By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, Feb. 18: Tibetans in Ngaba town in Ngaba County, Sichuan province and Mangra County area of Tsolho in Qinghai province have reportedly been holding prayers for the good health of the Dalai Lama from the secrecy of their homes following strict measures to crackdown on mass prayers and assembly of Tibetans by the Chinese authorities.
“They were worried and wanted to conduct a large prayer service for his speedy recovery, but because of Chinese restrictions, it is difficult to form a large prayer congregation, So many individuals have been praying in the privacy of their homes.” an unnamed source from the area told the Radio Free Asia news agency.
Tibetans in the area have been conducting prayers through We-chat and mobile texts, the source mentioned.
Earlier last week, rights group Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy said that the Abbot of Chongri Monastery named Pagah and Geshe Orgyen were detained following a mass prayer ceremony organized on 25 January by both the monastic and lay community in Tehor Township in Drango County.
Before that, in Drango County, authorities imposed a strict order banning all pictures of the Dalai Lama for sale or display in the County. The order prescribed against the risk of prosecution, the mandatory surrender of any Dalai Lama photos on sale and stock to authorities. Shopkeepers, who fail to comply with the set date to hand over all stocks of Dalai Lama photographs, cease sale and even display photos in shops risked to face punishment.
