Those who attempted to escape have faced severe consequences, treated ‘like criminals’ and subjected to further restrictions.

–ANI

Chinese authorities have intensified their crackdown on Tibetan Buddhism, forcibly relocating hundreds of young monks from Kirti Monastery to state-run boarding schools in Ngaba County, Sichuan Province.

Reports indicate that these students, aged 6 to 17, are subjected to prison-like conditions, where they receive instruction solely in Mandarin. They are prohibited from leaving the school grounds or contacting their parents, Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported.

Those who attempted to escape have faced severe consequences, treated “like criminals” and subjected to further restrictions.

In July, the closure of the monastic school at Kirti Monastery left over 1,000 young monks without their educational institution, as they were transferred to state-run “colonial-style” boarding schools. Around the same time, Lhamo Kirti Monastery in Dzoge County also closed its school, affecting more than 600 students.

Authorities coerced parents into signing agreements that committed their children to government-run institutions, where they would receive state-sanctioned “patriotic education.”

Beijing‘s regulations on religious affairs dictate that students at monastic schools must be at least 18 years old, demonstrate patriotism, and comply with national laws. Tibetan advocates view these measures as part of a broader campaign to eradicate the Tibetan language, suppress Tibetan culture, and enforce “patriotic education,” which requires loyalty to China and the ruling Communist Party in all aspects of life, reported RFA. Click here to read more.