Chinese Authorities Shut Down Historic Tibetan School Amidst Controversy

The Chinese Government closed Jigme Gyaltsen Nationalities Vocational High School in Tibet’s Golok, allegedly to undermine Tibetan culture and identity. Investigations into underage monks and nuns, lawsuits, and pressures from local officials also surfaced, raising questions about the real motives behind the closure.

In a controversial move, Chinese authorities on Friday ordered the closure of Jigme Gyaltsen Nationalities Vocational High School in Tibet's Golok, citing undisclosed reasons. Reports from the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) suggest a hidden agenda aimed at diminishing the preservation of Tibetan culture and identity.

The CTA disclosed that authorities had initiated probes into underage monks and nuns, threatening severe penalties for the school if such individuals were found on its premises. This closure marks yet another blow to the Tibetan community's efforts to sustain their language, culture, religion, and identity.

A history of lawsuits and mounting pressures from the Communist Party Secretary of Golok and other officials had targeted the school for years, according to the CTA's report. Golok, a culturally significant area in Eastern Tibet, straddles between the regions of Amdo and Kham, and is known for its unique identity.

The crackdown extended to Sherab Norbu Ling School students, who faced lawsuits for using emblems from the banned Tibetan flag. This group is recognized for its active role in preserving Tibetan culture.

Jigme Gyaltsen, the school's founder, faced allegations of bribery in connection with his roles in the Snow Land Pastoral Association and the Qinghai-Tibet Trade Association. While investigations cleared him of guilt, Gyaltsen was reportedly suspended from his duties.

The school, established in 1994 with backing from local authorities, served over 1,000 students in 2021, growing to around 1,400 as of the latest report. Over the years, students at the institution published more than 300 books on cultural education, maintaining a rich repository of Tibetan literature and folklore.

(With inputs from agencies.)