Sonam Sherab, 45, and Sonam Ignyen, 44.

DHARAMSHALA: Two of the five monks of Zilkar Monastery in Tridu in Yushul in eastern Tibet, who were arrested during an arbitrary police raid at the monastery on 1 September, have been sentenced to two years in prison.

A court in Siling (Ch: Xining) handed down the sentences to Sonam Sherab, 45, and Sonam Ignyen, 44.

The whereabouts of the other three monks, Tsultrim Kelsang 25, Lobsang Jinpa 30, and Tenzin Sherab, still remain unknown. Their family members are deeply concerned about their well-being.

Clampdown fuels resentment

The Chinese government has heightened restrictions across the region by deploying a large number of officials and security forces.

Riot police regularly patrol the streets and the local Tibetans’ freedom of movement are severely restricted by frequent interrogation and raids.

The increasing security crackdown is fuelling resentments among the Tibetans as it creates huge obstacles to the smooth functioning of the monastery, people’s daily livelihood and their children’s education.

4 of the 55 self-immolation incidents took place in Yushul.