Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, April 17: Two Tibetan monks from Chu Khama Monastery in Machu County, identified as Samten Gyatso and Jamyang Samten, have remained in detention for more than a year following their arrest by Chinese authorities, with no information available regarding their current condition or whereabouts, according to a report by the Dharamshala-based Tibetan media outlet Tibet Times.
Samten Gyatso had previously come under scrutiny for sharing images of the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, on social media platforms including WeChat. Police are reported to have conducted multiple searches of his monastic quarters, confiscating religious and literary materials, including a book titled The Buddha’s Appearance in the Land of Snow. He was also reportedly questioned after composing a short tribute marking the anniversary of the Dalai Lama’s Nobel Peace Prize. Though he was released following earlier interrogations, these incidents appear to have contributed to heightened surveillance.
Similarly, Jamyang Samten had engaged in online community activities, including the creation of a digital group used to disseminate information among the public. He had also authored a book, which reportedly led to accusations of unauthorized publication without obtaining the required state approvals. Although he had previously been detained and later released on these grounds, such activities may have contributed to his subsequent arrest.
The two monks were reportedly detained under separate circumstances. Sources indicate that one was taken directly from the monastery, while the other was summoned by local police after his mobile phone had been confiscated. He was instructed to collect the device, but upon arrival, he was detained and has not been released since.
More than a year after their detention, Chinese authorities have yet to disclose any official details about the monks’ status. The exact dates of their arrests also remain unclear, and communication with individuals connected to the case has reportedly become increasingly difficult, raising concerns over enforced incommunicado detention.
Although no formal charges have been publicly confirmed, sources suggest that the detentions may be linked to material discovered on their mobile phones. Authorities are believed to have found images of the Tibetan national flag during routine phone inspections. Both monks had reportedly undergone repeated interrogations prior to their detention, despite the absence of any formal accusations at the time.
The prolonged detention of the two monks, in the absence of formal charges or access to legal representation, highlights persistent concerns over restrictions on religious freedom and freedom of expression in Tibet under Chinese colonial rule.
