20. Feb 2009
Lithang under siege
(TCHRD) According to TCHRD, hundreds of PAP in full combat gear arrived in Lithang county following the protests of 18 February. People from villages and monasteries were told not to leave their homes and were warned of serious consequences if they went on to the streets. All the shops and restaurants were closed. A meeting was called among the monks, monastic committee members and high lamas from the monasteries in Lithang, where monks were warned by the authorities of "dire consequences" if anyone participates in any "secessionist activities". Next to Lithang, security increase has been recently witnessed in at least three other Tibetan areas that witnessed a persistent and large scale protest in 2008: Labrang (Chin: Xiahe), Gansu; Rebkong (Chin:Tongren), Qinghai; and Lhasa.