Over 300 Buddhist Stupas and Sacred Statues Destroyed in Tibet

Chinese authorities have reportedly demolished over 300 Buddhist stupas and sacred statues in Drakgo (Chinese: Luhuo) County, located in the Karze (Ganzi) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The destruction occurred between late May and June 2025, according to a detailed report by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).

The targeted site, Lungrab Zang-ri near Janggang Monastery, was home to hundreds of medium-sized stupas—monuments deeply revered in Tibetan Buddhism—along with three larger stupas. Authorities also razed a newly installed statue of Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok, the late founder of the Serthar Buddhist Institute, and a sacred image of Guru Padmasambhava, widely known as Guru Rinpoche, a central figure in Tibetan spiritual heritage.

Local sources report that Chinese officials justified the demolition by claiming the structures violated unspecified government regulations and were built on state-owned land. However, the swift removal of all debris and the complete sealing of the area have raised serious concerns about a deliberate attempt to erase spiritual landmarks and suppress Tibetan identity.

The area surrounding the demolished site has been placed under heavy surveillance, with strict restrictions on movement. Individuals attempting to share information with the outside world face the threat of detention under accusations of “leaking state secrets.” The clampdown has effectively silenced the local population and blocked independent verification.

The destruction is part of a broader pattern of cultural and religious suppression targeting Tibetans. The CTA highlighted an alarming rise in intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and the silencing of Tibetan voices. Tibetan religious leaders, educators, and intellectuals who resist assimilation policies are increasingly subject to detention, surveillance, and prolonged imprisonment.

One such case involved Tulku Hungkar Dorje, a respected lama who faced multiple interrogations for allegedly opposing Chinese religious directives, including composing prayers for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and rejecting the government-installed Panchen Lama. Forced to flee to Vietnam, he was reportedly taken into custody in a coordinated operation between Chinese and Vietnamese authorities and later died in police custody on March 28, 2025. Despite international demands for clarity, both governments have refused to comment, and a secret funeral was reportedly conducted under official orders.

Tightened state control has also resulted in new regulations curbing religious activities. Tibetan lamas, Tulkus, and monastic leaders are barred from holding traditional ceremonies or moving freely. Some remain under house arrest, and monasteries are increasingly subjected to ideological scrutiny and forced re-education programs.

The crackdown has extended beyond Drakgo. In June and July 2025, Chinese officials reportedly enforced bans on religious gatherings across the Karze region, coinciding with global celebrations of the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Authorities banned all public observances and placed numerous locations under heightened restrictions until July 23.

As the international community continues to raise concerns, the Chinese government has remained silent, reinforcing what observers call an ongoing strategy of cultural erasure and religious persecution in Tibet.