China Bolstering Its Stronghold On Tibetans.

Lasa/London; April 2026: For decades China has been the officio guardian of the Tibet – imposing their stronghold amongst the Tibetans, although the godly nation is considered to be one of the poorest nation in the world.

Of late, the Chinese regime has augmented their control on the Tibetan Monastery, thereby sanctioning the Tibetans free-hand during rituals. From March 27th to 30th – Chinese security forces had imposed sweeping restrictions around Lung Ngon Monastery in Gade County, Golog, during the funeral rites of the late Choktrul Hungkar Dorje Rinpoche. Police and military personnel reportedly surrounded the monastery, severely limiting the movement and activities of monks and local Tibetans.

Authorities had detained Venerable Ugyen Jangchup without explanation. Although released around midnight, sources allege he was physically assaulted while in custody at the Gade County police station and instructed to report back to a detention centre within 03 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. One 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 links the tensions to earlier accusations by Chinese authorities against Rinpoche. He was reportedly criticised for not organising a formal for the state-appointed Panchen Lama, Gyaltsen Norbu, during a 2024 visit. Authorities have also accused him of “inciting trouble” through his educational and philanthropic initiatives.

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, as reported by official sources (requested anonymity).

Earlier, on March 12 this year – China has introduced the “Ethnic Unity And Progress Law”, raising deep concerns over the preservation of linguistic and cultural identity among ethnic minorities, particularly Tibetans, according to a report by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).

As cited by the CTA report, the legislation mandates the use of Mandarin as the primary language of instruction from preschool through high school for ethnic minority groups, including Tibetans, Uyghurs, and Mongolians. The policy prioritises Mandarin across education, public life, and media, alongside a revised “Standard Language Law” that further strengthens state control and promotes cultural assimilation. The report highlighted that the law enforced compulsory Mandarin education for children from ethnic minority backgrounds starting before kindergarten and continuing through the end of high school. This shift effectively replaces native language instruction in several core subjects, posing what the CTA describes as a “significant challenge” to the preservation of the Tibetan language and cultural heritage.

In response to these developments, the CTA report noted that the Parents Committee (2025-26) of the London School of Tibetan Language and Culture, under the guidance of Representative Tsering Yangkyi from the Office of Tibet in London, has initiated a weekly inter-house reward programme aimed at promoting the use of Tibetan among students. As detailed in the report, the initiative encouraged students to actively speak Tibetan within the school environment. Those who make genuine efforts are awarded five points in the form of £5 prop money by adult members of the school. Each morning, the parents’ committee distributes this prop currency to adults, who then reward students accordingly.

Students submit their earnings to their respective house prefects, and weekly totals are calculated, with winners announced during the Sunday morning assembly. The CTA report further stated that to reinforce language usage, students are assigned simple topics such as “My School”; “My Family”; and “My Country Tibet” to prepare at home and discuss in Tibetan at school. The initiative has reportedly received an enthusiastic response with students actively engaging and making sincere efforts to incorporate Tibetan into their daily interactions.

Building on the programme’s success, and following further guidance from Representative Tsering Yangkyi, the school is set to introduce additional measures from July 1, 2026. As cited by the CTA report, these include the introduction of a gentle corrective approach when non-Tibetan languages are used, particularly by adults, to set a strong example for students.

Additionally, short video messages of the Dalai Lama will be played in Tibetan during morning assemblies. Gyalrab (Tibetan history) lessons, which are currently conducted in English, will transition to Tibetan. Parents are also being strongly encouraged to use Tibetan at home and to ensure that children respond in the language.

The CTA report concludes that with the implementation of such policies in Tibet, the Tibetan language and cultural identity face an increased risk of systematic erosion. However, it underscores that through strengthened individual and collective efforts, at home, in schools, and within the broader Tibetan community, there remains hope that Tibetan language and heritage will continue to thrive for future generations.

Suvro Sanyal – Team Maverick.