TIBETAN BulletiN The Official Journal of the Central Tibetan Administration

Volume 24 - Issue 2 MARCH- APRIL 2020 Focus

CTA’s Response to Wuhan-originated COVID-19 Pandemic

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Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay led Task Force Briefings on COVID-19

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CTA functionaries and Tibetans worldwide leads collective relief initiative

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CTA launches month-long Global Advocacy Campaign on Panchen Lama’s 31st Birthday

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www.tibet.net/en/tibbul NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE www.tibet.net/en/tibbul CTA President President highlighted the tremendous The session began with Speaker’s session services being offered by the Tibetan commencement announcement which applauds Tibetan community in North America and was followed by his opening speech and Europe in regard to especially looking the appointment of Acting Speaker and healthcare workers after the mental well-being of health care Ad Hoc committee members. worldwide tackling workers by organising online teaching sessions with Buddhist teachers and Speaker in his brief opening remark TIBETAN Covid-19 pandemic geshes. said that the one-day budget session that has been convened as per the Charter The President of Central Tibetan ulleti He added that similar sessions featuring of Tibetans in exile, which instructs B N Administration Dr. Lobsang Sangay Tibetan Bulletin is an official bi-monthly Buddhist experts and meditation Parliament to hold a Parliamentary addressed a press briefing on the current Focus journal of the Central Tibetan teachers are also being organised through session within a period of six months. status of Wuhan-origin COVID-19 Administration. TibetTV for the older people where they Speaker further said that the session 17 CTA orders work from home for 50 percent staff, public urged to pandemic in the Tibetan community. telephone/email their concerns are offered advice and mechanism for will strictly follow the set agenda which dealing with stress and anxiety related to includes presentation and approval of the novel pandemic. the annual budget of Central Tibetan 18 President Dr Sangay’s Press Briefing on Coronavirus Prevention Administration for the year 2020-21 Similarly, President Sangay also and adoption of official resolutions of informed that the prescriptions of rilbus obituary and solidarity. 19 CTA President condoles first Tibetan death from Wuhan-corona (Tibetan medicinal pills) by former personal physician to His Holiness the The list of business marking the official virus, appeals public to comply to law enforcement Signed articles or quotations do not Dalai Lama, Dr. Tamding Tsewang obituary reference was followed with necessarily reflect the views of the Central are being distributed in the Tibetan Parliamentarian Ngawang Tharpa Tibetan Administration. 21 CTA Press Briefing on Coronavirus| 16 April 2020 communities. The supplements help Gewatsang paying tribute to Yonten, a 24 Contributions are welcome and may be President Dr. Lobsang Sangay of Central Tibetan recover fatigue, sleep deprivation and Tibetan youth, who self-immolated on 26 addressed to the editor, Tibetan Bulletin. Administration. Photo/Tenzin Jigme/CTA build immunity. November 2019 to protest the repressive 23 Sikyong urges Tibetans to observe lockdown through However the publisher regrets its inability policies of the Chinese government. President then issued a special notice Parliamentarian Youdon Aukatsang paid May end to combat COVID-19 spread to return unused articles unless they are The press briefing highlighted four key for the overseas Tibetans in India to official obituary reference to former accompanied by a self-addressed envelope points: the situation of Tibetans dealing with adequate postage. immediately get tested in case any Geluk Parliamentarian Late Gajang with coronavirus in New York and India; symptoms occur. In addition to that, Geshe Lharampa Tashi Gyaltsen, who 25 CTA launches month-long Global Advocacy Campaign on special notice for overseas Tibetans Tibetan Bulletin is distributed free of concerns regarding visa expiration of passed away on 21 January 2020 at the Panchen Lama’s 31st Birthday in India; inputs and suggestions from charge. To subscribe please email the those of overseas Tibetans must be age of 64. the President for the TSGs, elderly and circulation manager or see back cover. contacted to local settlement officer and young members of Tibetan community representative officer. Parliamentarian Ven Khenpo Soman 26 Panel discussion: Renewing global advocacy for the in overcoming physical and mental Editor Tenphel presented the official solidarity release of the 11th Panchen Lama distress during the lockdown. Tenzin Saldon Lastly, he advised the students to make motion on the critical situations Email: [email protected] constructive use of the lockdown period inside Tibet, which was supported by As for the situation in New York, in their studies. Parliamentarian Ven. Geshe Monlam President Dr Sangay said over 16 Asst. Editor Tharchin. The motion was passed Last page Tenzin Phende Tibetan health workers in the city have unanimously. self-quarantined themselves to prevent 16th Tibetan Layout & Design the spread of the virus in the community. 29 Coronavirus pandemic; a Chinese Trojan horse to global Kalon Karma Yeshi of Department of Tenzin Phende He clarified that not all of them have Parliament-in-Exile hegemony Finance, Central Tibetan Administration contracted the virus but due to probable By Tsewang Gyalpo Arya approves CTA 2020-21 presented the 2020-2021 Budget of Circulation Manager exposure to infected patients, they have Central Tibetan Administration, which Norbu Wangdue self-quarantined as a precaution. budget Email: [email protected] was subsequently followed by the In the light of the COVID-19 outbreak Tibetan Bulletin is published by: presentation of Précis report prepared He urged Tibetans worldwide to pray for across the world and with an increasing Department of Information and by the Budget Estimation Committee all the health workers on the frontline International Relations, number of confirmed cases of positive of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile by for their selfless contributions. Central Tibetan Administration, patients in India, the budget session of Parliamentarian Ven. Khenpo Jamphel Dharamshala - 176 215 H.P. India the 16th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Tenzin. Tel: +91-1892-222510 / 222457 “I on behalf of CTA and Tibetans for the fiscal year 2020-2021, scheduled around the world like to highly thank to hold for 10 days from 17-27 March The motion for debate on the Central and applaud health care workers across Vol. 24, Issue 2 2020, convened for only one day as Tibetan Administration’s 2020-2021 Regulars the globe for their selfless contributions MARCH - APRIL 2020 a measure to contain the spread of the Budget was raised by Parliamentarian News From Tibet & Exile ...... 4 during this crisis,” he said. virus. Ven. Geshe Lharampa Gowo Lobsang Contact ...... 31 Quotes ...... 32 Phende and supported by Parliamentarian

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Dhondup Tashi Tsaneytsang but thanked Budget Estimate Committee, play a key role in selecting several UN reconsider China’s appointment in the “Whatever activities we do in our daily experts and nurses including the discussion on the budget was put off as Department of Health, Department of human rights mandate holders or Special Human Rights Council panel. lives, in order to achieve success we guidelines and rules set out by the per the advice from the Speaker in order Information and International Relations, Procedures over the next year, including need to put that much effort. Similarly, administration. to curtail the session in a single day. Department of Security, and others for picking the Special Rapporteurs on Coordinator of the Asia-Pacific States, the crisis we are facing at the moment their assistance. Freedom of Opinion and Expression; the UN Permanent Mission of Oman calls for a global effort” said Trizin “I highly admire the noble contributions The budgets of all the departments of health issues, Working Groups on endorsed the nomination of Mr. Jiang Rinpoche. of healthcare workers around the world the Central Tibetan Administration and As the year 2020 will be marked as the Arbitrary Detention; and Enforced or Duan, a Minister at China’s Mission in tackling the COVID-19 and pray for the offices under various departments year of gratitude to His Holiness the Involuntary Disappearances. Enforced Geneva. The other four member states He emphasised that the time to practise their wellbeing and may we all overcome were passed and approved unanimously Dalai Lama by CTA, he urged all the disappearance is a tool used extensively are Chad (from the African States), love, compassion, and bodhicitta are, the crisis with great success”. except for Tibet Policy Institute, Bureau Tibetans to follow His Holiness the Dalai by the Chinese Government. The Slovenia (Eastern European States), perhaps now more than ever. If practised of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Indo Lama’s advice and remain united for enforced disappearance of the 11th Spain (Western European and other whole-heartedly, he affirmed that it Tibet Coordination Office, Office of the common cause of Tibet. He prayed Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima states), and one pending nomination becomes a blessing in disguise. He noted Embracing an attitude Tibet (Washington DC), and Tibetan for the speedy resolution of COVID-19 is a prominent case perpetrated by the from Latin American and the Caribbean that Buddha himself has mentioned the of compassion Community Development Fund crisis. He also offered prayers for the Chinese Government and May 17 this States. benefits of practising them in the sutra. (TCDF), which were approved by the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama year will be exactly 25 years since he and gratitude as majority. and the resolution of Tibet’s issue. was abducted along with his parents and Sakya Trizin Rinpoche Rinpoche elucidated on the mechanisms we overcome the disappeared by the Chinese Government. to deal with mental afflictions caused The Revised Appropriation Act of espouses oneness of by the outbreak through Buddhist coronavirus pandemic 2019-2020 and the Appropriation Act The candidates for the UN mandate perception. of 2020-2021, presented by Deputy holders, who are world’s human rights humanity in the time of The 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Ogyen Speaker Ven. Acharya Yeshi Phunstok experts charged to investigate, monitor Coronavirus pandemic He defined that dharma practise is a Trinley Dorje, today spoke about the and supported by the Chairman of and report on specific human rights issues training of the mind focusing only on ongoing COVID-19 crisis through his the Budget Estimate Committee Ven. would be heavily influenced by China. positive thoughts. And now with the Facebook page to millions of Tibetan Khenpo Jamphel Tenzin, where the For detailed news visit: Despite China’s long record of human ongoing global pandemic in the name of Buddhist followers around the world. revised appropriation Act of 2019-2020 rights violations, its representation in a virus, he urged not to be discouraged was passed unanimously while the www.tibet.net the UNHRC panel is a concerning turn and face the challenge with great Appropriation Act of 2020-2021 was of events for all human rights defenders encouragement. passed with a majority in the house. CTA’s Press Statement and advocates. As per document no- 9, the revised “From the Buddhist point of view, when appropriation act of 2019-2020 on China joining the T.G. Arya, Secretary of Department we see Buddha, we should perceive approved the need for a total income of UN Human Rights of Information, CTA said that it is Buddha as a doctor, his teachings as Rs. 3,429,101,658 to be accumulated by very unfortunate that China has been medicines, and ourselves as patients”, Kashag and a total of Rs. 3,283.576,332 Council’s Panel appointed to the UN Human Rights 42nd Sakya Trizin Rinpoche on COVID-19. Rinpoche said. He explained that all the Photo: Screengrab for the expenditure (annual budget and Council panel. “China is on the top list negative afflictions such as anger and As part of TibetTV’s online session on 42nd Sakya Trizin Rinpoche on COVID-19. interim budget) proposed to be made of countries known for gross violations fear are nothing but sickness and gaining Buddhist teaching to cope up with the Photo: Screengrab from consolidated fund and the funds of human rights and religious freedom. realisation on overcoming the negative stress and anxiety related to COVID-19 not included in the consolidated fund. By appointing one of the worst human thoughts equates to following a doctor’s His Eminence stated that despite being pandemic, 42nd Sakya Trizin Rinpoche rights offenders to the UNHRC panel, advice. on a retreat, he felt the need to allay took the opportunity to explain the As per document no 10, the appropriation the Council is sending a wrong message the distress of people caused by the significance of oneness of humanity in act of 2020-2021 approved the need for a to the international community. It will With such perception, he advised crisis. Since the outbreak of the disease, the time of COVID-19 crisis. total income of Rs. 2,683,622,130 to be greatly disturb the world order and practising of Buddha dharma as eminent. an unprecedented turmoil has been accumulated by Kashag and approved restructure the human rights narratives. He noted that the Buddha dharma unleashed on people’s lives and well- Just as His Holiness the Dalai Lama a total amount of Rs. 2,754,487,029 Tibetans, Chinese, Uyghurs, Mongolians should be practised by all the followers being, the uncertainty facing us in its always emphasises the oneness of for the expenditure (annual budget) The UN Human Rights Council in session. and Hong Kong people, who are all of Buddha in order to overcome the aftermath. 7 billion human beings, Rinpoche proposed to be made from consolidated Photo/FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP victims of the Chinese Communist sickness of negativities that consumes asked viewers to focus on the oneness fund and the funds not included in the In light of China’s increasing dominance Party’s oppressive regime, all now fear our lives. To counter that he highlighted Buddha’s of humanity rather than secondary consolidated fund. and aggression at the United Nations, the that they will not get fair hearing. It is message on the impermanence of life, differences. Doing so, he said, will Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) is like putting an eagle in a dove-cote,” he As the Wuhan originated COVID-19 describing the nature of life as transient, enable individual to take better care of Afterwards, the Secretary-General appalled to learn of China’s appointment said. is spreading like a wildfire and the changing every moment and stated others well being. of Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat to the UN Human Rights Council’s number of the patients besides the that the human fallibility of failure to Tsewang Ngodup read out the leave of influential Consultative Group, a panel China never failed to attract international death toll is rising every day, Rinpoche comprehend that truth is the cause of Rinpoche further urged to diligently absence of the Member of Parliament comprising of only five nations. China condemnation over its human rights appealed everyone to sincerely pray for our suffering. When things go our way, follow the advice of His Holiness the and Speaker gave his conclusion speech. will represent Asia-Pacific Group at the record. For the last five years, Tibet the complete recovery of the patients we are happy and optimistic, however, Dalai Lama and Rinpoches in cultivating UNHRC panel from 1 April 2020 to 31 under Chinese occupation has been without any exceptions. when it’s the opposite, we are unable to positive thoughts in order to pacify the Speaker in his conclusion speech March 2021. named the second-least free region deal with it. crisis while not panicking and spreading appreciated everyone present in the in the world. China was also ranked Rinpoche also emphasised on strictly fear. house for their participation in enabling This enables China, one of the worst the world’s worst abuser of internet following the advice of the medical He said that the current dire situation, the session to conclude in one day. He abusers of human rights in the world, to freedom. The UN should seriously viewed from a positive perspective, 4 TIBETAN BULLETIN MARCH - APRIL 2020 MARCH - APRIL 2020 TIBETAN BULLETIN 5 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE presents each of us an opportunity to Tibetan nurses Since the outbreak of the Wuhan-origin He also thanked the outstanding Sakya Buddhist Kyabje Kundeling reflect on the precious things that we virus, Tibetan healthcare workers across leadership and the timely actions taken take for granted and live with renewed volunteer to join the world, especially in the US, have by the Prime Minister, the Central and community in Tatsak Rinpoche energy for the betterment of our lives. been working at the frontline, fighting Karnataka state government in curbing commits over 2 India’s fight against the pandemic. the spread of the virus in the country. Dehradun led by Sakya He added that the disease affected all, Coronavirus Trizin donates 23 lakhs million rupees towards irrespective of gender, race, nationality, The number of confirmed coronavirus Rinpoche expressed his heartfelt prayers Two Tibetan nurses from Miao social status, etc. Developed countries cases globally has crossed 2 million with and wished for India to achieve a speedy to CM relief fund COVID-19 relief efforts Choephelling Tibetan Settlement in like America, Spain, Italy, and the UK more than 137,000 confirmed deaths. resolution to the crisis. in India are suffering severely at the moment, Arunachal Pradesh have volunteered to In the spirit of solidarity with the people help the government fight against the and developing countries will undergo In India, the cases climbed to 10,824 He also assured that the Tibetan monastic of Uttarakhand and India to help combat Wuhan-origin COVID-19 pandemic, similar or likely worse situation. Even on Thursday with a death toll of 420, community are observing prayers for all and win the war against the COVID-19 Miao Settlement Officer Tenzin a single infected person in a country according to the Ministry of Health and those who lost their lives to COVID-19 pandemic crisis, His Eminence the 42nd Chokden said on . endangers the whole world. Therefore, Family Welfare. and the people who are fighting the Sakya Trizin Ratna Vajra Rinpoche, cooperation is a must to overcome the virus. the head of Sakya school of Tibetan pandemic. Tenzin Choekyi and Mindu Lhamo who Kyabje Gaden Tripa Buddhism and HE Gyana Vajra Sakya are currently in the Settlement amid Kyabje Jonang Gyaltsab on behalf of Sakya Buddhist Community The news of the daily rise in the death toll nationwide lockdown came forward contributes over 5 Group in Dehradun donated 23 lakhs that we learn every day is benumbing, to join as a volunteer nurse in Tibetan Rinpoche pledges over toward CM relief fund. Primary Health Care, Miao. lakh to PM CARES but we must realize that each of them are 1 lakh to CM relief Kyabje Kundeling Tatsak Rinpoche commits over living, breathing human beings, he said. and Karnataka CM In addition, Dolma Phodrang Society 2 million rupees towards COVID-19 relief efforts Health workers are bravely going out fund, donates relief and Sakya Centre Society distributed in India. to combat this pandemic, and we must COVID-19 relief fund 130 ration kits to needy families in The outpour of Tibetan Buddhist leaders appreciate, commend and support their worth 1 lakh to poor the area. HE Gyana Vajra Sakya and and public’s solidarity with the People Kyabje Gaden Tripa, head of the Gelug efforts. Dagmo Sonam Palkyi distributed relief and Government of India in this Wuhan- tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, has aid of food essentials to over 200 needy originated Coronavirus crisis has been pledged Rs 5 lakh to PM CARES fund Gyalwang Karmapa informed his families in Dehradun area. extraordinary. and CM COVID-19 relief fund to support Buddhists followers that he had planned Four volunteer Tibetan nurses from Shimla Tibet- the relief efforts in the nationwide fight to hold one-hour daily prayers from this an Settlement. Likewise, Sakya Nunnery in Through contributions to the Central, against the COVID-19 pandemic Saturday for a week, praying for the Sahastradhara Road distributed 110 State and District COVID-19 relief fund On behalf of Miao Settlement Office, Administrator of Sera Jey Monastery world to overcome this crisis. ration kits to needy families around as well as distributing ration and food Tenzin Rangdol, Acting Settlement handed over the cheque of Rs 3 lakh the Rajpur and the Jakhan area with essentials to those worst affected by the Officer and Lhawang, Executive to PM CARES fund and 2 lakh to CM “We can all pray together for world the assistance of police officers. On the pandemic, Tibetans have been leading a Secretary, TPHC felicitated the two COVID-19 relief fund to Honourable Kyabje Jonang Gyaltsab Rinpoche donates Rs peace and for the epidemic to be quelled. same day, the Sakya Dolma Phodrang collective initiative. Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa on 15 1,00,555 towards CM Coronavirus relief fund. So I would like to ask everyone to pray nurses-volunteers with Tibetan scarf and Society distributed 50 care packages of applauded them for serving the people in April. together for everyone in the world to be Kyabje Jonang Gyaltsab Rinpoche, head juice, fruits, and snacks to police officers Last week, Kyabje Kundeling Tatsak this time of crisis. happy and for this pandemic to quickly of Jonang tradition in exile donated who are on duty in appreciation for their Rinpoche donated a sum of Rs 4 lakh pass.” Rs 1,00,555 towards CM Coronavirus dedication and hard work. to Arunachal Chief Minister COVID-19 Earlier another Tibetan health relief fund. The contribution was relief fund and 1 lakh to PM CARES professional, Tenzin Woser from His Eminence in solidarity with efforts handed over to the Honourable Chief fund. to help those affected by the crisis has Mundgod, Hubli volunteered to join the Minister Jai Ram Thakur by Rinpoche’s fight. donated 28 lakhs in total, towards the representatives. Through his Kundeling Charitable PM Relief Fund, the state governments Trust, Rinpoche donated rations and Tenzin Woser, resident of camp no. 8 of of Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Bihar. In addition, Jonang Gyaltsab Rinpoche food essential worth over 9 lakh (Rs Mundgod Tibetan Settlement is already also distributed 1 lakh worth of rations 9,50,000), benefiting over a thousand serving at the DTR hospital in Mundgod, The 104th Gaden Tripa Kyabje Jetsun Lobsang to the locals of the Sidhpur community underprivileged families in the villages a unit of the Department of Health, CTA. Tenzin Palsangpo. in Dharamshala. around Mundgod, Karnataka. HE Sakya Trizin Ratna Vajra Rinpoche and HE Likewise, four Tibetan nurses from A letter of solidarity from the Gaden Gyana Vajra Rinpoche present Uttarakhand Chief Jonang monks Tashi Namgyal and Tashi Including donations and relief supplies, Shimla Tibetan settlement in Himachal Tripa was also conveyed to the Minister, Honourable Trivendra Singh Rawat, a Dorje who was accompanied by the Rinpoche has committed a total of Pradesh have also volunteered to join Honourable Chief Minister. contribution of Rs 23 lakh on behalf of the Sakya President of Local Tibetan Assembly, Buddhist community in Uttarakhand. over 2 million rupees (20,00,113) to the fight against COVID-19 catastrophe. Shimla Tenzin Yeshi handed over the COVID-19 relief efforts in India. “We deeply share the concerns over The settlement office of Shimla and cheque along with the official letter Sakya Centre Society also distributed the public highly appreciates the health what is happening over the world and from Jonang Gyalltsab Rinpoche to CM 150 ration kits to needy families at Rinpoche also contributed Rs 5,00,113 professionals Tashi Norzom, Kalsang in particular the difficulties in India in For detailed news visit: Thakur. Rajpur and canal road area with the help to the Central Tibetan Administration Wangmo, Tsewang Lhamo, and Tashi connection with COVID-19,” Kyabje www.tibet.net of local councillors. to support CTA’s Coronavirus relief Yangchen for their dedication and Gaden Tripa said in the letter. For detailed news visit: efforts. He has also contributed Rs determination. www.tibet.net

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50,000 to provide relief for the needy immediate and unconditional freedom that the virus first appeared in China through the initiative of the Gyumed including his family.” with tragically tens of thousands of USCIRF calls China to release the 11th Panchen Tantric Monastery. people have known to be infected and The Panchen Lama is one of the highest thousands have died. now it is spread Lama who turns 31 today More and more Tibetan public, led by the position in Tibetan Buddhism and everywhere.” Buddhist leaders and monasteries across according to tradition plays a role in the The 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun “Saturday, April 25 will be Panchen India, continue to come forward to help recognition of the reincarnation of the With the virus being highly contagious Choekyi Nyima, one of the highest Gedhun Choekyi Nyima’s 31st birthday,” their district and state governments Dalai Lama and because of that, he was and transmissible, he said: “prisoners Tibetan spiritual leaders after the Dalai added USCIRF Commissioner Tenzin combat the COVID-19 pandemic. forcibly disappeared on 17 May 1995, and those in detention are at high risk.” Lama, who has been missing since Dorjee, who has advocated for his just three days after he was identified by For these reasons, international health freedom for four years now. “The Kashag’s letter and the cheque personally handed Panchen Lama of Tibet has been kept over to the Deputy Commissioner Shri Rakesh His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the 11th and human rights bodies are urging the CTA contributes Rs 3 isolated since he was a child and denied Kumar Prajapati by DIIR Secretary Tsewang Panchen Lama. immediate and substantial reduction in Lakh towards District Gyalpo Arya, Dharamshala Settlement Officer the prison populations around the world. the opportunity to live a normal life. We Kunga Tsering and Head of Security Branch urge the Chinese government to show Office, Kalsang Tenzin. Criticising China’s persecution of Covid-19 Fund religious leaders and practices in Tibet, The UN High Commissioner for Human a video evidence of his safety during Dharamshala Settlement Officer Kunga this COVID-19 pandemic out of human Extending solidarity and support with Representative McGovern said “they Rights has called on governments to Tsering and Head of Security Branch fear Tibetan Buddhism”, “the Dalai examine the ways to release those dignity and free the Panchen Lama the commendable efforts of the Kangra Office, Tenzin Kalsang. immediately.” DC Office in fighting the COVID-19 Lama” and “a true and independent particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, pandemic, the CTA led by President Panchen Lama.” among them those who are sick as well Shri Rakesh Kumar Prajapati as those low-risk offenders. Prisoners U.S. Representative James McGovern Dr Lobsang Sangay contributed Rs 3 acknowledged the letter and the donation also advocates on behalf of Gedhun lakh towards the District COVID-19 “And fear often leads the government to of conscience are by definition low-risk with thanks. He appreciated and thanked violate human rights,” he added. offenders. Choekyi Nyima through the Tom Lantos relief fund, and encouraged Tibetans to CTA for this gesture of solidarity and Human Rights Commission’s Defending extend their support through voluntary said the Tibetan community has been the age of six turns 31 today. He was Freedoms Project. contributions. “He[Panchen Lama] should be free very cooperative in this pandemic because as a confined person he is likely abducted along with the rest of his family situation. by the Chinese government on 17 May In its 2019 Annual Report, USCIRF In his letter to Deputy Commissioner at higher risk from the coronavirus that is claiming the lives of people. He should 1995, three days after he was recognised called on the administration to use its Rakesh Kumar Prajapati, President Dr The CTA delegates also met SDM as the incarnation of the 10th Panchen authority under the Global Magnitsky Lobsang Sangay said: “As effectively as be free because he has the right under Dr Harish Gajju and thanked him for international law to freedom of thought, Lama by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Human Rights Accountability Act and you have managed to contain the spread all the support, and assured CTA’s the International Religious Freedom of the disease in the district, you have conscience, and religion including full cooperation in dealing with the the right to practise his religion as he In commemoration of missing Panchen Act to impose targeted sanctions on also ensured the continued provision of COVID-19 situation. Lama’s 31st birthday, the United States Chinese officials responsible for severe essential household and pharmaceutical chooses. He should be free because he US Congressman Jim McGovern renews call for Commission on International Religious religious freedom violations, especially goods for the general public while is still a young man and it is the right the Panchen Lama’s immediate and unconditional thing to do so happy birthday Gedhun Freedom (USCIRF) today renewed Chen Quanguo, the current Communist implementing a strict curfew.” Rep. McGovern calls freedom. Choekyi Nyima. May this year be the its call for the Chinese government to on China to release the year we have the privilege to meet you release Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, one “As a token of our support and solidarity, of USCIRF’s Religious Prisoners of the Central Tibetan Administration Panchen Lama amid He called out the Chinese government in person.” to “tell the world that he and his family Conscience. On May 15, 1995, His would like to contribute Rs 3 lakh Holiness the Dalai Lama chose the towards the District COVID-19 Relief high risk Covid-19 are safe and well,” arguing that no government is justified in doing what then six-year-old Gedhun to be the Fund. We will continue to cooperate to concerns in prisons 11th Panchen Lama. Three days later, your ongoing efforts.” the Chinese government has done to the Panchen Lama by kidnapping him and Chinese authorities kidnapped him and US Congressman Jim McGovern, co- controlling his entire life and the lives of his family. He has not been seen or heard He also thanked the DC for all the chair of the Congressional-Executive from since. support extended towards the Tibetan his family members for decades with no Commission on China and of Tom end in sight. community in this crisis, especially for Lantos Human Rights Commission “The Chinese government is so providing guidance from time to time in called for the immediate release of the desperate to stifle Tibetan Buddhism that dealing with the virus. He specifically urged that the Chinese 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi government, in view of the global it kidnapped a six-year-old boy,” noted Nyima who was forcibly disappeared by COVID-19 pandemic which is USCIRF Vice Chair Nadine Maenza, “On behalf of the Tibetan community the Chinese government at the age of six who advocates for Gedhun Choekyi in Dharamshala, I once again extend scientifically proved to have first traced on 17 May 1995. in China, to release the prisoners and Nyima as part of USCIRF’s Religious Party Secretary of Xinjiang and former my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation Prisoners of Conscience Project. Secretary for Tibet. to you and your team for the excellent those in detention who are particularly In the statement released on the vulnerable to COVID-19. “Unfortunately, Gedhun’s tragic plight work,” the President concluded. 31st birthday of the Panchen Lama, represents the struggles of millions In February 2020, USCIRF released a Representative McGovern said, “My “Today, all of us confronting a of Chinese believers to practice their factsheet explaining how the Chinese The letter and the cheque were personally birthday present to Gedhun Choekyi faith in the face of an unprecedented government’s new Regulation for handed to the Deputy Commissioner by worldwide health crisis, the global For detailed news visit: Nyima is to renew my calls for his COVID-19 pandemic. Science indicates crackdown.” Religious Groups could further restrict DIIR Secretary Tsewang Gyalpo Arya, www.tibet.net religious freedom.

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Tibetan Autonomous Region’s People’s was one of the highest United States we will persist. The indomitable courage Statement of the President of the Central Tibetan Administration on the Congress held in January this year government officials to visit the CTA of Tibetans inside Tibet will continue to 61st Anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day legislated mandatory “ethnic unity.” and Dharamsala. He called on China to inspire those of us in exile to strengthen Set to take effect from 1st May 2020, immediately release the 11th Panchen our commitment. Peace in Tibet can On 10th March 1959, people of this law will formally legalize inter- Lama who was forcefully abducted and be only restored through the Middle Tibet revolted against China’s illegal marriages, subsidies for Chinese has been missing for the last 25 years. Way Approach. Therefore, the Chinese occupation of a sovereign Tibet. With migrants and other attempts to sinicize The Ambassador also endorsed the government must resume dialogue with their fists in the air, Tibetans flooded the Tibetan identity. Sinicization is the resolution on the reincarnation adopted the envoys of His Holiness the Dalai the streets of Lhasa shouting, “Bhodkyi problem, not the solution. by the 8th International Conference Lama. dhakpo bhodmi yin!” “Tibet belongs to of Tibet Support Groups, and the 3rd Tibetans!” The recent news of a secret agreement Special General Meeting held last year. Representing the true spirit of unity of signed between Nepal and China during The 14th Tibetan Religious Conference the three provinces of Tibet, Tibetans in His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of the Chinese President Xi’s visit last year also stated that His Holiness the Dalai exile are collectively striving to realize Tibet describes 10th March 1959 as the and a similar economic treaty signed Lama is the sole authority concerning the aspirations of Tibetans inside Tibet. “day destined to be the most momentous between China and Myanmar with the his reincarnation. Those of us who live in freedom have Lhasa had ever seen,” in his memoir latter recognizing Tibet along with the responsibility to safeguard the larger My Land and My People. His Holiness Xinjiang and Taiwan as “inalienable The Dutch and Belgian governments interest of our people and to lead the explains, “I felt as if I were standing parts of China” are examples of China’s have also stated their positions clearly. Tibetan cause forward. between two volcanoes, each likely to aggressive misuse of its economic clout The Belgian government has said that erupt at any moment. On the one side, to advance its political agenda. it is the Tibetan religious community The current COVID-19 epidemic there was the vehement, unequivocal, who will decide about the reincarnation is a global public health emergency unanimous protest of my people against That acts of resistance by ordinary of the Dalai Lama without interference and encourage everyone to take the Chinese regime, on the other, there President of the Central Tibetan Administration delivers the statement on the 61st Anniversary of the Tibetans are examples of a people from temporal authorities. precautionary measures. We offer was the armed might of a powerful and Tibetan National Uprising Day. who seek to protest an unjust powerful our prayers in solidarity to all those aggressive occupation force.” of increasing and continuing oppression authorities in Golog have mandated the colonial rule through the truth of their During the Central Tibetan countries and individuals affected by this of Tibetans cannot be separated from Chinese language in primary and middle experience and their courage. The Administration (CTA) led long-life epidemic. Inside Tibet, it is suspected The Chinese responded to the peaceful their everyday acts of resistance. schools, displacing the Tibetan language international community’s recognition prayer offered to His Holiness by the that there are more than 100 coronavirus Tibetan demonstrations with brutal as the medium of instruction. Children of the truth of our struggle is crucial. Tibetans across the globe in May 2019, cases. However, due to the lack of force. The then Indian Counsel General Since 2009, 154 Tibetans have self- in Nangchen have been banned from We thank our supporters for continuing His Holiness reaffirmed to live for over freedom of speech and transparency in Lhasa reported that the Chinese immolated. The latest being 24-year-old attending Tibetan language classes in to stand with the Tibetan people and we 110 years. While no amount of words in China, we are unable to get actual People’s Liberation Army unleashed its Yonten from Ngaba Meruma Township monasteries during school holidays. The thank international organizations for are enough to express our immeasurable confirmation. We express our deepest “artillery mortars, machine guns and who passed away after self-immolation authorities described the study of the supporting the truth of our struggle by gratitude towards His Holiness, we sympathy to Tibetans inflicted by this all types of automatic weapons” on on 26th November 2019. Tibetan language as being “illegal”. providing factual albeit alarming reports would like to dedicate the year 2020 outbreak and pray that the coronavirus defenceless Tibetans. on Tibet, every year. as the “Thank You, Dalai Lama” year is contained. In 2015, Tashi Wangchuk, a Tibetan This past November, seven Tibetans to celebrate His Holiness’ legacy and We are here, together, as one people, on language activist said in an interview were arrested for their peaceful protest In a momentous event, on January his four commitments. We welcome The Kashag would like to take the 61st anniversary of that day, to pay with the New York Times that, “So many in Sershul, Eastern Tibet. Following the 28 this year, the Tibetan Policy and Tibetans and friends worldwide to this opportunity to offer our deep our tribute to those brave daughters and Tibetans have self-immolated. I can protest, 30 monks and laypeople were Support Act (HR 4331) was passed with organize activities in your capacities to appreciation to the great nation and sons of Tibet, and to draw inspiration understand them now because we have detained on suspicion of possessing an overwhelming vote in the United create awareness about the life and work people of India, the governments, the from their sacrifices in our struggle to very few ways to solve problems.” He ‘pictures of His Holiness the Dalai States House of Representatives. I, on of His Holiness. Parliaments, the Tibet Support Groups restore freedom and peace in Tibet. For was arrested in early 2016 and sentenced Lama’. behalf of all Tibetans, would like to across the world, individuals and the last 60 years, Tibetans in Tibet have to five years in prison for “inciting thank Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the We welcome the recent announcement of organizations who support the just cause been steadfast in their struggle against separatism”. On 27th January this year, The Order no 13, issued by the Chinese House of Representative, Co-sponsors the UN High Commissioner for Human of Tibet and stand in solidarity with the illegal occupation of Tibet. nearly a thousand writers, linguists, government in November 2019, aims Representative James Patrick McGovern Rights, Michelle Bachelet’s decision to the Tibetan people in this critical time. translators, and language activists to sinicize Tibetan Buddhism and put (D), Representative Christopher Henry visit Xinjiang this year. However, we I would like to thank the Members of What is life today for ordinary Tibetans signed the open letter issued by the draconian restrictions on religious Smith (R) and all the bipartisan Members strongly urge her to visit Tibet and press European Parliament for establishing under Chinese rule? The recent 2020 PEN America calling for his immediate institutions. Last year, the Chinese of Congress who helped and supported China for unfettered access in order to a Tibet Interest Group at the recently Freedom House report, for the fifth release. government forcibly evicted 7100 the passage of this Act. We hope that the monitor the deteriorating human rights elected European Parliament. I urge all year in a row, placed Tibet as the monks, nuns and Buddhist practitioners Senate will pass the same Act and thank conditions in Tibet. of you to be with us till the day human second least free region in the world, Similarly, Sonam Palden, a 22-year- from the Yachen Gar Buddhist Institute Co-sponsors Senator Marco Rubio (R) rights and justice prevail in Tibet. after Syria. Reporters Without Borders old monk from Kirti Monastery, has amidst its ongoing demolition. Many and Senator Ben Cardin (D) for their Under the enlightened leadership of His reported Chinese ever-tightening control been in incommunicado detention since of the evictees were forced into the so- leadership. Holiness and the CTA, Tibetans in South All Tibetans, wherever we may be today, over the press in its 2019 World Press September 2019. Palden is alleged to called “Patriotic Re-education Camp.” Asia are recognized as one of the world’s understand the significance of 10th Freedom Index. The 2020 Human have been critical of China’s policy on The Chinese Communist Party bans even In October 2019, during his official visit most successful and effective refugee March 1959. It marks the beginning of Rights Watch report highlighted the Tibetan language in a WeChat post. The retired Tibetan party cadres from taking to Dharamsala, Ambassador Samuel communities. If the Chinese government a struggle initiated by ordinary Tibetans threat to the Tibetan language as China Human Rights Watch confirms that the part in Buddhist religious activities. Brownback, reiterated the United States’ harbours any hope that the Tibet issue in Tibet. Those of us who live in exile forces politically motivated bilingual Chinese language is imposed even at the support for His Holiness and the Tibetan will gradually lose its momentum, we carve their words in our hearts and education policies in Tibet. These facts kindergarten level. Since 2019, Chinese The 3rd session of the so-called 11th people. Ambassador Brownback would like to send a clear message that commit to making the day a reality when 10 TIBETAN BULLETIN MARCH - APRIL 2020 MARCH - APRIL 2020 TIBETAN BULLETIN 11 DOCUMENTATION DOCUMENTATION all Tibetans will be together and free in leader, His Holiness the Great 14th Bhod Gyalo! resulted in the death of many Tibetan Province) when Yonten, a Tibetan man, weaken the strength of the cohesiveness Tibet. Dalai Lama. In March 1959, he was men and women, including laypeople aged about 24 years old, died after he of the Tibetan community in exile and forced to flee under extremely difficult The President and monastics. But that was not all. immolated himself in protest against the to try to hoodwink the Tibetan people Finally, I offer my earnest prayers for a circumstances. I pray that His Holiness Unable to bear the agony of the campaign Chinese government’s current hardline into allying with the government of healthy and long life of our most revered will soon return home. 10th March 2020 of the pursuant repression and finding policy in Tibet. It is also borne out by China. Furthermore, the government themselves utterly hapless for any viable the fact that Tibetan people in Tibet of China has especially targeted the means to express their desperation over continue to remain deprived of their Tibetan people as well as its other it, the people of Tibet have been driven freedom of speech and expression, with so-called ethnic minorities, religious Statement of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile on the commemoration of to carry out a total of 154 protest self- their freedom of religious belief being persons, and religious believers among the 61st Tibetan National Uprising Day immolations from the year 2009 till continued to be ignored and trampled the ordinary masses to exercise tight about the end of 2019. But the leaders of upon. Besides, the Tibetan people controls by making use of new modern The army of the People’s Republic the government of China have remained continue to be subjected to all manners technologies such especially as artificial of China began its invasion of Tibet totally unmoved by such a tragic turn of of policies of ethnic discrimination. In intelligence. In particular, for this year in about the year 1949. Following event in terms of moving towards the total violation of its own laws, Chinese of 2020, China has launched a campaign courses of developments since then, the resolution of the Sino-Tibetan dispute. authorities have remained unrelenting in trying to strengthen a nationwide social government of the Communist Party of On the contrary, it moved to cover up subjecting the Tibetan people to arrest governance system by employing the China, employing the art of the trio of the real situation in Tibet by taking and imprisonment under various types artificial intelligence technology to hypocrisy, deception, and deceit on the recourse to subterfuge and deceit with all of campaign actions. For example, a monitor every aspect of its citizens’ people of Tibet, eventually bared its manners lies before the Chinese public number of Tibetan people have been movement in order to greatly tighten naked intention to brazenly occupy the as well as the international community. arrested for the sole reason that they supervisory control over their activities. territory of the great nation of Tibet. Besides, it has kept spreading the had expressed their personal opinions These things make obvious the true And with devilish intentions, it targeted canard about Tibet being an integral or posted or forwarded pictures of His nature of the communist government the personal safety of His Holiness the part of China since ancient times on Holiness the Dalai Lama over the online of China. In this period of the twenty- Dalai Lama. The situation culminated to numerous occasions. Recently, when social media platforms. More than 7000 first century, the prevalence of violence such an extent of severity that it became the novel coronavirus infection began to monks and nuns were forced out by aimed at inflicting harm on others impossible for the people of Tibet to spread from the city of Wuhan in Hubei being expelled from the largest Tibetan makes it impossible to bring peace and endure the ever-worsening development Province, the government of China Buddhist study center of Yarchen Gar harmony in this world. His Holiness anymore. The result was a mammoth, sought to conceal the true information in Palyul County of what is now part the Dalai Lama, the supreme leader of spontaneous peaceful uprising in Lhasa, Speaker Pema Jungney delivering Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile’s statement on the commemoration of the about the epidemic with regard to the of China’s Sichuan Province. Likewise, Tibet, has time and again referred to the capital of Tibet, involving people 61st Tibetan National Uprising Day. number of people sickened by it as well from the Larung Gar Tibetan Buddhist this situation in this world and provided from all the Three Provinces of the ones of the Three Jewels that Tibetans of the Tibetan people has been reduced as the number of those who had died study center too in Serta County of timely advisories designed to remedy country, on the 10th of March in 1959. living in Tibet may win their freedom to the brutal harshness of suffering from it. This was nothing new as it was what is now part of China’s Sichuan the situation. Given this reality, the Today marks the 61st anniversary of from the current state of hardship and hell on earth, marked by endless fully in keeping with the accustomed Province, thousands of monks and nuns government of China too should adapt that momentous occasion in the history suffering to be able to enjoy their status repression and torture of immeasurable normal practice of the leaders of the were previously expelled by Chinese to the requirements of the time and of Tibet. Ever since that great uprising as a free people. magnitude. Even more than that, China communist Chinese government, a fact authorities, after which greatly reduced take into consideration the imperative day, the Tibetan people have, wherever is now poised to fully transform the too well known to everyone by now. limits were set on the numbers of new to respect people’s freedom and human they happened to reside, commemorated Ever since communist-ruled China land of the Tibetan people into that of The truth concerning Tibet is that it was enrolments. In January this year, the rights, and for this purpose change its the occasion as a historically began its invasion of Tibet more than 70 the Chinese people and the seriousness never a part of China at any time in its government of China declared what was hardline policy. Were it able to do that, important event. The Central Tibetan years ago, over a million Tibetan people of the situation today is such that it history, nor was it under the dominion called “Regulations on the Establishment it is certain that the people of all the Administration has also been marking were put to death by unnatural means and teeters over the abyss of annihilation. of any other country. Rather, it was a of a Model Area for Ethnic Unity and nationalities in mainland China will the occasion as the Tibetan Martyr’s Day causes. Besides, thousands of religious It was due to the absoluteness of their totally independent country in terms Progress in the Tibet Autonomous especially be able to enjoy a life of peace in memory of the heroic men and women places were totally destroyed. With such utter inability to endure anymore the of its history, territoriality, ethnicity, Region”, containing eight parts and 48 and happiness, free of anxieties, and who have made sacrifices in the struggle and other kinds of acts of aggression, gravity of the continuing brutality of language, customs, and mores, whether articles, to be implemented from the first this will lead to the establishment of an for the country. The Tibetan Parliament- the territory, as well as the natural and the policies of the communist Chinese compared to China or any other country. day of May this year. These regulations opportunity for a similar kind of life to in-Exile offers obeisance to the heroic human resources of Tibet, have been government that the people of Tibet These bear stark testimony to the status pose a mortal danger to the Tibetan people throughout the rest of the world Tibetan men and women who outrightly subjected to all manners of heart- have been compelled to carry out a of Tibet as a separate nation in its own people’s unique religious and cultural too. We therefore emphatically request sacrificed their all, including their wrenching brutalities of destruction, series of campaigns of peaceful protests right. heritage, language, fine traditions and the government of China to change its very lives, with unwavering courage, plunder, and takeover. Besides, China throughout the period of the occupation customs and so on, which are symbolic current hardline policy in favour of one determination, and actions for the cause has been unrelenting in the continuous rule. Particularly, in the year 2008, a It is unfortunate that the government of our rich existential identity. The whole that is liberal and not designed to harm of the religious freedom and nationhood pursuit of vile policies designed to great number of large-scale campaigns of China does not have any intention purpose is to assimilate the Tibetan others but, rather, which is based on of Tibet. The Tibetan Parliament-in- obliterate the very representation of of protest broke out throughout the three even now to change its entrenched people into the fabric of the Chinese non-violence and compassion as a long Exile also wishes to express solidarity the Tibetan identity embodied by our traditional provinces of Tibet, especially hardline policy on Tibet. This is borne mold. Also, recently, the Chinese term vision and goal. with the heroic Tibetan men and women religious heritage, culture, and language. in capital Lhasa. The government of out by fact that in the afternoon of the government made an announcement who even today continue to suffer all It has deprived the Tibetan people, the China launched a crackdown by sending 26th of November in 2019, a tragic that it would invite for enrolment in The nature of the Tibetan struggle is kinds of hardship due to persecution and rightful owners of the territory, of even in its army which used assault weapons incident took place in the nomadic a clandestine manner a political list of resolutely based on the creed of peace torture under the repressive policies of the most basic of their human rights. on peaceful protesters without any show township of Meruma in Ngawa County Tibetans in exile desirous of returning to and non-violence and the policy of the the communist Chinese government. We Under the policy of repression of the of even a fiber of mercy. The brutality of of the traditional Tibetan province of their homeland. The obvious underlying middle way and there is no way this will pray to the almighty ocean of victorious Communist Chinese government, the life the repression with beating, firing, etc., Amdo (but now part of China’s Sichuan objective of this nefarious move is to ever change. This is the basis on which 12 TIBETAN BULLETIN MARCH - APRIL 2020 MARCH - APRIL 2020 TIBETAN BULLETIN 13 DOCUMENTATION DOCUMENTATION the Central Tibetan Administration of the Tibetan people and commended reincarnations of tulkus and lamas must belongs to the Tibetan Buddhist system, continuous efforts have been made to media platforms. On occasions, these has been striving to reach a negotiated His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama for be approved by the Chinese government the Dalai Lama, and other Tibetan strengthen international support for the social media platforms are seen being solution on the Sino-Tibetan dispute his commitment to global peace and for legal validation.” For three days leaders. It does not belong to anybody issue of Tibet while publicity efforts used to create disturbances within the with the government of the People’s nonviolence and peaceful solutions to from the 27th to the 29th of November else, not any government or any entity.” directed at achieving the same objective Tibetan community on the pretext of Republic of China. This is mutually international conflicts. in 2019, the 14th Tibetan Religious He thus expressed his government’s have also been made. And the resultant differences based on provincial and beneficial to China and Tibet, does Conference has held at Dharamshala support for the Tibetan people’s right supports achieved from these endeavors sectarian considerations. Such kinds not harm either side and will ensure Again, just recently, on the 6th of at which top Tibetan religious leaders to freely determine the reincarnations have been significant and encouraging. of activities sowing discord with the peace. It is, therefore, the best possible February this year, in the presence of the appealed “for the continuation of the of their religious leaders without any Tibetan community are seen to be approach for resolving the dispute. It United States President Donald Trump, institution and reincarnation of the Dalai interference from external forces. One thing the new generation of today continuing without an end. In view of is for this reason that governments, a short documentary was screened Lama in the future” and supplicated needs to understand is that until Tibet this situation, we take the opportunity parliaments, governmental bodies and during the 68th annual National Prayer to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama Elsewhere, there have been moves in was invaded, occupied and annexed provided by this occasion to urge the non-governmental setups, as well as Breakfast in Washington, DC, held in accordingly. They reaffirmed that “the several countries, including in the United in its entirety by the communist-ruled general Tibetan public not to waste their Tibet support groups in countries across the Washington Hilton, highlighting authority of decision concerning the Kingdom, to introduce resolutions or People’s Republic of China in the year precious time and instead realize the the world such as the United States of China’s restrictions on and even way and the manner in which the next hold discussions in parliaments, calling 1959, Tibet was a fully independent imperative to direct their efforts towards America, European countries, India and destruction of religious freedom in Tibet reincarnation of the 14th Dalai Lama for legislative measures for ensuring country. However, the government their career prospects and for the future others as well as international bodies and at which former political prisoner should appear solely rests with His reciprocal access to Tibet. Besides, in of China has always sought to cover of the Tibetan cause. At the same time, it and private individuals, have continued in Chinese ruled Tibet Golog Jigme Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama himself. many other countries that support the up this reality by misleading both the does not bear pointing out the fact, since to offer praises as well as support for this was among the special guests. And at No government or otherwise will fundamental cause of the Tibetan people, international community and its own it is all too obvious to all of us, that the approach adopted by the Tibetan side. that national prayer breakfast gathering, have such authority.” In addition, the there have been a substantial number of people by fabricating tales about Tibet Tibetan people are the rightful owners Likewise, large numbers of Chinese House Speaker Nancy Pelosi expressed religious leaders stressed that “regarding discussions on the issue of Tibet held being an integral part of China since of the Tibetan nation, which means that intellectuals and democracy activists thanks to the thousands of people who the method of recognizing the future in their respective parliaments. These ancient times by engaging in all sorts each and every Tibetan individual has a living in foreign countries, as well as had come to voice their support for the reincarnations of the Dalai Lama, the show that in many major countries of the of theatrics and false propaganda efforts duty to contribute towards realizing it. non-biased Chinese intellectuals living millions of “the poor and the persecuted” same unique Tibetan traditional method, world, especially in the United States designed only to deceive. However, In keeping with what His Holiness the in the People’s Republic of China, have who continued to remain persecuted, which has been continuously used until of America, there is an even greater people in the international community Dalai Lama has every now and then, and continuously expressed admiration disappeared and executed due to their now, will be followed. This method amount of concern and support for the who value and support truth and justice on repeated occasions, advised us, we and praise for the approach adopted love for religious freedom and practice. conforms to the basic philosophy issue of Tibet. We take this opportunity have been steadfast in refusing to believe should ensure that there is no let down by the Tibetan side. In this connection, “Let us pray for the Panchen Lama and and tenets of the Buddhadharma and to appeal to these countries to continue the Chinese government’s lies and make- in our constant efforts to teach and learn it is worthwhile noting that in many all the Tibetan Buddhists in prison in originated in Tibet over 800 years ago.” their efforts to extend support to us in believe theatrics on the issue of Tibet. On our language and religious knowledge if countries across the world, including China or missing for following their The special resolution was passed with whatever way they can. the struggle for the just cause of Tibet, we are not to lose our ethnic identity. The the United Nations, official resolutions faith,” she said. unanimous support from all the gathered the Tibetan people living in exile led by government of China continues to be and motions for discussion expressing Tibetan religious leaders. From the 7th to the 10th of May in 2019, the Central Tibetan Administration and unrelenting in implementing “a hundred support for a just resolution of the For three days from the 3rd to the 5th the Seventh World Parliamentarians’ through governmental entities as well as methods and a thousand strategies” in issue of Tibet have been adopted on of October in 2019, the Third Tibetan Pursuant to the above two major Convention on Tibet was held in non-governmental organizations, as well its malicious design to obliterate the successive occasions. To cite a section Special General Meeting was held in resolutions, Sam Brownback, the Riga, capital of the Baltic republic as the entirety of the general Tibetan religious and cultural identity of the of these by way of example on this accordance with the provisions of Article United States Ambassador at large of Latvia, an event organized by the public have, on the basis of the kindness Tibetan people. Nevertheless, by dint of occasion, in the year 2018, the United 59 of the Charter of Tibetans in Exile at for international religious freedom Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. About one and generosity of His Holiness the Dalai the unvanquished sincerity of purpose States of America adopted a Reciprocal which delegates representing all sections said during his visit to Dharamshala hundred delegates of prominent persons, Lama, as well as the sincerity of purpose and determination of the Tibetan people Access to Tibet Act. Likewise, on the of the Tibetan people referred to “the in October 2019 that the United State including members of parliaments of and resoluteness of determination of the in Tibet; by the blessings of the kindness 28th of January in 2019, the House of utmost trust and devotion the Tibetans government held in high regards the a number of countries, took part in the Tibetan people in Tibet, devoted their of Tibet’s supreme leader, His Holiness Representatives, the Lower Chamber held for His Holiness as the ultimate Tibetan religion, culture, and language, meeting. During that meeting, a Riga utmost attention and commitment. This the Dalai Lama; and thanks to the of the United States Congress, passed a spiritual guide for this life and the next”. and that the Tibetan culture was a Declaration was adopted, with the is the basis on which we have all carried gratitude owed to our elder generations, legislative measure called Tibetan Policy And the meeting unanimously resolved, “treasure of humanity” and China’s main focus on the fundamental issue out our bounden duty as a result of those who show concern for the Tibetan and Support Act 2019 by supermajority that “no nation, government, entity or attempts to destroy it “are an affront to of Tibet in general and with a special which the struggle of the Tibetan people people and extend support to us keep votes of its members. On the 23rd of any individual can claim to recognise the civilized world.” He stressed that the focus on the environmental situation has endured and continues to remain growing enormously from all across the November in 2019, Representative the reincarnation of His Holiness the relationship between the United States of the Tibetan Plateau. A Riga Action vibrant thus far. We, therefore, feel it world. Ted Yoho, Representative Michael Dalai Lama, The final authority on and the Tibetan people has been growing Plan was also adopted, outlining future pertinent to emphatically call on the McCaul, Representative Chris Smith, decisions regarding the reincarnation in strength year by year, and that “the courses of campaign actions on the issue entire Tibetan people standing on their Over the past more than two months, and Representative Jim McGovern of His Holiness the Dalai Lama rests international community must work of Tibet. Likewise, for three days, from feet to contribute their lot in whatever we have been witnessing a saddening of the US House of Representatives indisputably and completely with His together now to make clear we stand the 3rd to the 5th of November in 2019, way they can in a cooperative manner development in the form of the spread introduced a new resolution in the Holiness the Dalai Lama himself and unequivocally with the people of Tibet.” the Eighth International Conference to the struggle under the leadership of of the novel coronavirus epidemic House, “Recognizing the significance the concerned authorities of the Gaden And he also said that the reincarnation of Tibet Support Groups was held at the Central Tibetan Administration so Covid-19 which originated in the of the genuine autonomy of Tibet and Phodrang Trust.” The resolution also system, is a unique tradition of the Dharamshala, the seat of the Central that the just cause of Tibet may come to Chinese city of Wuhan, which also the Tibetan people and the work His “categorically rejected any interference Tibetan people, should be carried out Tibetan Administration. More than 180 prevail in the near future. reached Tibet, and which still continues Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has done of the Chinese government in the in full accord with the Tibetan Buddhist delegates representing Tibet Support to spread to many countries across to promote global peace, harmony, selection process of Tibetan reincarnate customs. He expressed the United States groups from some 42 countries took part These days, not an insignificant the world. This is a global emergency and understanding”. It emphasized the lamas as unacceptable and outrightly government’s full support for the above in the meeting and issued a declaration number of Tibetan people are seen to situation and the Tibetan Parliament-in- cultural and religious significance of rejected Order No. 5 of 2007 issued by resolutions which stressed, “The role of on the issue of Tibet. Through meetings spend much of their precious time on Exile wishes to express its concern for a genuinely Autonomous Tibet for all the Chinese government which states that picking a successor to the Dalai Lama and conferences such as these, voice chats, Facebook and other social and empathy with the affected countries 14 TIBETAN BULLETIN MARCH - APRIL 2020 MARCH - APRIL 2020 TIBETAN BULLETIN 15 DOCUMENTATION FOCUS and peoples. It is estimated as a serious must, therefore, extend the equal level of and private individuals, but especially to danger that this epidemic is likely to protection and help the Tibetan people the Indian central and state governments CTA orders work from home for 50 percent staff, public urged to spread to more than half the world. against the viral infection and we urge and people, for extending facilities and telephone/email their concerns We accordingly urge people across the the World Health Organization to instruct assistance by every possible means to world to exercise the utmost care and the government of China accordingly. the Central Tibetan Administration and caution on this unfolding epidemic. We also appeal to the government of the Tibetan people in general in this In accordance to the guidance issued by the Ministry of Personnel and Public Grievances, Government of India and the Himachal China failed to take timely steps to close China to strive to bring the epidemic to critical moment of existential threats to Pradesh State Government, the Central Tibetan Administration has ordered work from home for 50 percent of its employees with the network of transport services from an end at the earliest possible moment. the survival of the Tibetan national as immediate effect. Wuhan city, the epicenter of the novel well as civilizational identity. coronavirus infection that broke out in In keeping with the developing trend This guideline is put in place to prevent workplace exposures to COVID-19. early December 2019, to Tibet, with the in the urgency of the need to address Finally, the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile result that it exposed the Tibetan people the tragic situation in Tibet today, the prays that His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Members of the public in and around Dharamshala are advised to observe the curfew currently in effect and therefore, avoid to serious risks of falling victim to the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile maintains the spiritual lord of the three world physical contacts and appearances at the CTA headquarters unless absolutely necessary. deadly new virus. This is because the an ongoing agenda of campaigns of realms and a champion of world peace, virus could easily spread in Tibet where appeals to governments of India and may live for a hundred eons, that all his In order to provide seamless communication and help to the members of public who are seeking to contact the departments and medical facilities are particularly poor, other countries across the world and, wishes may be seen fulfilled with utmost offices of CTA, contact directory of the main offices and departments are provided here. not at all comparable to those available likewise, to prominent public figures spontaneity, that the just cause of Tibet in China. It is extremely saddening in as well as the general public in order may be seen to prevail with indubitable We once again encourage the public to communicate their concerns via telephone, emails and observe social distancing until this context that in the Tibetan county of to bring international pressure on the certainty. further instruction. Tawu, the infection is spreading rapidly government of China on the issue of from day to day. Tibet is under China’s Tibet. On behalf of all Tibetans in and The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Contact details of Departments and Offices of CTA in Dharamshala occupation rule; so the government of outside Tibet, the Tibetan parliament China has the responsibility to ensure takes this opportunity to offer heartfelt 10 March 2020 Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission [email protected] 01892-225099 that the novel coronavirus infection does gratitude to government leaders, not spread among the Tibetan people. It members of parliaments, organizations Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile [email protected] (+91) 9882327823 – Administration (+91) 9650916447 – PA to Speaker (+91) 8219556933 – Editorial & Translation (+91) 9418331184 – Project & Media Supporting the PM CARES Fund: His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama Kashag Secretariat [email protected] 01892-222218, 222713, 223546 In a letter to the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, His Holiness the Election Commission [email protected] (+91) 8351972792 Dalai Lama expressed his support for his efforts to control the growing threat of Public Service Commission [email protected] (+91) 7018945877 the coronavirus, which has also reached India as it spreads across the world. Office of Auditor General [email protected] 01892-222211, 226232

“I appreciate the enormous challenges Department of Religion & Culture 01892-222685 / 226737 that this crisis poses to the world [email protected] community and the need for strict [email protected] measures to be taken to meet them,” [email protected] he wrote. “I would like to thank you [email protected] for the initiative that you have taken in partnership with other SAARC Department of Home countries to set up an emergency fund [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected] (+91) 8894406120 / 01892-222214, 222412 and to exchange information, knowledge members of my Office Staff would also meet. I hope, therefore, that charitable and expertise to tackle the spread of like to contribute one day’s salary to the trusts such as the PM CARES Fund will Department of Finance Covid-19. Such collaboration will also Fund. be able to provide these people with [email protected] (+91) 8988156537 create a model for dealing with similar urgently needed assistance.” [email protected] (+91) 9816768569 problems in the future. “As I have stated elsewhere, I understand [email protected] (+91) 7018558485 that as a result of the necessary In conclusion, His Holiness affirmed his [email protected] (+91) 9816156170 “As a token of my sympathy and support, lockdowns across the world, many confidence in the steps being taken by [email protected] (+91) 9805035128 I am making a donation from the Dalai people are facing tremendous hardship the Central Government and prayed that Lama Trust to the PM CARES Fund set due to a loss of livelihood. For those they will be effective in containing the Department of Education [email protected] (+91) 9816563849 up to provide relief during crises such as with no stable income in particular, it spread of the virus. [email protected] (+91) 9882322797 this. is becoming very hard to make ends [email protected] (+91) 9805033818 “I would also like to mention that

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Department of Security [email protected] / [email protected] 01892-222254, 224954, 226186 Social distancing, Dr Sangay said is currently the best defence against this CTA President condoles first Tibetan death from Department of Information & International Relations [email protected] (+91) 7650836757 / 9654196312 highly contagious disease. Wuhan-coronavirus, appeals public to comply to Department of Health [email protected] 01892-223486 “We’ve all seen the horrendous situation law enforcement in Italy. 7 weeks ago, the number of President Dr Lobsang Sangay addressed a meeting with the Kalons of Health, positive cases was at 3, as of now, there the press on the death of the first exile Home and Security to decide the are 60,000 infected people and more Tibetan infected by Wuhan-origin, necessary steps pertaining to the safe than 5000 casualties.” Covid-19 in Dharamshala. and proper cremation, putting the family President Dr Sangay’s Press Briefing on Coronavirus Prevention on quarantine and gathering related “Preventing the spread of coronavirus As he expressed his condolences and information. CTA President Dr Lobsang Sangay gave and of the HP Govt that “50 percent suspended as per the State government’s is a matter of social responsibility that sadness over the death of the first Tibetan a press briefing on the latest measures of Group B and Group C employees instructions, adding that any person falls upon each one of us,” he said. infected with the Wuhan virus, President rolled out by the Central Tibetan are required to attend office every day, found violating this order shall be “Take it seriously because it’s absolutely Dr Sangay also said there are certain Administration to effectively curb the and the remaining 50 percent of staff punished as per the relevant provisions crucial.” important issues for public knowledge spread of the coronavirus. should be instructed to work from home. under the law. and at the same time, clarified the events Working hours of the employees should India as the world’s second-most that transpired in view of the alarming In addition to the guidelines issued by be altered. Central government officials, On a more worrying note, the President populous nation has so far avoided the concern and worry amongst the Tibetan CTA in Tibetan monasteries, schools who will be working from home on a said there have been found two confirmed worst of the coronavirus pandemic, community. and elder care homes in India, Nepal and particular day as per the roster drawn cases of COVID-19 infections in Kangra with its community transmission still Bhutan, as well as for CTA workforce up, should be available on telephone and and alerted the Tibetan community to at a lower rate, and most affected cases The details as briefed by the President at Central and Regional offices, the electronic means of communications at take utmost precautions and observe found to have carried the infection from are as follows: President announced a set of stringent all times. They should attend office if strict social distancing and isolation affected countries. At the instruction of the DC office, instructions and health reminders for the called for any exigency work”. until the pandemic spread is contained. However, over the weekend, the The deceased Mr Tenzin Choephel, CTA administration had arranged to public. number of cases saw a sudden increase, aged 69 had arrived from the US with remove the body from the hospital. As Thirdly, the President said Tibetans prompting various states’ authorities his spouse on 15 March at 3 am in per Dr Sangay’s request, Delek hospital Firstly, he advised all Tibetans in India in and around Dharamshala who to impose a lockdown in 80 cities and Delhi. After taking his temperature provided the ambulance service. After to refrain from travelling within or are seeking to approach the CTA districts across the country until March reading at the airport, he checked in a discussion with the family members, across the states especially in Himachal headquarters with any concerns must 31. hotel in Majnu-ka-Tilla where he stayed it was agreed that it would be most Pradesh where the lockdown is in effect. do so through call or email. With the for 5 days. At the time, many parts of appropriate to perform cremation at the All the Tibetans across India are urged lockdown in effect, all the Tibetans are Following the robust steps taken by the Delhi were shut down, so the hotels soonest. The family had also expressed to abide by the instructions issued by the asked to avoid physical contacts and Central and State GOI in tackling the were also vacant. The deceased left for their willingness to not cause any harm respective state governments. appearances at the CTA headquarters pandemic, CTA has also issued a series Dharamshala on 21 March morning and to the public and do what’s best in the unless absolutely necessary. of guidelines for the Tibetan community reached at 6 pm, where he retired for the interest of others in the community. The “All Tibetans who are seeking to enter in India, Nepal and Bhutan; its central day. DC office, SDM, Tibetan settlement Himachal Pradesh from other states The public is encouraged to communicate and regional offices and also instructed office and local authorities fully assisted or countries must be informed that the their concerns via telephone, emails and all to follow the order and directives The following day which coincided with in the proper cremation of the deceased. Government of Himachal Pradesh has a complete contact directory of the CTA issued by the host government and state the Janta curfew, he was taken to Balaji already sealed the borders in order to offices is provided here to facilitate a authorities. hospital due to deteriorating health The cremation took place little past contain the spread of the COVID-19 hassle-free communication. including fever. The family had believed midnight and lasted till 1.45 am. At 2.20 disease and any inter-state or intra-state it was due to declining health as he am three members of the family ie son, movements are strictly prohibited,” said Addressing the public confusion was susceptible to flu and had suffered wife and mother were quarantined at the the President. regarding the lockdown in Kangra and recurrent bouts of pneumonia. At Balaji Tibetan Reception Centre at Khanyara. whether or not it implies to a complete hospital, the health staff suspected “Any person found violating this order closure, President Sangay clarified that coronavirus infection and referred him While the removal of the body from the shall be punished as per the relevant government offices at both central and to the Tanda hospital. He was being hospital and cremation was performed provisions under the law.” district are operating at 50 percent staff hospitalised and tested at Tanda when safely with least public contact, capacity under the new work-from- he passed away. Preliminary test results President Sangay said there’s a family Secondly, as part of the Central home guideline. showed he had contracted the virus and who had come in contact with the Government’s social distancing was registered in the government record. deceased when they were travelling measures, President Sangay announced “The offices of CTA will also operate from Delhi to Dharamshala in separate that work-from-home mandate has been under the same guidelines until further The local authorities and CM office taxis and the taxi drivers as well. put in effect at the CTA headquarters. instructions,” he said. contacted the Kalon Karma Yeshi, Department of Finance, CTA who then Dr Sangay said the family had been This new measure follows the guidance However, he made clear that public apprised President Dr Sangay. notified and instructed to self-quarantine. issued by the Ministry of Personnel and places will remain closed and inter-state Public Grievances, Government of India and intrastate movements will remain The President immediately convened One of the drivers of the two taxis was

18 TIBETAN BULLETIN MARCH - APRIL 2020 MARCH - APRIL 2020 TIBETAN BULLETIN 19 FOCUS FOCUS identified and notified by the SP office of His Holiness would not see any Kashag appeals CTA while they are still trying to find the patients for the time being as this disease CTA Press Briefing on Coronavirus| 16 April 2020 other driver. is on the rise. functionaries and Tibetans worldwide Following PM Modi’s official informed that Himachal Pradesh has In Delhi, the necessary information “Gaden Phodrang is also temporarily announcement to extend the nation- been excluded from the list. In addition, regarding the hotel where the deceased closed as His Holiness’s wellbeing is to contribute to wide lockdown till 3 May, President he informed that His Holiness the Dalai stayed has been apprised to the Delhi paramount and as such, all the staff and Dr Lobsang Sangay of the Central Lama is in excellent health and assures government by the Settlement Office his personal physicians are taking every Coronavirus relief Tibetan Administration today urged the public not to worry. and the Bureau of HH the Dalai Lama care in that regard,” he said. funds all the Tibetans to render support and necessary action are being taken. Gyang Khang Chotrul Rinpoche presents donation and cooperation in maintaining the “So far, no cases of COVID-19 have “Be cautious and safe. Keep elder of Rs 10 lakh towards Karnataka CM relief fund. Kashag has issued an appeal urging CTA discipline and above all urged them to been found among the staff of CTA. “We have determined from discussions members of family in separate quarters functionaries across the world including two thousand and ten rupees) to the adhere strictly to the directions issued by We are committed to doing the work with the DC, unless contradictory as a preventive measure and take the Offices of Tibet, Settlement offices Himachal CM’s Relief Fund and the Red the Government of India. that needs to be done,” said President information appears later, as of now, every step to ensure prevention of this and income-earning individuals to Cross Society’s Fund. Sangay. due to the coincidence of the curfew the disease.” donate towards the respective state and President was addressing the situation deceased and his family had no contact district COVID-19 relief fund. Tibetan Buddhist communities have also of Tibetans worldwide dealing with Despite the lock-down ends on 3 May with other people,” President Dr Sangay “To Tibetans around the world, come forward to donate to their local COVID-19. President notified that or not, President advised Tibetans to said in the briefing. especially those inside Tibet, we are In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic and government’s relief fund. approximately 100 Tibetans are said to continue social distancing and to avoid doing the utmost in our efforts to combat government lockdown in India, normal have contracted the virus of which he unnecessary travel even if the restriction He said the DC has also conveyed it and urge your sincere cooperation,” business activity has come to a standstill HE the 42nd Sakya Trinzin, HE Gyana clarified that many of them have been is lifted off sooner or later. strongly to urge all Tibetans to abide by the President ended his remarks. and has hit hardest the livelihoods Vajra Rinpoche, Dolma Phodrang cured. the lockdown and not step out of their of millions of people especially the Society, Ngor Pal Ewam Chodan, Sakya “If one confirmed case is found within our homes to ensure the prevention. It was In the briefing, Dr Sangay also gave a livelihoods of daily wage earners. College, The Great Sakya Monlam President commended the members community, it could potentially wreak also instructed that in case individuals brief profile of the deceased, describing Foundation, Sakya Nunnery, and Sakya of CTA’s Task Force committee on havoc to the rest of the communities,” broke the curfew and faced punishment, him as a longtime public servant who Centre donated a total of 23 lakhs rupees COVID-19, emergency response he notified. the CTA would not intervene. dedicated his service in many Tibetan to the Uttrakhand CM relief fund. organizations and the CTA as well. In this regard, President Dr Sangay Menri Monastery in Dolanji led by the appealed to the public to follow “So I request the public, on the demise 34th Menri Trizin Rinpoche donated the guidelines and be cooperative of this public figure, pray for his rebirth a total of five lakh rupees towards PM during door-step interrogations and as a Tibetan and a public servant devoted Cares Fund and Himachal Pradesh investigations by the police while to the cause of Tibet,” said the CTA COVID-19 Response Fund. collecting data on probable exposure. President. Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Bylakuppe donated Namdroling Monastery in Bylakupee, a total of Rs. 2.5 lakh to the Prime Minister and “India is extremely kind to us, it is the Tenzin Choephel was a former officer South India donated 10 lakh to second home to His Holiness the Dalai at the Election Commission of Central Chief Minister’s Relief funds and also distributed 1 month’s dry ration and protective masks to over Karnataka CM relief fund and Tashi Lama, the CTA and largest Tibetan Tibetan Administration. He has also 182 needy Indian families and local police. Lhunpo Monastery, also in Bylakuppe, community, therefore as Tibetans, we served in the local assembly and Tibetan Kashag has urged Tibetan communities donated a total of Rs. 2.5 lakh to the must do all we can to facilitate the efforts Youth Congress and have actively been in India and abroad to support the Prime Minister and Chief Minister’s and take collective responsibility in the involved in the political and social initiatives of the host government in Relief funds and distributed 1 month’s battle against this pandemic,” he said. service throughout his life. providing relief to those worst affected dry ration and protective masks to over by the coronavirus pandemic by making 182 needy Indian families and local The President urged the Tibetans in voluntary contributions to the state and police. India to keep stationed wherever they (Left to Right) DoHe, Secretary Mr. Palden Dhondup, Health Kalon Choekyong Wangchuk, Sikyong Dr. district relief funds. Lobsang Sangay, DOH Secretary Mr. Tsewang Dolma, DIIR Secretary Mr. Arya Tsewang Gyalpo are in this lockdown until further notice. The show of solidarity was well received A number of Tibetan settlement offices by the local Indian community. Local committee and staff of the Health Meanwhile, President Dr. Sangay via A Taskforce to deal with this pandemic are coming forward and are doing their news channels such as Live Times TV, Department led by Health Kalon the briefing applauded the services had been established consisting of the part by donating to the relief fund created Star of Mysore and HP 24 reported the Choekyong Wangchuk for maintaining being offered by the Tibetans in South Health Kalon, veteran doctors and former by the local government. Tibetans from initiatives taken up by the Tibetans. stability within the community while India including the monasteries to the personal physicians to His Holiness the Shillong led by the Settlement Office keeping the public well informed. needy and underprivileged locals in the Dalai Lama, Dr Tsetan and Dr Tamding donated Rs 30,000 to their CM’s Relief supply of essentials. He also applauded who are overseeing the situation. The Fund, in solidarity with the fellow Speaking at the press briefing, President the contributions and donations made by committee would hold discussions residents affected by the crisis. mentioned that the government of Tibetan individuals and organisations on the matter of probable rise in cases India has released a classified list of towards respective state and district across the Tibetan community. Tibetans from the settlements of Bir, all the red-zone districts (districts that COVID-19 relief fund. Chauntra & Lily collectively donated a have recorded a maximum number President Sangay also assured Tibetans sum of INR 4,22,010 (four lakhs twenty- of coronavirus positive cases) and Kalon for Department of Health, of the concern that the former physicians 20 TIBETAN BULLETIN MARCH - APRIL 2020 MARCH - APRIL 2020 TIBETAN BULLETIN 21 FOCUS FOCUS

Choekyong Wangchuk in his remarks The eight special divisions focus on Health Secretary also briefed on initiatives taken by the Department of attributed the stable, coronavirus-free ensuring the welfare of the elderly, the arrangements of ambulance Home to fight the crisis and its impact. Sikyong urges Tibetans to observe lockdown situation in Tibetan communities to the others who are vulnerable including and emergency use vehicles, youth constant support and guidance of the youth and children. A tele-counselling volunteers to assist settlement offices in She listed them as 1) Providing care for through May end to combat COVID-19 spread Central, State and District Government. service has been initiated to help them. cases of emergency situations. the elderly people as the highest concern. He expressed heartfelt thanks and Others include deploying medical 2) Elderly and those living without the Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay gave an gratitude. equipments and essential requirements CTA Information Secretary, TG Arya help of spouse or children. 3) general update on the situation of Tibetans for the branch hospitals and evaluating in his address, spoke about the efforts public 4) Tibetans from abroad who affected by coronavirus worldwide and He also acknowledged the close- the day to day status of the Tibetan of the Department of Information in have come to visit and are stranded due particularly in Tibet. knit cooperation among the branch settlements and issuing guidance from disseminating CTA’s precautionary to the travel restrictions and 5) Settlers/ units of the Health department, Delek time to time. measures and guidance to the public. Indian neighbours. As per information collected from media Hosptial and Mentsee Khang across He shared that these efforts were well reports before March 17, there were at India in driving the key initiatives Health Secretary Palden Dhondup received by the public. In terms of providing elderly care, least 866 COVID-19 cases across all for safeguarding people against the provided a detailed report on the steps Secretary Tsewang Dolma explained that regions of Tibet, out of which 106 were social distancing for a 1200 million coronavirus. taken in response to the outbreak through He added that the news websites of Tibet. a total of 24 old age homes- 14 under the said to be Tibetans. populous region is impossible. He, the 8 special divisions. net and Bod.asia carry daily updates and CTA and 10 NGOs are being included therefore, strongly urged Tibetans to Under his leadership, a task force information concerning the situation and under the initiative. The Department of “Not even a single Tibetan death related continue to observe lockdown, despite committee was formed on 19 March The first division is led by professional added that email subscriptions are also Home is overseeing the wellbeing of to novel coronavirus was reported in the rest of the country coming out. presided by the Kalon, personal nurses who evaluate the status on available. They are also available for over 763 elderly people. Tibet. This is highly unlikely,” Sikyong He said that in the case of 1 detected physicians to His Holiness the Dalai infections in the community. Over 1151 download on android and apple systems. Dr Lobsang Sangay said today during a case, the whole monastery, settlement, Lama Dr Tsetan Dorjee Sadutshang and Tibetans are currently under quarantine Secondly, she said, there are a total of weekly press briefing. school, old age home will be closed and Dr Tsewang Tamdin. The committee and are being monitored for symptoms He urged people to follow these websites 180 persons who are entirely dependent there will be a manifold increase in the comprises of doctors from both Delek by the nurses. Those who show no signs for news on the Education department’s on CTA aid and for those, monthly Since it is quite possible that there may pandemic toll. hospital and Mentsee khang and heads of the virus after the incubation period initiatives eg, online learning materials monetary aid, a policy which has been have been Covid-related deaths inside of various divisions of the health are released from the quarantine to and pointed out that COVID-19 helpline in place for 10 years, is set to increase. Tibet, Sikyong urged all to pray for all With May also coinciding with the department. return safely to their homes. is available for those who need guidance While previously those in the age group those who have been affected by this sacred Saka Dawa, he requested people in their respective regions. between 65 to 89 received Rs 1500, it pandemic. to fast and pray in their homes. He Over 11 task force meetings have been Secondly, as a long term response is now raised to Rs 2000 and those also asked people to keep away from convened to date. On 31 March, a special measure, preparations are underway He informed that the Department between the age group of 90 to 100 will As for the Tibetans in the US, Sikyong declared red-zones e.g., Delhi. Mysore, emergency response committee led by to convert the community quarantine of Information was in contact with increase from Rs 4500-7000. said there are around 100 positive cases Bangalore, Mumbai and Kolkatta. Secretaries of the seven departments was centres in various settlements to representatives of Tibetan communities of which majority have been reported established. The response committee has COVID-19 Management centres. Th based abroad and they have reached out Regarding general public, door to from the Tibetan community in New He assured people that quarantine convened on more than 3 occasions in COVID-29 Management Centre will to regional MPs to inform them of the door sanitisation is being done across York. In New Jersey, he said five facilities were available in settlements, the presence of President Dr Sangay. be activated to tackle potential new situation in Tibetan communities and are settlements in India under the guidance Tibetans have tested positive as he urged with medical workers coming home infections that may be expected after the seeking government aid. of the settlement offices. The settlement all Tibetans to take precautionary steps. to conduct routine check-ups. He also In total, more than 17 to 18 meetings have lockdown period and travels around the offices as well the Tibetan monasteries urged people with symptoms to contact been convened among the executive world resumes in full force. He then gave guidance on visa extension are actively contributing towards Likewise, Sikyong also notified of zero a health worker urgently and check into members to develop a cohesive action and explained that visa validity is promoting the access to essential cases amongst Tibetans in India as of a quarantine facility. In Dharamshala, plan for the CTA headquarters as well as Testing for fever and flu-like symptoms authorised by the immigration officer requirements in the respective regions. now. However, he pointed out not to take the Tibetan Reception Centre is the for the Tibetan settlements across India, have been conducted successfully in at the airport after arrival in India, More and more Tibetans and monasteries the current situation lightly and advised designated quarantine facility with two Nepal and Bhutan. all settlements by the concerned health which is issued for the duration of 1, 2 and settlement offices have also come social distancing at all costs. separate wings called Norbulingka and officials. A committee has been charged or at the most 6 months. In case of visa forward to contribute to the PM CARES Potala. Kalon Choekyong Wangchuk also with assisting and providing support to expiration, the settlement office’s FRRO fund, Chief Minister’s relief fund as well “Since 14 April, reported cases per day reviewed the steps taken within the quarantine centres in the settlements must be contacted and its link: www. as the District COVID-19 fund. has crossed 1000 while yesterday it Lastly, he urged Tibetans to not the various divisions of the health by establishing channels with the district indianfrro.gov.in/frro where all the crossed 1500, which is indicative of a read coronavirus news from social department to prepare and tackle the and state government centres. As of necessary details are provided. So far, no cases are reported from the 43 rise in the pandemic spread. Scientists media which are not reliable sources pandemic. now, more than 36 Tibetan settlements Tibetan settlements. are predicting that the disease will peak of information, which also creates have been officially registered with the “If you need to return to your country in the first and second weeks of May, difficulties for the administration when From March-end, as proposed in the local authority bodies. urgently before the lockdown is Lastly, in order to provide assistance and it is natural that it will not subside Tibetans circulate it on social media. response plan, eight special divisions lifted, then contact your government to the Tibetans who are stranded in in the following weeks. May is also the Instead, follow government-associated focussed on tackling coronavirus was More than 70 percent of Tibetan representative. Many countries like the India due to the travel restrictions, the harvesting and sowing season which media on news about the pandemic. formed and the staff of the department Health units in the settlements are US and France are making arrangements Department of Information and Security means that farmers numbering 120 were charged with these responsibilities. well-equipped with personal protective for their citizens stranded in the are working towards facilitating their million and labourers numbering 140 In addition to his address on COVID-19, They have been working round the clock equipment (PPE). In the coming week, lockdown”, said Mr Arya. visa extension. The settlement offices million which combined is 260 million, Sikyong offered his condolences to offer all the required services. the Secretary said, the situation will get and Department of Health are also will be out to work. Additionally, on the demise of the former Justice better and PPEs will be available in all Home Secretary, Ms Tsewang Dolma, working on assisting them. government lockdown is about to end Commissioner Lobsang Khedup units. in her address, described the 5 main and with business activity to resume, Drongretsang, who had passed away

22 TIBETAN BULLETIN MARCH - APRIL 2020 MARCH - APRIL 2020 TIBETAN BULLETIN 23 FOCUS FOCUS yesterday due to natural causes. He Education Kalon also announced relief DOE has reinvigorated its existent expressed his sadness at the demise of money of Rs 5000 for 200 college website https://bodyiglobjong.com/ CTA launches month-long Global Advocacy Campaign on the dedicated and one of the longest- students who are stranded in cities due teaching/ where primary school students serving CTA officials. He gave a brief to the lockdown. and parents can avail all online learning Panchen Lama’s 31st Birthday profile of the public servant whom resources and there are also dedicated he described as a dedicated public To apply for the relief money, students youtube channels such as https://www. with the Tibetan community in Tibet. I servant with 40 years of tenure who are asked to contact Sonam Sangmo, youtube.com/user/sherigCTA/videos for want to thank our friends, Tibet Support started out as a Settlement Officer and Head of Scholarship and Sponsorship the benefit of the students. Groups and Tibetan Associations around later worked as the Secretary of the desk, DOE at 9882322797 and Tenzin the world for participating in this effort. Department of Religion and Culture. Samdup at 7018111983 before 30 April. For the students with limited internet This is a case of human rights; this is He served as Justice Commissioner access, the Education Department is a case of religious freedom, which are before his retirement. Sikyong lauded DOE will also provide relief money of Rs making efforts in enabling the online fundamental rights of the Tibetan people his dedication to public service and his 2000 for over 297 highschool students classes through cable TV broadcast. and humanity as a whole.” adherence to Holiness the Dalai Lama. belonging to financially disadvantaged Efforts are also being made to ensure homes so they can equip themselves undisrupted learning for students of The UN, EU & Human Rights Desk Sikyong urged people to pray for the with internet services and access the class 9 to 12. of the Department of Information & Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th virtual lobbying all over the world. highly esteemed public servant and resources online. International Relations, CTA undertakes Panchen Lama turns 31 today. Held Mainly our Offices of Tibet around the expressed solidarity with the deceased’s Acknowledging the initiatives of the month-long global advocacy captive for the last 25 years by the world, in partnership with Tibet Support family. He added that an arrangement In response to the challenges of the Weekend Tibetan school teachers in campaign, including at the United Chinese authorities, Panchen Gedhun Groups and Tibetan Associations, will to hold mourning prayers on electronic current lockdown for the schools under Tibetan communities abroad, Kalon Nations, to press China further on the Choekyi Nyima’s birthday will be participate in month-long events all over media was being made on account of its jurisdiction, the Department of thanked them as many still continue case of the “missing” Panchen Lama and marked in grief and concerns, just as the world from 25 April to 17 May, the social distancing as regular protocols Education has taken to digital tools to to voluntarily teach students via social to sensitize the freedom-loving people each year. Tibetans around the world day he disappeared or got kidnapped. for mourning can not be observed in this continue to provide quality education media despite the inconveniences of the across the world, including friends will reminisce the day with sorrow at We will have petitions submitted at scenario. for the students from the safe distance lockdown. of Tibet, to stand in solidarity in this the unknown fate of Gedhun Choekyi various governments particularly to of their homes. endeavour to free him. Nyima, his parents and Chadrel the United Nations and specifically to Education Kalon Dr Pema Yangchen Kalon concluded by urging students, Rinpoche who led the search committee the Commission on Rights of Child, who also addressed the briefing spoke It has launched daily online classes parents and the public to maintain To this day, the fate of Tibet’s Panchen for the 11th Panchen Lama. and Working Group on Enforced about how the Education department is for class 6, 7 and 8 via Tibet TV. The good hygiene, take special care of the Gedhun Choekyi Nyima remains Disappearance in Geneva.” ensuring quality education for Tibetan classes are being conducted daily by elder members in the family and most unknown. Concerns will linger on for As the legitimate representative of students despite the schools being shut experienced teachers of Upper TCV as importantly to observe the necessary as long as the Chinese government the six million Tibetans, the Central While urging the United Nations down due to the pandemic. per the scheduled arrangments. guidelines on social distancing until the continues to arbitrarily detain and Tibetan Administration (CTA) launches to hold a hearing about the case of coronavirus pandemic subsides. disappear Tibetan political prisoners, a month-long global advocacy initiative Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and demand including Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, his through its Offices of Tibet. This global parents and Chadrel Rinpoche. advocacy will be carried out from 25 Coronavirus pandemic; a Chinese Trojan horse to global hegemony April, the birthday of Gedhun Choekyi Tibet has been under iron-fist control Nyima, through 17 May, marking the of China for over six decades now and His Holiness the Dalai Lama has written 25th year of his enforced disappearance. generations of Tibetans have endured today to the Chief Minister, Shri Jai Ram immense hardship at the hand of Chinese Thakur, to express his support for him in With the whole world spread under the authorities. The Chinese government his efforts to control the growing threat jurisdiction of the 12 Offices of Tibet, the continues to be blatant in violating basic of the corona-virus, which has spread CTA aims to amplify the call for Gedhun human rights and freedoms in Tibet. The across the world and has even broken Choekyi Nyima’s release and for China repressive nature of the Chinese rule out here in this state. to disclose verifiable information on his is best reflected by the series of self- current well-being and whereabouts. immolations committed by ordinary “Since Himachal Pradesh has been my Tibetans in the recent years, the enforced home for almost 60 years,” he wrote, “I CTA President Dr Lobsang Sangay disappearance case of the 11th Panchen naturally feel an affinity for its people. remarked, “As we celebrate Gedhun Lama, and the systematic human rights Therefore, as a token of respect and Choekyi Nyima’s birthday, we also violations including religious repression sympathy, I am making a donation from remember his disappearance for the suffered by the ordinary Tibetan the Gaden Phodrang Trust of the Dalai last 25 years. To press on the Chinese population in Tibet on a daily basis. Lama to the Chief Minister’s Fund in government for his immediate release, order to contribute to providing essential His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Himachal Chief Minister, Shri Jai Ram Thakur at His Holiness’ the CTA has launched a global residence, 1 February 2018. Photo/OHHDL supplies like food and medicine for campaign demanding his immediate his immediate release, President Sangay the poor and needy members of the His Holiness concluded by expressing the Honourable Prime Minister’s release. Unfortunately, because of the said, “I hope the Chinese government community.” confidence that the steps being taken firm leadership, will be effective in coronavirus pandemic which originated will pay heed to the global appeal and by the Central Government, under containing the spread of the virus. in Wuhan, we are not able to do the at least allow Gedhun Choekyi Nyima physical lobbying but we are doing to be with his family members, to be

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Lastly, Sikyong thanked the U.S State of HRW in the case of the disappearance The former Constitutional human Panel discussion: Renewing global advocacy for the Department, and the governments of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. Sophie rights lawyer and the member of release of the 11th Panchen Lama around the world that have responded vehemently asserted that the abduction Canadian parliament said he has spoken and issued statements pressing China and the consequent disappearance of consistently about the Tibetan cause, China abducted six-year-old Kunzik to release Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. He the 11th Panchen Lama was ‘longest- Tibetan religious freedom, His Holiness Gedhun Choekyi Nyima on 17 May appealed that the campaign demanding running’ and ‘most egregious’ human the Dalai Lama, the Middle Way 1995 from his home in Nagchu region the immediate release of 11th Panchen rights violations of a quarter-century- Approach and significantly raised the of Central Tibet days following His Lama must continue so that he is soon long enforced disappearance. In doing case of Panchen Lama in the Canadian Holiness the Dalai Lama identified him united with his people and be able to so, she stated reflects the Chinese parliament. He also participated in 2018 as the 11th Panchen Lama, the second play his spiritual role in the Tibetan government’s extent to not only control hearing at the Canadian Parliamentarians’ highest spiritual authority in Tibetan Buddhist world. the religion but to remake it to suit their Subcommittee on Foreign Affairs and Buddhism. Today he is recognized as political agenda. International Development Foreign the world’s longest-held prisoners of Abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, Affairs committee to question the conscience. Zeekyab Rinpoche expressed grave “It is also an example of collective Chinese delegation representing the concerns over the wellbeing of punishment not just for the Panchen Tibet Autonomous Region on the The enforced disappearance of the the Panchen Lama, as the Chinese Lama and his family but for Gyaltsen whereabouts of the Panchen Lama. Panchen Lama for more than 2 decades government continues to refuse any Norbu (Chinese elected Panchen Lama) not only symbolises China’s egregious reliable information on Rinpoches and his family. Their lives were radically “The response I received is the simple violation of the religious freedom of wellbeing even after 25 years changed and their rights seriously response we have heard repeatedly Tibetan Buddhists, but also a politically President Dr Lobsang Sangay, CTA joined by other panel speakers at the virtual online panel discussion violated essentially in order to control since 2015 that Gedhun Choekyi Nyima driven effort to undermine and control organised by Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, Bylakuppe in observance of the 31st birthday of Panchen Gedhun “Even after vigorous and continuous the appointment of the next Dalai is living a simple and normal life and Tibetan Buddhism. Choekyi Nyima. pressure on China by the devotees of the Lama”, she attested. he and his family do not wish to be “Even though it is a day of celebration, communist party leadership. Panchen Lama, governments sensitive disturbed,” he recalled. As the Tibetan Buddhist community however, unfortunately, the day also to human rights, NGOs and concerned She further explains that HRW is once again celebrate his 31st birthday coincides with the 25 years of Gendun In the petition, explained Sikyong, the individuals, the Chinese Government committed to continuing advocacy Outlining Canda’s track record of in absentia, the Central Tibetan Choekyi Nyima’s disappearance,” said 10th Panchen Lama has highlighted has turned a deaf ear. To the leaders for Tibet just like it had for the last 25 International advocacy since Panchen Administration, Tashi Lhunpo Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay remarking in detail the number of monasteries around the world, NGO representatives years documenting serious human rights Lama’s abduction in 1995, MP Virani Monastery, the exile seat of the missing on the day’s significance while asserting destroyed, disrobement of monks and and individuals who have met Chinese violations of Tibetan people including said the Canadian government raised the Panchen Lama, Tibet Support Groups, that in the abduction of Gendun Choekyi nuns, genocide of Tibetan culture, leaders to demand the release of the the forceful relocation of nomads, severe case of Panchen Lama with the Chinese world leaders and parliamentarians, Nyima, the Chinese government has language, and identity, to name a few Panchen Lama, the Chinese government restrictions on community lives, and authorities in 1995 and have repeatedly international bodies for religious denied his basic rights for 25 years in and argued that the report significantly always parrots that he is well and living increasing restrictions on the religious sought from the Chinese government freedom and rights groups have renewed a row. Not only were the restrictions repudiates China’s narrative on Tibet. comfortably. But to this day, even after activity. information on location, level of the call for his immediate release. imposed on him but his family also had The petition submitted by the 10th 25 years, they have failed to produce a education and expected date of his return to suffer the injustice. Panchen Lama clearly indicates that single photograph of the Panchen Lama. In the meantime, she believes that it is along with his parents. In 2014, Canada The President of Central Tibetan the oppression of Tibetan people was Due to this stonewalling of the truth for also important that governments continue called to the United Nations High Administration Dr Lobsang Sangay, Despite the numerous appeals made a deliberate attempt and strategy on such a long time, today it is a pertinent to pressurise Chinese authorities to free Commission for Human Rights and Abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery by the Central Tibetan Administration, the part of the Chinese government to question whether the Panchen Lama is all of those Tibetans who have been UN Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Zeekyab Rinpoche, Sophie Richardson, Tibet support groups, and Tibetan destroy the very existence of Tibetan still alive or not?” unjustly detained including specifically Religion to enable a visit to the Panchen China Director, Human Rights Watch, associations around the world to the U.N, civilization and identity. Because of the Panchen Lama. Lama and addressed statements at the MP Arif Virani, Canada, Dr Tenzin the whereabout of Panchen Lama is still this report, he was incarcerated till 1977 He sounded the urgency to give a clarion UNHRC criticizing China’s persecution Dorjee, Commissioner, United States not identified said Sikyong, and noted and suffered enormously in prison often call for the immediate release of the Member of Canadian Parliament and of religious and ethnic minorities Commission on International Religious that even today the Panchen Lama case in solitary confinement. All this is well Panchen Lama given the worsening Chair of Canadian Parliamentary Friends “specifically in Xinjiang and Tibet”. Freedom (USCIRF) and President continues to remain tragic. Unarguably, recorded in the autobiography of Bawa state of situation and reluctance from the of Tibet Arif Virani, said, “At the time of International Campaign for Tibet, the situation of Gendun Choekyi Nyima Phuntsok Wangyal. Chinese government. the world’s youngest political prisoner Speaking briefly on the ongoing Matteo Meccaci came together for a reflects the tragic reality in Tibet. having disappeared on May 1995, three persecution of both the Tibetan live panel discussion on the case of the “For Tibetans, Panchen Lama is a “The CTA, Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, days after His Holiness recognized him Buddhists and Uyghur Muslims, MP missing Panchen Lama and renewing In his address, Sikyong also paid tribute highly revered figure and for him to go and sympathetic governments and as the 11th Panchen Lama. As Sikyong Virani stressed that a commonality global campaign for his release. to the 10th Panchen Lama and spoke on through such level of torment is really NGOs have all collectively intensified mentioned, this May 17 will mark 25 needs to be reinforced in terms of the the 10th Panchen Lama describing him heartbreaking and therefore, we owe a their demands for the same. And, we years in detention which is 25 years too two ongoing religious persecution. “I The discussion was hosted online by the as one true patriot of the Tibetan cause. great deal to him,” Sikyong said. will not rest until the issue is resolved!”. long.” say that as a Muslim Canadian, as a Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Bylakuppe, He concluded with prayers and strong Muslim parliamentarian representing a on their Facebook account in keeping In this particular reference, Sikyong Meanwhile, he urged the younger resolve to bring the Panchen Lama to his Drawing in on the gravity of the case, lot of Tibetans and I say that during the with the COVID-19 lockdown. The highlighted that the 10th Panchen generation of Tibetan people to always rightful seat in Tibet and to his followers MP Arif Virani agreed that it is a grave month of Ramadan which we are now panel was moderated by Pema Tulotsang, Lama was fearless, straightforward, and remember the great contribution of the who await his safe return. situation, “of Nelson Mandela-like in.” Asia Officer, National Endowment for critical about the Chinese government’s 10th Panchen Lama while rallying to proportion at this stage which is an Democracy. policies which are undeniably reflected support the case of Gedhun Choekyi Sophie Richardson, China Director at egregious stain on the international He ended his comments by expressing in his 70,000 words petition against the Nyima. Human Rights Watch spoke on the stance human rights record.” his personal commitment as a member of

26 TIBETAN BULLETIN MARCH - APRIL 2020 MARCH - APRIL 2020 TIBETAN BULLETIN 27 FOCUS LAST PAGE parliament in Canada for the community religious heads. and engage in disinformation campaigns of Parkdale—High Park and as Chair to further its colonialist interests. Coronavirus pandemic; a Chinese Trojan horse to global hegemony of the Parliamentary Friends of Tibet He urged the US Congress and President Though China has economic might and Group, “to personally raise the issue of to implement the Magnitsky bill on can temporarily suppress other countries By Tsewang Gyalpo Arya * Tibet wherever or whenever possible.” Chinese officials responsible for the with its economic muscle, it ultimately persecution of religious minorities, does not have control over human spirit The Coronavirus pandemic, which “Not just with regard to the whereabouts specifically referring to the Panchen and conscience, he said. originated from the Wuhan city of China of Panchen Lama, but with regards to Lama. last year, has affected and disturbed the also promoting he basic religious and China’s lack of transparency with world greatly. It has created a war-like linguistic freedoms of Tibetans as well The Commissioner also thanked the the world in case of the coronavirus situation in public health, economy, and as the Middle Way Approach. Thuje Che Ambassador at large for International pandemic is something Tibetans have politics and in international relations and Kadrin Che!” Religious Freedom and former USCIRF continued to face for 60 years since around the world. Many theories came official Sam Brownback who travelled Chinese occupation, he said, urging the up as to the cause of the Coronavirus, Dr Tenzin Dorjee, Commissioner of to India last year to meet with His world to support Tibet in its cause for a spurt from the Wuhan wet market to the USCIRF expressed sadness at the Holiness the Dalai Lama to raise basic freedoms from which the world an accident in a bio-warfare laboratory paradoxical situation that both Tibetans attention to the importance of religious also would gain. to Chinese conspiracy to disrupt the and the Panchen Lama wouldn’t be able freedom, the issue of reincarnation and world order. Whatever the theories, to celebrate his birthday while wishing its significance for the Tibetan people. Unless China ushers political reforms, one undeniable fact is that the virus him. He then spoke about his efforts as He ended by wishing for Panchen he warned that it would continue to originated from Wuhan, and China a USCIRF member where he adopted Lama’s immediate release on behalf of bring such catastrophes upon its own deliberately suppressed the information the Panchen Lama as a prisoner of all the Tibetans. public and the world at large. at the cost of global pandemic. conscience along with his colleagues The international community is VC Nadine Maenza and Congressman Lastly, President of the International Stating ICT’s leadership in advocating Chinese President Xi Jinping/ Xie Huanchi Xinhua / eyevine / Redux James McGovern. He added that he has Campaign for Tibet, Matteo Mecacci in the US Congress for the passage of unanimous in the deduction that the like Prof Xu Zhangrun were arrested and of foreign origin. How black people been advocating for the Panchen Lama highlighting the systemic issues the Tibet Policy Act of 2019 which Chinese leadership mishandled the their whereabouts are still unknown. Ms are discriminated against and treated for 4 years demanding China to share concerning Panchen Lama’s illegal mandates sanctions on the Chinese outbreak and is accountable to the Fang Fang, the author of book ‘Wuhan in Guangzhou city is something that the status of Panchen Lama’s health detention, pointed at China’s efforts to government for egregious violations, devastation it wrecked around the world. Dairy’, is facing death threats. will make humanity cry. Here in this and whereabouts. Especially now, with control Tibetan society by seizing their Matteo noted the ripple effect of the The pandemic has exposed the ruthless internet world, we are able to see these the pandemic situation, he demanded centuries-old cherished institutions important passage in the strengthening nature of Xi Jinping’s leadership and the As of now, more than two hundred atrocities, but Tibetans, Uighurs and videographic evidence of the Lama’s which includes the Panchen Lama and the discourse on the Tibet issue, the issue insidious conspiracy of China to take the thousand people have died and more Mongolians have gone through this wellbeing. the Dalai Lama institution with the given of the succession of the Dalai Lama and helm of world power at whatever cost. than three million positive cases are kind of discrimination and torture for objective of destroying Tibetan cultural the religious freedom of Tibetans. The world leaders are not happy with reported, and the figures are still decades and are still suffering under the Noting the Panchen Lama’s case as identity which has benefited millions of what China has done and how it is still moving uphill. But what has China repressive communist regime. reflective of the larger religious freedom Tibetan Buddhist practitioners across He hoped that this would force the UN bullying around with impunity. done, instead of apologizing and taking violations of Tibetans, he cited Article the world. to act accordingly and bring attention moral responsibility for the chaos it has When the Olympic Committee 22, a recent amendment by China, to the case of the disappearance of the Had China taken action and attended created around the world, China tried to conferred China the honour to host the enabling Chinese government authority He referred to China’s geopolitical Panchen Lama. to the warning the Chinese doctor put the blame first on the US army, then 2008 Olympic, China promised to relax to interfere in matters of appointment of campaign, its attempt to rewrite history Li Wenliang and others gave at the on Italy and Kazakhstan, lately on the and amend its notorious human rights, early stages of the virus outbreak, this black people. Both the US and Italy are press and religious freedom records. pandemic could have been contained undergoing great difficulty and sufferings The international community expected Kashag issues Coronavirus guidelines, including ban on public gatherings and so many lives in China and around due to this Chinese virus, casualty and China to open up and subscribe to the the world could have been saved. unemployment rate is the highest in international norms and democratic for one month Unfortunately, the leadership silenced these two countries. Yet, China has the values after the Olympics. But China the voice of these sincere doctors and In response to the gravity of the staff members of the Central Tibetan guts to say that the virus originated from took the 2008 Olympic more as an citizens who tried to warn the people of coronavirus pandemic, the Kashag of Administration, both at the centre as the US and Italy. Taking the opportunity acknowledgement by the world of the incubating epidemic in the region. Central Tibetan Administration issued well as at the regional level, to postpone of this pandemic state, China claimed its growing military and economic new guidelines, calling on Tibetan all official visits and to refrain from Kazakhstan as historically part of China, power, and endorsement of its human This makes us ponder on the theory monasteries, schools and elder care holding any meetings, training programs and to further confuse the situation, it rights policies. In Tibet, human rights that the virus spread from the Wuhan homes in India, Nepal and Bhutan to and workshops for one month among said the Coronavirus originated from the and religious freedom deteriorated Institute of Virology, one of the top most cancel public gatherings for one month. others. land. greatly after the Olympic, restriction Chinese centers to study bio-warfare and surveillance became so severe that pathogens. The visit of the top Chinese The guidelines also call on all boarding The guidelines are to be implemented The black people from the African Tibetan refugees crossing the border expert in biological warfare, Major and day schools to be closed for a for a minimum of one month while countries, who helped sustain Chinese came to nil since then. Today, the General Chen Wei, to the institute at the minimum of one month; Elderly care at the same time following the economy in various sectors, and whose Tibetan plateau which His Holiness the end of January with a team of scientists, homes to restrict all outside visitors guidelines issued by the respective state countries welcomed Xi’s Belt and Road Dalai Lama has once dreamt of making and the proximity of the wet-market, the except for the staffs and nurses; All the governments. Initiative (BRI) and Chinese people to it as a Zone of Peace has become one of scapegoat as the origin of the virus, are Africa, are now made a scapegoat to the highly militarized zones in the world all explicable. Outspoken intellectuals fit China’s narrative that the virus was today. 28 TIBETAN BULLETIN MARCH - APRIL 2020 MARCH - APRIL 2020 TIBETAN BULLETIN 29 LAST PAGE

Even after all the chaos and pandemic and the Chinese Ambassador to India is that Tibetans are subjected to. This Tibetan Media it has created, China is trying to come seen harping on the same while Chinese Coronavirus pandemic has revealed out as a winner and take advantage of cartographers are busy altering the map how dangerous the Chinese dictatorial Sheja (Official Tibetan monthly) Tibet Bulletin (Official Chinese bi-monthly) Department of Information & International Department of Information & International the devastation it has engineered. China of Indian frontiers. regime could be if left unchallenged. It Relations, Dharamshala-176215, HP, India Relations, Dharamshala-176 215, HP, India continues to suppress information exposed the true nature of the Chinese Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] and its total Covid-19 cases remained China is known for its violation of communist party and how it is a threat Web: www.bod.asia Web: www.xizang-zhiye.org stagnant at 82,000+ and the death at human rights, press and religious to global peace, stability and democracy. www.tibetonline.tv 4000+ since March, whereas actual freedom, yet it has found its way to the Tibetan Freedom (Official Tibetan weekly) casualty and death is said to be much United Nations Human Rights Council The world leaders have decided to Department of Information & International For detailed news visit: higher. What is shocking here is, China (UNHRC) through dubious means. investigate and make China accountable Relations, Dharamshala-176215, HP, India TIBETAN supplied medical kits worth million China has through its Belt and Road for the chaos and the pandemic caused Email: [email protected] www.tibet.net BulletiN dollars to combat Coronavirus disease Initiative trapped many developing by the Coronavirus. The international Web: www.bod.asia in the US, Canada, Italy, India, Nepal countries in debt trap. The lands and lawsuits for more than twenty trillion US and some other countries. But these kits assets of these countries are held for dollars against China for the economic Contacts for the Central Tibetan Administration were found faulty and were returned. ransom. The World Health Organization loss is one thing, more importantly, INDIA UNITED KINGDOM Needs you They first send diseases and then sell (WHO)’s Director General Tedros the international community must take Department of Information & International The Office of Tibet, 1 Culworth Street, London, medical kits which are faulty, and there Adhanom Ghebreyesus has become a this opportunity and rise up together to Relations, Central Tibetan Administration, NW8 7AF, U.K. Tel:+44-207-722-5378, is no sense of remorse and not a word of Chinese propaganda flute. Just recently, free the world from the tyranny and the Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala - 176 215 Fax:+44-207-722-0362 Email: [email protected] apology! Trade and economy, and stock China pressured the European Union shackles of the communist dictatorship, H.P., India Tel: +91-1892-222510/222457 www.tibet.com Fax: +91-1892-224957 Email: [email protected] markets have plummeted, but China is (EU) to soften its report on Covid-19 and usher in a new global order of peace, www.tibet.net FRANCE An Appeal on buying spree! What does all these say disinformation. These aggressive and justice and democracy. Whatever the Bureau Du Tibet, 84 BD Adolphe Pinard, 75014, about China? heavy-handed tactics used by China are cause of the virus, China used it as its Bureau of H.H. the Dalai Lama, 10-B Ring Road, Paris, France, Tel:+33-1-46-565-453, Tibetan Bulletin promotes awareness and indicative of a dangerous and corrosive Trojan horse to global hegemony. We Lajpat Nagar IV, New Delhi 110 024, India Email: [email protected] provides facts of the situation in Tibet and Tel:+91-11-26474798, Fax:+91-11-2646-1914 Now, when the world is limping and trend gnawing the future world order. all must work in unity to make China Tibetans in exile. Published bi-monthly Email: [email protected] www.tibetbureau.in BELGIUM and distributed free around the world, we struggling hard to recover from the accountable for this grave conspiracy Bureau du Tibet, 24 Avenue des Arts, are looking to increase our readership and pandemic, China has the audacity to The international community should and crime against humanity. Chief Representative (South Zone), No. 7, 1000 Brussels, Belgium Tel: +32-2-280 4922 improve the Tibetan Bulletin with your kind send naval warships to Japan, South wake up to this Coronavirus alarm and Sampangiramaiah Garden, Srinivagalu Tank, Email: [email protected] Viveknagar Post, Bangalore-560047 help and suggestions. 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30 TIBETAN BULLETIN MARCH - APRIL 2020 Registration No.: 16193

His Holiness the Dalai Lama: World Should Unite for a Coordinated Global Response to COVID-19

In this time of serious crisis, we face threats to our health and sadness for the family and friends we have lost. Economic disruption is posing a major chal- lenge to governments and undermining the ability of so many people to make a living.

It is during times like this that we must focus on what unites us as members of one human family. Accordingly, we need to reach out to each other with com- passion. As human beings, we are all the same. We experience the same fears, the same hopes, the same uncertainties, yet we are also united by a desire for happiness. Our human capacity to reason and to see things realistically gives us the ability to transform hardship into opportunity.

This crisis and its consequences serve as a warning that only by coming to- gether in a coordinated, global response, will we meet the unprecedented magnitude of the challenges we face. I pray we all heed ‘The Call to Unite’.

Dalai Lama May 1, 2020

Message requested by The Call to Unite

Edited by Tenzin Saldon Printed and Published by the Secretary, Department of Information & International Relations, Central Tibetan Administration, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamsala - 176215, H.P, INDIA Printed at Narthang Press, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamsala - 176215, H.P, INDIA