Jamyang Khedrup, a 24-year-old monk from Chamdo Monastery in Chamdo County, northeastern Tibet, originates from Yephu village under Nyeshe township. He joined the monastery at the age of 14 and, over the course of ten years, held significant administrative responsibilities for eight years, reflecting his standing within the monastic community.

His testimony highlights the intensification of political repression in Chamdo following the launch of the “Strike Hard” and ideological re-education campaigns in 1996. On 30 May 1996, Chinese authorities conducted a sweeping raid on Chamdo Monastery, searching monks’ quarters and confiscating photographs of the Dalai Lama. During the operation, political leaflets advocating Tibetan independence were discovered, leading to the arrest of three monks: Zoepa (24), Jamyang Thinley (25), and Gonpo Sonam (30).

The detainees were taken to Chamdo Prison, where they reportedly suffered severe torture. Jamyang Khedrup personally witnessed Jamyang Thinley’s body prior to cremation and reported visible signs of extreme abuse, including burn marks from electrocution, extensive bruising, and clotted blood. The other two monks, Zoepa and Gonpo Sonam, remained imprisoned.

In addition to monastic repression, authorities extended their campaign to the broader community. In June 1996, “work teams” carried out house-to-house searches, confiscating images of the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama, Gedun Choekyi Nyima. Only state-approved images were permitted.

Jamyang Khedrup also observed a significant decline in the number of monks at Chamdo Monastery. Official records showed a reduction from 1,500 to 961 monks, which he attributed directly to the repressive campaigns and political pressures imposed on the monastery.

Facing increasing restrictions and risks, Jamyang attempted to flee Tibet twice. His first attempt ended in arrest in Lhatse near Shigatse, where he was detained for eight days and had all his belongings, including religious texts, confiscated before being returned to Lhasa. His second attempt was successful: he left Lhasa on 5 December 1997 and, after a difficult journey, reached India 17 days later.