Chinese officials have expelled four Tibetan monks from a monastery in Tibet for defying orders to fly the Chinese flag.The expulsion comes as Chinese authorities press a campaign of interference in monastic life in Tibet, leading to monks and nuns abandoning their establishments.On Feb.7, Chinese officials from Pashoe county arrived at the Rawu Shulten monastery in Pashoe and ordered monks to hoist the Chinese national flag and display photos of Chinese leaders inside the monastery.The monks strongly objected to the government’s order, and as a result of this defiance, four monks were expelled from the monastery.A source named two of those expelled as Jampa Dondrub and Jampa Thogme, both from Lhago village in Pashoe county. The names of the other two monks are still unknown.

Tension has risen at the monastery in the wake of this incident.Chinese authorities have already forbidden monks under the age of 18 to remain in monasteries.The monasteries hide young monks by locking them up in a room when Chinese officials visit.

The Chinese officials have warned that the monastery could be closed if it does not obey the government decree” ordering the display of the flag and photos.

The monks are now closely watched by the officials, who are restricting their movements.

In Driru county monks and nuns have abandoned many of their monasteries, citing intolerable interference in their daily activities by Chinese authorities.
All who were not willing to live under the strict restrictions imposed by Chinese chose to leave.