal. Such negotiations have taken place in the past, and a few years ago some representatives of the Tibetan government [in exile][8] came to China to hold discussions. But the Malho Prefecture Peoples Court does not seem to understand that this has nothing to do with state secrets and suchlike. Otherwise, there is no basis for such a decision. According to the Malho Prefecture Peoples Court’s way of making judgements, not just I but the Chinese government has committed a serious crime, and internal news channels should just be closed. I appeal to the Higher Peoples Court to show some understanding. 5. The video clip is of a real life incident somewhere in the mainland. It got a very high number of hits. I also shared it from a Chinese friend’s Weibo. The oppressed Chinese public sympathised with the suffering of the victims. As I said earlier, “I would do the same for our Chinese brothers and sisters”. This has nothing whatever to do with so-called separatism, neither can it be construed as illegal. Without even
looking into the content of this video clip, the Malho Prefecture Intermediate Peoples Court declared it to be Tibet-related, and landed the weighty accusation of instigating separatism on my little head, a weight I can hardly bear. I await exoneration by the Provincial Higher Peoples Court. 6. It is true that I have read books like Wang Lixiong’s ‘Sky Burial’, but I have not quoted a word from such books, and certainly not passed them on to others. If ‘Sky Burial’ is a book that should not even be read, it is excellent that its author has been shown such leniency by the law. Such application of the law has all my respect. Writers like him should be cherished by the nation and the people. And yet, showing leniency to an author and then punishing his readers – under which point of law this is sanctioned, I really do not know. If my grasp of the law is too poor, I do apologise, but otherwise, I appeal to the Higher Peoples Court to clearly distinguish such “One Country, Two Systems” practices. There are further implications: for my friends even to say that they had seen the previous three posts on my Weibo page is counted as prime evidence of law-breaking. If even setting eyes on these things is going to be considered illegal, then not only all my writings, but everything down to the birds and the bees could be too. Which intelligent person can accept charges based on evidence ‘ridiculed by people but tolerated by dogs’? Another thing I don’t understand is that they took away my iPhone5S, because they retrieved those posts through the phone. But if they had found those writings in my house, would they also confiscate the house and its contents? They may be like ‘an old mouth used to eating, and an old hand used to taking’,[9] but I don’t have that many benefactors, and trust that you, the Provincial Court, will not ‘blow an ill wind into a poor man’s tsampa bag’.[10] Finally, as a Chinese citizen, my right to free expression and right to compose writings about my experiences are provided for by the constitution, but on account of my lack of familiarity with the law, I apologise if I have not expressed myself well, verbally and in written. Most of all, with my old mother and siblings looking at me with constant tears in their eyes, and my wife and children waiting for me every second, I await a proper decision as swiftly as possible from the Higher Court. Druklo, also known as Shokjang February 24, 2016