Tibetans faced religious repression: US report

A US report said people of Tibet faced severe religious repression and societal discrimination throughout 2012 in China, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) said here Tuesday.

The Chinese government's respect for and protection of religious freedom in Tibet deteriorated markedly with a substantial increase in official interference in religious practices, a CTA spokesperson said, quoting the US State Department's International Religious Freedom Report for 2012.

Of the 117 Tibetan self-immolation protests against the Chinese rule, 85 took place in 2012.

"Repression was severe throughout the year, but tightened further in the lead-up to and during politically sensitive and religious anniversaries and events," said the report which was released Monday.

"Official interference in the practice of Tibetan Buddhist religious traditions continued to generate profound grievances. An increasing number of Tibetans self-immolated during the year," it said.

The report said the US government urged the Chinese government to engage in constructive dialogue with the Dalai Lama and his representatives.

Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, has lived in India since fleeing his homeland in 1959. The Tibetan government-in-exile is based in this Himachal Pradesh hill town.