A Tibetan writer-photographer arrested in Gansu Province

tchrd.org
The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) learnt that a Tibetan monk was arrested by the Chinese authorities from Labrang Monastery on alleged charges for writing political essays on Tibet to a website named as "Jottings" (Tib: Zin-dris), in Gansu Province.

According to multiple sources, Kunga Tsayang, age (unconfirmed), a monk from Amdo Labrang Tashi Kyil Monastery was arrested by the Public Security Bureau (PSB) personnel on 17 March 2009 from his living room during a midnight raid in Labrang Monastery, in Sangchu County, Gannan "Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture" ("TAP"), Gansu Province.

Kunga Tsayang was a passionate writer, essayist, chronicler and an amateur photographer who wrote under a pen name "sun of snowland" (Tib: Gang-Nyi). He hailed from Chigdril County, Golog "Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture" ("TAP"), Qinghai Province. He was an avid traveler who had previously traveled in various parts of Tibet and China. His travelogues dealt on the special characteristic features of Tibetan topographical landscapes, culture, customs, habits and religious heritage.

A well educated, knowledgeable monk who always take great pride for being a Tibetan as well as his ancestral roots. He was known to be a serious writer and a photographer who always dream of becoming a full fledged photographer.

Although Tsayang had been under the close watch of the Chinese authorities in Sangchu County, Gansu Province for some time now, he hardly stays at his Labrang Monastery except during important prayer ritual and ceremonies as he travels to different places of Tibet and China for his photo journalism work. Unfortunately, on the fateful day of 17 March 2009, he was arrested by the Chinese security forces during a midnight raid at his living room.

As of now, TCHRD has no further information about his current well being and whereabouts. It is believed that he is being detained in an undisclosed location in Gansu Province.

TCHRD expresses serious concern for his well being and safety.