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Martial Law Situation in Tibet, all but in name
Saturday, 15 March 2008, 5:09 p.m.
Dharamshala: We are witnessing a Martial Law situation in Tibet even though Chinese authorities have not declared it officially. Around 11pm on March 14th the Chinese authorities in Lhasa have started to make announcements regarding closure of schools, shops and businesses.
Monasteries have been completely sealed off by Peoples Armed Forces and remain under extremely strict surveillance. Monks are being followed even as they try to move within the compounds of the monastery.
There are tight restrictions on communication with the outside world. Many communication lines (private home telephones and cell-phones) have been disconnected in many parts of Tibet.
People’s movement has been extremely restricted in many parts of Tibet, especially in Lhasa and surrounding areas. The streets of Lhasa are being patrolled by the People’s Armed Police with armoured tanks and vehicles.
The uprising continues as today, in Nyangden (North of Lhasa near the Sera Monastery) over 200 people took part in protests according to sources.
In Kama Kusang (East of Lhasa) there have been reports of people demonstrating in the streets. Tear Gas was forcibly used against the peaceful demonstrators.
In Labrang Tashikyil Monastery (Sangchu County, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture) there have been major protests by mostly lay people. Atleast four people were taken into custody by the People’s Armed forces.
In addition to the numerous protests we have witnessed over the last few days, on March 11th 2008 in Dabpa (Karze, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province) Tibetans held protests against the Chinese occupation. Three Tibetans are reported to have been shot by the People’s Armed Forces.
There have been 30 confirmed deaths until today, and over 100 unconfirmed deaths.
(www.tibet.net is the official website of the Central Tibetan Administration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.)
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