Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, Aug 22: A Tibetan monk and a popular singer have been released after spending more than six weeks in detention by the Chinese authorities for paying tribute to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, according to sources inside Tibet cited by Dharamshala-based news outlet Tibet Times.
Tibetan monk Tsewang Dhonko of Adu Monastery in Ngaba’s Adu County was detained in early July after allegedly sharing images of symbolic hats representing the Dalai Lama’s attire. His arrest coincided with Beijing’s heightened clampdown on expressions of reverence and loyalty to the exiled spiritual leader during the 90th birthday celebrations in exile.
Dhonko, currently an intermediate-level student at Adu Monastery, was released around August 18 and has since returned to his home. While sources confirmed his release, it remains unclear whether his movements are under surveillance or subject to restrictions.
In a related case, Tibetan singer Ah Sang, also known as Tsugte has also been released after being detained earlier this month along with his fellow singer Palchung. Asang, from Barma village in Tagmo County, Ngaba, was reportedly arrested for performing a re-recorded version of Prince of Peace, a song paying homage to the Dalai Lama.
The song, which recalls the Dalai Lama’s childhood in Amdo, his leadership in central Tibet, and his exile to India, themes considered politically sensitive by Chinese authorities, was performed during local celebrations marking the milestone birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama is believed to have triggered the detentions.
According to social media posts cited by Tibet Times, Ah Sang is now safe at home with his family. However, he has been barred from appearing on social media.
Activists and experts say the detentions and subsequent releases of Dhonko and Asang highlight the ongoing restrictions on cultural and religious expression in Tibet, particularly around symbolic gestures of reverence for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, whom Beijing labels a separatist. Yet, despite these risks, Tibetans inside Tibet continue to commemorate his birthday in subtle but symbolic ways, often at great personal risk of arrest and harassment.
