Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Dec. 23: Chinese authorities have reportedly detained over 20 villagers, including Khenpo Tenpa Dhargye from Ponkar village in Darlag County, Golog Prefecture, according to the Tibetan news outlet Tibet Times.
Among those arrested was Gonpo Namgyal, the village chief, who tragically succumbed to injuries sustained from severe beatings and electrocution during his detention. His body was cremated at Thraling Monastery’s cremation ground on the 18th of this month.
Khenpo Tenpa Dhargye, a respected monk and disciple of the late Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok of Larung Gar, led a campaign to preserve the Tibetan language through his organization, “Pure Mother Tongue.” His efforts, including teaching nomadic communities on preserving Tibetan traditions and avoiding the sale of livestock to slaughterhouses, have long been admired by Tibetans. However, these activities have also made him a target of Chinese authorities. In May of this year, Khenpo Tenpa Dhargye, along with over 20 villagers, was summoned to a meeting in Darlag County and subsequently detained.
A source within Tibet told TT, “Khenpo Tenpa Dhargye’s organization carried out extensive Tibetan language preservation campaigns, which greatly benefited the region. Despite his peaceful initiatives, Chinese authorities arrested him and forcibly took him to Golog. His current condition remains unknown, causing significant concern among his followers.”
The same source reported that Gonpo Namgyal, who had been detained alongside Khenpo Tenpa Dhargye, was released after falling severely ill. However, he passed away three days later, on December 18th. When his body was prepared for cremation, it was discovered that his internal organs had suffered extensive damage, allegedly from repeated beatings with electrical equipment during his detention. “For more than seven months, these individuals have endured detention under harsh conditions,” the source added.
