Dharamshala May 29 – In yet another breach of religious freedom China ordered Tibetans not to visit temples and monasteries during the month of Saka (the holy fourth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar) which began yesterday. Tibetan Buddhists believe that generous deeds committed during the month will yield more merit.
Orders have been issued to Tibetan employees in the government asking them to refrain from going to temples during the month or they would not be given salaries, sources say.
“Government employees in Lhasa have been ordered not to take part in religious activities during Saka month and if they did, their salaries would be withheld,” a resident of Lhasa said on condition of anonymity.
Unusually though, the order was directed only to the government employees and not to the general public. But Tibetan activists here say that it is still a serious breach of rights.
