Dharamshala: The government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has imposed sweeping security restrictions on Tibetans marking the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Credible sources report that Chinese authorities deployed large numbers of police to Karze Monastery, effectively confining monks and nuns within the monastery premises and preventing them from participating in any form of public or communal observance. Authorities issued strict orders forbidding households from producing any visible smoke — a targeted measure to suppress the centuries-old religious practice of burning juniper branches during Sangsol prayer rituals, an act meant to bring good fortune and dispel misfortune.

According to credible sources, around the time of His Holiness’ 90th birthday, Chinese authorities have intensified their surveillance and monitoring of Tibetans, including their communications, especially with those in exile, and day-to-day activities, all across Tibet. For instance, in Karze’s Drakgo County, authorities have issued an official notice prohibiting Tibetan people from gatherings until 23 July 2025. A number of Tibetans have been imprisoned and detained in Ba Zong and Siling (Ch: Xining), which are located in the traditional province of Amdo, with some being held in county-level state security offices. In any case, the relatives and family of those imprisoned have never been informed of the whereabouts and wellbeing of their loved ones.

In July, a team of BBC journalists visited the Kirti Monastery in Ngaba to speak with several monks about the current situation in Tibet. Shortly after the visit, Chinese authorities launched a crackdown on the monastery, ...