Martial Law Situation in Tibet, all but in name

Saturday, 15 March 2008, 5:09 p.m.

Dharamshala: We are witnessing
a Martial Law situation in Tibet even though Chinese authorities have
not declared it officially. Around 11pm on March 14th the Chinese
authorities in Lhasa have started to make announcements regarding
closure of schools, shops and businesses.

Monasteries have been completely sealed off by Peoples Armed Forces
and remain under extremely strict surveillance. Monks are being
followed even as they try to move within the compounds of the
monastery.

There are tight restrictions on communication with the outside
world. Many communication lines (private home telephones and
cell-phones) have been disconnected in many parts of Tibet.

Peopleïž’s movement has been extremely restricted in many parts
of Tibet, especially in Lhasa and surrounding areas. The streets of
Lhasa are being patrolled by the Peopleïž’s Armed Police with armoured
tanks and vehicles.

The uprising continues as today, in Nyangden (North of Lhasa
near the Sera Monastery) over 200 people took part in protests
according to sources.

In Kama Kusang (East of Lhasa) there have been reports of
people demonstrating in the streets. 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.

In addition to the numerous protests we have witnessed over the
last few days, on March 11th 2008 in Dabpa (Karze, Tibetan Autonomous
Prefecture, Sichuan Province) Tibetans held protests against the
Chinese occupation. Three Tibetans are reported to have been shot by
the Peopleïž’s Armed Forces.

There have been 30 confirmed deaths until today, and over 100 unconfirmed deaths.