News and Views on Tibet

A Monk From Magar Dhargyeling Arrested For Possessing Portrait Of Dalai Lama

Share on facebook
Share on google
Share on twitter

The Gu Chu Sum Movement of Tibet received information through a reliable source that Phuntsok Tsering, a monk from Magar Dhargyeling Monastery in Tibet was arrested in December, 2004 on the charge of possessing portrait of Dalai Lama.

It is also brought to our knowledge that Phuntsok was the chant master of Magar Dhargyeling Monastery and was from Magar Phunub, Lhatse Dzong. In December 2004, Lhatse Dzong Ploice on visit to Magar Dhargyeling Monastery found portrait of Dalai Lama in Phuntsok’s room. On further search, books and literatures related to Tibetan nationalism were found. This led to his immediate arrest and was taken to Nyari Prison in Shigatse. We have no clue about his condition and charges levied against him.

Ban on the portrait of Dalai Lama was initially imposed to only the party officials in 1994. It was later made applicable to the public places and monasteries. On 6 May 1996 a major row erupted between Ganden Monastery monks and 11 Work Team members who came to implement the ban portrait of Dalai Lama. 31 monks were arrested in connection with the incident. Since then there had been several cases of arrests on possessing portrait of Dalai Lama.

*The Gu Chu Sum Movement of Tibet is an association formed by former political prisoners in 1991 with main objective to continue the struggle for Free Tibet in exile.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *