Dharamshala: Kasa Dukar Dolma (Tib: ཀ་བཟའ་གདུགས་དཀར་སྒྲོལ་མ།), 85, the mother of the late Hungkar Rinpoche, reportedly passed away on 6 May 2025 in Golog, Amdo, following a prolonged illness caused and exacerbated by the distress and emotional toll of her son’s suspicious death. The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has verified the news through credible sources, although it only surfaced on 11 May due to heightened restrictions on the flow of information from inside Tibet. Her passing marks another tragic chapter in the unfolding aftermath of Rinpoche’s untimely death, which occurred under suspicious circumstances in Vietnam while allegedly in the custody of Chinese authorities in late March this year.
Hungkar Rinpoche’s sudden demise generated widespread international concern, with many rights organizations and media outlets urging transparency from both the Vietnamese and Chinese governments amid fears of transnational repression. The late Rinpoche, a respected spiritual leader and vocal advocate for Tibetan cultural and religious preservation, was reportedly detained in Vietnam, raising urgent questions about cross-border coordination between the two governments. The loss deeply affected his mother, who had been in declining health and reportedly suffered great anguish in the weeks following the incident.
In early 2024, the passing of Phude, mother of Tibetan writer Tenzin Khenrab, underscored the severe emotional toll that enforced disappearances inflict on families—she died after battling depression and anxiety for over a year, unable to learn the fate of her son who was arrested for keeping a photo of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Her death on 17 February mirrors the profound grief experienced by Hungkar Rinpoche’s mother, illustrating how prolonged psychological suffering caused by such disappearances can ultimately become life-threatening.
As per Tibetan Buddhist tradition, 16 May 2025 will mark the 49th day since Hungkar Rinpoche’s death—a spiritually significant day when prayers and rituals are performed to guide the consciousness of the deceased toward a peaceful rebirth. The Central Tibetan Administration continues to express concern over the repressive measures imposed by Chinese authorities in Tibet, especially following the passing of prominent Tibetan figures, often aimed at preventing news from reaching the outside world. The delayed reporting of Dukar Dolma’s death appears consistent with these ongoing efforts to suppress the truth and silence Tibetan voices. The CTA confirmed Hungkar Rinpoche’s death in early April after he had been missing since July 2024, with Chinese authorities refusing to return his body or disclose details, marking yet another case of repression against Tibetan religious figures. Few days later, on 8 April 2025, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) held a press conference condemning China’s action and called for international accountability and intervention. On 8 May, the European Parliament has passed a resolution strongly opposing China’s interference in the succession of the 14th Dalai Lama, highlighting the suspicious death of Tibetan religious leader Tulku Hungkar Dorje, who died in Chinese custody in Vietnam.
In Tibet, authorities have barred Hungkar Rinpoche’s monastery and residents from holding public memorial services for the abbot. Several Tibetans who shared his photos or posted messages mourning his loss on social media have reportedly been interrogated and detained. Reports suggest that even now, Lung Ngon Monastery is facing immense difficulties and forwarding and disseminating photos and information about Rinpoche is strictly forbidden. The monastery has reportedly been threatened with shutdown if it
violates orders from the Chinese government. Neither the Vietnamese nor Chinese governments have made public statements about the Rinpoche’s death or responded to requests for comment from media organisations.
Considering this egregious case of transnational repression and human rights violations, it is imperative that the United Nations Human Rights Council establish an independent fact-finding mission to investigate the circumstances of Hungkar Rinpoche’s detention and death, focusing on the roles of both Chinese and Vietnamese authorities. We also call upon nations committed to human rights protection reconsider their diplomatic and economic engagement with China and Vietnam until transparent accountability measures are implemented in Rinpoche’s demise. Governments must consider imposing targeted sanctions on officials from both countries who were involved in the detention, death, and subsequent cover-up. Lastly, international organisations must strengthen protection mechanisms for Tibetan religious and cultural leaders who continue to face persecution for their work preserving Tibetan identity.
-Report filed by UN, EU, and the Human Rights Desk, Tibet Advocacy Section, DIIR
Mother of Late Hungkar Rinpoche Passes Away Following Prolonged Illness and Grief.
