http://www.merinews.com/catFull.jsp?articleID=3D133763
Tibetans protest against stupas relocation
Chinese authorities in Tibet are resolute to stop Tibetans' revolts.
Of late, they are protesting against relocation of stupas, which are
sacred places of worship. Unfortunately, fun parks meant for tourists,
are proposed to replace these stupas.
=2E
SOMETIMES BACK, in Rutok of Nagari area in Tibet, some young boys were
protesting against the Chinese government. They demanded the return of
His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet and an immediate end to brutal
suppression of Tibetans. Protesters were severely beaten and arrested.
Later, they were detained in SenGay town where main government offices
are located.
After the TongKhor monastery incident, the Chinese army officials have
warned Tibetans (who have fled into mountains fearing China=92s
brutality) that if they don=92t return back within the given time issued
by them, they will face severe consequences.
Tibetans who have suffered injuries, live in constant fear. Not only
this, more than 10 small and large stupas will be removed safely for
relocation near a crematorium near Nagchu. A stupa is a symbol of
Buddhist enlightenment. Stupas are the oldest and most prevalent forms
of Buddhist architecture. The old site of these structures is now
being turned into a park for tourist attraction. The current locations
of these sacred places are behind Tsechu temple inside a monastery,
near Nagchu. Heavy machineries for relocating the stupas have been
deployed.
These stupas hold high significance for Tibetans for their daily
Buddhist prayers such as circumambulation. Monks and common people of
this region are not only deeply saddened but they have also shown
resentment towards the proposed relocation. These stupas are centuries
old and were partially damaged during the cultural revolution;
however, repaired by devoted Tibetans.
Just three days back, Chinese authorities started meetings to reassert
their campaign to denounce the Dalai Lama. However, Tibetans did not
attend the meetings except few who are loyal to the authorities.
Last week, in many parts of Tibet, there were restrictions clamped,
perhaps due to Dalai Lama=92s special envoys=92 visit to the area and the
authorities might have feared further protests during their visit.
Lodeo Wangpo, a Tibetan living in MuCheShang in Machu was arrested and
his whereabouts remain unknown ever since. Lodeo ran a private school
in the area and subsequent to his arrest, his school has been closed
down.
In connection to a peaceful demonstration in AmdoNgaba last month, a
Tibetan woman was arrested. She received severe physical torture in
Ngaba prison and in spite of her critical condition, she remains
detained. Another Tibetan, Pema Dechen, was shot at and is still
detained in prison in Kardze district. Chinese authorities have not
allowed any relatives to see her.
|
