Chinese Crackdown on Tibetan Buddhism
Young Monks Relocated from Kirti Monastery
In Ngaba County, Sichuan Province, Chinese authorities have intensified their crackdown on Tibetan Buddhism by relocating hundreds of young monks from Kirti Monastery to state-run boarding schools. These students, aged 6 to 17, face strict conditions, receiving education only in Mandarin and are not allowed to leave or contact their families.
Attempts to escape result in severe consequences, with students treated like criminals. In July, the closure of the monastic school at Kirti Monastery left over 1,000 young monks without their educational institution, transferring them to state-run “colonial-style” schools. Similarly, Lhamo Kirti Monastery in Dzoge County closed its school, affecting more than 600 students.
Parents were coerced into signing agreements for their children’s transfer to government-run institutions for “patriotic education.” Beijing’s regulations require monastic students to be at least 18, patriotic, and compliant with national laws. Tibetan advocates see these actions as efforts to suppress Tibetan culture and enforce loyalty to China.
Students face isolation and inadequate medical care, while parents face threats of imprisonment for attempting visits. Surveillance and restrictions have increased in Ngaba County, with a senior official overseeing these measures. Communication with the outside world is heavily restricted, with arrests made for contacting Tibetans outside the region.
The Chinese government claims these measures are for national unity, but Tibetans argue they violate human rights and aim to erase their cultural identity.
Doubts Revealed
Chinese Crackdown -: A crackdown is when a government takes strong action to control or stop something. In this case, the Chinese government is taking strict measures against Tibetan Buddhism.
Tibetan Buddhism -: Tibetan Buddhism is a form of Buddhism practiced in Tibet, a region in China. It has its own unique traditions and practices.
Kirti Monastery -: Kirti Monastery is a famous Buddhist monastery in Tibet where monks live and study. It is an important place for Tibetan Buddhism.
State-run boarding schools -: These are schools run by the government where students live and study. In this context, the Chinese government is sending young monks to these schools.
Sichuan Province -: Sichuan Province is a region in China. It is known for its spicy food and is where the young monks are being relocated.
Mandarin -: Mandarin is the official language of China. The young monks are being taught only in this language at the state-run schools.
Patriotic education -: Patriotic education is teaching students to love and be loyal to their country. In this case, it means teaching the young monks to be loyal to China.
Tibetan advocates -: Tibetan advocates are people who support and fight for the rights and culture of Tibetan people. They are concerned about the actions of the Chinese government.