Students held banners with the slogan "Protect our Grasslands!"

On May 23, thousands of Southern Mongolians, led by students, took to the streets of Shiliinhot. Protests demanding the Chinese government respect the rights of Southern Mongolian herders quickly spread across Southern Mongolia.

Students as young as 12 along with herdsmen held banners reading, “defend the rights of Mongols” and “defend the homeland,” and shouted slogans as they marched to Government offices.

These protests erupted after a 100-ton coal-hauling truck owned by a Chinese company crushed a local herdsman, named Mergen. “These coal-hauling trucks have randomly run over local herders’ grazing lands…killing numerous heads of livestock… [and] further damaging the already-weakened fragile grassland,” wrote the Mongolian blogger Zorigt.

The mass protests by Southern Mongolian students and herdsmen in Shiliinhot and Hohhot have sparked a massive security clampdown. As a result, many universities across Southern Mongolia are under strict curfew and martial law has been imposed.

Like in Tibet, Chinese populations now dominate Southern Mongolia’s major cities. Resulting from China’s land divisions, Mongolians now make up only about 17% of the population of Southern Mongolia.

In 2008, the Tibetan uprising rocked the Chinese government’s hold on Tibet and gave birth to a new generation of Tibetan activists. Following the Tibetan uprising, thousands of brave Uyghurs protested in the streets of Ürümqi for rights and freedom. Will the brave herdsmen and students of Inner Mongolia triumph? Or will China be faced with another long-term freedom struggle?

Mongolian herders marching toward the Banner Government.

Mongolian demonstrators beaten by Chinese police.

A Mongolian nomad holding a flag: "Peace for the Mongols, freedom for the Mongols!"

Video: Meeting with Indian MPs to highlight the situation in Ngaba

Meeting with Indian MPs to highlight the situation in Ngaba: Day 2

Chinese troops descended on Kiri Monastery in the days following the self-immolation of a 20-year-old monk, Phuntsok Jarutsang on March 16th, 2011 and continue to beat, detain and intimidate the monks and any Tibetan who dares to protest their repressive actions. Two elderly Tibetans died after being beaten by police for trying to stop the arrest of 300 monks at the monastery on the evening of April 21st.

Tibetans and their supporters worldwide are demanding world government’s immediately condemn China’s actions and call for a withdrawal of troops from the region and for international observers to be allowed into Ngaba.

TAKE ACTION: 10 Ways You Can Help Stop the Crackdown in Ngaba

Update on the Indian Parliament Lobby Effort:

In light of the recent crackdown in Ngaba, eastern Tibet, Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) – India has spearheaded an Indian Parliamentarian Lobby Effort. Yesterday and today we delivered appeal letters to Members of both houses of Parliament urging the Indian Government to press Beijing to immediately:

1. End the violent crackdown and repressive “patriotic re-education” campaign in Ngaba and withdraw troops from Kirti monastery and surrounding areas.

2. Unconditionally release all Tibetans arrested or imprisoned in Ngaba.

3. Allow an international and independent fact-finding mission to visit Kirti monastery in Ngaba, along with members of the foreign media.

4. Respect the right of Kirti monks to freely practice their religion and respect their right to movement.

“The situation in Ngaba is deteriorating as Chinese authorities continue their blatant violation of Tibetans’ human rights,” said Tenzin Choedon, National Director of Students for a Free Tibet – India. “Everyone we have met in the Indian Government is concerned about the dire situation in Ngaba and has expressed their solidarity with the Tibetan people.”

Over the course of 2 days, SFT – India’s delegation has met with senior parliamentarians from both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha including:

Shri Mohan Singh:
National Spokesperson of Samajwadi party
Hon’ Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha.
Mr. C.M. Chang: IAS (Rtd.)
Nagaland People’s Front
Hon’ Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha.

Chaudhary Ajit Singh:
President of Rashtriya Lok Dal
Hon’ Member of Parliament, Lok Sabya
former Union Minister of India

Shri Satyavrat Chaturvedi:
Hon’ Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha
Former  minister in Madhya Pradesh Government
Former General Secretary and National Spokesperson of Congress

Shri Raghuvansh Prasad Singh:
Rashtriya Janata Dal
Hon’ Member of Parliament
Lok Sabha and former Union Minister of India.
Shri Raghuvansh raised Tibet’s independence during the last Parliament session in March, 2011.

“In the coming days, we will continue to visit people of influence here in New Delhi and appeal for their help in demanding the Chinese government end the military siege in Ngaba and release all those unjustly arrested,” said Tenzin Jigdal, Project Director of Students for a Free Tibet – India. “We also call on governments’ around the world to intervene before more innocent Tibetan lives are lost.”

SFT – India’s delegation will meet with Indian Parliamentarians in the coming days with the support of the Tibetan Parliamentary and Policy Research Center. We will also be delivering appeal letters to various foreign missions in New Delhi.

Tibet has no freedom I sing. And I'll sing it throughout my life. For which even if I am killed. I have no regrets. – Lyrics from Tashi Dhondup's "No Regrets"

Tashi Dhondup, a popular Tibetan musician is free!

We’re excited to share with you news that Tashi Dhondup has been released after serving most of his 15-month prison sentence.

He was detained at gunpoint in December 2009 and accused of “composing subversive songs” following the release of his popular album “Torture without Trace”.

Tashi Dhondup is part of a growing wave of Tibetan writers, musicians, and intellectuals who are boldly defying Chinese authorities by openly expressing their loyalty to the Dalai Lama and desire for freedom.

Radio Free Asia has reported that he has safely returned to his home county of Yuglan, in eastern Tibet, and was warmly received along the way by locals with scarves and greetings. Read more about his release.

A new translation of Tashi Dhondup’s song “Waiting with Hope” is now available on the Tibetan blog High Peaks Pure Earth.
Join us in celebrating his release by viewing and sharing this video:

The price for defying Chinese rule is steep. There are more than 800 known political prisoners in Tibet today. In spite of the risks, Tibetans across Tibet continue to resist against all odds.

Your actions do help! Please keep the pressure on the Chinese government to release Tibetan prisoners of conscience.

SFT has highlighted the works of Tashi Dhondup, and those by many other detained Tibetan writers and artists, as part of the Renaissance Series, a monthly event aimed at amplifying the songs, poems, and writings banned in Tibet.

Join us in calling on China to release Norzin Wangmo, a female cadre and writer from Ngaba, in eastern Tibet.

Following the widespread protests in 2008, she was sentenced to 5 years in prison for speaking on the phone and on the Internet about Chinese government abuses in Tibet.

Take Action: http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5380/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=5485

The Chinese government’s harsh reaction to Norzin Wangmo’s actions demonstrate how threatened it is by the growing resistance movement inside Tibet. As we watch the revolution unfolding in Egypt, the Chinese censors are working double time. Hu Jintao knows that freedom is contagious and that no dictatorship lasts forever.

Through our collective efforts, we can support and encourage Tibetans, Chinese, Uyghurs, Mongolians and everyone who is fighting for their freedom.

Thank you for standing with Tibet.

The ad has ignited a public debate. Many are thankful that Groupon has chosen to raise the Tibet issue on prime time TV, promising to match up to $100,000 in donations to the charity, Tibet Fund.

Many are also dismayed that the ad presented the Tibet issue in a way that trivialized the Tibetan people’s struggle for human rights, freedom and survival.

Why such a strong division in the public reaction? The answer may lie in the fact that Tibet is an emotional issue for many people. It is also one of the most recognizable, vibrant, and effective non-violent movements of our time, deserving of the highest respect and sanctity.

For more than six decades, the Tibetan people have waged a nonviolent battle to regain the freedom to determine their own future and to live in peace in their own country. The cost has been brutally high. Yet, in spite of the hardships and suffering, the Tibetan people are resolute in their determination to end China’s occupation of Tibet.

For 6 million Tibetans, the movement is about survival and their sovereign right to be free and independent from China’s violent and brutal rule.

For Beijing, Tibetans are their David; the Tibetan people have single-handedly challenged China’s dictators more effectively than any other nation or government or corporation.

For many people living in the United States or in other parts of the world, the Tibet issue is a beacon of hope in a world dominated by violence. The Dalai Lama is one of the most respected world leaders of all time. In 2008, when the Tibetan people rose up against China’s tyranny, the global public – albeit not our leaders – rose up in support of their actions.

The Groupon ad may have been in poor taste and struck a chord of dissonance in many people, but, precisely because of this blunder, the word ‘TIbet’ – and awareness about the existential threats faced by Tibetans under China’s occupation – has now reached the homes of many more millions than it would have if the ad had been more politically correct and only seen one time during the Super Bowl.

In addition to the publicity, the Groupon ad aims to raise funds for Tibetan refugees; one of the world’s most vulnerable populations. This in and of itself is a good thing, and we encourage everyone who can to donate to support Tibetan exiled communities.

If you buy a Groupon coupon for $15, the company will donate $30 Tibet Fund to help Tibetan youth in India: http://www.groupon.com/deals/the-tibet-fund/

The outpouring of concern, opinion and debate regrading the ad is a clear indication that the Tibet issue is alive and strong in the consciousness of people around the world.

If you feel the ad trivialized the Tibetan people’s movement, let it be a call to action to help this important struggle.

If this ad gave you your first exposure to Tibet, we encourage you to learn more and to take action in support of the Tibetan people.

BELOW ARE 5 WAYS YOU CAN HELP:

1) Join Students for a Free Tibet’s email list to stay up-to-date on current developments in Tibet and ways to help: www.studentsforafreetibet.org/join

2) Join a local Tibetan organization or Tibet support group in your community: www.tibetnetwork.org

3) Write to your elected representatives and ask them to take action on the Tibet issue: www.studentsforafreetibet.org/political

4) Speak out for the release of a Tibetan political prisoner: www.freetibetanheroes.org

5) Support SFT’s work for TIbet: www.studentsforafreetibet.org/donate

Tibetans confronted by Chinese soldiers while protesting gold mining operations in Shigatse (May 2010)

As the Chinese government prepares for a massive media effort to boost its global image with celebrity ads this October, it have shown its true face in how they deal with Tibetans who speak out. Just last week, Chinese police in Palyul County, Kardze Prefecture, in eastern Tibet (Ch: Baiyu County, Ganzi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province) opened fire on a group of Tibetans protesting the expansion of a Chinese-owned gold mining operation. It is now being reported that four Tibetans were shot dead and thirty more were injured in this violent attack on unarmed protesters.

China’s State Council has said the media effort will promote an image of prosperity, democracy, openness, peace and harmony.”

Clearly despite its claims to “openness, democracy, and peace and harmony,” the Chinese government is a human rights failure. Television ads featuring on Chinese celebrities Yao Ming, Yang Liwei, and Jackie Chan will not change the harsh reality of China’s brutal occupation of Tibet or fool the international community. Take Action: condemn the attack and call for those responsible to be brought to justice.

“made a decision we didn’t want to act as an agent for the Chinese government.”

Network Solutions announced Wednesday that it had stopped hosting new websites with the .cn China domain in December, for much the same reasons as Go Daddy.

The China Internet Network Information Center authorizes companies outside China to sell .cn domain names but in December, the organization changed its policies to require registrars to collect color head-shot photographs, detailed business information, and other details about all domain registrants.

Both companies said they would continue to support domains already registered, but had ceased to seek out new business in China.

While the decision has obvious privacy, expression, and human rights issues attached, the cost of doing the complex “fact-gathering”, now required by the Chinese government is another major consideration in the domain business.

Good job Go Daddy!

He lays out the broader implications of Google’s move to take the power back in its relationship with China and encourages other western corporations and political leaders to do the same.

While I applaud Google for their brave decision, their “discomfort” around having to censor should have been taken more seriously the first time around, because there are very few good places such a decision can lead. Once you go down that road, it will inevitably lead to places of greater ambiguity, greater ethical dilemma, and greater concern. Luckily, free thinking minds prevailed, before the unthinkable ( for example, the company NOT disclosing China’s shenanigans in favor of keeping the relationship strong) happened. Over the next few weeks I encourage the Google-folk to maintain the firm stance they did yesterday. Bending on these issues is not an option. Too much is at stake.

Hopefully Google’s actions will start to show some US companies — and our good President, for that matter — that they do have influence with the Chinese, they do have power in that relationship…. and that we can make change by living according to principle. Moving forward, other companies MUST follow Google’s lead. Restrictions should be put in place on selling the Chinese government technology, software, or hardware that enables surveillance and digital privacy invasion. And when Beijing plays foul, in any circumstance, companies have a responsibility to call them out on it, as Google has done.

Read the full article.

Below are a few of the analysis pieces that are starting to address this issue:

Al Jazeera’s Steve Chao discusses how China’s “Go West” policy of Chinese resettlement has fueled the unrest:

The Guardian’s John Gittings talks about Uyghur separatism:

Until now, it has been Beijing that talked up the threat of ethnic separatism in its far north-west region of Xinjiang, while the attitude of most of the Muslim Uighur population has been one of quiet – though unhappy – acceptance of Chinese rule. But the latest outbreak of violence in the regional capital of Urumqi suggests that Uighur resentment at heavy-handed Chinese policies has begun to boil over. For Uighurs to challenge the authorities in what has become a largely Chinese city is even more remarkable.

Xinjiang has a history of only intermittent control from Beijing and the misfortune of being seen by the Chinese as a strategic buffer region against its neighbors. There were two short-lived independent “East Turkestan” republics in the 1930s and 1940s – the second under strong Soviet influence. After the 1949 Chinese communist victory, Beijing quickly moved thousands of soldiers to set up paramilitary state farms: Xinjiang became a favored location for penal centers, and later on for Red Guards who were “sent down to the countryside”. After subsequent waves of migration, Han Chinese now make up 40% of the population, not much less than the 47% of Uighurs.

China’s leaders vow to punish Xinjiang rioters (AFP)

“The planners of the incident, the organisers, key members and the serious violent criminals must be severely punished,” President Hu Jintao and the other eight members of the ruling Communist Party’s elite Politburo said.

Chinese leaders Vow Xinjiang Action (BBC)

China’s top leadership has vowed to administer “severe punishment” to those involved in the deadly rioting in Xinjiang

Beijing professor held for Urumqi blog (AFP)

“The crackdown is not limited to Xinjiang,” the media rights group said in a statement. “The authorities have arrested an independent writer who was just posting reports on his blog.”