China deploys hundreds of troops to Larung Gar, intensifies religious crackdown in Tibet
Increased Chinese Military Presence at Larung Gar Buddhist Academy in Tibet
Larung Gar Buddhist Academy, the world's largest Tibetan Buddhist study center, is experiencing a significant rise in Chinese military presence. The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) reported that around 400 Chinese military personnel have been deployed to the academy in Serthar County, Karze, located in the Tibetan Kham region, now part of Sichuan Province. This deployment includes helicopter surveillance, indicating heightened monitoring of the religious site.
New regulations are expected to be enforced at Larung Gar in 2025, including a 15-year residency limit and mandatory registration for all monks and nuns. The government also plans to reduce the number of religious practitioners, with reports of Chinese students being asked to leave.
Established in 1980, Larung Gar has been a key center for Tibetan Buddhist education, attracting thousands of monks and nuns. However, it has faced frequent crackdowns by Chinese authorities, notably in 2001 and between 2016 and 2017, when many residential structures were demolished, and practitioners were evicted, reducing the population significantly.
The recent military buildup and upcoming regulations are part of Beijing's broader strategy to control Buddhist institutions and limit religious freedom in Tibet. The Tibet issue remains contentious, with historical tensions dating back to China's assertion of sovereignty over Tibet in 1951, leading to ongoing disputes over human rights and cultural preservation.
Doubts Revealed
Larung Gar Buddhist Academy
Larung Gar is a large Buddhist academy located in Tibet, where monks and nuns study Buddhism. It is one of the largest centers for Buddhist learning in the world.
Tibet
Tibet is a region in Asia, located to the north of India. It is known for its unique culture and history, and many people there practice Buddhism.
Chinese military presence
This means that soldiers from China are being stationed at Larung Gar. They are there to keep an eye on the activities and control the area.
Central Tibetan Administration
The Central Tibetan Administration is like a government for Tibetans who live outside of Tibet. They work to preserve Tibetan culture and seek more freedom for Tibetans.
Helicopter surveillance
This means that helicopters are flying over Larung Gar to watch what is happening there. It is a way for the military to monitor the area from the sky.
Residency limit
This is a rule that will only allow monks and nuns to live at Larung Gar for 15 years. After that, they will have to leave.
Registration for monks and nuns
Monks and nuns will have to officially sign up or register to live and study at Larung Gar. This helps the authorities keep track of who is there.
Religious practitioners
These are people who practice a religion, like monks and nuns who follow Buddhism at Larung Gar.
Crackdowns
Crackdowns are actions taken by authorities to control or stop certain activities. In this case, it refers to the Chinese government taking strict measures against Larung Gar.
Tibet's autonomy
Autonomy means having the freedom to govern oneself. Tibet's autonomy refers to the desire of many Tibetans to have more control over their own region and culture, separate from China's government.
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