In exile on this side of China’s Iron Curtain, technology is a new ally

These may be the largest protests in 20 years in Tibet but here it is clear that besides the international voices of support, technology is a new ally.

So it isn’t a surprise that Chinese authorities have clamped down on telecom and radio frequencies, switched off TV signals. Speaking to The Sunday Express, Samdhong Rinpoche, Prime Minister of the Government in exile, admits that getting information is still difficult: “We are dependent upon individuals who are providing information at great personal risk. As per our information the unrest has now spread to the entire Tibet. In fact, this blocking of communication channels has prevented message of His Holiness to reach the protesters. He has issued a plea of peace. But it isn’t reaching the people and is worsening the situation.”

“There are some who are brave and ingenious to circumvent. They get in touch with relatives in different parts of the world who in turn purvey the messages to us,” says Norgay.

Thubten Samphel, holds a degree in Print Journalism from Columbia University. He is Secretary, Department of Information and International Affairs (equivalent of Ministry for Foreign Affairs). One of his jobs is to keep the Dalai Lama posted. “The censorship is total. It is difficult. The Chinese authorities have firewall software which scan every e-mail that goes with word Dalai Lama, Taiwan, Free Tibet etc. And if caught the punishments are stringent.”

Such fears don’t exist here as protests and marches gradually gain momentum. The march to Delhi and Tibet onwards which was intercepted by police day before yesterday has resumed again. They were stopped near Jwalamukhi and absence of a prison big enough from 100 people resulted in their “detention” in a government house.

A fresh contingent of 46 people has resumed the journey where the earlier was stopped. Demonstrations and Chinese effigy burnings continue in main town of Mcleodganj (upper Dharamshala). Local residents have stepped forward in solidarity. Jimmy’s, a popular restaurant here which hosts musical performance on Saturdays, closed down in an “expression of

solidarity.”

In the office of the Student for Free Tibet Association, amid a bank of Apple laptops and cellphones, everyone is keeping track. Working overtime is CEO Lhadon Tehtong, of Tibetan-Canadian lineage, whose aim is to “embarrass China and make the world community know about the lies that the country has been propagating.”

Last summer, she was arrested in Beijing for writing anti-China blogs and deported to Hong Kong. “After military and economic might, China is seeking international recognition and approval. Olympics is an example of this.” She cites a recent example where her organisation displayed a Free Tibet banner on the Great Wall when authorities started the countdown to Olympics. “The world is noticing. That one photo has made to almost every single international newspaper.”

Air Jaldi, an initiative started by two Israeli technocrats which has made the region Wi-fi is playing a vital role. Says Michael Ginguld, one of its pioneers: “We are doing a facilitator’s job. People can access the net freely and keep track of what is happening in Tibet.” If someone from there is able to slip through the cracks.

10 dead, claims China; distressed, says Delhi

• China said 10 people had died in Friday’s protests, Delhi expressed “distress”.

• On Saturday, Beijing locked down Lhasa. Curfew remained in place.

• The rioters have been told to surrender by Monday midnight, failing which they will be “punished”.

• Pressure mounted on Beijing to show restraint. The US, Australia and Europe urged China to deal with the situation peacefully.