Three more Tibetan self -immolate in Serthar, eastern Tibet
Source: phayul.com
Dharamsala, February 4: In reports coming out of Tibet, three Tibetans have self-immolated on February 3 in the undersieged town of Serthar in eastern Tibet.
A Tibetan in exile with contacts in the region told Phayul that two Tibetans survived the self-immolation but one is feared dead.
“The three Tibetans called for the unity of the Tibetan people and protested against the Chinese government,” the Tibetan who didn’t want to be named said.
The two who have reportedly survived have been identified as Tsering, around 60 years of age and Kyari, around 30. The third Tibetan who is feared dead cannot be identified at the time of reporting.
Serthar has been under an undeclared martial law with a heavy military lockdown since the January 24 mass protests. At least six Tibetans were reportedly shot dead in indiscriminate police firings on unarmed Tibetans.
Preceding the mass demonstrations, Tibetans in rural villages in Serthar had carried out protests on January 18 and 22 while a larger demonstration was also reported on January 23 in Serthar town where a banner reading: “We protest against failed Chinese policies in Tibet” was unfurled.
The same source told Phayul that in the January 18 protests, a large number of ‘wind horse’ prayer scrolls with the Tibetan national flag and slogans calling for the Dalai Lama’s long life and ‘Victory to Tibet’ printed on the backside were spread in the region.
Following the protests, the entire region has been cut off from the outside world with no phone or internet connections. The roads leading into the region remain blocked as earlier shown by a CNN report in which its reporters were detained and sent back while trying to enter the region.
In photos received by Phayul of the January 24 Serthar protests yesterday, Chinese military personnel could be seen severely beating and dragging Tibetans on the road.
Since Tapey’s self-immolation in 2009, 19 Tibetans have set themselves on fire demanding the return of the Dalai Lama and protesting China’s occupation of Tibet.
Amnesty International in a release last week called on China to avoid using excessive force in response to Tibetan protests and expressed fear of “further violence and bloodshed” in Tibet.
World Parliamentarians call for UN Fact-finding Mission to Tibet
Source: www. tibet.net, 3.2.2012
DHARAMSHALA: Expressing its deep concern over the reports of killing of Tibetans by the Chinese security forces in northeastern Tibet and the lockdown of Tibet, the International Parliamentarians has called for a UN-led fact-finding mission to observe the situation in Tibet.
In a statement on 31 January, International Network of Parliamentarians on Tibet (INPaT) said it is extremely concerned for the news that several Tibetans in Draggo, Kardze and in Dzamthang, Ngaba have been shot dead by Chinese security forces last week.
“INPaT considers the use of force not an acceptable response on the part of the Chinese authorities toward peaceful protests carried out by Tibetans to excercise right to freedom of expression and assembly,” the statement said.
“INPaT remains deeply concerned that these cases of extrajudicial killings of Tibetans has happened in the background of self-immolation protests by 17 Tibetans since 2009 with 12 of them having succumbed to their injuries.
“INPaT deplores that according to various sources there is a massive deployment of security forces in Tibet with journalists and other independent observers prevented from visiting Tibetan areas, especially in Sichuan province.
“INPaT calls upon the Chinese authorities to provide adequate information on the well-being and whereabouts of Tibetans who have been detained since the first self-immolation last year by Ven. Phuntsok on 16 March and to withdraw the security measures imposed, including at religious institutions.
“INPaT welcomes that parliamentarians in many countries have expressed their concerns on the overall human rights situation in Tibet, especially after an alarming number of self-immolation protests by Tibetans. While remaining in solidarity with the aspirations of Tibetan people, INPaT joins the call upon Tibetans not to sacrifice their valuable lives through self-immolations but instead maintain their collective voice and strength to face the challenges from the Chinese authorities.
“INPaT calls upon the Chinese authorities to promptly follow-up on its invitation to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to conduct a fact-finding mission to China and that such a visit ensures adequate time for observing the situation in Tibet. INPaT believes that such a visit by the United Nations chief human rights official can help convey an independent assessment on the human rights crisis faced by the six million Tibetans,” the statement noted.
133 Members from 33 worldwide Parliaments who took part in the 5th World Parliamentarians’ Convention on Tibet (18/19 November 2009, Rome) adopted the “Rome Declaration on Tibet” which constituted the International Network for Parliamentarians on Tibet (INPaT).
Kalachakra Organising Committee Declares Account Statement
DHARAMSHALA: The organising committee of the 32nd Kalachakra Initiation released a statement of income and expenditure incurred during the 32nd Kalachakra Initiation at Bodh Gaya.
The organising committee of the 32nd Kalachakra Initiation.
A total income of Rs 32,93,33,249.00 (Thirty two crores ninety three lakhs thirty three thousand two hundred and forty nine) was earned while expenses of Rs 25,78,33,249.00 (Twenty five crore seventy eight lakhs thirty three thousand two hundred and forty nine) was incurred for the Kalachakara Initiations, the statement said.
The remaining 7 crores and 15 lakhs has been disbursed for charitable purposes through registered organisations, it noted. (more…)
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