Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) [India], March 31 (ANI): Chinese security forces imposed sweeping restrictions around Lung Ngon Monastery in Gade County, Golog, during the funeral rites of the late Choktrul Hungkar Dorje Rinpoche.
From March 27 to 30, police and military personnel reportedly surrounded the monastery, severely limiting the movement and activities of monks and local Tibetans, Tibet Times reported.
According to the report, authorities detained Venerable Ugyen Jangchup without explanation. Although he was released around midnight, sources alleged he was physically assaulted while in custody at the Gade County police station and instructed to report back to a detention center within three days.
Due to ongoing restrictions, independent verification of his condition remains difficult. Witnesses said officials interfered with funeral proceedings on the first day, ordering the removal of English-language tribute banners and religious inscriptions displayed around the monastery.
Authorities also reportedly banned monks and residents from sharing photos or videos online while subjecting them to continued surveillance and harassment. A local source described the situation as deeply distressing, saying fear had become pervasive.
Additional accounts claim that during Ugyen Jangchup’s detention, his belongings were searched and damaged, while his phone, computer, and even a portrait of the Dalai Lama were confiscated. Officials allegedly indicated he could face extended detention.
The report further linked the tensions to earlier accusations by Chinese authorities against Rinpoche. He was reportedly criticized for not organizing a formal reception for the state-appointed Panchen Lama, Gyaltsen Norbu, during a 2024 visit. Authorities also accused him of “inciting trouble” through his educational and philanthropic initiatives, according to Tibet Times.
Rinpoche had previously disappeared under unclear circumstances. In March 2025, officials informed monastery representatives that he had died in a hospital in Vietnam, though details were not disclosed. Monks sent to verify the claim were allowed only a brief, controlled viewing of his face, and his remains were later cremated without transparency, Tibet Times reported. (ANI)
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