Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 22 (ANI): Chinese authorities have destroyed more than 300 Buddhist stupas and revered statues in Drakgo (Chinese: Luhuo) County of the Karze (Ganzi) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture last month, intensifying a crackdown on Tibet’s religious and cultural identity, according to the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).
The destruction took place in late May or June 2025 at Lungrab Zang-ri, near Janggang Monastery. Chinese forces reportedly dismantled hundreds of medium-sized stupas—structures of profound significance in Tibetan Buddhism—along with three larger stupas. Officials also demolished a recently erected statue of Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok, the late founder and abbot of Serthar Buddhist Institute, as well as a sacred statue of Guru Padmasambhava, known as Guru Rinpoche, or “precious master,” the CTA said.
The report states that Chinese authorities have imposed a strict information blackout in the region. Locals have been warned that speaking about the incident or communicating with outsiders could result in detention on charges of “leaking state secrets.” The area surrounding the demolished sites remains sealed off, and all evidence of the destroyed structures has been removed. Chinese officials have justified the actions by claiming the stupas were built on “government land” in violation of unspecified regulations, the CTA added.
The demolitions are part of a broader campaign of intimidation against Tibetan religious leaders, scholars, and prominent figures. Those who resist China’s assimilationist “re-education” programs face arbitrary detention, lengthy imprisonment, and social ostracism. Some have disappeared without a trace or died in secret executions.
The persecution has also targeted individuals like Tulku Hungkar Dorje, who was repeatedly interrogated and falsely accused of refusing to host China’s appointed Panchen Lama, composing long-life prayers for the Dalai Lama, and opposing Chinese policies in his educational work in Golog, Amdo. Forced to flee to Vietnam, Dorje was later found dead in Chinese police custody on March 28 following a covert operation between Chinese and Vietnamese authorities. Despite international appeals, both governments have withheld information, conducted a secret funeral, and maintained an information blackout.
New regulations have further curtailed religious freedom by restricting lamas, religious leaders, and reincarnate Tulkus from freely conducting spiritual activities. Some have been placed under house arrest, and a climate of fear and despair has taken hold in Tibet’s Buddhist community.
The crackdown is not confined to Drakgo County. In June, Chinese authorities imposed additional restrictions across the Karze region linked to the demolitions. During July, coinciding with global celebrations of the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday and his teachings, officials banned all public gatherings in Karze and neighboring areas through July 23, according to the CTA.
(ANI)
About The Author
