Chinese Crackdown on the Monks
Trouble in Tibet
The Dalai Lama accused the Chinese paramilitary with surrounding the monastery and preventing the monks from receiving any food or basic supplies. The crackdown began after a young monk, Rigzin Phuntsog , set himself on fire in March.
The Kirti monastery is home to some 2,500 monks, at least it was home until the Chinese authorities removed over 300 of them this weekend. Protestors tried to make a human shield to protect the monks but to no avail and several were injured and at least two were killed.
The Central Tibetan Administration said Chinese police "severely" beat Tibetans and the Chinese government was quick to deny those allegations. Also, the U.S. State Department said last week that China's use of force at the monastery to block demonstrations by monks was inconsistent with freedom of religion and human rights. As of this morning, there were no updates from the U.S. State Department regarding these recent events surrounding the removal of the monks. The Chinese government has said that the remarks by the United States were "irresponsible."
Since foreign journalists have not been allowed into the Sichuan Province, a video was smuggled out was uploaded by the BBC. You can view it here.
The Dalai Lama has said that the protests are warranted and he fears for the monk's safety. I have to agree with the Dalai Lama - things are not looking all that good for the monks.
Sources:
http://www.economist.com/blogs/banyan/2011/04/chinas_tibetan_problem
Published by Michele Starkey
Optimist who enjoys writing, laughing and spreading good news. If I have but one life to live, I hope to make mine memorable. My epitaph will read: she lived, she loved, she left. View profile
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50 Comments
Post a CommentIt's sad when a country like China has to impose it's restrictions in such an inhuman way. So much of our world is based on cruelty isn't it.
Boycotting china products is only for those with a conscious and a few more.
the fact they have to smuggle a video out....ugh....thanks for the information
thank you so much for bringing this to our attention
Scary situation for the monks, and also for Christians in many countries. rcj
*Sigh* Why can't governments leave religion alone? Monks have historically had big problems in the Far East - a great travesty and completely unnecessary. I just don't see why big old China seems threatened by a few monks. Ridiculous.
Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
Thanks for sharing!
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Wow! Excellent job of reporting this sad event.
Such tragic struggles to those who mean only good--bless you, Michele!