January 9, 1997

H.E. the Ambassador

Embassy of the People's Republic of China

50-D, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri

New Delhi 110 021

Your Excellency,

This appeal letter of mine is a follow up to my earlier letter dated December 5, 1996. Recently I came to know that on December 26, 1996, my son, Ngawang Choephel, was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment by the Intermediate People's Court of Shigatse, Tibet.

I am extremely disheartened and saddened by the news that your government has sentenced my only son to so many years of imprisonment, simply for visiting Tibet to document the rich Tibetan tradition of music and dance. My son had no political motives while visiting Tibet as has been charged by the Chinese court. I can only assure you that he did not visit Tibet to spy for the Tibetan Government-in-Exile. He travelled to Tibet on his own accord and was not instigated by any individual and organisation.

Since Ngawang is my only child, his detention has caused me immense pain and suffering. I had never dreamt that the fate of my son would eventually result in his imprisonment in Tibet. At present I am suffering from tuberculosis and my health continues to deteriorate as the days prolong.

Your Excellency, as a human being, I am sure you can understand the pain and suffering I am undergoing today. Please help me to visit my son in prison. As ill as I am, my urgent desire is to see my son before I die. I only have one son - he is my heart and soul. He is all important to me. Please help me visit my son.

I once again humbly request Your Excellency to grant me permission to visit Tibet as soon as possible. I fervently hope that Your Excellency will not disappoint a mother to meet her only son.

Humbly yours,

Sonam Dekyi

c/o House No 30, Village No 2,

Tibetan Settlement

MUNDGOD, North Kanara

Karnataka State (India)