Mining projects continue to cause a problem within Tibet

There has been further mention of problems caused by Chinese mining facilities within Tibet. On Tuesday, the news from Dharamsala was that toxic waste was causing animal deaths and additionally a potential danger to humanity. On this occasion, the problem stems from the toxic waste created by the mining operations.

The mine currently in question is situated close to Lhasa, in Meldro Gungkar and has already been responsible for more than a thousand cattle deaths. Residents from nearby township Gyama created a petition requesting that mining operations cease. They fear not only that the water contamination will be harmful to cattle and wild animals, but that local plant species and humans will be affected detrimentally.

Due to the Chinese so far ignoring both the problem and petition, the local community is counting on international assistance to prevent a catastrophe. Tibetan residents who spoke to visiting official in June were rewarded with a temporary withdrawal of miners; however, they have since been warned not to interfere with mining activities and been threatened with punishment for political activity.

As the Chinese authorities continue to disregard the local population and sweep aside protests, Tibetans are counting on the world as a whole to step in and put an end to the mining activities. Hopefully, the threat to wildlife will bring in support from nature conservation enthusiasts along with the danger to the human population from the contaminated water urging human rights and health groups to take a stand. The Tibetans themselves now risk being arrested, beaten, tortured, or killed if they continue with their objection beyond the warnings.

Nepal and China to discuss border security next week

 Chinese and Nepalese security authorities will hold a meeting next week to discuss matters related to security along the border between the two countries, reported Nepalese media.

Additional Inspector General Kishor Lama of the Armed Police Force (APF) of Nepal will lead the Nepalese delegation.

Chief District Officers (CDOs) of various hill and mountainous districts including Mustang, Solukhumbu, Sindhuli, Taplejung, Dolakha and Sankhuwasabha and security experts will be included in the Nepali team. The delegation will also include officials from Nepal Police, APF and the National Investigation Department.

Tibetan authorities had closed the Korala Nechung border point in Mustang district time and again as they failed to come together for such meetings.

People living in upper Mustang trade with the border towns of Tibet. The closure of the border along that area had affected residents of Chhoser, Chhunag, Chhonupu, Lomanthang, Ghami, Charang VDCs.

According to local businessmen, Chinese authorities have restricted the movement of Nepalis traders and visitors in the Tibetan market for fear of anti-China activities.

Sundar Raj Adhikari, CDO of Mustang, said his office has started issuing identity cards to traders importing and exporting goods between Tibet and Nepal.

A report recently published by the US based International Campaign for Tibet The ICT documents the insecurity and danger for Tibetans who enter India through Nepal which, it says, has beefed up security at the border with Tibet by deploying Armed Police Force under China’s instruction. “Somewhere between 2,500 and 3,500 Tibetans are registered each year by the UNHCR as "persons of concern" and provided assistance at the Tibetan Refugee Reception Center in Kathmandu.” However, since March 2008 only 652 Tibetans arrived safely at the Kathmandu reception center last year and just over 300 Tibetans have arrived this year.

It also says that the Nepalese government has adopted a hard line against expressions of the Tibetan identity in Nepal, despite strong cultural and religious ties among the Himalayan peoples that have existed for centuries.

Source: Phayul

Chinese consulates in Germany face Free Tibet protests

 Frankfurt, July 31:

Some 20 Free Tibet activists on Friday gathered in front of the Chinese Consulate General in Frankfurt to call for the release of Tibetan filmmaker Dhondup Wangchen.

Chinese authorities arrested Wangchen and his monk assistant Jigme Gyatso in March 2008, amidst growing anti-China unrest in Tibet, for their role in making the documentary “Jigdrel” or “Leaving Fear Behind.”

The 25-minute film was intended to shed light on lives of Tibetans under the Chinese rule in run-up to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

The peaceful protest before the Chinese consulate today came amidst fear that Wangchen could face trial in Chinese court anytime soon after spending more than 18 months under detention. If convicted, Tibetans and activists fear that Wangchen will face imprisonment sentence of up to 15 years.

The small group of protester displayed a huge Tibetan national flag and portraits of Dhondup Wangchen across the street facing the Chinese Consulate here as German police kept a friendly but close watch on them throughout the peaceful demonstration.

The protesters repeatedly shouted “Free Tibet”, “Release Dhondup Wangchen” and “Leaving Fear Behind- Nothing but the Truth!” slogans on loud speakers. Other slogans included “Shame on Chinese Government” and “Release the Political Prisoners”.

The protest demonstration, which lasted for more than an hour, was led by a 22-year old David Demes, a staunch German Tibet supporter and National Director of the Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) Germany.

“We are holding this protest to demand a fair trial and subsequent release of the Tibetan filmmaker Dhondup Wangchen,” Demes told Phayul.


Source: Phayul
Article by:  Phurbu Thinley
(Photo: Phayul.com) 

Mining in Tibet

Recent news relating to Tibet has included the latest updates concerning the Chinese mining companies attempting to extract mineral resources from Tibetan land. This problem is not new; for more than two years mining companies have been 'stealing' the natural resources from Tibetans. You can read a 2007 report relating to this matter here: http://www.studentsforafreetibet.org/article.php?id=1056.

The latest problem refers to a Chinese plan to develop a gold mine on a traditionally sacred site. Despite several weeks of Tibetan protest to the proposed mine, police and security arrived at the site during mid May. Circa 500 Tibetans cared sufficiently to group together to protect the sacred site where Tibetans have traditionally worshiped.

Contact between the local village and the villagers situated at the mine site was terminated by a cut on all their phone systems. These villagers are willing to die for making their stand to protect this sacred area. Further troops have since appeared threatening to force their way through if they need to.

One of the ways those of us who care about this situation can show our support is to sign an endorsement for a moratorium. This is being organized by 'students for a free tibet' and the link to follow if you wish to show your support is http://www.stopminingtibet.com/moratorium.php There is also further information about this issue at their website.

The climate and the economy

Over the past week and a half, items making the news in relation to Tibet have mostly centered on the worsening conditions of the country's climate and the Dalai Lama's discussion regarding the global monetary problems. The global warming problems of melting glaciers are not contained within the Artic and Antarctic regions; Tibet too is suffering, according to the Chinese Meteorological Administration.

The increasing likelihood of floods and drought is stemming from the rising temperatures that are resulting in melting glacial formations and the consequential swelling of lakes upon the Tibetan Plateau. With the localized temperature rising 0.32 degrees per decade over the past 4-5 decades, the district is one of the worst affected worldwide.

Both the Chinese Meteorological Administration and the Tibetan Regional Meteorological Bureau are in agreement that another cause for concern is the retreating permafrost in the vicinity of the railway link between the Tibetan Plateau and Qinghai Province. If neither problem is addressed in time, the loss of millions of lives and the railway link could easily lie ahead. Hopefully, this joint recognition will bring a joint response.

Meanwhile, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been offering his Tibetan advice concerning another global problem - the economy - with Steve Hamm. Amongst his comments, the Dalai Lama offered the following Tibetan saying - "Nine times failure, nine times effort, without discouraging oneself." - and suggested that those hit hard by the economic crisis try to refrain from further anger and frustration. His Holiness puts the worldwide monetary crisis down to greed, and the lack of morals and ethics. He suggests that we focus less on money and more on alternative values, such as family and compassion

(Sources of information: www.tibet.net & Business Week.)