Unjust Detention: Tibetan Cultural Suppression Deepens as Singer Asang Vanishes

In a chilling reminder of the intensifying crackdown on artistic and religious freedom in Tibet, young Tibetan singer Asang has reportedly been detained by Chinese authorities. His alleged offense? Performing a song, “Prince of Peace,” that reveres His Holiness the Dalai Lama, particularly as Tibetans worldwide commemorate the spiritual leader’s 90th birthday. This alarming development casts a stark light on the pervasive Tibetan cultural suppression tactics employed by Beijing, aimed at eroding the unique identity of the Tibetan people. The incident has sparked outrage among human rights advocates and the Tibetan diaspora, who view it as a severe violation of fundamental freedoms and a deliberate attempt to silence dissenting voices.

The Incident: A Song of Devotion Leads to Disappearance

• Detention Details: Asang, also known by his online alias Tzukte, was reportedly taken into custody in early July from Ngawa (Aba/Ngaba) in the eastern Tibetan region of Amdo. The precise circumstances of his arrest and his current whereabouts remain unknown, causing immense distress to his family, including his wife and young son, with another child on the way.
• The “Prince of Peace” Performance: The detention is directly linked to his performance of “Prince of Peace” (Shide Gyalse), a song that carries profound significance for Tibetans, eulogizing the Dalai Lama. This performance occurred amidst global celebrations marking the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, a period during which Chinese authorities had significantly tightened restrictions and increased surveillance across Tibet. The song, originally composed by Arik Choeten Thar in 2006 and popularized by renowned singer Sherten, has long been a target of censorship due to its overt references to the exiled spiritual leader.
• A Symbol of Defiance: The lyrics of “Prince of Peace” include verses such as, “As a youth, you were born in Amdo, You left your footprints in Central Tibet, And your noble deeds flourished in the Noble Land of India, We remember you, O Prince of Peace.” Such words are considered politically sensitive by the Chinese state, often labeled as “separatist,” turning both the song and its performers into targets of government reprisal. This incident is a stark example of Tibetan cultural suppression as even artistic expression of faith is criminalized.

A Pattern of Surveillance and Suppression

• Prior Scrutiny: Asang was not unknown to Chinese authorities. Reports indicate he had been under constant surveillance for some time due to his music, which frequently promoted Tibetan unity, patriotism, culture, and religion. Even his wedding ceremony was reportedly subjected to heavy restrictions and tight regulations, underscoring the relentless monitoring faced by individuals perceived as influential within Tibetan society.
• Symbolic Acts of Identity: Earlier this year, during the Great Prayer Festival (Chotrul Monlam Chenmo) at Kirti Monastery in Ngawa, Asang made a bold public appearance with the word “Tibet” inscribed on his forehead. This powerful symbolic act garnered widespread admiration online but inevitably intensified scrutiny from Chinese officials, highlighting the risks involved in asserting Tibetan identity. Such actions are increasingly met with severe Tibetan cultural suppression.
• Broader Crackdown: Asang’s detention is not an isolated incident but rather fits into a broader pattern of escalating repression in Tibet. The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), the India-based Tibetan government-in-exile, has consistently stated that such arrests are part of “Beijing’s broader campaign to suppress Tibetan voices, especially Tibetan artists and writers.”

International Condemnation and Human Rights Concerns

• Violation of Rights: The CTA emphasizes that Asang’s detention, carried out without charge or disclosure of his whereabouts, violates international human rights norms. It serves as a stark illustration of the Chinese government’s ongoing assault on freedom of expression, cultural rights, and religious belief in Tibet. Human rights organizations have regularly voiced alarm at Beijing’s alleged efforts to erase the distinct cultural and religious identity of Tibet. This targeted Tibetan cultural suppression aims to assimilate the region completely.
• Call for Release: The CTA has urged international human rights groups to pressure China for Asang’s immediate release. They contend that his music “is not a threat to national security; it is a call for cultural preservation and a plea for spiritual connection.” The international community’s response to this incident will be crucial in demonstrating solidarity with the Tibetan people and upholding universal human rights.
• Historical Context: China’s tight control over Tibet dates back to its invasion in 1949 and the subsequent crushing of an uprising in 1959, which forced the 14th Dalai Lama into exile in India. The Tibetan administration-in-exile claims that over 1.2 million Tibetans have died as a result of the Chinese occupation, and a vast majority of Tibet’s monasteries, temples, and sacred sites have been destroyed, further illustrating the long history of Tibetan cultural suppression.

Conclusion

The disappearance of Tibetan singer Asang is a grave concern, underscoring the precarious situation faced by Tibetans who dare to express their cultural and religious identity. His detention for performing a song of devotion to the Dalai Lama is a clear sign of Beijing’s unwavering commitment to suppress any form of expression that deviates from its narrative. As the world commemorates the Dalai Lama’s milestone birthday, the spotlight intensifies on China’s human rights record in Tibet. The international community must continue to advocate for the immediate release of Asang and all political prisoners in Tibet, and stand firm against the relentless Tibetan cultural suppression that threatens the very essence of Tibetan identity. The resilience of artists like Asang, who risk their freedom for their culture, serves as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of the Tibetan people. This tragic event reinforces the urgent need for global attention and action to protect fundamental freedoms in a region where cultural heritage is under constant assault.