Amy meets the Dalai Lama, and other news

http://amysears.blogspot.com/2006/11/his-holiness-dalai-lama.html
Definitely worth reading!

In other recent news:

Chinese president Hu Juntao made a visit to India. The Tibetan community protested his visit both locally and in Delhi, where thousands gathered to speak out for Tibetan independence. During his visit Juntao reminded the Indian goverment that a large section of Northeast India "belongs to China," aggravating a long-standing border dispute.

Local champion of Tibetan independence Tenzin Tsundue was under house arrest during Juntao's visit. Surrounded by Indian police at all times, he cannot leave McLeod Ganj. Apparently the Indian Government doesn't want him causing any trouble while Juntao is around, but most see this as a blatant violation of Tsundue's rights. When I saw Tsundue with his chaperones - five hulking Indian policemen, each nearly twice his size, bearing large bellies and long mustaches - they seemed to have built a friendly rapport, joking with one another and enjoying seemingly benign conversation.

Just over a month ago, families of Tibetans were fired upon by Chinese soldiers as they attempted to flee across the Himalayas. Several were killed by gunfire. A group of trekkers, who captured the incident on film, risked imprisonment (or worse) by hiding some of the Tibetans in their camp. Based on the many accounts I've heard, this is a common scenario for anyone trying to escape China.