By Tenzin Dharpo
Dharamsala, July 14: A Tibetan scholar monk arrested almost a year ago has been sentenced to twelve years’ imprisonment, Dharamshala based Tibetan right group TCHRD said.
An astute nationalist and a scholar at Gom Gongsar Monastery, Ven. Tenzin Lhundup was detained in May last year while he was addressing Tibetan public on “status of Tibetan language and nationality” in Shagchu, Diru County.
Lhundup was born and raised in Shagchu, and having ordained as a Buddhist monk at an early age developed into an intellectual after committing years in studying various Buddhist doctrines thus becoming a spiritual teacher and a highly respected figure in the community. He imparted teachings on ‘Introduction to Buddhism’ to the public on Wednesdays being ‘Lhakar’ (White Wednesday – Tibetan self reliance movement), promoted vegetarianism and was a staunch supporter of nationalist sentiments and preservation of Tibetan language.
His outspoken support and lead in opposing the mining operations at the sacred Naglha Dzamba Mountain area last year and his public felicitation of the members of a local committee set up to protect the mountain as mark of respect and appreciation for their resistance against mining had led the Chinese authorities to peck him as a threat and a figure of resistance in the region.
After his detention, the Chinese authorities alleged that “he had engaged in ‘anti-governmental activities’ for many years, and that he has been one of the protesters against mining activities at Ngalha Dzamba,” according to TCHRD.
Lhundup’s family and relatives were unaware of his whereabouts or health condition until recently when they traced him to Lhasa.
