Dharamsala, Feb. 20: Security in Lithang County has been geared up following protests against Chinese government and calls for the return of Dalai Lama by Tibetans in the area on February 15, according to a press release issued today by the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy based here.
Sources have told TCHRD that hundreds of People’s Armed Police (PAP) in full combat gears have arrived in Lithang County in the past couple of days and people’s movement strictly restricted.
The TCHRD said it has information that there are only a few civilians to be seen in the streets with shops, restaurants and other amenities shut down as hundreds of armed soldiers guard the deserted town.
“The residents of neighboring nomadic villages like Othok and Youtru were completely barred from venturing into Lithang town. The telecommunication lines in the area is said to be temporarily cut off,” according to TCHRD.
Monastic clergies, committee members and high lamas of monasteries in Lithang were called for a meeting on Wednesday (February 18) during which monks were warned of dire consequences if they took part in anti government protests and showed any sign of loyalty to the Dalai Lama, says TCHRD.
“They were also told that government would firmly crush the savage aggression of the Dalai clique, defeat separatism, and wage people’s war to maintain stability,” sources with contacts in the area were quoted as saying by TCHRD.
21 Tibetans were detained following February 15 protests in Lithang. Three people Yanglo, Dolma and Damdul Gonpo (earlier reported as only Damdul) have reportedly been released on February 16 from Tsagha PSB Detention Centre.
Many areas inhabited by Tibetans now remain completely locked down and out of bounds for foreigners, says TCHRD.
