Complete one-week update on Tibet Protests
Tuesday, 18 March 2008, 4:50 p.m.
Chronological Information outlined below shows how pressure has been building up towards the current turmoil in Tibet.
Tibetan National Uprising anniversary- Lhasa protest
On the 49th Tibetan National Uprising anniversary, about 7 monks staged
a peaceful demonstration in the Barkhor area of Lhasa, the capital city
of Tibet, carrying three Tibetan national flags. As soon as the monks
began to shout slogans, the public joined in to support them. But
before it gained momentum, the Chinese police appeared at the scene
arresting first the monks who started the protest and beating them
fiercely.
Following this, the police ordered all the shops and street
vendors in the Barkhor area to close down and dispersed the crowd, thus
greatly affecting the lives of the commuters who were conducting their
day-to-day activities.
On the whole, the demonstration was put down by the Chinese government
within a short period of time.
Jyekundo ( ” Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture” Qinghai)
On 9 March, hundreds of banned portraits of His Holiness the
Dalai Lama were confiscated from a number of homes in Jyekundo, (Ch:
Yushu/Jiegu) “Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture”, Qinghai Province during a
midnight raid conducted by local Public Security Bureau (PSB)
officials. Two families were reportedly fined 500 Yuan each for
possessing the banned portraits. The next day, pamphlets calling for
Tibet’s independence were known to have been pasted on the walls around
the area.
Lutsang Monastery (Mangra County, Tsolho ” Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture “)
In yet another incident, a protest has also been reported from
the traditional Tibetan area of Amdo in Mangra County, Tsolho (Ch:
Hainan) ‘Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture’ (“TAP”) Qinghai Province on 10
March. About 137 monks from Lutsang Monastery in Mangra County, Tsolho
“TAP” and around 200 laypersons from the area were barred by the Mangra
County People’s Armed Police (PAP) forces when they converged outside
the County Assembly Hall where a government sponsored show was going
on. Sensing a protest by the Tibetans, the show was forced to
discontinue. Later monks and laypeople started shouting slogans “Long
live Dalai Lama” and “The Dalai Lama should return to Tibet”. At the
moment there is no report of Tibetans having been arrested from the
area, although, the concerned authorities are known to be investigating
those involved in the protest.
Tsuklakhang Temple (Barkhor street, Lhasa) and Sera Monastery (Lhasa)
On 10 March a group of around fifteen monks, later joined by two
laypersons led a peaceful pro-Tibet march from Tsuklakhang Temple,
proclaiming pro-independence slogans, distributing pamphlets and
raising the banned Tibetan national flags at Barkhor Street in Lhasa.
They were arrested immediately by the stationed Public Security Bureau
(PSB) officials following a brief protest march on Barkhor Street – one
of the busiest market areas around the city. The arrested Tibetans were
reportedly beaten severely and manhandled by the PSB officials.
Moreover, the shops and vendors around Barkhor Street were ordered to
close and pack up. The detained monks were confirmed to be visiting
student monks of Sera Monastery, mainly from the Kham and Amdo regions
of Tibet. Additional contingents of armed forces were deployed to the
area to issue an explicit warning to people against undertaking further
protests as well as to control and monitor the activities of the
people.
On 11 March, about 2000 strong Chinese troop fired tear gas in
order to disperse hundreds of monks from Sera Monastery who were
calling for the release of their fellow monks and shouting pro-Tibet
slogans. The situation in Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery are
known to be very tense at the moment with People’s Armed Police forces
sealing off the monasteries thereby completely curbing the people’s
movement in and out of the area, including protesting laypeople from
visiting these monasteries.
The 15 peaceful protestors are confirmed to have been arrested and
their whereabouts are unknown.
Drepung Monastery (Lhasa municipality)
According to sources within Tibet, on the evening of 10 March,
about three hundred monks from Drepung Monastery, located on the
outskirts of the capital, attempted to start a planned peaceful protest
march towards Barkhor Street, Lhasa. However, they were obstructed from
proceeding with their peaceful march by a large number of Chinese armed
police before reaching Lhasa. A few monks from the group suspected to
be the ringleaders were believed to be arrested by Public Security
Bureau (PSB) officials.
The situation in Drepung Monastery, where around 300 monks
staged a peaceful demonstration on 10 March, is known to be very tense
with authorities deploying additional People’s Armed Police (PAP)
forces into the area. There has been a similar deployment of armed
forces including plain clothed police and agents reportedly present in
and around Barkhor Street in Lhasa to deal with any protests.
Ditsa Monastery (Bayan County, Haidong Prefecture, Qinghai Province)
In one incident, around 20 local Chinese officials convened a
meeting of monks at Ditsa Monastery. However, around 70 monks walked
out of the meeting carrying the portrait of the Dalai Lama and shouted
pro-independence slogans. Later the monks proceeded towards a small
hill behind the monastery to offer Sangsol Prayer (incense burning
ceremony), and were later joined by onlookers. Open calls for
solidarity with “the peace marcher from Dharamsala to Lhasa,” initiated
by leading exiled Tibetan NGOs, were even reportedly raised by the
monks. A total of around four hundred people gathered for the prayer
that day. No cases of arrest or detention of Tibetans are known from
the area so far and there is no report of the Chinese sending
additional police force to the area.
Raid in former political prisoners’ homes
According to sources, since 10 March, sudden raids continue to
be conducted in the homes of former political prisoners by the
authorities looking particularly for any incriminating CDs such as the
US Congressional Gold Medal to His Holiness the Dalai Lama ceremony
which have covertly been in circulation recently, or electronic goods
particularly computers, phones and Internet connections.
Labrang Tashikyil Monastery (Sangchu County, “Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture”)
Incidents of police removing pamphlets calling for Tibet’s
independence were reported from Labrang Tashikyil Monastery in Sangchu
County, “TAP” incorporated into Chinese province of Gansu.
Karze (capital of Karze, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, incorporated into Chinese province of Sichuan)
There are also reports of people having pasted pamphlets calling
for Tibet’s independence from Karze County, Karze “TAP” Sichuan
Province on 10 March. So far there is no information on case of arrest
or detention from the area.
Recall of government employees and restriction in Tibet University
On 11 March, the authorities of Lhasa City have recalled all the
employees of various government departments who were on leave to return
to work immediately and issued a restraint order banning taking leave.
Restrictions were also imposed on the movement of students, including
Tibet University students in Lhasa, with authorities increasing the
vigilance personnel and keeping a record of student movements at the
main entrance gate of the University.
Dabpa (Karze, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan province)
We have confirmed reports that the three Tibetans shot by the Chinese
Police were killed and at least ten people have been injured in the
Dabpa protest. Instructions were given to shoot at the protestors since
they were believed by higher Chinese authorities that they were
engaging in “splittist activities.”
Gaden Monastery
Similarly, Gaden Monastery (about 50 Kms east of Lhasa City),
remains sealed off and surrounded by People’s Armed Police since
yesterday afternoon, following the protest by monks.
Chutsang Nunnery
On the morning of 12 March, coinciding with the Tibetan Women’s
Uprising Day, around a hundred Tibetan nuns from Chutsang Nunnery in
the west side of Lhasa marched towards Barkhor Street for a peaceful
demonstration. However, they were blocked by Chinese People’s Armed
Police from moving forward and sent back to their nunnery. There are no
reports of arrest or detention after the march.
However, on the morning of 13 March, the same group of nuns from
Chutsang Nunnery carried out their protest march towards Lhasa and have
not yet returned to their monastery. On contacting the monastery, only
a few senior nuns remain there.
Ramoche Temple (Lhasa)
Information coming out of Lhasa has confirmed that most of Lhasa
has been surrounded by People’s Armed Police (PAP) following a peaceful
protest led by monks of the Ramoche temple in Lhasa this morning.
Local NGOïž’s warned by authorities
The local Foreign Bureau Office in Lhasa has issued a warning to
NGOïž’s (especially those with links to the outside world) that any
information given to foreigners regarding the protests in Tibet could
result in strict legal action against the individual or even the
shutting down of the NGO. The Foreign Bureau Office has also said that
they have blocked the entry of foreigners into Tibet. The NGOïž’s have
been specifically instructed by the Foreign Bureau office that the only
contact they can have with foreigners is to assure them that the
protests in Tibet will be stabilized very shortly. NGOïž’s were also
warned that if they were found sending information through
e-mails/using the internet for disseminating information on the current
Tibet situation, then strict action would be taken against them. Also,
just a few days ago, complete background information of foreigners
involved with local NGOïž’s was collected by the local Foreign Bureau
office.
Nyangden (North of Lhasa near the Sera Monastery)
In Nyangden, over 200 people took part in protests according to sources.
Karma Kunsang (East of Lhasa)
There have been reports of people demonstrating in the streets
of Karma Kunsang. Tear Gas was forcibly used against the peaceful
demonstrators.
In Labrang Tashikyil Monastery (Sangchu County, Tibetan Autonomous
Prefecture) there have been major protests by mostly lay people.
Atleast four people were taken into custody by the Peopleïž’s Armed
forces.
Toelung county (under Lhasa municipality)
One reliable source has confirmed that a military truck full of
unidentified dead bodies was seen being carried away towards Toelung
county.
Lithang (in Karze, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan province)
During minor protests, at least two of the protestors were arrested and
taken into custody as confirmed by a source. The protests took place in
Othok (under Lithang county) and few other villages in Lithang county.
There were also protests in Sershul monastery (in Tawu county).
Samye Monastery (Dranang county, Lhaka Prefecture, Tibetan Autonomous Region)
There was a protest held at Samye Monastery and Home
Guards/Surveillance Police were called in from Lhasa to suppress the
protest.
Amdo, Labrang (Tibetan area incorporated into Chinese province of Gansu)
From 5000-6000 people took part in a major protest in Amdo that
started around 11am and was led by mostly nomadic Tibetans. Among many
other things, they were demanding for the return of His Holiness the
Dalai Lama. The Peopleïž’s Armed Police (PAP) used tear gas on the
demonstrators.
Phenpo Lhundup Dzong (under Lhasa municipality)
There was a protest by monks and laypeople. Monks of Gaden
Monastery, nearby monasteries and laypeople protested in front of the
County headquarters. Additional Public Security Bureau (PSB) personnel
were sent in from Lhasa to suppress the protestors.
Gaden Monastery (about 50 kms east of Lhasa)
Gaden Monastery remains under extremely strict Chinese military
presence. The number of military personnel is so high that they are
running out of tent space for their personnel.
Tashi Lhunpo monastery (Shigatse)
There was shooting inside the compounds of Tashi Lhunpo
monastery and at least 40 laypeople protesting behind the Tashi Lhunpo
monasteries have been arrested as confirmed by one source.
Lhasa arrests continue
Over 500 people have been arrested in Lhasa alone; however the
numbers are expected to be astoundingly larger since all those arrested
are being taken to prisons all over Tibet.
Media under tight watch
All media personnel (including foreign media) inside Tibet are
being questioned and there are reports that their recorded materials
(video footage, pictures) have been destroyed or confiscated.
80 deaths in Lhasa confirned
Reliable sources have confirmed that at least 80 people were
killed on 14th March 2008 in Lhasa. One very reliable source has
confirmed that many of the dead bodies have been stashed in front of a
Public Security Department office in Lhasa.
Kirti monastery, Amdo (Tibetan area incorporated into Chinese province of Sichuan)
Around 9:30 am this morning at Kirti Monastery which has remain
completely sealed off by Chinese military, over a thousand monks fled
the tight security (after two unsuccessful attempts earlier) and were
joined by another thousand layperson-protestors outside the Monastery
compound. Tear gas was used on the demonstrators and gun shots were
heard according to a reliable source. We have confirmed reports that
few of the protestors have been shot and killed by the Peopleïž’s Armed
Police during the protest.
Officials warned not to take part in protests
Higher Chinese authorities have instructed Tibetan officials
inside Tibet to not take part in any of the protests. Their movement
has been restricted and they are required to sign in and out if they
wish to leave outside their homes according to a reliable source.
Ragya Monastery, Machen County (Golog, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai province)
Monks of Ragya Monastery held a protest.
Students Protest in Kanlho (Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture)
Few of the schools in Kanlho, held protests.
Achok Monastery (Sangchu County, Kanlho, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture)
Protests were held at Achok Monastery today.
Machu county (Kanlho, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture)
Protests were held by students, former Tibetan officials and
laypeople in Machu County. The student protestors were arrested at the
scene. In Luchu County (Kanlho, TAP) and Chabcha county (Tsolho, TAP)
protests were also held.
In Rongpo monastery (Amdo province)
Monks of Rongo Monastery held a major protest in the field in
front of their monastery. Public Security Bureau (PSB) officials
arrived to suppress the protestors. There was an attempt by the
monastery head to placate the situation through dialogue with the
Chinese officials who arrived at the scene. After the discussions the
PSB personnel may have left the scene, however, this cannot be
confirmed. The monks of Rongpo monastery are determined to continue on
with the protest. No further details.
In Meldro Gungkar County, east of Lhasa (Lhasa municipality)
Protests were held by the monks of Pangsa monastery. Some of the
monks were arrested; however, they were released later due to pressure
from the lay people. Some of the monks who protested were able to run
for safety towards a hill close by.
University students on Hunger strike
In China, around 500 Tibetan students of Northwest-Nationalities
University started a hunger strike around 4pm local time at the campus
ground.
Pangsa Monastery and Meldro Gongkar County (about 70kms from
Lhasa)
Today, thousands of protestors led by monks of Pangsa and other
monasteries of Medro Gongkar held a massive protest. Seven Peopleïž’s
Armed Police (PAP) trucks full of police personnel which arrived at the
scene was not able to suppress the protest and more PAPs continue to be
arrive at the scene. All schools, shops and offices in the area were
shut down.
Tsang Monastery, Yulgan County (Malho, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province)
A protest by over 500 monks of Tsang Monastery was held around
10AM this morning. Monks put up the Tibetan flag on the monastery
rooftop and also carried the portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama
while protesting peacefully. The Peopleïž’s Armed Police (PAP) has
arrived to suppress the protestors however the protest continues.
Students protest in Machu County (Kanlho, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu province)
A protest was held by a massive number of student protesters in Machu County. All of the students present were arrested.
Gaden Chokor monastery, Phenpo Lhundrup County (near Lhasa)
The protests at Gaden Chokor monastery continue from yesterday.
In Serthar County (Karze TAP, Sichuan Province)
Protests continue in Serthar county from yesterday.
In Driru County (Nagchu Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region)
At Harthang monastery, Pelo Trulku (reincarnated lama) was
suppose to give a spiritual teaching towards the end of February 2008.
However, local Chinese “work teams” did not allow the teachings to take
place, as a result, there was a scuffle between the local Tibetans and
the Chinese “work teams”. On 3rd March 2008, additional Chinese “work
teams” were brought in and all Tibetans between the ages of 18-30 were
forced to undergo “patriotic re-education.” On March 14th the road
connecting Nagchu to Lhasa was completely blocked off. Non-residents of
Nagchu were forced to leave. From each household in Nagchu the names of
each male individual was collected.
Around 100 unidentified people have been killed in the protests so
far. In and around Lhasa, around 400 people have been injured.
