US condemns demolition of Tibetan Buddhist institute

WASHINGTON: The US has condemned demolition of Larung Gar Tibetan Buddhist Institute, one of the largest centres of Buddhist learning in Tibet, by China.

"We are concerned that Chinese authorities initiated the demolition of residences at Larung Gar Tibetan Buddhist Institute without the consent of the institute's leaders," State Department spokesperson Elizabeth Trudeau told reporters at her daily news conference yesterday.

"We urge authorities to cease actions that may escalate tensions and to pursue forthright consultations with the institute's leaders to address any safety concerns in a way that does not infringe on the right of Tibetans to practice their religion freely," she said in response to a question.

Larung Gar is said to be the biggest Tibetan Buddhist institute in the world. Chinese officials began demolishing many of the monastic homes last month.

Human Rights Watch has demanded that China suspend plans to demolish buildings at Larung Gar.