Publications

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Appendix 2: Cases of Explulsions and "work team" Visits in Religious Institutions

Case 2.1: Bhugon Monastery located in Drayab County, Chamdo Prefecture, "TAR", has approximately 200 monks. Dhonden, a former monk, said that during 1997 visit of "work team" in Bhugon Monastery, a monk whose name and age is unknown committed suicide by jumping into a river from a bridge. A recently arrived nun from Bhugon locality also confirmed this piece of information to be true. It is said that the monk committed suicide, as he was unable to cope with the stress associated with "patriotic re-education" sessions in the monastery.

Case 2.2: In Chamdo Monastery located in Chamdo County, Chamdo Prefecture, "TAR", "work team" came for the first time in August 1996 when there were 800 monks. At that time, 500 monks were reportedly expelled (this figure is already listed in the expulsion appendix of 1997 Annual Report). In November 1998, a 50-member "work team" visited the monastery for the second time and expelled 40 monks. In autumn 1999, all 700 visiting monks from different monasteries in Tengchen County, Palbar County, Pashoe County, Dzogang County and Drayab County who were in Chamdo Monastery for study purpose were expelled. Case 2.3: In 1996, "work team" visited Dechen Choekhorling Monastery, Lukhang Township, Gergye County, Ngari Prefecture, "TAR". At that time, there were 35 monks. From 1996 to 1998, "work team" officials visited the monastery about four times to conduct "patriotic re-education". In 1996, they imposed ban on pictures of the Dalai Lama and set a limit of 14 monks resulting in 20 monks being gradually expelled from the monastery till 1998. The "registered" monks were issued ID cards (A certificate issued by the Chinese "work team" officials enabling monks to stay in the monastery). The officials likewise visited seven other monasteries in Gergye County namely, Tashi Choekhorling Monastery, Dragya Monastery, Kyawo Lhakhang Monastery, Gongkhor ling Monastery, Khorkhang Monastery, Dira Monastery and Dechen Choekhorling Monastery. Admission of new monks in all these monasteries was prohibited.

Case 2.4: In May 1998, a ten-member "work team" came to Dhungkar Monastery in Golog County, Golog "TAP", Qinghai Province. During their one-month stay, the "work team" issued ID cards to only 30 monks and expelled 10 others who were below the age of 18 years. Remaining 90 monks were ordered to leave the monastery to work as "patriotic citizens" in their villages. During their tenth visit to the monastery, the officials asked non-ID cardholders to leave or else they would be forcibly evicted from the monastery.

Case 2.5: Three monks from Dozong Monastery, Chamdo Prefecture, "TAR", were reportedly expelled and three more arrested in connection with "patriotic re-education" in June 1998 by 15 "work team" members. The officials' order to sign pledges of denunciation against the Dalai Lama was met with fierce resistance and resulted in the arrest of Phurbu (22), Jangchup Dakpa (23) and Khedup Phagchok (21). Following an order that called for voluntary expulsion of monks below the age of 18 years, three other monks were expelled.

Case 2.6: Drak la Monastery is the largest of the 13 monasteries in Darlag County, Golog "TAP", Tsongon (Ch: Qinghai) Province. The monastery has over 500 monks. The "work team" has visited each one of these 13 monasteries and "patriotic re-education" continues unabated in all of them.

Case 2.7: Of 170 monks in Drokchen Monastery in Sershul County, Sichuan Province, only 130 monks were issued ID cards by a six-member "work team" that arrived in June 1999. The officials held mass meetings for the monks, individually examined them and further instructed to oppose the Dalai Lama. Moreover, photographs of the Dalai Lama were banned in the monastery. Before 1959, there were more than 200 monks in the monastery.

Case 2.8: Drong-na Monastery in Shak-chu Township, Driru County, Nagchu Prefecture, "TAR", had around 80 monks before the arrival of five-member "work team" in April/May 1998. They stayed in the monastery for about 50 days. On the basis of “pledges”, 49 monks were issued permits allowing them to remain in the monastery. Remaining 31 monks were expelled and returned to their family homes.

Case 2.9: Gangchen Monastery, Shigatse County, Shigatse Prefecture, "TAR", had 29 monks until March 1997, and the strength is currently reduced to 12 monks. A six-member "work team" came in March 1997 and stayed for three and a half months to conduct "patriotic re-education". The members banned pictures of the Dalai Lama and set a limit of 19 monks. The officials of County Religious Department and Public Security Bureau (PSB) forcefully evacuated on 27 December 1999, the monks of Gangchen Monastery to a new monastery built by Gangchen Lama, who was a close associate of Chinese authorities. Seven monks fled the monastery, owing to constant pressure by Gangchen Lama to worship a spirit named shugden.

Case 2.10: Gonlung Nunnery was visited by "work team" in 1998 and 30 nuns were issued ID cards. 60 nuns were ordered to leave the nunnery. The officials banned the Dalai Lama’s photo and recitation related to the Dalai Lama. The expelled nuns were compelled to return to their parental homes. Currently, there are 30 nuns in Gonlung Nunnery.

Case 2.11: In June 1997, a six-member "work team" officials from Hacha Township, Gonjo County, Chamdo Prefecture, "TAR", came to Gongsar Nunnery where they stayed for seven months. The officials conducted "patriotic re-education" sessions whereby nuns were instructed to leave nunnery and to work in their villages. Restriction was imposed on admission of new nuns and on pictures of the Dalai Lama. Twenty nuns aged between 40 to 70 years were allowed to stay in the nunnery who were ordered to grow their hair long. Since 1997, no nuns have been admitted in Gongsar Nunnery. The current strength of nuns in Gongsar Nunnery is 20.

Case 2.12: Gyaltri Monastery, located in Rushu Township, Markham County, Chamdo Prefecture, "TAR" with 50 monks was visited by a "work team" in 1995. Those who were on pilgrimage or retreat at the time of "work team" visit and those below 18 years of age were expelled from the monastery. These expelled monks were forced to disrobe and were banned from carrying out any religious activities. Remaining 32 monks were permitted to stay in the monastery and issued residential permits. In October 1999, a second "work team" including two village heads came to the monastery. A committee of five members was set up three days later to manage the monastery.

Case 2.13: The current strength of Hortsang Kirti Monastery located in Ngaba County, Sichuan Province, has approximately 50 monks. The first "work team" came in June 1999 to conduct "patriotic re-education" and stayed for five days. The second "work team" came in January/February 2000 and stayed for a day. Gradually, ID cards were issued to almost 600 monks. Sherab, a former monk, reported that "work team" officials detained him in October 1998 when he refused to take down a picture of the Dalai Lama that was hung in the monastery's classroom. When a map of China with distinctly marked borders of Tibet was found from his quarter, Sherab told the officials that he was responsible for the markings and asserted that Tibet and China are separate countries. He was reportedly sentenced to three years' imprisonment.

Case 2.14: The monks of Jo-ri Monastery underwent "patriotic re-education" for 15 days when six "work team" officers came to their monastery in 1998. The officials instructed the monks to oppose “separatist” activities and to accept China as their motherland. Even though monks below the age of 18 years were allowed to stay in the monastery, the officials banned admission of new monks. Strict instructions were given against involvement in pro-independence activities. The current strength of Jo-ri Monastery is 250 monks, but only 150 monks have been issued ID cards.

Case 2.15: In Kandze Dhargye Monastery situated in Kandze County, Kandze "TAP", Sichuan Province, there were around 800 monks. Karma, a former monk, reports that monks were divided into Geshe Sonam Phuntsok's group and Gyaltoe Rinpoche's group. There were not many monks who favoured Gyaltoe Rinpoche because of his pro-Chinese views. In October 1999, some monks of Kandze Dhargye Monastery suspected to be disciples of Geshe Sonam Phuntsok distributed independence leaflets and pasted "Free Tibet" posters in Kandze County. Although a team of officials and police came to investigate the matter, no arrest took place that time due to large gathering of monks and local Tibetans. In the same month, when five trucks full of Chinese army and police came to arrest Geshe Sonam Phuntsok, hundreds of monks and local Tibetans gathered to protest the arrest. About 80 monks were detained that time. Latest information reveals the continued detention of Geshe Sonam Phuntsok and sentence extension of nine other detainees in connection with the same incident.

Case 2.16: Reports revealed that "work team" started coming to Kumbum Monastery in early nineties. However, they came in large numbers only after 1998. Kumbum Monastery is located in Kumbum County, Tsoshar "TAP" Qinghai Province. In August/September 1998, approximately 50 Chinese "work team" officials came to the monastery and conducted "patriotic re-education" sessions in Chinese language. The officials instructed the monks to accept Chinese candidate for the Panchen Lama, to oppose "splittism" and to stop giving political affiliation to the Dalai Lama. At the end of every session, examination was conducted whereby monks had to not only tick mark as instructed but also sign on the document. In February/March 1995-1996, four monks of Kumbum Monastery were arrested by county police on charges of pasting pro-independence posters in the monastery. The arrested monks were Kalden (30's), Tendhar (20's) and two other unidentified monks.

Case 2.17: A "work team" consisting of 13 Tibetan members visited Lodrong Nunnery in April/May 1998. The Nunnery is situated in Nganang Township, Phenpo Lhundrup County, Lhasa City. The "work team" appointed their own members for Democratic Management Committee of the nunnery. Twenty-five nuns were living outside the nunnery at that time because they were not registered. On 15 January 1999, Meldrogungkar PSB arrested Kelsang (24) and Namdol Dolsang (30), nuns of Lodrong Nunnery, on charges of pasting and distributing "Free Tibet" posters in Lodrong Township with eight other nuns. They were later sentenced to three years imprisonment in Drapchi. Currently, there are around 45 nuns.

Case 2.18: Around March 1997, six "work team" officials came to Lura Monastery, Markham County, Chamdo Prefecture, "TAR", to forcibly conduct "patriotic re-education" sessions. They stayed for approximately 40 days and appointed Democratic Management Committee along with a new supervisor for the monastery. As one monk protested against the "patriotic re-education" programme, he was immediately declared expelled from the monastery. His name was Tadhon. Further orders were issued that monks below the age of 18 were to voluntarily leave the monastery.

Case 2.19: There are presently 380 monks in Magon Tashi Yangkyil Monastery, Chamdo Prefecture, "TAR". A "work team" comprising of 11 Chinese and one Tibetan official first came to the monastery in summer 1997 and stayed for three months. During their regular "patriotic re-education" sessions in the monastery, the officials banned "splittist activities" and possession of the Dalai Lama's pictures. Gonpo, Tsedup, Ngawang, Chime Lobsang and Tashi Nyima were arrested for opposing "patriotic re-education" sessions. "Work team" officials from Religious Office of Chamdo County revisited Magon Monastery in 1998.

Case 2.20: Minyak-Dhuekhor Monastery, Chamdo County, Chamdo Prefecture, "TAR" had approximately 70 monks. In the initial months of 1998, about 15 "work team" officials came to conduct "patriotic re-education" in the monastery. The officials held regular meetings, instructed the monks to denounce the Dalai Lama and "splittism", and banned pictures of the Dalai Lama in the quarters as well as in the temple. Only 70 monks were issued with ID cards that time.

Case 2.21: When "work team" officials arrived in Nenang Monastery, there were 115 monks, of which 90 had ID cards. Non-ID holders avoided the "work team" officials during their stay in the monastery. Thereafter, the officials visited only during important religious occasions, due to remote location of the monastery on a hilly area.

Case 2.22: The "work team" visited Pashoe Monastery, Pashoe County, Chamdo Prefecture, "TAR", in 1998. The maximum number of monks allowed in the monastery was 238. Out of which 140 were officially expelled that time, 94 of whom have already been accounted in the expulsion list of 1998 Annual Report (In this Annual Report, expulsion count of only 46 monks have been taken in expulsion appendix).

Case 2.23: "Work team" arrived in Pomda Monastery, Pashoe County, Chamdo Prefecture, "TAR", in June/July 1997. There were approximately 120 monks. "Work team" kept visiting the monastery every month to "re-educate" the monks. They arrested a monk named Gyalchoe (late 20's) for shouting "Free Tibet" slogans during a session in Pomda Monastery. Gyalchoe was sentenced to four years' imprisonment in Drapchi Prison. Gaden Gyamtso (early 20's) and Lobsang (25) were detained for keeping "Tibetan flag" in the monastery the same month. Besides expulsion of monks below 18 years of age, the members further declared, " ... the three detainees in prison and those who have visited India or Lhasa are expelled". There are currently 90 monks in the monastery, 60 of whom are issued ID cards. The remaining 30 may remain for a year as a trial period but will be expelled if they get into trouble.

Case 2.24: In March 1997, Rakor Nunnery in Toelung Dechen County, Lhasa Municipality, was visited by a nine-member "work team" to initiate "patriotic re-education". It was announced that due to non-acceptance of "patriotic re-education" by the nuns, all 83 nuns were declared expelled and the nunnery closed simultaneously. Ngawang Kelsang and Palden, in particular, were targeted for rigorous questioning as they both were suspected of spearheading the nuns' protest against "patriotic re-education". Then in October 1999, eight former nuns were recalled by force to look after the nunnery. All valuable objects of Rakor Nunnery were "registered" under County authority and ultimately, Rakor Nunnery was re-opened.

Case 2.25: "Work team" officials from Ngaba County reportedly ordered expulsion of monks below the age of 18 years and set a limit of only 40 monks in Raktsa Samten Phegyeling Monastery located in Mekor Township, Ngaba County, Sichuan Province. Fifteen members who stayed for two days instructed the monks to oppose the Dalai Lama and his "separatist" activities. Bans were imposed on photographs of the Dalai Lama and strength of monks was set for 160. Regular meetings and inspections continue in the monastery whereby strict indoctrination against political protest was given. As the monastery has no record of political activities, the county authorities are not restrictive about the activities of the monks.

Case 2.26: The monks of Rating Monastery, Phenpo Lhundrup County, "TAR", set fire to a vehicle that belonged to "work team" officers when the latter came to conduct "patriotic re-education" from September 1996 for three months. The subsequent search of the monk’s quarter resulted in the arrest of seven monks namely Kushab Sigpa (21), Phuntsok Dhargyal (28), Thinlay Tsondue (27), Jamyang Sangye (35), Lobsang Tsundue (23), Thinlay (both Lobsang and Thinlay are listed in 1999 Annual Report political prisoner list). Several monks including the caretaker were beaten and interrogated for the vehicle incident although nobody was found responsible for the act. The "work team" officials prolonged their stay to six months from the initial three months.

On 17 May 2000, monks of Rating Monastery protested against Beijing's illegal selection of the reincarnation of the Sixth Rating Rinpoche who was enthroned at Rating Monastery on 21 January 2000. Eight monks were arrested on suspicions of "plotting to kill the reincarnate boy". Unconfirmed reports indicate that these monks might be detained in Taktse County or Gutsa Detention Centre. The names and details of the arrested monks are not available. Currently, there are 130 monks in Rating Monastery with residential permits. In 1997, about 17 monks were expelled and in May 1998, approximately, 32 monks were expelled following the "patriotic re-education" campaign. (The "work team" visit were listed in 1998 Annual Report. In Religious Repression report titled Closing the Doors, it was mentioned that 23 monks out of 183 resident monks of Rating Monastery were expelled including all novice monks below 15 years).

Case 2.27: Sanglung Monastery is the largest monastery in Ngaba County, Ngaba "TAP", Sichuan Province, with 305 resident monks residing prior to the arrival of the "work team" in May 1998. A five-member "work team" came to conduct "patriotic re-education" for approximately ten days. As monks refused to obey orders of the "work team", 60 monks were expelled. All monks below 18 years of age and those who have opposed the "work team" members were expelled. IDs were issued to only 120 monks. Remaining monks were ordered to leave the monastery and returned to their homes.

Case 2.28: In Shugang Monastery in Kandze "TAP", monks below 18 years of age were expelled and a limit of 120 monks was set with the arrival of "work team" in 1996. The officials banned pictures of the Dalai Lama. There were approximately 170 monks in Shugang Monastery before the visit of "work team". Usually around five to six "work team" members visit once a year to "re-educate", examine and inspect the monks.

Case 2.29: Tawu Nyitso Monastery in Tawu County, Kandze "TAP", Sichuan Province had around 500 monks. "Work team" that came to the monastery in 1998 conducted "patriotic re-education" and banned Dalai Lama's photos in the monastery. Except for 250 monks with ID cards, rest were told to leave. Despite regular inspections, meetings were held once every two months to conduct "patriotic re-education" to the monks. After 1998, authorities of Tawu County and Tawu Township intensified repression against monks by placing restrictions on their movements and gatherings inside the monastery. (According to 1999 Annual report, 13 member "work team" visited Tawu Nyitso Monastery in June/July 1998 leading to two monks being expelled. One of the two left voluntarily).

Case 2.30: In July 1999, during the re-evaluation of the "patriotic re-education" campaign in Nyemo County, Lhasa Municipality, "work team" officers expelled four nuns from Terdhak Nunnery. These nuns now live with their parents and relatives and are prohibited from joining other nunneries or performing religious rites. Following their expulsion, township authority placed them under three years’ political scrutiny and twice every month, the nuns are required to report to township PSB officials.

Case 2.31: On 1 May 2000, a 30-member "work team" from Chamdo Religious Department visited Thenthok Monastery in Dzogang County, Chamdo "TAP", to launch "patriotic re-education". During the campaign, officials ordered the monastery to remove all pictures of the Dalai Lama. Tashi Rabten, the treasurer of the monastery, died under mysterious circumstances during this visit. In addition, five monks were arrested and 20 lay people were detained.

Case 2.32: During their 20 days stay in Tholey Monastery, the "work team" officials threatened to expel those monks who did not complete the written opposition letter against the Dalai Lama. Twenty monks out of 70 who refused to proceed with the instructions were expelled and the officials kept a personal dossier on each of them. Neither were the monks allowed to enter the monastery nor were they allowed to wear robes.

Case 2.33: The first "work team" visited Tsang Monastery in Chabcha County, Tsolho "TAP", Qinghai Province, in June 1996. The second series of visits was in January, June and August 1997. The third series were in January, May, June and August 1998. That time, 12 monks voluntarily left the monastery for India. (According to 1999 Annual Report, visit of "work team" for one month in June 1998 resulted in limit of 300 monks and expulsion of seven monks). When 12 officials visited the monastery in January, April, June and August of 1999, 34 monks voluntarily left the monastery at that time and 24 monks in 2000. The monks were constantly harassed by officials to sign and accept the Panchen Lama recognised by the Chinese government to oppose the Dalai Lama and “splittism”. Monks below the age of 18 years were not permitted to stay in the monastery.

Case 2.34: Tsurphu Monastery, the seat of the Karmapas, is situated in Toelung Dechen County, Lhasa. The 17th Karmapa escaped from Tsurphu Monastery on 28 December 1999 at around 10.30 p.m. Karma Thupten Choephel, a 24-year-old monk from the monastery reported that after Karmapa's defection, his attendants Choedrup, Dasa and Sonam Tsering were detained for a day in Lhasa after interrogation and humiliation. They were accused of being linked with the Karmapa's escape. Karmapa's parents have been brought to the headquarters of the Chamdo "TAP" Political Consultative Committee and held there under close surveillance. Jigme, Pema Dorjee, Rigsang, Sonam Tsering, Tseten Choephel, Gyaltsen and Tenzin Nyandak have been expelled from the monastery as they are related to Tibetan officers working in Tibetan Government-in-Exile.

Case 2.35: Wara Monastery located in Jomda County, Chamdo Prefecture, was visited by a five-member "work team" in November 1997. In the course of "patriotic re-education" in the monastery, members instructed the monks to oppose the Dalai Lama and to show loyalty to China. Fines of five yuan per day were imposed on any monks who failed to turn up for indoctrination classes. In February/March 1998, "work team" members expelled 12 monks including abbot of the monastery. (In Religious Repression report Closing the Doors, there were reports of expulsion of four monks in connection with "work team" visit. Expulsion of 47 monks was reported in 1997 Annual Report).

Case 2.36: 'Work team' comprising of eight Tibetan officials first came in autumn 1997 to Woeser Monastery, Markham County, Chamdo Prefecture, "TAR". They conducted "patriotic re-education" meetings, set a limit of 60 monks and ordered rest of the monks to leave the monastery. Since all the officials were Tibetans, 'patriotic re-education' sessions conducted in the monastery were not so strict and forceful like that of Chinese officials in other monasteries. They instructed the monks to oppose 'splittist' activities and banned pictures of the Dalai Lama. Presently, there are 108 monks in Woeser Monastery. 'Work team' had visited all the 18 monasteries in Markham County since 1997 at different intervals for inspection.('Work team' visit to Woeser Monastery was recorded in 1999 Annual Report with no clear information on the date).

Case 2.37: Since the start of 2000, the local Chinese authorities of Lithang County banned Dalai Lama pictures and admission of monks below the age of 18 years in Yangri Monastery, Lithang County, Kandze "TAP", Sichuan Province. There are around 400 monks in the monastery. The County and Township authorities usually held mass meeting for Tibetans in the villages whereby they were instructed to abandon pro-independence ideas.

Case 2.38: In June 1998, a six-member "work team" came to Yungtrung Peri Monastery and summoned all the residents of the monastery for 're-education'. They stayed around two months. In September 1999, two "work team" members re-visited the monastery for five days as a follow-up of the previous visit. They held meetings with the DMC of the monastery to review its functioning and conduct of the monks. The DMC was instructed to continue the 're-education' campaign.

Closure of Religious Institutions

Case 2.39: Eight officials of Sershul County visited Nyizong Monastery, Sershul County, Kandze "TAP", in August 1998 to order its closure. The same order applied to Dolma Lhakang Monastery as well which was located close to Nyizong Monastery. In the ensuing resistance and resentment by monks of both monasteries, six monks were arrested and identified as the principle 'culprit'. All 206 monks were later expelled and ordered to return to their homes. At present, both the monasteries remain closed.

Case 2.40: A-Kyong Yarthang Monastery, situated in Pema County, Golog "TAP", Qinghai Province, was declared closed on 13 November 1999 by Chinese "work team" officers. The closure was in response to repeated failure of the monks to turn up for "patriotic re-education" sessions during the members' three visits to the monastery. Despite threats of expulsion and closure, a deserted monastery awaited the "work team" on all the three occasions. The "work team" comprising of seven members left message with the Disciplinary-in-charge threatening the monks with imprisonment if they engaged in political activities. Five days later, "work team" came to once again but left soon after on finding the monastery empty. On their third visit ten days later, the officials reprimanded the staff and ordered co-operation from them. On 1 November 1999, the monastery was notified that 30 "work team" officials would visit the monastery for a week but to their chagrin, they found an empty monastery. The monastery was declared closed on 13 November 1999.

Case 2.41: In May 2000, a ten-member "work team" officials visited Nag Nunnery, situated north of Tawu County, Sichuan Province. They forced the nuns to accept political allegiance that opposes the Dalai Lama. Chinese authorities declared that those nuns who abide by the order of the "work team" would be given identity card. Around 130 nuns in the nunnery opposed the order and refused to sign pledges. As a result, "work team" closed and sealed the nunnery.