Remote India town sustains last vestiges of old Tibet

EVIDENCE
Beijing cites the Tawang lamasery as evidence the region forms part of southern Tibet and that New Delhi should hand it back to settle the border dispute that led to a brief war in 1962.
"Tawang's political significance is what makes it important, said Jambey Tashi, Tawang's local lawmaker." Besides, many look at Tawang for direction when it comes to preserving Tibetan culture and heritage".
A permit system helps protect Tawang's culture, shielding it from mass immigration and unchecked tourism. The region has no airport, erratic power supply and opportunities for higher studies are non-existent.
The sixth Dalai Lama was born in this region, home to the Monpa people who speak a tongue similar to Tibetan and where ancient funeral rituals comprise chopping the dead into 108 pieces and consigning them to the river.
The influence of the current 14th Dalai Lama over Tawang is enormous. He appoints the powerful abbot of its monastery and his government-in-exile funds institutions in this area.
The Dalai Lama also passed through Tawang while fleeing Tibet after a failed uprising against Chinese rule in 1959.
Many in Tawang say incidents such as last year's violent Chinese crackdown in Tibet has only steeled their resolve to protect their culture and religion.
"We hear about the atrocities in Tibet, the repression they (China) are carrying out," said R. Neema, a local doctor. "But Tawang will try to sustain what China seeks to destroy in Tibet."