US condemns Chinese demolition of Larung Gar Tibetan Buddhist Institute

Washington, Aug 9 (PTI) The US has condemned demolition of Larung Gar Tibetan Buddhist Institute, one of the largest centres of Buddhist learning in Tibet, by China.

“We are concerned that Chinese authorities initiated the demolition of residences at Larung Gar Tibetan Buddhist Institute without the consent of the institutes leaders,” State Department spokesperson Elizabeth Trudeau told reporters at her daily news conference yesterday.

“We urge authorities to cease actions that may escalate tensions and to pursue forthright consultations with the institutes leaders to address any safety concerns in a way that does not infringe on the right of Tibetans to practice their religion freely,” she said in response to a question.

Larung Gar is said to be the biggest Tibetan Buddhist institute in the world. Chinese officials began demolishing many of the monastic homes last month.

Human Rights Watch has demanded that China suspend plans to demolish buildings at Larung Gar.

The London-based Free Tibet group says demolitions at the site began on July 22  and a number of people living there have been evicted.

It follows an order last month by the local authorities to cut the number of Larung Gar residents by half to 5,000.

Chinese officials are reported to have cited overcrowding concerns.

Larung Gar is said to be the biggest Tibetan Buddhist institute in the world.