Defiance in Tibet Continues

Tibetans in Tibet continue to defy the Chinese government as they celebrate the Congressional Gold Medal being awarded to their beloved leader, the Dalai Lama. The Chinese government, predictably, reacted with repression.

The BBC reports:

Thousands of police were deployed at monasteries in Lhasa, and scores of monks are said to have been arrested….

Tight security measures had already been put into place in the capital Lhasa.

Police intervened when the monks in Drepung began decorating the quarters traditionally reserved for the Dalai Lama, the most important figure in Tibetan Buddhism.

Security forces sealed off the monastery and another nearby, and there are reports that the unrest there carried on for several days.

We have heard one report of a similar incident in Labrang, as well as a threatening new presence of military vehicles in another region.

We know that at least partial international telephone service in Lhasa was disconnected on October 17, the day the Dalai Lama received the Gold Medal. However, despite official warnings, many Lhasa residents lit incense and set off fireworks that day.

Meanwhile in the north-eastern part of Tibet, Phayl.com reports that

at least five Tibetans were arrested in Tibet’s Amdo province for celebrating after the Dalai Lama received the US Congress’ highest civilian honour while a website and two bogs were closed down…

On October 16, a day before the Dalai Lama was due to be honoured with the Congressional Gold Medal, www.tibettl.com/blog was closed down and soon after www.tibetcm.com and blogwww.tibetcm.com/blog were also reportedly closed.

Reports also indicate that Chinese security forces confiscated satellite dishes in at least one part of Tibet, to prevent Tibetans from watching satellite broadcasts of the Gold Medal event at the U.S. Capitol.

Our prayers are with the Tibetan people who are suffering through this latest round of repression from the Chinese forces occupying their country. China’s actions show that its claim of religious freedom in Tibet is a lie. It also shows the extent of Tibetan reverence for His Holiness, and how proud Tibetans are to have such a respected and world-renowned leader.