">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Tibetans mark sombre New Year after unrest
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Australia
China
India
Indonesia
Japan
Malaysia
Philippines
Thailand
Vietnam
Search
Search:
Tibetans mark sombre New Year after unrest
Reuters - Wednesday, February 25
By Ben Blanchard
ADVERTISEMENT
TONGREN, China - Tibetans living near the birthplace of the Dalai Lama marked their traditional New Year on Wednesday in quiet defiance and mourning a year after the region erupted in deadly riots and protests against Chinese rule.
Next month also marks the 50th anniversary of the exile of the Dalai Lama, following a failed insurrection against China, and there is intense security across Tibet itself and many neighbouring areas with many ethnic Tibetans.
Qinghai, an arid, mountainous province of China next to the Tibet Autonomous Region, is the early childhood home of the Dalai Lama, the Buddhist leader whom Beijing blames for inspiring the unrest that swept Tibetan areas last year, prompting a widespread security crackdown.
Tibet's regional capital, Lhasa, is still under intense security. Last year, protests led by monks gave way to anti-Chinese riots on March 14 that killed 19 people. The subsequent crackdown prompted overseas protests which disrupted the international leg of the Beijing Olympic torch relay.
Beijing is determined to use this year to argue that its spending, schools and religious policies have done far more for Tibetans than the Dalai Lama and his calls for full regional autonomy. He has repeatedly denied being a separatist or supporting violent unrest.
Liu Yunshan, head of the ruling Communist Party's propaganda department, said it was undeniable that government policies in Tibet "have created one miracle after another," Xinhua news agency reported.
At an exhibition on Tibet in Beijing on Tuesday, Liu said: "Only adhering to Communist Party leadership ... can build a united, prosperous, democratic and civilised Tibet."
But in Tongren, an overwhelmingly Tibetan part of Qinghai, locals said they would quietly show their unhappiness by marking their traditional New Year, or Losar, bereft of celebration.
"There is nothing to celebrate after what happened last year," said Zhihua, a Tibetan Buddhist lama, speaking in heavily accented Mandarin. Many Tibetans use just one name.
"There's nothing planned today," said another monk, Jigmye. "We're remembering the dead from last year. It's a Tibetan tradition."
QUIET AND REFLECTION
The date of the Tibetan New Year depending on the lunar cycle, and most Tibetans mark this year's from Wednesday.
In Tongren, a steady flow of locals walked to a monastery to make offerings and turn prayer wheels while chanting and clutching beads.
There were no displays of joy, but also none of public protest. A few firecrackers could be heard.
Inside the monastery there were several portraits of the Dalai Lama, a show of devotion unthinkable in more strictly controlled areas.
"This is a time for quiet and reflection. Last year was very noisy," said Riden, a 23-year-old resident, speaking in English. He said the snow falling throughout the morning was a sign of a better year ahead.
Xining, the provincial capital of Qinghai, is nearly 2,000 km by train from Lhasa, and at least parts of the province have been spared the pervasive security seen elsewhere.
In Tongren, there was a light police presence in the barren valley dotted with stupas and prayer flags. But even in this relatively placid setting, people talked of their discontent.
"People have been going round the villages quietly spreading the word not to celebrate New Year because of the March 14 incident," said Kara, a ruddy-faced high school student, who asked to be identified using her English name.
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Recommend this article
Average (0 votes)
Sign in to recommend this article »
Most Recommended Stories »
Related Articles: Asia Pacific
Ahtisaari warns Indonesia over fragile Aceh peaceAFP - 1 hour 14 minutes ago
33 dead after bus plunges into river in IndiaAP - 1 hour 33 minutes ago
Gun battle erupts in Bangladesh security force HQ: policeAFP - 1 hour 35 minutes ago
Thai PM defies protesters as rally enters second dayAFP - 1 hour 43 minutes ago
Aus firefighters race to beat new dangerAFP - 1 hour 46 minutes ago
Most Popular – Asia Pacific
Viewed
First Chinese-American governor likely Obama commerce pick
Iraqi police shoot dead four US soldiers: ministry
34,000 apply for 'the best job in the world'
Bernanke eyes recovery, Japan PM call for dollar confidence
World stocks mostly rally on Citigroup report
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Wednesday, 25 February 2009 Blast kills 4 U.S. coalition troops, Afghan civilian
| International
|
UK government refuses to publish pre-Iraq war discussion
| International
|
Holocaust-denying bishop leaves Argentina
| International
|
Oscar-Nominated 'Waltz with Bashir' Breaks Barriers In Arab World
Fighting kills at least 13 in Somali capital
| International
|
Tibetan regions tense ahead of anniversaries
| International
|
Yemen court sentences 3 militants to 7 years jail
| International
|
Too much PlayStation may cause painful lumps
| Technology
|
DirecTV, DISH ask U.S. lawmakers for rural incentives
| Technology
|
Holocaust-Denying Catholic Bishop Scuffles With Reporter
NASA's Pioneering CO2 Monitoring Satellite Fails To Reach Orbit, Believed To Have Crashed Into Ocean Near Antartica
Holder Is Designated Successor While Obama Addresses Joint Session Of Congress Tuesday
Survey: Americans Support Spending For Job Creation, No To More Corporate Bailouts
Update: Obama Welcomes Prime Minister Taro Aso; Calls Japan 'A Great Partner'
Consumer Confidence Tumbles To New Low
Massachusetts Reassesses Gambling Plans
New Survey Finds 59% Of Employees Take Confidential Company Data When Fired Or Quit
New Survey Finds Top Concern Stemming From Recession Is Job Loss
Sullenberger, Crew In Hudson Plane Tell House Panel About 'Burned Bird Smell'
Early reviews mixed for Watchmen
| Entertainment
|
Lil Wayne to face NY gun charges after tour
| Entertainment
|
Youth bows to maturity for Rio Carnival queens
| Entertainment
|
Superbrain stuns Britain with genius quiz show run
| Entertainment
|
Naomi Watts in Woody Allen's next film
| Entertainment
|
Holocaust-Denying Catholic Bishop Scuffles With Reporter
NASA's CO2 Monitoring Satellite Launch Fails, Crashes Into Ocean Near Antartica
FDA Approves Shock Device To Treat Severe OCD Cases
Controlling Anger, Managing Stress May Keep Irregular Heartbeats In Check
Sullenberger, Crew In Hudson Plane Tell House Panel About 'Burned Bird Smell'
Officials: Most troops out of Iraq in 18 months
North Korean leader Kim near missile site: report
| International
|
Pakistan vows to 'defeat terror' with Obama
Afghanistan, Pakistan declare new trust in U.S. talks
| International
|
George Clooney Meets With President Obama To Ask To Appoint Sudan Envoy In Darfur
Obama leaning toward 19 months for Iraq withdrawal
Thai PM slips into office as protest drags on
| International
|
Usher's Wife Suffered Cardiac Arrest After Reacting To Anesthesia
US soldier killed in police attack in Iraq
Heavy gunfire at Bangladesh paramilitary HQ
| International
|
On the bright side: scientists test 'happy' gene
Syria dismisses IAEA uranium find at bombed site
Bernanke eyes recovery, Japan PM call for dollar confidence
Lebanon Hariri tribunal starts work on Sunday
Just being overweight can shorten lifespan: study
Tibetans mark somber New Year after unrest
| International
|
Israel says no plans yet to demolish Jerusalem homes
Bernanke cautiously maintains recovery outlook
Israel's Peres ushers in right-leaning parliament
In Asia, suicides rise due to financial crisis
| International
|
CORRECTED: More records at crisis-defiant YSL art sale
US soldiers wounded, interpreter killed in Iraq
French state to take 20 pct stake in new bank: presidency
Swiss finance sector halved if bank secrecy dropped: banker
WHO warns of lengthy wait for bird flu vaccine
US consumer confidence dives to new all-time low
Obama says clean energy key to US leadership
Google joins EU antitrust case against Microsoft
| Technology
|
UN chief begins Africa trip noting finance worry
Bold Obama vows America will recover
NASA global warming satellite crashes after launch
Bold Obama demands new age of austerity
Pakistan Still With U.S. In Terror War
Spain Open To Taking In Guantanamo Bay Prisoners
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 584
Study: Personal Care, Household Products May Cause Infertility
British minister targeted by Internet fraudsters: report
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,251
President Obama Addresses Congress: "We Will Rebuild, We Will Recover"
Microsoft offers technology training to US job seekers
Obama vows sacrifice, spending cuts
More Remains Unearthed In Vacant New Mexico Land
SF Chronicle may be closed, sold: Hearst
Officials: US plans new Darfur envoy
Roadside Bomb Kills 4 U.S. Troops, Afghan Civilian
Microsoft expects difficult conditions to continue
Clinton prepares to plunge into Mideast politics
Shooting Mars Mardi Gras Parade In New Orleans, 6 Injured
Google joins EU antitrust case against Microsoft
U.S. Home Prices Slide In December
US soldier killed, three shot in Iraq police station
Wall Street Rallies On Bernanke Comments
Google apologizes for Gmail breakdown
Obama vows America to emerge stronger from crisis
San Francisco Assemblyman Introduces Marijuana Tax Legislation
Micron to cut 2,000 jobs
US official: Gaza reconstruction aid to top $900M
Khodorkovsky back in Moscow for new trial: court
Yahoo offers new tools for targeting online ads
Italy takes first step to return to nuclear energy
DirecTV, DISH ask U.S. lawmakers for rural incentives
Microsoft tailors Windows 7 for netbooks
Visto to buy mobile email rival Good from Motorola
Nokia cuts 1,000 jobs in new restructuring
Slumdog child actors to get new homes in India
| Entertainment
|
Early reviews mixed for Watchmen
| Entertainment
|
U.S. Congress honors late actor Paul Newman
| Entertainment
|
More Gossip in store as CW renews 6 series
| Entertainment
|
Spears' ex-boyfriend faces hit-and-run charges
| Entertainment
|
Conan O'Brien sidekick joins Tonight Show
| Entertainment
|
Booze bust in Brunei nets 1,382 beer cans on boat
Spidey heads to Broadway, with help from U2 pair
| Entertainment
|
Macau security proposal sparks fear in Hong Kong
Gunfight in Bangladesh border guards headquarters
Tibetans mark sombre New Year after unrest
HK pro-China politician condemns Tiananmen actions
Indian police to charge Mumbai attacks gunman
Drought worsens in northwest China
NKorea under growing pressure to scrap rocket launch
Hollywood glamour, hopeful stars dominate ratings
North Korean leader Kim reportedly near missile site
U.S. Congress honors late actor Paul Newman
Sean Penn in talks for film on outed CIA spy: report
NKorea prepares launch: Satellite or missile?
Seoul shares end up helped by KT, but trim gains
Japan's top automakers report plummeting output
Chinese pension fund to step up foreign investment
Schwarzenegger to play himself in Stallone film
China firm buys stake in Australia miner Fortescue
Gondry in talks to direct 'Green Hornet'
FACTBOX-Key issues under South Korea Lee's presidency
Crisis-defying YSL art sale smashes new records
WRAPUP 1-S.Korea finance minister signals change in won stance
The Killers countersue former manager in Las Vegas
NZ's Maari oilfield starts production
Conan O'Brien sidekick joins "Tonight Show"
Korea Hot Stocks
Spears' ex-boyfriend faces hit-and-run charges
Nikkei rises on weaker yen, stock-buying option
Mexico bequeathed 8,000 pre-Hispanic artifacts
China drafting auto industry consolidation plan
Naomi Watts, 'Slumdog' starlet in new Woody Allen pic: report
Britney Spears' ex faces assault charge
List of top 20 shows in prime-time Nielsen ratings
San Francisco Assemblyman Introduces Marijuana Tax Legislation
Turkish airliner crashes at Amsterdam airport, 9 dead
| International
|
Rockets, airstrikes in absence of firm Gaza truce
Iran says no slowdown in its nuclear work
| International
|
Iran tests its first nuclear power plant
Fabolous' Tour Bus Raided, 500lbs. Of Marijuana Confisticated
Iran says nuclear plant could start in months
South Sudan accuses army of trying to restart war
AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Not Exactly A Day At The Beach
Scientists find bigger than expected polar ice melt
India files first charges over Mumbai attacks
| International
|
Syrian ambassador to meet senior U.S. diplomat
Spring Movie Preview
U.N.'s Ban urges Mugabe to free detainees
| International
|
Iran tests first nuclear plant
Rapper Lil Wayne To Stand Trial Over Gun Charges
"The Hills" Star Audrina Patridge Catches House Burglars On Surveillance Tape
Netanyahu turns to the right to form Israel coalition
Pakistan faces instability as Sharifs disqualified
| International
|
Britney's Paparazzo Ex-Boyfriend Adnan Ghalib Charged With Felony Assault
Iran conducts tests on Bushehr nuclear plant
Somalia death toll hits 81 in worst fighting for weeks
| International
|
Scientists find bigger than expected polar ice melt
Holocaust-denying bishop returns to UK
| International
|
US will pull through crisis, Obama vows
Obama gets unity on principles, but details divide
Too much PlayStation may cause painful lumps
| Technology
|
Lenovo to cut 450 China jobs: company
Microsoft says no new cost cuts, shares hit 11-year low
| Technology
|
Biden: Iraq Pullout Date To Be Announced Friday
Retirees Face Financial Difficulties
Universities' Charitable Gifts In 2008 Reached $31.6 Billion
Analysts Say Ford More Likely To Survive Recession Compared To GM, Chrysler
Russia rejects Khodorkovsky sex assault lawsuit: reports
Obama Focuses On Financial Regulatory Reform Ahead Of 2010 Budget Release
Sen. Jim Bunning Threatens To Sue Own Party Over Support In 2010 Race
Holocaust-denying bishop arrives in London
California Opinion Leaders Eye Dropping Of Two-Thirds Vote To Approve State Budget, Taxes
Turkish plane crashes while landing in Amsterdam
Research Finds Past Family Violence Has Negative Effect On Physical, Mental Health Of Older African American Women
Georgia Tops List Of States With Most Number Of Banks With Delinquencies
States Consider Stopping Death Penalty Due To High Cost
India charges Mumbai gunman with murder
Lead singer quits Barenaked Ladies after drug bust
| Entertainment
|
Report: 3 men set themselves on fire in Beijing
Official: Sri Lanka war zone conditions worsen
Dalai Lama says eager to visit Taiwan: report
Asian markets up on Wall Street rally
Chairman of China's Ping An 'skips 2008 pay'
Russia says stolen weapons heading to China found
Pakistani 6-mth T-bill cut off yield at 12.9828 pct
Nepal's ex king leaves on first foreign trip
Pakistani stocks fall 5 pct on political worry
'Late Night' host Fallon just wants to have fun
Three protesters in Beijing immolation bid: police
Taiwan govt denies report of banking consolidation
Nick Mitchell defies 'American Idol' norm
Report: 5 protest organizers detained in SW China
China announces stimulus for metals industry
Senator presses Ticketmaster to sell TicketsNow
Hong Kong economy to shrink up to 3 pct in 2009
Reports: Uzbekistan, NATO reach Afghanistan deal
Saint Laurent auction nets €300 million _ so far
Shooting mars New Orleans Mardi Gras
China to slash nonferrous metals capacity
Toshiba to build 2 US nuclear plants
Making music, not war, in Baghdad
More "Gossip" in store as CW renews 6 series
Nikkei rebounds on weaker yen, stock-buying hopes
Vienna's Theater an der Wien scores another hit with 'Partenope'
"Slumdog" child actors to get new homes in India
Komodo dragon attacks Indonesian park ranger
Ahtisaari warns Indonesia over fragile Aceh peace
More Mysterious Remains Unearthed In Vacant New Mexico Land
States Consider Stopping Death Penalty Due To High Cost
Feeling Exhausted While Exercising Is Sometimes All In The Brain
Cebu Pacific Airplane Stuck On Manila Airport Runway
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights