Remembering Juchen Thupten Namgyal and Donyo Jagortsang

Two more veterans of the Tibetan resistance passed on in 2011: Juchen Thupten Namgyal on August 31, and Donyo Jagortsang on December 19. Both were from Derge, a kingdom in the Kham region of Eastern Tibet. And both were part of Tibet's underground resistance army backed by the CIA, the Chushi Gangdruk.

After fighting since 1956, Juchen Thupten Namgyal was part of the Dalai Lama's guard during the uprising of March 1959; following him to India as back-up security during his escape. He was later a key member in the Tibetan exile government. He led the first fact-finding delegation to Tibet in 1979, was part of the first negotiations with the Chinese in 1982 and '84, and eventually served as Prime Minister from 1985 to '90.

The son of a Derge Chieftain, Donyo Jagortsang was trained by the CIA in Camp Hale, Colorado. After being dropped with his team of 18 into Pembar, another area of Kham, he was caught in an unexpected siege by the Chinese in 1960. Over 10,000 resistance fighters and their families had gathered there, making them a clear target for the PLA. Few survived, and Donyo made it to India with only 4 others from his team. Soon after, he left the operation.

Including footage of Chushi Gangdruk soldiers from the CIA archives, this video is in memory of them both. May they rest in peace.

Thanks to Doma Norbu and Jamyang Norbu for help with translation.