hermits targeted for new taxes

According to a recent arrival from Damtoe township in Taktse county under Lhasa City, the Chinese have extended their religious repression to include hermits who are peacefully living their life in the mountains. A mountain of retreat called the Dhrak Yepa is home to about 80 religious recluses who have built their own small shacks, strive on begged food and lead a peaceful life.

On 22 August 1996, six men from Damtoe township in Taktse county came and called all hermits for  a meeting. They announced, “We have come to enter all names of those who dwell in this mountain as hermits. Up to now we have been very lenient and  have not charged you for anything. However, from today onwards you shall have to pay 10 Yuan for the space (land) that you occupy, 5 Yuan for the road that you use and 15 Yuan for the water and firewood that you use daily. In total 30 Yuan per month. And if you fail to do so, you will have to leave this place.”

These measures have greatly upset the mountain’s residents. With the advent of the new policy of taxation, about fifty people have already left.

There are also confirmed reports that there is a possibility that Chinese work teams will soon be sent in to the region.

 

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