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Cross posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/32159700

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The Central Tibetan Administration has confirmed reports that well-respected Tulku Hungkar Dorje, the throne holder of Lungngon Monastery in Gade County, Golog, in Tibet’s traditional province of Amdo, has passed away after going missing for a prolonged period. According to reliable sources, Chinese officials have notified senior religious figures at Lungngon Monastery of his death on 2 April 2025 but have refused to return his body or provide details about the circumstances of his death.

Tulku Hungkar Dorje, a widely respected religious leader and philanthropist, was reportedly detained by Chinese authorities in early 2024. In August 2024, Chinese officials claimed he had “gone missing” shortly after he gave a public teaching on 21 July 2024. Subsequently, conflicting reports emerged about his whereabouts. The confirmation of his suspicious demise represents the latest case in China’s ongoing campaign of repression against Tibetan religious and cultural leaders.

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Sources indicate that Chinese authorities targeted Tulku Hungkar Dorje on fabricated charges after he declined to arrange an elaborate reception for the Chinese government-appointed Panchen Lama during his visit to the Golog region. Additional accusations included “disobeying higher authorities” for his philanthropic work of establishing monasteries and schools, and “causing disturbances” for advocating for the rights and freedom of marginalized Tibetans under the repressive Chinese rule.

The death of a well-respected Tibetan religious figure follows a disturbing pattern of Chinese authorities targeting influential Tibetan figures who promote Tibetan culture, language, and identity. The detention, torture, and killing of respected leaders like Tulku Hungkar Dorje is a deliberate strategy to silence those who advocate for Tibetans’ fundamental rights.