TIBET INSIGHT NEWS

POLITICAL 

Chinese Embassy in Nepal celebrates Tibetan New Year

February 13, 2015

The Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, Nepal, celebrated the Tibetan New Year, or Losar, at Hotel Yak and Yeti in Kathmandu on February 12 evening. Chinese Ambassador Wu Chuntai inaugurated the cultural show where a group of artists from the Tibet Autonomous Region’s Ngari Prefecture performed dances. Gonpo Tashi, Chairman of TAR UFWD, Deputy Chairman and Secretary of TAR PPCC attended the ceremony. 

Gonpo Tashi said that ‘most expatriate Tibetans care about their motherland. Those who came back to Tibet have contributed to the modern construction and national unity of Tibet”. He added that the government attached great importance to the work of Tibetan expatriates and set up the Tibet Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese in June 2014. The policy will be continued in the New Year.

Nagchu Helds Ministerial Meeting ahead of the Tibetan New Year

February 13, 2015

Nagchu (Ch: Nagqu) Propaganda Department held a ministerial meeting on February 11, ahead of the Tibetan New Year (Tib: Losar) on February, 19, 2015. The meeting was to study the “Important instructions on propaganda, ideological and cultural activities in the region” given by TAR Party Secretary Chen Quanguo. The meeting was briefed on the propaganda and ideological activities of 2014, and approved new tasks and plans for publicity and ideological work for 2015. 

The meeting was attended by all the major leaders of the Nagchu including the Chairman of Propaganda Department and Deputy Chairman of Nagchu PPCC Sonam, while Dickyi Dolkar, Deputy Commissioner of Nagchu Prefecture chaired the meeting.

Sonam, Chairman of Nagchu’s Propaganda Department, reviewed work reports of 2014 particularly the policies on ideological and theoretical constructions of the general masses and its achievements. He instructed the Ministers attending the meeting to intensify publicity and ideological activities, build public opinion, instil “socialist core values” in education systems and the Public Cultural Service System, and comprehensively deploy cadres and workers across the region in Propaganda, Ideological and Cultural Affairs. The Chairman asked Ministers to be more assertive in these activities and called it the “50th Anniversary of TAR Campaign.” 

The Propaganda Department Chairman urged regional leaders to focus their effort on the fundamental ideological and theoretical construction, work in coordination with the CCP CC, and organize events and lectures focussed on public information, and conduct extensive social propaganda activities in order to lay solid ideological foundations of common struggle against “instability and separatism.” He talked of the importance of enhancing the ability to guide public opinion, ‘in-depth legal education’ and the struggle against ‘separatism, national instability and disharmony.” He stressed that incorporation of socialist core values into the education system will “engineer the souls of the public” to a more common and uniform ideological mind frame. He talked of management of the Public Cultural Service System, promotion of cultural activities, cultural restructuring, strengthening management of the cultural market, internet and news media in the region etc.

Dickyi Dolkar, Deputy Commissioner of Nagchu Prefecture, while chairing the meeting talked about the implementation of Propaganda policies. She said that all Departments of every county in Nagchu should quickly and firmly learn, understand and put their hearts and soul in the implementation of the spirit of the meeting. She observed that grass-root publicity and ideological work in Nagchu is still weak and needed more intense work. She advised the Governor of each county to track the results of policies and projects implemented at grass-root levels by scheduling regular meetings with respective officials and cadres in order achieve targets in a timely manner.  

All the ministers of Nagchu Prefecture’s Propaganda Departments, Unit members, Deputy Magistrates and Heads of Cultural Departments of all the Counties also attended the meeting.

Propaganda Minister’s visit to media headquarters ahead of Losar

February 13, 2015

Sonam, the Propaganda Minister of Nagchu (Ch: Nagqu) Party Committee and his entourage visited the Nagqu Radio stations, Nagchu Television Broadcasting Stations and other news units and met journalists and reporters on February 10, ahead of the Tibetan New Year.

While meeting journalists and reporters he told them that the Regional Administrative Office and Party Committee accord immense recognition, respect and importance to the principal leaders of journalism and news agencies for spreading the Party’s propaganda work. He told journalists and reporters that the best way to a favourable, secure and stable public opinion is to showcase and promote economic developments and the improvement in the livelihoods of the people in the region. 

He applauded the journalists and reporters for working even during the Losar (Tibetan New Year) and continuing to contribute to the propaganda activities of the prefecture. He reminded them that the year 2015 coincides with the 50th Anniversary of the formation of TAR by the CCP and urged them to work even harder in building and spreading propaganda themes and activities across the region.

Hu Rong, Deputy Minister of Nagchu Propaganda Department, and the relevant Department heads accompanied him during the visit.

TMC in Nagchu distributes cash to monks and nuns

February 13, 2015

The Director of the Temple Management Committee of Palgun County in Nagchu Prefecture visited Monasteries in the county and distributed the “Fourth Quarter Subsistence allowance” to monks and nuns. The TMC held a symposium of 17 “patriotic” monks to brief other monks and nuns about the CCP CC’s Nationality Policy, to engineer more ‘patriotic, law-abiding good citizens, good monks and most importantly to let them understand CCP’s care and concern towards them.”

The monks and nuns were given 220.74 Yuan each as ‘subsistence allowance.’ According to the report, the monks and nuns repeatedly thanked the TMC authorities and reaffirmed their determination to safeguard national unity, oppose secession and participate in strengthening the management of the Temple Committees. 

Lhoka Public Security Bureau held Meeting

February 13, 2015

The Lhoka (Ch: Shannan) Public Security Bureau under the auspices of its Secretary Jigme held a meeting on February 13, 2015. Jigme who is also a Standing Member of the Lhoka Party Committee, Secretary of Lhoka Political and Legal Committee and Lhoka Police Department, reviewed the 2014 work report of the Lhoka Public Security Department and discussed public security work for the year 2015.

The meeting was attended by major leaders of Public Security Bureau of all the counties of Lhoka, Fire Brigade Officers, Lhoka Forest Public Security Bureau and Border Detachment cadres. The meeting commended and awarded some officials of Lhoka Police Department for their contribution in public security for the year 2014.

The meeting approved the following Security Work Plan for 2015:

1.High Vigilance and firm Political Stand:  the officials attending the meeting were told to maintain a very high degree of vigilance and a firm political stand.  They were told to uphold the regional leadership, maintain stability of the Public Security Bureau Headquarters and fulfil the overall work requirements of the Public Security Bureau, to ensure sustained and stable social situation in the region.

2. Intelligence and Information: The Lhoka Public Security Bureau plans to strengthen intelligence work and information gathering, increase patrolling in the region, and implement strict control measures to fight against “Suicides, terrorism, separatism” in the region. 

3.Grass root infrastructure, Public Security, Prevention and Control measures: One of the work plans of the Lhoka Public Security Bureau for 2015 is to strengthen and upgrade police forces, police training and education, the intensive study of rules and regulations, remove bottlenecks to solving of public security issues and reinforce stability maintenance at the grass root levels.

4. Enforcement of Prison law and discipline: The officials of Lhoka Public Security Bureau were asked to implement the rules and regulations of the detention Centres, and enhance their ability to enforce prison laws and discipline.

5. Comprehensive implementation of the “Four-building” measures: Officials were asked to put into practice the “Four-building” blocks of public security as prescribed in the work plans of the PSB which are: basic information, level of combat capability, law enforcement standardization and team regularization.

Head of CCP CC’s UFWD with the Chinese appointed “Panchen Lama”

February 12, 2015

Sun Chunlan, Director of the CCP CC’s United Front Work Department (UFWD), met the Chinese appointed 11th Panchen Lama Gyaltsen Norbu, on February 12, 2015 in Beijing. 

Sun extended her greetings to the “Panchen Lama” for the Lunar New Year and Tibetan New Year, which coincide on February 19 this year. 

Gyaltsen Norbu expressed his gratitude to the ‘goodwill of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, saying he would inherit and carry forward the patriotic tradition of his predecessors and live up to the expectations of the Party, the country and Buddhists.’ 

Sun said the Central Committee has paid close attention to cultivating Tibetan Buddhism personages since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012. She said she hopes that the “Panchen Lama” will continue to champion the CCP’s leadership and national unification and solidarity and study modern sciences and humanities knowledge as well as Buddhism. 

(Comment: Gyaltsen Norbu was born on February 1990 in Lhari County of Nagchu Prefecture of Tibet and was appointed by the CCP as the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama in November 1995 via a lottery draw among three candidates in Jokhang Temple in Lhasa. Gedhun Choekyi Nyima recognized by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on May 14, 1995 was soon abducted by CCP and his whereabouts is still unknown. )

RELIGION RELATED NEWS

New Year Video Message to Tibetans “home and abroad” by CCP appointed Panchen Lama

February 19, 2015

Gyaltsen Norbu (Ch: Gyaincain Norbu) the Communist Party of China (CCP) appointed “Panchen Lama” who is also Vice President of the Buddhist Association of China since 2010 and member of the Standing Committee of the CCP Central Committee‘s Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), broadcast a video message conveying Tibetan New Year greetings on the first day of the Tibetan New Year via the Tibetan Language Program of China National Radio. The 59-second video showed the “Panchen Lama” conveying following message: 

“As the 17th cycle of the Tibetan calendar - the Year of Wood Sheep approaches, I'd like to extend my New Year greetings to our Tibetan compatriots at home and abroad via the Tibetan Language Program of China National Radio.

I hope you continue to have faith in the Triratna (Buddha, Dharma and Sangha) and Karma，scorn the wrong and choose the right, and carry forward ethnic Tibetans' fine traditions and morality.

On every inch of this vast land, I hope you will all be freed from disease, disaster, war and hunger.

Wishing you all good health, success and happiness in the New Year!

Tashi Delek!”

“Cultural and Scientific Knowledge” to Monks and Nuns in Shigatse

February 02, 2014

The Tibet Public Security Border Defense Corps and the Lixin Police Station of Shigatse Brigade went to Monasteries and nunneries to “help” monks and nuns study scientific and cultural knowledge in order to further strengthen the management of the Buddhist institutions. The Lixin (Tib: Dingye) Police Station authorities said they had intensely planned and sent ‘capable, responsible’ civilian police to spread ‘scientific and cultural knowledge in monasteries and nunneries. 

They said that civilian police are aware that to achieve a breakthrough in the management of monasteries and nunneries it is important to let monks and nuns study ‘scientific and cultural knowledge and enhance their morality.’ The police authorities have also incorporated Chinese language as the preferred subject with monks and nuns required to devote three hours per week to improve their Chinese reading and writing skills. They are required to read the ‘Tibet Daily’, ‘Lhasa Evening News,’ News from Chinese border police etc.

The report claimed that a majority of monks and nuns have recognized the efforts of the police forces. It added that this engagement of police forces in Monastery and Nunnery Management is broadly aimed at instilling the knowledge among monks and nuns that the CCP and the Chinese nation care for their betterment and that they should be grateful to the CCP and stop indulging in “separatist” activities. 

Rewards for ‘anti-terror’ tip-offs

January 31, 2015

TAR authorities on January 31, 2015, decided to offer up to 300,000 Yuan (48,003.8 US dollars) to whistle blowers who provide clues concerning violent terror attacks in an attempt to promote stability in the region. 

According to a document published by the TAR Regional Public Security Department (RPSD), the reward will include tip-offs on overseas terrorist organizations and activities of their members inside China, the spread of religious extremism, terror related propaganda, those producing, selling and owning weapons, activities that help terrorists cross national borders and terror activities via the internet. 

The RPSD document said people can report tips through the "110" emergency line or go to the police department to report in person. The quantum of reward will be based on the significance of the tip-off. Anonymous tip-offs will not be rewarded and the safety of the tipsters will be protected. The document said people who falsely accuse others and spread fabricated information will be investigated for legal responsibility.

DEVELOPMENT RELATED NEWS

Tibet’s urban residents to reach 30 pct by 2020

February 12, 2015

TAR People’s Government recently proposed to upgrade four areas in its prefectures to cities, thereby increasing the number of urban residents to over 30 percent by 2020. 

The TAR authorities under the auspices of the CCP divided the entire TAR into seven prefectures and cities. Cities include Lhasa，Chamdo and Shigatse，and prefectures include Nagri，Lhoka, Nyingchi and Nagchu. The authorities claimed that Chamdo and Shigatse prefectures became cities in 2014, bringing the number of cities in Tibet to three. The upgrading of the two prefectures has increased urbanization and boosted development of Tibet’s eastern, central and western areas.

Chamdo’s Vice Mayor Ma Lingtian said the new city is expected to be better managed. He said the people of Chamdo can expect more opportunities to participate in government and social affairs and peripheral towns will also witness expanded development.

Existing urban areas across Tibet are set to enlarge. Lhasa is set to extend to the suburban Tsethang Township. Shigatse will witness an east-west urbanized belt centred in the Samdrutse District. Zayu Township in Nyingchi, the Karuchu District in Chamdo，Nagchu Township in northern Tibet and Sengye Township in western Tibet, as well as towns along border areas and highways, will also see development.

China, Nepal set up organization for cultural cooperation

February 13, 2014

A non-governmental Nepal-China Cultural organization named ‘Kailash’ was set up on February 2 in Kathmandu. The organization aims to ‘promote understanding, trust and friendship between the Chinese and Nepalese people through activities related to Tibetan Buddhism.’

Wu Chuntai, China's Ambassador to Nepal said during the opening ceremony that ‘Tibetan culture is an important part of the Chinese culture, and is also an important part of Sino-Nepali exchanges. He hoped the establishment of this organization would further promote the development of the bilateral ties.’

2015 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between China and Nepal. The sponsors of the organization include expatriate Tibetans who have lived in Nepal for 20 years.

MISCELLANIOUS 

Officials /Cadres suspended, under-investigation or removed from their posts for alleged corruption (2014-2015)

1. The former Party chief of Qinghai-Tibet Railway Co, Xu Shuangyong, (Ethnicity: Han) has been placed under investigation for alleged corruption according to local authorities on December 23, 2014. The Henan Provincial People's Procuratorate confirmed that it has opened an investigation into allegations that Xu Shuangyong accepted bribes.

2. The TAR Commission for Discipline Inspection announced on January 20, 2015, that Zhu Taizhong (Ethnicity: Han), Deputy Inspector of TAR Information and Technology, has been expelled from the Party for “serious discipline violations.” Zhu Tai was under investigation by the TAR Commission for Discipline Inspection since September 23, 2014 for “Violation of Party Discipline.”

3. Lobsang Tsering, (Ethnicity: Tibetan), Secretary of the CCP Committee of the TAR’s Transportation Department, is the subject of an investigation relating to “serious disciplinary violations”. Lobsang Tsering had been transferred to the TAR’s Transportation Department after having served as the Secretary of the Party Committee of Tibet’s Shannan (Tibetan: Lhoka) Prefecture from 2006 to 2011.

4. Wangdu (Ethnicity: Tibetan). He is the Director of Burang (Ch: Pulan) County Health Service Centre in Ngari Prefecute (Ch: Ali). 

5. Wang Jin (Ethnicity: Han Chinese), a former Deputy Secretary and Standing Committee Member of Chamdo People’s Congress.

6. Ba Cengyan, (Nationality: Han) Party Secretary of Dasa Township of Amdo County of Nagchu Prefecture (Ch: Nagqu) has been expelled from the Township Party Committee on charges of corruption and his case has been transferred to judicial organs.

7. Tsering Wangdu (Ethnicity: Tibetan), a former Deputy Secretary and current Mayor of the same town of Amdo County was allegedly under investigation for serious violations of Party law.

8. Wei Pu, (Ethnicity: Han), Deputy Political Commissar of the Tibet Military District. According to data released in January 2015, 56-year old Wei Pu worked in the Chengdu Military Region for a long time and in November 2011, was appointed the Deputy Political Commissar of the Tibet Military District. It said that "Wei Pu, Deputy Political Commissar of the Tibet Military District was accused of serious violations of discipline in April 2014, and later on July 2014, the case was transferred to the military judicial organs”. According to the report, Wei Pu worked in the Tibet Military District for a long duration and had worked together with the former Deputy Commander of the Chengdu Military Region, Yang Jinshan, who has already been sacked.

9. Tibet County Department of Education, Secretary Deng Shengke (Ethnicity: Han), was expelled from the party on account of serious violation of discipline, he is dismissed from the service and the case has been handed to the judiciary organs.

10. Deputy Mayors Zhang Lingyun (Ethnicity: Han) and Yang Daxiang (Ethnicity) of Deqing(Tibetan: Dechen) County, Tibet was expelled from the party on charges of Serious violation of discipline, he is dismissed from the service and the case has been handed to the judiciary organs

11. Peng Shouchang (Ethnicity: Han) Director of the TAR’s Ministry of Information Industry and SMEs, was dismissed for alleged “serious violation of discipline”.

12. According to the website of Tibet's Discipline Inspection and Supervision Commission, Yu Tian Dehuang, (Ethnicity: Han) Deputy Director (department level)  of TAR’s Lhasa City Economic and Technological Development Zone Party Working Committee, was removed for alleged “serious violation of discipline”.

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