China has demolished the Larung Gar monastery in Ganze Tibetan Autonomous Region in Sichuan province.

The Larun Gar monastery is one of largest Tibetan Buddhist study centers in the world. Established in 1980, the Lanur Gar is also largest Buddhist education institute in Tibet.

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Tibetan activist groups confirmed the destruction saying that the destruction was part of a governmental plan to reduce the size of the monastery and institute. Last month, authorities announced a plan to reduce population of the monastery by half (i.e. 5000).

"At around 8 a.m. (local time) yesterday, a Chinese work-team arrived at the monastery, accompanied by officials, police and members of the armed forces dressed in plain clothes," London-based Free Tibet organization said in a statement on Thursday. "They brought bulldozers and other demolition equipment. Upon arriving, they began to pull down residences belonging to the monastery."

The group also shared a video and pictures of demolition on its social media accounts.

A senior official of the Tibetan Parliament in exile has accused the Chinese government of interference in Tibet's religious affairs. "It is indeed sad and unfortunate news. It is also a fact that since Xi Jinping became the President of China there has been a noticeable deterioration in the religious freedom inside Tibet," deputy speaker of Parliament-in-exile Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok said. Other Tibetan groups have also lashed out at the Chinese government. 

Chinese authorities, on the other hand, have defended the demolition drive saying that the move is part of the Lanur Gar monastery renovation plan.

Watch the video of Lanur Gar demolition here.

Tagschina, Tibet, Larung Gar, Sichuan, Buddhist