By Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Oct 11: As the People’s Republic of China (PRC) celebrated its 74th National Day on October 1, 2023, reports emerged of severe restrictions, increased surveillance, and tightened security measures in parts of Tibet, mirroring a pattern of intensified crackdowns and persecution that have occurred in the past.
In the lead-up to the 74th anniversary of the National Day of the People’s Republic of China on October 1, Chinese officials announced the closure of several prominent religious sites in Lhasa, including the Jokhang Temple and Potala Palace for Buddhist pilgrims, according to information received by Radio Free Asia (RFA). Many observers believe that these closures were aimed at preventing potential political incidents during this politically sensitive period, commemorating Mao Zedong’s proclamation of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949.
Several religious sites in Tibet will be temporarily closed from October 1, 2023, until October 9, 2023, in observance of the 8-day public holiday, the report further stated. Reports have indicated that individuals who disregard these instructions may face consequences such as job loss or expulsion from schools for students.
Reports have highlighted a significant intensification of Chinese authorities’ efforts to “stability maintenance” in Tibet during the National Day holiday period. These efforts include rigorous searches on public transportation and political re-education for Tibetan Buddhist monks. Chinese authorities in Tibet initiated extensive searches on individuals traveling via public transportation within the region, the source cited by RFA said.
The Chinese government’s contentious regulations, enforced annually during politically sensitive periods underscore the paramount prioritisation of the Communist Party China leadership. These regulations align with a new set of guidelines on religious activities that were enforced by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on September 1.
The guidelines on religious activities mandate that all religious institutions and places of worship must unequivocally endorse the CPC’s leadership. They are also required to align with President Xi Jinping’s vision of “Sinicisation,” which emphasises the adaptation of religious practices to conform to Chinese culture and Communist Party values. A significant clause in the guidelines asserts that “no organization or individual may use religious activity sites to conduct activities that endanger national security, disrupt social order, or damage national interests.”
