Dharamshala: Tibetans in exile hold candlelight vigil over death of religious leader in custody

ANI April 12, 2025 138 views

A respected Tibetan religious leader, Tulku Humkar Dorje Rinpoche, died under suspicious circumstances while in Vietnamese custody after a joint police operation. The incident has sparked international concern about cross-border security and potential human rights violations. Tibetan activists in Dharamshala organized a candlelight vigil to demand a thorough investigation into his death. They are calling on the Vietnamese government to release Rinpoche's body to his family and conduct a transparent inquiry into the circumstances of his arrest and death.

"We need a clear investigation from the Vietnamese government" - Nawang Chodon, Students for a Free Tibet
Dharamshala, April 12: Tibetans in exile held a candlelight vigil on Friday in Dharamshala to mourn the death of Tibetan religious leader Tulku Humkar Dorje Rinpoche, who died under suspicious circumstances in the custody of Chinese authorities in Vietnam.

Key Points

1

Tibetan religious leader died under mysterious circumstances in Vietnamese detention

2

Four NGOs hold candlelight vigil in Dharamshala to demand justice

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Activists allege Chinese involvement in Rinpoche's arrest and death

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Call for international investigation into transnational repression

An activist from the International Tibet Network, Lobsang Yangtso, told ANI that the vigil was organised by four Tibetan NGOs in remembrance of Humkar Dorje.

They alleged China's involvement in the death of the religious leader and called for the investigation by the Vietnamese government on the matter as well as the release of Rinpoche's body to his family.

"Four Tibetan NGOs are organising a candlelight vigil in Dharamsala in remembrance of Tulku Hungkar Dorje, who died in Vietnam. They alleged that China has influence over that and it is because of the Chinese pressure and involvement. We believe that Rinpoche has died under those circumstances. With this candlelight vigil, we are also asking the Vietnamese government to release the body of Rinpoche to his family and to carry out a thorough investigation," Yangtso said.

Nawang Chodon, programme coordinator of Students for a Free Tibet, said, "We have gathered here for the remembrance of Tulku Hungkar Dorje, and we are here to call for an immediate investigation of his suspicious death in Vietnamese custody. He was a highly respected spiritual leader. He was an educationist, and he was known for his dedication to conserving and preserving the Tibetan identity through education and social services."

When asked how he died, Chodon stated, "That's the main question we are asking. We need a clear investigation from the Vietnamese government. One thing we know is that he was arrested by the Vietnamese police and Chinese agents."

Tulku Hungkar Dorje was arrested on March 25 at his residence in Saigon, Vietnam, in a joint operation by local police and Chinese agents. He was transferred to a public security office on March 28 and died on March 29. The incident has raised concerns over cross-border security operations, transnational repression, and human rights issues.

Reader Comments

S
Sarah K.
This is heartbreaking 💔 Religious leaders should never be political targets. The international community needs to put more pressure on China to stop these human rights violations.
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Rajesh P.
While I sympathize with the Tibetan cause, I wish the article had more details about what exactly happened in Vietnam. The circumstances seem unclear - was there any official statement from Vietnamese authorities?
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Tenzing D.
As a Tibetan, I'm grateful to see this coverage. Rinpoche was a great teacher who dedicated his life to preserving our culture. The world needs to know about China's ongoing oppression of Tibetans everywhere.
M
Michael L.
The fact that Chinese agents can operate like this in other countries is terrifying. This isn't just about Tibet - it sets a dangerous precedent for transnational repression everywhere.
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Anita G.
Light a candle for justice ✊ The Vietnamese government must conduct a transparent investigation. No one should die in custody without explanation.
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James T.
Respectful criticism: The article could benefit from including China's official position on this matter, if available. Balanced reporting helps readers form informed opinions.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Tibet Human Rights Tibetan Rinpoche Vietnam China Dharamshala Religious Persecution
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