Updates on Tibet, 21 April 2008
Monday, 21 April 2008, 5:30 p.m.
Update for Monday, 21 April 2008, last updated 2 PM (IST)
Re: Tibet Demonstrations
12 April 2008
Dartsedo (Ch: Kangding), Karze “Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,” Sichuan province – Monastery heads condemn “patriotic re-education” classes during meeting
Monastery heads from 18 Counties in Karze “TAP” were called for a
meeting held in Dartsedo (the location for Karze “TAP” Headquarters).
The purpose of the meeting was mainly to enforce guidance for
conducting “patriotic re-education” classes.
During the meeting, three of the head Lamas said that if the
“patriotic re-education” classes are implemented then the Tibetan
people would lose tolerance and the situation would turn unfavorable.
If the authorities had any concern for the Tibetan public then they
should immediately stop the “patriotic re-education” classes or the
heads of the monasteries cannot bear the responsibilities for
unfavourable situations that may arise. Other heads of monasteries
joined in for support.
The heads of monasteries decision to unanimously disapprove the
“patriotic re-education” campaign during the meeting, has lead to the
Chinese authorities putting the “anti-Dalai clique” signature campaign
on temporary hold.
Armed Forces deployed at various monasteries have still not
been withdrawn. In addition, members of Armed Forces dressed in
civilian clothes patrol the monastery compounds on a daily basis.
No Specific Date
Monetary incentives and prostitutes being used to lure and arrest more Tibetans
The Chinese government has started to use various influences
such as monetary incentives and prizes and even the prostitutes, to
arrest Tibetan people alleged to have been involved in the recent
demonstrations.
Many Tibetans who have had no involvement in the demonstrations
were arrested on baseless charges. Some are being released after a fine
has been paid.
The “TAR” Higher People’s Court, People’s Procuratorates and
the Public Security Department have issued a wanted list of people
allegedly involved in the recent demonstrations. An
announcement/circular has been issued. The circular says that those who
provide information leading to the arrest of people on the wanted list
or any other persons involved the demonstrations would receive bounties
of 20,000 Yuan.
The circular also says that anyone who provides information on
Tibetans injured during the recent protest in Tibet is to be awarded a
sum of 5,000 Yuan.
Moreover, anyone who provides information leading to the
arrests of informants making contacts to India and the outside world is
to be awarded a sum of 20,000 Yuan.
A sum of 100,000 Yuan is to be awarded to those who provide
confirmed information about the ring-leaders of the recent
demonstrations.
These announcements reveal China’s plan to further intensify their
crackdown on the protestors by making as many arrests as possible.
In Mangra (Ch: Guinan) County of Tsolho “TAP”, Qinghai
Province, Chinese prostitutes are being used to lure arrests of people
involved in the recent protests in Tibet.
Sangchu (Ch: Xiahe) County, Kanlho “Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,” Gansu Province- China showing no signs of slowing down “Patriotic re-education” campaign
Since 12 and 13 April, many officials from the Prefecture and
County level Governments have been conducting “Patriotic re-education”
classes in this Tibetan area.
Sangchu (Ch: Xiahe) County, Kanlho “Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,” Gansu Province – Injured and arrested list continues to build up
On 15 March, 18 and 23 there were several protests held in Bora
Township and Sangchu County. During the March 18 protest, head injuries
and broken legs have been reported. Among those who sustained injuries
a few names can be confirmed. They are, Kathup Tsering, age 45;
Nyingchup Gyal, age 27; Tashi Dorjee, age 51 and Bhenthey Khar, age 23.
Many arrests have been made from 23 March to 15 April. Lhagho Kyap, a teacher from a local school, was among the many arrested.
On 15 April, local police arrived at Bora monastery, Bora
Township, with a wanted list comprising of 30 monks. They warned that
if these monks did not surrender, then a thorough search of the
monastery would be conducted.
Rebkong (Ch: Tongren) County, Malho “Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,” Qinghai province – Chinese armed forces continue arrests and beating; whereabouts of many arrestees remain unknown
Tight restrictions were enforced after a huge number of armed
forces arrived at Rongpo monastery on 18 April. The armed forces most
likely are from Hunan province.
From 17 April till today, over 430 monks and laypeople have
been arrested in Rebgong County. Special police units wearing black
uniforms arrived on 12 April. They severely beat monks at Rongpo
monastery and have been arresting a number of them.
Among the many arrested on 17 April, former Abbot Alag
Khatso-tsang, aged 80, from Rongpo Monastery, was one of them. During
his arrest, he was severely beaten resulting in a head injury and three
broken ribs. While the Armed Forces said that Abbot Alag Khatso-tsang
would be taken to the hospital, his whereabouts are unknown.
Three monks were arrested on 12 April and as mentioned over 430
monks were arrested on 17 April. While initially these arrestees were
taken to the County prison, the current whereabouts of these arrestees
remain unknown.
Armed Forces have started to conduct searches even at the
smaller monasteries near Rongpo monastery. For instance, on 18 March, a
search was conducted at Yama Tashi Kyil monastery. The residence of
Alak Drotsang was searched extensively. No arrests were reported on
that day.
