Ngaba (Sichuan Province) [Tibet], July 31 – In yet another reported crackdown on Tibetan cultural expression, Chinese authorities have detained two young Tibetan singers and a Buddhist monk for publicly honoring the 90th birthday of the Dalai Lama, according to the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD).
The two men, Tsukte (popularly known as Asang) and Pelkyong, were detained in early July 2025 from Adue Village in Ngaba County (Chinese: Aba), located in Sichuan Province. Their detention came shortly after they uploaded a cover version of the song Prince of Peace on the Chinese social media platform Kuaishou.
The original song, released in 2006 by Tibetan singer Sherten with lyrics by Arig Choten Thar, celebrates the Dalai Lama’s spiritual legacy — a topic considered politically sensitive in China. The duo’s version briefly gained traction online before it was removed. Asang’s Kuaishou account was also disabled soon after, according to TCHRD.
Asang, a rising Tibetan artist from the Naktsang family in Barma Township, is known for music that promotes Tibetan culture, language, and Buddhist values. A student of the respected Tibetan musician Gebey—who himself has faced detention—Asang had recently performed at a major religious event at Kirti Monastery.
Asang is married with one child, and his wife Lhamo is currently pregnant with their second child. She has reportedly received no legal information about her husband’s condition or whereabouts and is suffering from emotional distress, TCHRD said.
Pelkyong, also a father and native of Adue Village, was detained around the same time. No charges have been publicly announced against either man, and their families remain in the dark.
Monk Also Detained for Online Tribute
In a related case, Tibetan monk Tsewang Dhongo of Adue Monastery was also reportedly detained around July 1 for posting a symbolic image commemorating the Dalai Lama’s birthday. More than four weeks later, his location and status remain unknown.
TCHRD stated that Dhongo was a student of Madhyamaka philosophy (the Middle Way School of Buddhist thought) before his disappearance.
These detentions reflect what Tibetan activists describe as a broader campaign by Chinese authorities to criminalize any public expression of loyalty or reverence toward the Dalai Lama. Previous cases, such as the 2023 imprisonment of Tibetan singer Palden for a song seen as referencing the Dalai Lama, highlight how Beijing equates peaceful cultural acts with political dissent.
Rights Group Demands Immediate Release
TCHRD has called on the Chinese government to immediately release Asang, Pelkyong, and Tsewang Dhongo, and to end the criminalization of Tibetan cultural identity.
The group also reiterated that such actions violate basic international human rights standards, particularly the right to freedom of expression and religious belief.
As the Dalai Lama continues to live in exile, expressions of support or admiration for him remain deeply sensitive in Tibet. But despite decades of repression, many Tibetans continue to find ways to preserve their heritage and voice solidarity through music, art, and community gatherings—even at great personal risk.