Dharamshala, 28th November: According to sources, China, which has been accused of restricting religious freedom in Tibet, has put a ban on religious activities on all party members and cadres in Tibet’s Amdo region. In October, Golog prefecture reported a similar prohibition, with a high number of informers ensuring that no Tibetan party members engaged in religious practices such as “Kora (circumambulation), utilizing rosary, digital prayer beads, and other religious artifacts.”

According to Tibet.net, Chinese authorities have employed harsh means to prevent Tibetan officials from partaking in religious activities, including removing their personal religious altars and shrines. “Such efforts have compelled Tibetan Party members in the region to remove personal Buddhist shrines and altars against their will,” the source continued. If the party members are proven to be breaking the order, they may lose their government employment and lose access to state benefits and subsidies.

According to RFA, Chinese authorities have long pushed to limit the growth and impact of Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, which have traditionally served as a focal point of Tibetan cultural and national identity.

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