China arrests and beat a Tibetan calling for independence, reinforces indoctrination and surveillance in eastern Tibet

DHARAMSHALA: The Chinese police arrested and severely beat an elderly Tibetan man after he raised slogans calling for “Tibet’s independence” and “long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama”, in Driru region in eastern Tibet on 3 September.

Thousands of officials have been sent to Terchen village in Nagchu, and Dathang and Tsachu villages in Driru to carry out political re-education and surveillance. The re-education campaign involves forcing Tibetans to denounce their most revered spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and pledge allegiance to the Chinese government. 

Dayang, 64, raised the slogan to protest against political indoctrination being carried by officials of the work team and some artistes in Driru region. An eyewitness said the man, carrying a ceremonial scarf in his hand, shouted slogans of “Tibet is a independent [nation], long live His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and Chinese should quit Tibet.”

The police immediately covered his head with a black scarf and severely beat him.

He was seen undergoing treatment for life-threatening injuries at the local hospital on 9 September. Since then his whereabouts and wellbeing remain unknown.