Sir, - Where China is concerned, the world's gaze is firmly fixed on the Hong Kong handover. In Tibet, however, the destruction of this ancient Buddhist culture continues apace.Tromsikhang Palace, one of the last great secular buildings in Lhasa's "Old City" (now roughly 1 sq km of Lhasa's 54 sq kms).
Built in the late 1600s by the sixth Dalai Lama as a residence for the Mongol ruler, Lhazang Khan, it had been designated "a cultural relic for strict preservation" by the Chinese government. However, it is to be replaced by a residential block of 40 units which will have no plumbing facilities other than a single tap in the yard.
The demolition is blamed in part on free-market reforms which make modern developments hugely profitable, and on lack of support from the West for schemes such as the Tibet Heritage Fund. - Yours, etc.
Tibet Support Group Ireland,
14a Ailesbury Road,
Dublin 4.