Tibet - Real Life Under Chinese Rule

This is a post from Vim.

An extract from "Friends of Tibet"

Before the Chinese Army Invasion:

Tibet, one of the happiest lands on the Earth, has been traditionally ruled by the Dalai Lamas, the highest institution of reincarnation in the whole of Central Asia. It was always an independent, peaceful state until the invasion by the People's Liberation Army of China in 1949. But to the outside world, Lhasa, the Tibetan capital, was always a Forbidden City. "For many Tibetans material life was hard, but they were not the victims of desire; and in simplicity and poverty among our mountains, perhaps there was more peace of mind than there is in most of the cities of the world," Dalai Lama quotes in his autobiography, My Land and My People.

After the Chinese Army Invasion:

The Chinese occupation of Tibet has entirely changed the life and lifestyles of the Tibetans for the worse. During its invasion, the Chinese army imprisoned hundreds of Tibetans for their political and religious activities, while monks and nuns were tortured and killed for dreaming of an Independent Tibet and for aligning with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Today, political prisoners are being routinely attacked and nuns being raped at Chinese prisons. There is no freedom; even the Dalai Lama's photographs are banned. According to a UN report, "The Chinese occupation of Tibet has been characterized by acts of murder, rape and arbitrary imprisonment; torture and cruel, inhuman and degraded treatment of Tibetans on a large scale. The number of Tibetans killed after the Chinese occupation -- a period marked by torture and starvation -- now exceeds a million.  More than 6,000 monasteries, their belongings -- the priceless jewels of Tibetan culture, precious Thangka paintings and other valuable documents were destroyed by the Chinese army." 

Once a peaceful buffer state between India and China, Tibet has now been transformed into a strong military base with 17 secret radar stations, 14 military airfields, 5 missile bases situated near the Indian border and a secret nuclear power station near Lake Ko-Ko Nor. Of late, China has launched a 'Final Solution' — a systematic state-sponsored movement and encouragement of ethnic Chinese into Tibet — to overwhelm and expunge the Tibetan nation. Besides, it has embarked upon a three-year mission to promote atheism among Tibetan Buddhists as "the key to economic progress". China's sustained, brutal attacks have resulted in a mass exodus of Tibetans to India. Over the years, thousands of Tibetans have taken dangerous, heart-breaking journeys over the Himalayas to enter India where they see a ray of hope. They dream of a more meaningful life and free education on their country, its culture, language and religion. 

Today they all have only one hope, one dream and one voice. A free, independent Tibet.

 "Friends of Tibet"

Vim:  "Our recent visit to Tibet - we were lucky to get a special visa to travel to Tibet.  Typically visa's to Tibet are strictly monitored and given.  When we arrived to Lhasa you could see allot of military pressence in and around the airport.  Not very welcoming at first when you truly take in the majestic views around you.  Our guide 'Po-Po' made it very clear after the welcoming/introductions NOT TO TAKE PICTURES of the police/army/swat/undercover teams patrolling the streets, monasteries and open areas in Lhasa.  I could not resist.  It was the first thing I did once we got to the hotel from a 3rd floor hallway window without anyone knowing.  Yes it was stupid and if caught I would have had sever consequences to face - but its me Vim (those of you who know me).  The pictures I took below highlight the statement above from 'Friends of Tibet'.  Even talking with our Guide 'Po-Po' you could clearly see the sadness in his discussion with us, and feel the deep cries from the tone of his voice".