By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, Jan. 8: A Chinese hotel in the Rebkong (Ch: Tongren) County in Malho (Ch: Huangnan) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, has banned the speaking of Tibetan language within the premises of the hotel, according to a report by Voice of TibetRadio Services.
Hotel Shangyul, a Chinese owned and operated establishment, has issued its employees of a five point rule of engagement, one of which is barring the use of Tibetan language. A fine of 500 Yuan will be imposed on anyone speaking in Tibetan and might risk losing their job, Lobsang Choejor, exile based Tibetan writer from Rebkong told VOT.
Choejor also appealed the local Chinese authorities to restrict the Chinese owner of the hotel to conduct any business activities in the area prescribed as ‘minority region’ as per the Chinese Constitution and that the act of banning a minority language is strictly against the same constitution. He further appealed that such activities endangering minority identities be curbed. He also asked Tibetans in the area to boycott such establishments.
The Hotel Shangyul is currently closed by local authorities following strong opposition by local Tibetans, said Choejor. Any details on the timeline of the events are unknown.
