US calls for Larung demolition in Tibet

DHARAMSHALA, August 11: The United States yesterday called for an immediate stop of all demolition activities at the Larung Gar Buddhist Academy in Serthar County in Tibet’s Kardze region.

Responding to a reporter’s question on the ongoing demolition of Tibet’s largest Buddhist institution, US State Department Spokesperson Elizabeth Trudeau said the US is concerned that the Chinese authorities started the demolition of houses in Buddhist institute without the consent of the leaders of the school. “We urge the authorities to cease the actions, which could increase tensions and to continue the direct consultations with the leaders of the school to deal with any security problem in a way that does not violate the right of Tibetans to freely practice their religion,” she said.

It has been 22 days since the demolitions began on July 20. According to media reports, over 600 dwellings have been torn down within days with around 200 houses being turned into rubbles each day.  

Exile Tibetans including Prime Minster (Sikyong) Dr. Lobsang Sangay and Tibetan NGOs have urged the UN and the international communities to intervene in the matter and hold China accountable for their action.

The institution, Tibetan exiles say, is currently being demolished under the pretext of renovation works to create more accessibility in case of fire mishaps. 

A Tibetan nun studying at the academy committed suicide by hanging her self on July 20 in protest of the demolition of her institute.