Tulku Hungkar Dorje, a revered Tibetan Buddhist leader and philanthropist, has died under suspicious circumstances while in Chinese custody in Vietnam, prompting widespread condemnation and calls for international investigation.
Detention and Death
Tulku Hungkar Dorje, the 10th throne holder of Lungngon Monastery in Gade County, Golog, Amdo, was arrested on March 25, 2025, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, during a joint operation by Vietnamese police and Chinese intelligence agents. He was transferred to a local public security bureau on March 28 and reportedly died the same day under unexplained circumstances. His body remains at Vinmec Central Park International Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, with access reportedly restricted and under heavy security.
Background and Persecution
Born in 1969 in Gade County, Golog Prefecture, Tulku Hungkar Dorje was recognized as the reincarnation of Do Khyentse Yeshe Dorje. He studied at Lungngon Monastery, Drepung Gomang Monastery in India, and pursued further studies in the United States and Beijing. He was known for his extensive humanitarian work, including establishing the Gesar Philanthropic Foundation in 2004 and founding approximately 14 schools providing free education to Tibetan children.
In 2024, he faced increasing pressure from Chinese authorities after allegedly refusing to host the Beijing-appointed Panchen Lama, Gyaltsen Norbu, at his monastery. He was accused of composing long-life prayers for the Dalai Lama and failing to implement state policies in his educational initiatives. Following intense interrogations, he went into hiding in Vietnam in late September 2024.
International Response
The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has condemned his death, calling for an independent and transparent investigation and the immediate return of his body to Lungngon Monastery for proper Buddhist rites. Human Rights Watch has also urged the Vietnamese government to conduct an impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Protests and vigils have been held worldwide, including demonstrations by the Tibetan Youth Congress in New Delhi and candlelight vigils in the United Kingdom and Dharamshala, expressing solidarity and demanding justice for Tulku Hungkar Dorje.
U.S. Congressman Jim McGovern expressed concern over Tulku Hungkar Dorje’s death, stating on X (formerly Twitter):
“I am troubled to learn of the mysterious death of Tibetan religious leader Tulku Hungkar Dorjee in Vietnam. He had been harassed by authorities in China for running his monastery and schools. @StateDept must urge Vietnam to do a full and transparent independent investigation.”
I am troubled to learn of the mysterious death of Tibetan religious leader Tulku Hungkar Dorjee in Vietnam. He had been harassed by authorities in China for running his monastery and schools. @StateDept must urge Vietnam to do a full and transparent independent investigation. https://t.co/YR0HlxynfL
— Rep. Jim McGovern (@RepMcGovern) April 11, 2025
The case of Tulku Hungkar Dorje highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Tibetan religious and cultural leaders under Chinese rule and raises serious concerns about transnational repression and human rights violations.
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