China Bans Tibetan State Employees From Religious Rituals During Losar

Chinese authorities have intensified surveillance across Tibet during the Losar New Year, imposing strict new restrictions on Tibetan government employees. While state workers are permitted to visit sacred sites like the Jokhang Temple and Potala Palace for leisure, they are explicitly forbidden from engaging in religious practices. Activities such as prostrating, making offerings, or even attending family funeral rites are strictly banned. Officials warn that practicing faith violates Communist Party discipline. Despite these severe crackdowns and heavy troop deployments in Lhasa, Tibetans continue to secretly share New Year greetings and prayers for the Dalai Lama online.