Namkyi and her sister were detained in Tashi Gyalkaling county on charges of "separatist acts against the nation" and supporting the "Dalai clique". "While in prison, we were forced to undergo military training and study the Chinese constitution. Additionally, we were assigned to labour camps where we manufactured copper wires, cigarette boxes and watches. Even after serving our prison terms, we were held at a police station in Pema Lhathang, Ngaba county for a week.
A year ago, Namkyi left her home in Charo village, Tibet, embarking on a ten-day journey with her aunt, Tsering Kyi, traversing both day and night until they crossed into Nepal and eventually reached India.
They had apprehended her and her sister while peacefully protesting against the denial of their religious practices. The memories of her days in jail continue to haunt her : "we were subjected to physical abuse by uniformed men, given meagre leftovers for sustenance and slept in the cold with thin blankets, with no one to turn for help".
Shortly after reaching Dharamshala, she was granted an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Namkyi's story mirrors the hardship of thousands of Tibetan refugees who have risked perilious journeys to flee Tibet.
Adapted from Yeshi Seli's article in the NIE.
Tailpiece.
A quiet Sunday, after a long time, with the maid at work.
Heard the Njanappaana followed by Rangoli in the morning.
A quiet evening.
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