Tibetan monk detained for peaceful solo protest, restrictions intensified in Ngaba
Chinese security forces have detained yet another Tibetan Buddhist monk from Kirti Monastery today on 9 September 2015, for protesting Chinese rule in Tibet, according to information received by TCHRD.
Jampel Gyatso, 21, was detained at around midday local time after protesting peacefully on the highway of Ngaba County town, in Ngaba (Ch: Aba) Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province.
“He walked on the highway of Ngaba, carrying a large portrait of the Dalai Lama and shouting slogans, calling for freedom for Tibet and the long life of the Dalai Lama,” said the source.
As security forces arrested him, local Tibetans showed their support to the monk by protesting his detention.
“When local Tibetans saw security forces arresting him, they protested by raising slogans,” said the source.
As of now, Jampel Gyatso’s whereabouts remains unknown.
Following the arrest of Jampel Gyatso, the Chinese security forces have now intensified their control and restriction of Ngaba.
“Security forces have tightened up restrictions in the area. They broke into Jampel Gyatso’s room, which is located on the left side of Kirti monastery’s assembly hall. His room is being searched,” said the source.
Jampel Gyatso is a native of village no. 3 in Meuruma Township in Ngaba, Amdo, Eastern Tibet. He was born to parents Suya (father) and Tarey Kyi (mother). The couple has three children, and Jampel Gyatso is the youngest.
He joined Kirti monastery at a young age. When he was arrested, he was a student of “logic” (Tib: Lo Rig) class.
Two days ago, on 7 September 2015, another Kirti monk, Lobsang Kelsang, was arrested for launching a similar protest.
Lobsang Kelsang walked on the highway of Ngaba, holding aloft a portrait of the Dalai Lama and raising slogans for Tibetan freedom.
His whereabouts too remains unknown.
Through its ‘patriotic education’ campaigns, Chinese authorities have sought to remove any influence of the Dalai Lama among Tibetans inside Tibet, often running vilification campaigns against the Tibetan spiritual leader calling him a separatist who must be opposed any costs. However, Tibetans have continued to protest peacefully, holding high the Dalai Lama’s portrait, and calling for his return and for freedom to prevail in Tibet.
Two days ago, on 7 September 2015, another monk from Kirti Monastery, Lobsang Kelsang, was detained after he carried a portrait of Dalai Lama while shouting slogans along the streets of Ngaba County town. Other Tibetans who have recently staged solo protests in similar fashion are Lobsang Thubten, a layman who was detained on 18 August 2015; Woekar Kyi, a mother of two who was detained on 15 August; and Wangmo, a mother of two who was detained on 15 July. All these protesters, except for Lobsang Thubten who is from Lithang County in Kardze (Ch: Ganzi) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, belonged to nomadic villages in Meuruma Township in Ngaba County.
