Translated by Tashi Namgyal
Edited by Yangchen Tso
Numerous Tibetan monks and residents from Wonpoto township, Derge County in Tibet, were arrested arbitrarily following a peaceful protest against the Hydropower station construction and forced relocation plan. During the arrest, some protestors were admitted to the hospital.
On 25 February, the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan issues, Uzra Zeya, expressed concerns about a mass arrest in Tibet due to protests against the Hydropower project and displacement and urged China to respect human rights and freedom of expression through social media “X.” She further added, “These centuries-old monasteries are home to hundreds of Tibetan Buddhist monks and contain irreplaceable cultural relics” and so, “U.S. stands with Tibetans in preserving their unique cultural, religious, and linguistic identity.”
On 21 and 22 February, local residents, including monks, peacefully protested, pleading with concerned officials to withdraw the plan, as the Chinese government had forcibly ordered the relocation of six monasteries and two villages in the name of constructing Kamtok Hydropower station on the upper reach of Drichu River. Suddenly, several police officials came to the spot, brutally beating the demonstrators, and they were even admitted to the hospital. Most of them were taken away and kept in detention for interrogation. Currently, the movement of local residents is under heavy restrictions.
In the video clips circulating on social media out of Tibet and China, Tibetans are seen pleading with concerned officials on their knees, Chinese police beating protesters while interrogating them, and some monks lost consciousness while crying out.
Chinese New Water Powerhouse company is reportedly building the Kamtok Hydropower station, and it is expected that this project will lead to the destruction of two local villages and six major monasteries: Yena Monastery, Wonto Monastery, Kadho Monastery, Rabten Monastery, Gonsar Monastery, and Tashi monastery.
Among these six monasteries, the Wonto and Yena monasteries have a long history and sacred heritage. In July 2018, numerous Buddhist murals were discovered in the Wonto monastery, including ancient murals of Buddha Shakyamuni, Gonpo Wopakme, Dorjee Chung, and Green Tara, which were painted in the 14th and 15th centuries. These murals are extraordinary works of art and are significant source material for researching Tibetan painting art.
