By Tenzin Monlam
DHARAMSHALA, FEB 3: Arrested for writing a song of praise for the Dalai Lama, Tibetan singer Amchok Phuljung has been released from Sichuan’s Mianyang Prison on Thursday, after serving out his four-year imprisonment term, Radio Free Asia reported.
The singer had expressed appreciation and admiration for the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tibetan Prime Minister (Sikyong) Lobsang Sangay and also included lyrics critical of the Chinese rule.
The Chinese authorities while informing the family members of his release had warned them against people gathering near the prison to welcome him.
“However, when Amchok Phuljung arrived in his home town in Marthang County, there was a warm reception for him that was attended by a lot of people who offered ceremonial scarves and sang songs in his honor,” the source said on condition of anonymity.
The singer was arrested on August 3, 2012 in Barkham County after going into hiding for about two to three months. He was initially incarcerated in an unknown detention center before his sentencing and transfer to Mianyang Prison.
The song that got him arrested was released in May 2012 and was part of his fifth album, titled ‘Our Heavy Responsibility’. According to an earlier report, the album consists of songs praising the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay, whom the Chinese consider as ‘splittists’.
