Reporter: Palden
Editor: Pema Tso
Translated by Cheogyal Kyab
Chinese authorities conducted searches at Larang Tashi Khyil Monastery and surrounding villages in Amdo, claiming that displaying photos of His Holiness the Dalai Lama is illegal, forcibly confiscating approximately four large bags of photographs.
According to reliable information received by the Tibetan Times, beginning on October 16, three Tibetan officials arrived at Larang Tashi Khyil Monastery and the villages of Thangnag, Ngonchag, Ledruk, Sangkhog, Marteng and other areas. Claiming to act on orders from the Chinese government and county administration, they forcibly searched monks’ quarters and households, declaring that displaying photos of His Holiness the Dalai Lama is illegal and confiscating them. Since October 19, communication has been cut off, making it impossible to obtain information about the current situation.
A source who provided information to this reporter said that starting Thursday of last week, Chinese authorities forcibly confiscated photos from Larang Tashi Khyil Monastery and the villages of Thangnag, Ngonchag, Ledruk, Sangkhog and other areas in the region. In Marteng alone, after conducting thorough searches of Tibetan households, three large bags were filled with confiscated photos, with a fourth bag nearly full. The source added that all three inspectors were Tibetan, and noted that households who had hidden their photos in advance were praised by the officials as “good examples.”
Another source stated that while the Chinese government forcibly confiscated many photos from these villages and the monastery under claims of higher-level orders, no beatings, arrests or forced detentions occurred during the four days from October 16 to 19. However, some residents were frightened when their homes were suddenly searched and felt compelled to hand over their photos unwillingly.
The Chinese government has long maintained strict prohibitions on displaying photos of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Tibet, with numerous incidents of Tibetans being beaten and arrested under various charges. On March 17, 2021, authorities searched every Tibetan household in Zawonpo township, SershulCounty, Karze area, forcibly removing photos of His Holiness and replacing them with photos of Chinese government leaders.
Tibetans were forced to sign a five-point pledge that included: deepening awareness of gratitude to the Communist Party, love for the motherland, and law-abiding consciousness; not keeping prohibited photos of the Dalai Lama at home; urging relatives and family members not to keep such photos; not privately keeping, transmitting, or distributing prohibited photos of the Dalai Lama; completely prohibiting online posting of photos and images of the Dalai Lama, as well as “illegal statements, writings and dissemination”; and politically following the Party’s leadership without engaging in “illegal separatist activities.” Tibetans who violated these provisions were threatened with complete loss of all state welfare payments and assistance.
