Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Dec. 24: Lobsang Dorjee, a former Tibetan member of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), has made serious allegations about the mismanagement of relief funds intended for victims of the 2010 Kyegudo earthquake. The devastating quake, which struck Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (Kyegudo) in April 2010, measured 7.1 magnitude, leaving nearly 2,700 people dead, injuring thousands, and displacing tens of thousands.
In a video statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Dorjee accused local officials of diverting relief and reconstruction funds for personal gain, depriving many affected residents of proper housing assistance. He also highlighted unresolved issues faced by nomadic workers following the closure of a ‘Military Industrial Enterprise’ in the area and criticised the wasteful use of reconstruction resources.
Among Dorjee’s revelations was the construction of a controversial $1.1 billion power plant project. He claimed that the plant has caused significant environmental damage, despite its operations not yet commencing. Dorjee questioned the allocation of funds for the project, expressing doubts about who has benefited from the investment and whether the funds were used appropriately.
Dorjee also drew attention to the suppression of Tibetan protesters and petitioners who challenged the authorities’ abuse of power. He further emphasised that the public has the right to petition about their grievances, stating that while CCP regulations require officials to work for the people’s benefit, the actions of local authorities in Kyegudo suggest otherwise. He further accused Chinese authorities of using police intimidation tactics, treating protesters as “terrorists,” and perpetuating systemic corruption that severely impacts the lives of ordinary Tibetans.
US based advocacy group, International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) on the matter said, “China had painted a picture of remarkable recovery in Kyegudo following the devastating earthquake urging Tibetans to be grateful to the CCP and the government. However, reality is far from what the Chinese government claims. The International Campaign for Tibet reported in the past that Tibetans have been largely excluded from the reconstruction planning process. Protests have occurred over land confiscation and government policies. Some viewed the rebuilding as an opportunity for authorities to advance controversial resettlement programs.”
The rights further stated that while Chinese state media has portrayed Kyegudo’s recovery as rapid and complete, Dorjee’s testimony offers a stark contrast, shedding light on the corruption and neglect that continue to plague the region.
