Dharamsala - TCHRD ( March 31) -In late 1998, one of the Tibet's most enduring political activists, Hor Lobsang Tsundue died at Drepung Monastery in Lhasa at the age of 88. Released from prison at the age of 86, he was one of the oldest and longest serving political prisoners in Tibet. He had spent nearly 22 years, in total, behind bars.

Born in Nagchu region in early 1910, Hor Lobsang left his hometown to join Drepung Monastery at the age of 7. After the occupation of Tibet, Hor Lobsang tried to escape to India in 1960 but was arrested and detained in his monastery for 15 days.

Hor Lobsang was arrested in late 1965 during a re-education campaign launched by the Chinese authorities in his monastery. He had refused to comply with any of the Chinese demands to denounce the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama. After his arrest he was sentenced to five years' imprisonment in Yitrudu Prison, Lhasa. While in detention prison officers continued to force Hor Lobsang to denounce the Dalai Lama and his vehement refusals to comply resulted in severe torture.

In early 1971 the Chinese authorities renewed their campaign in the prison and Hor Lobsang's continuous refusal to comply resulted an increase in his sentence by another ten years. During this time his physical condition became very weak. In 1979, he was transferred to Outridu Prison and was finally released in 1980. Upon his release he was allowed to rejoin Drepung Monastery.

In 1988, during the time when the Chinese officials were preparing for the Lhasa Monlam (Prayer) Festival, Hor Lobsang discouraged many people from joining the festival in Lhasa. He argued that Chinese were deliberately using the Monlam festival to project an impression of religious freedom in Tibet. On March 20, 1988 when the Chinese authorities came to learn about his action, he was arrested by the Security officials and detained in the "TAR" Public Security department.

While in detention Hor Lobsang was accused by the interrogators of instigating the September 27, 1987 demonstration, which involved 21 monks from Drepung Monastery. In response he applauded the courage and determination of the monks and refused to acknowledge the charge levelled against him. He was released after nine months of detention.

In early 1990, just after the Tibetan New year, Monlam Festival was held in Drepung Monastery. At that time the Chinese officials from "Tibet Autonomous Region" had visited the monastery. During the religious debate, Hor Lobsang

raised his voice calling for "His Holiness the Dalai Lama to return to Tibet," and that "Tibet should be freed immediately." After few minutes he was arrested by the work team and taken to Gutsa Prison. While in prison he was repeatedly tortured, but he refused to comply with the demands of the prison officers. His determination is still strongly regarded amongst most of his fellows inmates, including non-political prisoners.

In May 1990, Hor Lobsang was formally sentenced by the Intermediate People's Court of Lhasa to six years imprisonment and deprivation of political rights for a further two years. He was transferred to Drapchi Prison from Gutsa Detention Centre. While preparing for his transfer, he thanked the prison officials for relocating him as he had many like-minded friends in Drapchi.

While in Drapchi Prison he continued to speak openly about Tibetan independence. Former inmates claim that Hor Lobsang suffered immensely from torture while in prison. He was kept in solitary confinement more than five times, once for six weeks. On one occasion in 1991 he was hit hard on his back with rifle butt by a Peoples' Armed Police official and left unconscious.

Hor Lobsang was released after completion of his prison term in 1996. Although he was officially expelled from the monastery, he was still looked after by his friends there. He had no relatives.

Hor Lobsang spent nearly 22 years of his life in various Chinese Prison in Tibet.

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Last updated: 31-Mar-99