Update on Tibet Demonstrations, 26 July 2008

Palyul (Ch: Baiyu) County, Karze (Ch: Ganzi) "TAP", Kham (incorporated into the Chinese province of Sichuan) -The monks of Dzokchen monastery clashes with the Chinese forces

A huge number of Chinese forces have arrived at Dzokchen monastery in Palyul county since this March. They, dressed in Tibetan attires, have hunted animals in Ri-Dham-Loong, a place being considered holy by the monks and the villagers with many wild animals. When a Tibetan Lama, who is on a retreat, told them that hunting is not allowed in this sacred place, the Chinese forces beat him horribly.

Upon knowing this incident in the afternoon at around 3:00 p.m., the monks of Dzokchen monastery visited the township to complain at the concerned Chinese authorities. But, their complaint was rejected by the authorities which have finally resulted in a fight between the monks and the Chinese forces. It is reported that some monks were shot during the fight. The situation was temporarily calmed down with mediation from some senior Lamas. Further information not available.

Dartsedo (Ch: Kangding) County, Karze (Ch: Ganzi) "TAP", Kham (incorporated into the Chinese province of Sichuan) - Atruk Kyalgyam given 5-year sentence after detaining for nearly a year

On 14 July, the concerned court at Dartsedo, the location for headquarters of Karze "TAP", sentenced Atruk Kyalgyam, a nephew of Rungye Adrak who was arrested last year, to 5 years in prison.

During the annual horse race festival in Lithang (Ch: Litang) county in Karze "TAP" on 1 August, Rungye Adrak led a peaceful protest against the Chinese government. He was immediately arrested from the scene. Following this protest, the Chinese authorities started conducting intense "patriotic re-education" to all the monks and lay people of Lithang county.

When the "patriotic re-education" was being conducted in Kharshul village, Atruk Kyalgyam has thoroughly expressed his views and opposed to undergo the "education". As a result, he was arrested in the beginning of September last year.

Derge (Ch: Dege) County, Karze (Ch: Ganzi) "TAP", Kham (incorporated into the Chinese province of Sichuan) - Restrictions heightened after the explosion in Gonchen monastery killed 2 monks and severely injured 4 others

Following the blast incident, as described by the Chinese authorities lately, on around 12 July that killed two monks and injured four others in Gonchen monastery in Derge county, the local authorities heightened the restrictions including not allowing the gathering of more than two people around the Gonchen monastery and keeping all the communication channels under strict surveillance.

Due to the heavy restrictions imposed in the locality, it has been very difficult to get the clear accounts of the incident.

Jomda (Ch: Jiangda) County, Chamdo Prefecture, Kham (incorporated into "TAR") - Four arrested on suspicion of staging a protest

Suspecting the staging of a protest by the people of Geynang village in Jomda county after their harvest of a medicinal plant called caterpillar fungus (Cordyceps Sinensis), the Chinese authorities arrested four villagers including Tsegyal on 29 June.

On 31 June, 32 more were arrested when the villagers requested the local concerned Chinese authorities for the release of those four arrested. However, all of them, except seven, were released later.

Those seven who continue to be detained are: Tsegyal (from Parwar Tsang family), Jamyang Tsering (from Momo Tsang family), Anyog, Palchen, Tsering, Chokdup, and Sonam Dhargyal. Further details not available.

Machu (Ch: Maqu) County, Kanlho "TAP", Amdo (incorporated into the Chinese province of Gansu) - Three given arbitrary sentences

On 15 June, three people were given arbitrary sentences by the People's Intermediate Court of Kanlho "Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture".

Kelbar (20) from Drolkyab Tsang family in the upper division of Noorma village, Machu county, was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Kheychok Trimthak (30) from Rongchok Tsang family was sentenced to 13 years and Kunchok (16) from the lower division of Noorma village to 12 years of imprisonment.

They were among those who were arrested on 11 April by the county Public Security Bureau for allegedly participating in a protest held in Machu county this March.

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