Dharamsala, July 26 – Chinese police in Chamdo have arrested an 18 year-old Tibetan schoolboy for opposing Chinese rule and expressing loyalty to the Dalai Lama, according to the Radio Free Asia.
Lobsang Nyandak, a student of Guru Gewa School, left the school compound with a friend on Sunday June 28, 2009. The two headed towards the town and strolled around the market for some time. Around evening Lobsang stayed back and sent his friend back to school.
Lobsang had planned to carry out a protest demonstration that day. A white cloth draped around his body read, “Tibetan independence, Long live Dalai Lama, China out of Tibet”. Another cloth that he carried in his hands was painted with the colors of the Tibetan national flag. He ran towards the Tothokhang market (spelled as pronounced) of Chamdo and shouted slogans like “Tibet is independent”, “Tsampa eating Tibetans, wake up”. He then walked towards the Chamdo police office and was arrested.
Six students of Guru Gewa school arrived at the police office and demanded his release and threatened to go on protest if he was not released. The police warned them not to protest and said investigation into Lobsang’s case would be done. More students from the school tried to leave for the police office but the school principal stopped them.
Lobsang is currently detained at the Chamdo prison. Chinese authorities have tightened its control on Lobsang’s home town Tsawa Punda for fear of repercussions there.
