Reported by Palden
Edited By Pema Tso
Translated by TenGyal
More than two weeks have passed since the Chinese authorities forcibly abducted and arrested Asang, a young Tibetan singer, according to reports.
According to information received from a reliable source, during the recent celebrations of the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Chinese authorities tightened restrictions and increased surveillance in Tibet. Furthermore, reports are emerging that some individuals were also arrested in Golog and other areas. Two weeks ago, Asang, a young singer from Ngawa (Aba/Ngaba), was forcefully abducted and arrested. His present conditions and whereaboutsremain unknown.
The same source reported that, at a time the Chinese authorities continued to tighten restrictions on the celebration of the 90th birthday of His Holiness, Asang and his friend performed a cover of a song called “The Prince of Peace” (Shide Gyalse), originally composed and sung by another artist a few years ago. As a result, the authorities subsequently arrested him. His family continue to be greatly distressed.
Reports further indicate that Chinese authorities had been closely monitoring Asang for some time, subjecting him to regular surveillance due to his songs promoting Tibetan unity and patriotism, as well as his calls to protect Tibetan culture and religion. Even during his wedding ceremony, authorities imposed heavy restrictions and tight regulations.
Earlier this year, during the Great Prayer Festival (Chotrul Monlam Chenmo) at Kirti Monastery in Ngawa, Asang made a bold public appearance with the word “Tibet” inscribed on his forehead—an act that was widely applauded online.
Like his teacher, well known singer Gebe, Asang is a young singer who has consistently expressed unwavering loyalty, hope, and faith in the Tibetan people.
In Asang and his friends’ recent cover performance of The Prince of Peace,which spread widely both inside and outside Tibet, they sing,
“ As a youth, you were born in Amdo,
You left your footprints in Central Tibet,
And your noble deeds flourished in the Noble Land of India,
We remember you, O Prince of Peace.
We, the people blessed by the Dharma, do not treasure
Ornaments made of gold, turquoise and coral,
Nor garments sewn from tiger, leopard, fox or otter skin,
It is your heartfelt advice and teachings that we remember now.
You are the sun over our heads,
You are the parent in our hearts,
You are our loving teacher (Lama),
There is no way we could ever forget you.”
Tzukte, or Asang as he is knownpopularly by his online alias, is a young Tibetan singer who is the son of the Naktsangtsang family of Camp No.4 of Kashul Village, Barma Township, Tagmo Dzong Ngawa (Aba) County, Tibet. Asang and his wife Lhamo have a son who is just over a year old, and they are expecting their second child soon.
