By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, July 31: The Tibetan nomad who took Chinese officials and police by surprise at an annual horse racing festival in Lithang with his speech demanding the return of the exiled Tibetan leader to Tibet and release of the jailed Panchen Lama in 2007 has been released from prison.
Rungye Adrak, then 52, was arrested immediately after his impromptu speech at the festival attended by thousands of Tibetans and Chinese government dignitaries including police officials in Lithang on August 1, 2007. He was sentenced to eight years in prison on charges of ‘provocation to subvert state power’ among others.
Late last night around 1 AM local time, Chinese prison authorities from the Mianyang prison, Sichuan Province, where Adrak was held, dropped him home without any prior notice to his family. His health condition and other details could not be ascertained as of now, although he was known to be in poor health earlier.
A native of Yonru Khashi Village, Ponkhog in Lithang , Adrak surprised everyone when he suddenly appeared on the stage, grabbed the microphone and criticized the Chinese government.
“He began by asking fellow Tibetans to stop getting into petty fights among themselves for land and gathering yartsa gunbo, and asked all Tibetans to unite. And when he had the full attention of the crowd he asked whether they want His Holiness the Dalai Lama to return to Tibet. The audience that consisted mostly of nomads responded in unison that they all want their leader to return to Tibet. And everybody cheered, clapping and whistling,” Adrak’s son Rungye Jamyang said.
He demanded that His Holiness the Dalai Lama should be welcomed to Tibet and the Panchen Lama and Tulku Tenzin Delek must be released by China.
Local Tibetans pleading for his release were forcibly dispersed and international outcry for his release categorically ignored. He was prosecuted by the Kardze Intermediate People’s Court on charges that included ‘disruption of law and order’ and ‘state subversion’.
Tenzin Jigdel of the International Tibet Network which had initiated campaigns for his release told Phayul, “We are happy to learn that a true Tibetan hero has been released. He has challenged the Chinese government and its repressive implications and depicted a steadfast dedication for his people that have inspired all freedom loving people”.
Tibetan exiles rejoiced the homecoming of the father of eleven and “a true patriot” by updating their Facebook profile picture with Adrak’s pictures.
