Tibetan village head dies after months of torture by Chinese authorities

Chinese authorities have allegedly arrested over 20 Tibetans and tortured to death Gonpo Namgyal, a Tibetan village head, after months of severe mistreatment, including repeated electric shocks during his detention, according to a report by Tibet.net.
According to an ANI report, the Central Tibetan Administration reported that Namgyal, who served as the village head in Ponkor township, Darlag County, within the Tibetan region of Amdo (now divided among Qinghai, Sichuan, and Gansu provinces), succumbed to his injuries on December 18. His death followed more than seven months of brutal treatment in custody for his participation in a cultural campaign initiated by the Tibetan Language Association.
The arrests and crackdown, which began in May 2024, targeted the “Pure Mother Tongue” campaign led by Khenpo Tenpa Dhargye, a Tibetan Buddhist teacher. The campaign sought to preserve the Tibetan language amidst growing threats from Chinese policies promoting Mandarin as the dominant language.
Chinese authorities detained Khenpo Tenpa Dhargye, Gonpo Namgyal, and several others, accusing them of “endangering state security.” The detainees were taken to Golog Prefecture headquarters, according to the Central Tibetan Administration’s reports.
Namgyal’s condition deteriorated during his detention due to severe torture. Upon his release due to failing health, he died within three days. Examination of his body before cremation revealed extensive internal injuries, including burns attributed to electric shocks endured during his imprisonment.
Khenpo Tenpa Dhargye, known for his advocacy of Tibetan culture and language, has been a significant figure in the region. A close associate of the revered Lama Jigme Phuntsok, Dhargye’s arrest has raised alarm within Tibetan communities, who have organized religious ceremonies and prayers for his well-being and release.