Scholars Condemn China's Destruction of 300+ Buddhist Stupas in Tibet

Scholars have strongly condemned China's destruction of over 300 Buddhist stupas and sacred statues in Tibet during May-June 2025, calling it an assault on Indian cultural heritage. The demolition occurred at Lungrab Zang-ri near Janggang Monastery, where Chinese authorities destroyed medium and large stupas, plus statues of Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok and Guru Padmasambhava, according to a Central Tibetan Administration report. Prof Sashi Bala called it "cultural invasion," noting Tibetan Buddhism's Indian origins. Professor Vijay Kumar Singh warned China could rewrite Tibetan history entirely. Chinese officials justified the destruction claiming stupas were on "government land" violating regulations. The area has been sealed with strict surveillance, and locals face arrest for sharing information about the incident.