By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, May 10: Following protest by Tibetans from the Yulshok Gargye region in Minyak County (Ch. Minya) in Eastern Tibet against the Chinese mining pursuits and the resulting environmental consequences in the area on May 4 through to May 6, a temporary agreement has been reached to halt operations and cease all mining activities of the Lhagang Kargye Kha mining company.
Last week, more than a hundred Tibetans protested near Mt. Minyak Gangkar located near Dhartsedo City; displaying the dead fishes from the polluted water bodies from the vicinity and even lying on the road calling for an immediate stop to the reckless mining pursuits. The water bodies and river in the area have been polluted reportedly after toxic waste from the mining activities after the operations resumed in April this year.
The protesters highlighted the absence of “rule of law under the Communist party” and the deceitful assurances by the local Chinese authorities in the area. It is not clear if the Chinese authorities arrested anyone from the protest. Chinese forces, 70 personnel strong, arrived at the spot of the protest geared and prepared to contain the protesters.
On May 6, authorities of Kardze County and Dartsedo County’s peoples government have released a letter dated May 6, stating that all mining pursuits will be halted temporarily until a clear pronouncement is made on the issue.
In 2005, after wide-spread protests in the same region, mining activities were halted. The Luchu River in which the toxic wastes were dumped was polluted resulting in the death of many fishes and domestic stocks dependent on the water body.
The mining was once again resumed last month causing similar damages seen in 2005 that prompted local Tibetans to protest against the miners. For the local Tibetans who bear the brunt of such reckless commercial pursuits first hand, their efforts in stopping the mining operations have gained a temporary respite.
