Why are monks and nuns being forced to leave Larung Gar? China's latest demolition drive explained

Chinese authorities have reportedly ordered monks and nuns whose homes were recently demolished at the Larung Gar Buddhist Academy in Tibet's Serthar County to leave the religious centre altogether. According to Tibet Times, the latest move follows a fresh demolition campaign targeting more than 1,000 monastic residences and has further tightened restrictions on one of the world's largest centres of Tibetan Buddhist learning.

The development has once again drawn attention to Larung Gar, which has witnessed multiple demolition drives over the past two decades amid Beijing's stated concerns over overcrowding and safety.

What is happening at Larung Gar?

According to Tibet Times, Chinese authorities began a fresh demolition drive at Larung Gar on July 13, reportedly citing safety concerns arising from overcrowded housing and the large population of monks and nuns. The campaign is said to involve the demolition of 1,060 monastic residences within the sprawling Buddhist institute.

As reported by Tibet Times, authorities have now instructed all monks and nuns whose residences were demolished to vacate Larung Gar completely. The directive reportedly prohibits displaced monastics from remaining at the academy under any circumstances.

The report states that monks and nuns from outside Serthar have been ordered to return to their native monasteries or family homes. Even those originally from Serthar have reportedly been directed to leave the academy and relocate to their respective townships or village monasteries.

Why were the demolitions carried out?

Quoting a source familiar with the developments, Tibet Times reported that authorities had initially planned to demolish the area surrounding Gyutrul Temple.

"However, after monastery representatives repeatedly appealed, warning that such action could damage the temple, the main shrine hall and the circumambulation path, officials altered their plan. Instead, demolition crews began tearing down the residences of monks and nuns located between the monastic and lay practitioners' quarters, with more than 1,000 dwellings in that section reportedly being demolished."

The source further told Tibet Times that the government has also imposed strict orders preventing displaced monks and nuns from continuing to stay at Larung Gar.

Chinese authorities have maintained that the demolition drive is linked to safety concerns, particularly overcrowding and housing conditions.

Why is Larung Gar significant?

Larung Gar is widely regarded as one of the world's most prominent centres for Tibetan Buddhist education, attracting monks, nuns and lay practitioners from across Tibet and beyond.

According to Tibet Times, restrictions within the academy have also intensified alongside the demolitions. Local monks, nuns and residents are reportedly facing tighter controls, while pilgrims travelling from other regions are encountering severe limitations on access to the religious centre.

The latest campaign is not unprecedented. Tibet Times notes that Chinese authorities previously carried out major demolition drives at Larung Gar in 2001, 2016 and 2019, citing reasons including overcrowding and the absence of legal permits. During those operations, authorities also imposed limits on the number of monks and nuns permitted to remain at the academy and reportedly deported many monastics to their places of origin.

(With inputs from ANI)