DHARAMSALA, October 31 – A Tibetan man who sustained gunshot injuries at the hands of Chinese security forces last year in Drango is in critical health condition, according to the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy.
Yonten Sangpo was among hundreds of Tibetans who took part in a massive anti government protests in Drango in Kardze on January 23 last year, first day of the Chinese new year. Chinese security personnel retaliated by firing indiscriminately at the unarmed demonstrators, killing and injuring scores of people. Yonten and his mother Sanglha were among those who suffered gunshots.
His two brothers, Yeshi Rigsel and Yeshi Samdup, had also suffered gunshot injuries but escaped into the jungles nearby. However, they were later traced down and shot dead by Chinese forces on February 9, 2012. Rigsel was carrying a bullet wound that he sustained during the demonstration. Their mother Sanglha who is in her seventies, was shot on the arm which later had to be amputated.
Chinese authorities in the region led a large man hunt, killing and arresting Tibetans suspected of participating in the protest.
Chinese authorities detained Yonten who they accused of murder and threatened to have him sentenced to death but local Tibetans appealed against his detention and sentencing. The authorities released him on April 21, and ordered that he be kept at his home under strict watch for three years. His health however has deteriorated a lot, a Tibetan source has told the TCHRD
Several Tibetans were sentenced to varying prison terms – from nine months to life-imprisonment, including both monks and laymen, for their ‘involvement’ in the January 23 protest.
