By Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, April 6: A Tibetan monk named Pema hailing from Surima village in Ngaba County was arrested during a peaceful protest along the renowned ‘Martyr’s Road’ on March 26, reported by Tibetan news outlet Tibet Times.
According to a source inside Tibet, Pema, a monk from Kirti Monastery, embarked on a solo protest carrying a large portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet, while shouting slogans. Pema’s protest was immediately halted, and he was arrested .
Following Pema’s arrest, security measures have been intensified, with a significant deployment of armed forces in Ngaba town and around Kirti Monastery, the same source said. Over the years, the restive Ngaba region has seen numerous protests including a string of self immolations, many of them monks, protesting against the Chinese rule and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama .
Pema is a student of Buddhist philosophy and served as a teacher in the preliminary Buddhist study section at Kirti Monastery. Pema’s full name, family background, and his current whereabouts following his arrest remain unknown, raising concerns about his well-being and the extent of repercussions he may face at the hands of Chinese authorities.
China should release Tibetan monk Pema from its unlawful dentition. Free Pema and Free Tibet. China has no right to rule Tibet; its unlawful occupation of Tibet must end.
Free East Turkestan! Free Inner Mongolia! Free Hong Kong!