Radio Free Asia reports the release of Tibetan singer Tashi Dhondup after over a year of “re-education through labour” for the recording and distribution of pro-independence songs:
“He arrived safely at his hometown in Yulgan [in Chinese, Henan] county on the same day at around 7:00 p.m.,” the relative said. “On the way, he passed through Tsekhog [in Chinese, Zeku] county, where he was well received by the locals with scarves and greetings.”
“His family, fans, and friends gave him a warm welcome on his arrival at his home county in Malho prefecture,” the man said ….
“So far, the local police have not imposed restrictions on the local Tibetans and Mongolians for welcoming the popular singer following his more than a year in detention,” the relative said.
High Peaks Pure Earth has posted the video of one of the singer’s tracks, “Waiting with Hope”, accompanied by translated lyrics:
In this song, Tashi Dhondup directly references Yeshe Norbu (The Dalai Lama), the Panchen Lama recognised by the Dalai Lama and Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok, the much-revered abbot of the Serthar Institute in Eastern Tibet who passed away in 2004.
Yeshe Norbu, the wish-fulfilling gem
Don’t live in exile, please come home
The faithful people of the Land of Snows
Are waiting near your golden thronePanchen Lama, the limitless and illuminated one
Don’t be in the prison, please come out
The faithful people of the Land of Snows
Are waiting for you with folded handsJigme Phuntsok, the great learned one
Like a bright star, please rise again
The faithful people of the Land of Snows
Are waiting for you with khatas in their hands
More tracks are available, with subtitles, on Vimeo.
