PhotoIn the Tibetan regions ruled by China, one religious institute stands out — Larung Gar, in the county of Sertar. But Chinese officials have begun demolishing many of the monastic homes, in another attempt to shape and control Tibetan culture and religious life, say representatives of two Tibetan advocacy groups outside China. Free Tibet, a group based in London, said the demolitions began at 8 a.m. on July 20, when a Chinese work team accompanied by police officers and government officials arrived. It has been described as the largest Buddhist institute on the planet. The lamas in charge of the institute have urged people in the area to stay calm, the group said.

Source: International New York Times July 27, 2016 08:48 UTC