The two women shot in Ngaba on 9 August were both Tibetan:

1. Sonam Wangmo, 22, from Tseni township in Lower Ngaba county; a waitress in a teashop; she was shot in the arm.
2. Zhang Yeying, 28, from Gyarong (Ch: Jiarong) in Kardze TAP; she was shot in the hand.

Four or five gunshots were heard. Tibetans who went to the assistance of the women reported that Chinese soldiers arrived on the scene shortly after the shots were fired, claiming that the firing had had been “a mistake”. The women were taken to the Ngaba County Civil Hospital; their present medical condition is unknown.
[Note: FTC updated its online press release dated 10/08/08 during the following days; no date was provided for the amendments, thus the amended version incorrectly appears to have been published on 10/08/08. The text here is a summary of the additional information provided regarding the 09/08/08 shooting incident, taken from the version of the press release that was available online on 13/08/08. See separate database entry for FTC 09/08/08 for a summary of the shooting incident, as reported on 10/08/08.]
(reported by FTC, 13 August 2008)

Two women visiting a mobile telephone shop on Ngawa [Ngaba] town’s main road to recharge their phone at 4.30pm were shot at from a building known to be occupied by Chinese soldiers who recently arrived in Ngawa.
One of the women, a Tibetan named Sonam Wangmo, was seen lying in the street with a bullet wound in one leg; the other woman, whose nationality could not be confirmed, was seen lying in the street beside the mobile telephone shop with a bullet wound to her hand. They were taken to a hospital by the authorities; no information is known regarding their wellbeing or current location. The situation was described as very tense. The shooting occurred two-and-a-half hours before a daily 7pm curfew was due to come into force.
[Note: FTC later updated the online press release of 10/08/08 although no date was provided for the amendments. The text here was summarised from the press release as it appeared on 10/08/08.]
(reported by FTC, 10 August 2008)

A 7pm curfew has been in effect since 1 August and is maintained by a five-fold increase in the number of Chinese soldiers based in Ngaba town; not known whether they are PLA or PAP.
Date unspecified: Troops were seen performing military drills, “trampling the crops and grass” on “grassland used as pasture for Tibetan nomads from the nearby villages” of Jadhe and Chushu. “Most of the guests from the local Ngaba county government were invited to observe the exercise”.
[Note: FTC updated its online press release dated 10/08/08 during the following days; no date was provided for the amendments, thus the amended version incorrectly appears to have been published on 10/08/08. The text here is a summary of the additional information provided regarding troop deployment in Ngaba in early August, taken from the version of the press release that was available online on 13/08/08. See separate database entry for FTC 09/08/08 for a summary of the troop deployment in Ngaba, as reported on 10/08/08.]
(reported by FTC, 13 August 2008)

Ngawa [Ngaba] town filled with around 10,000 Chinese soldiers since the beginning of August. Checkpoints manned by soldiers set up on each road in the town; Tibetans registered in other towns not permitted to visit Ngawa. The authorities imposed a [daily] 7pm curfew in Ngawa town.
[Note: FTC later updated the online press release of 10/08/08 although no date was provided for the amendments. The text here was summarised from the press release as it appeared on 10/08/08.]
(reported by FTC, 10 August 2008)

China has announced a sweeping security operation in Lhasa to prevent unrest in Lhasa during the Olympic Games; the TAR authorities have ordered the cancellation of all holidays for police and all other security personnel until after 24 August.
(reported by The Times, 30 July 2008)

A planned five-day summer festival in celebration of the Beijing Olympic Games was officially announced around two months ago. County authorities ordered township and village authorities to organise a spectacle or performance for the planned summer festival which, with compulsory participation from each family, was to include a “song and dance, and custom competition among villages at Drokshog township”. A rehearsal was scheduled for 25 July; song lyrics prepared by each village were thoroughly scrutinised by the authorities to ensure that none referred to the Dalai Lama or Karmapa. The people showed “great displeasure over [the] stern enforcement by the Chinese authorities”.
On 26 July, three days before the festival was due to commence, four Tibetans shouted slogans “in the presence of a large number of local government officials and people at the site of the planned summer festival”. They said, “This is not the year to celebrate as Tibetans have suffered untold repression under the Chinese regime; rather, it is time to mourn and offer prayers” for those who have died or been imprisoned during recent unrest; “we want freedom” and “the Dalai Lama should return to Tibet”. They distributed pamphlets and requested Tibetans to return to their villages; those preparing for the festival packed up their tents and left, leaving only the government tents at the festival ground.
The protesters – Asang Bersatsang (aged 21), Ngoesoe Konkyaptsang (aged 35), Jamsang (age unknown) and Gadho (age unknown) – were arrested that evening by Nangchen county PSB officials. Two days later, township residents wrote an appeal letter to the county authorities calling for the immediate release of the four detained Tibetans. The festival did not go ahead.
(reported by TCHRD, 30 July 2008)

Under a regulation drawn up by the regional Party and government disciplinary inspection commissions, all current and retired Party members and government employees working in the TAR were given an ultimatum to call back their children from overseas schools and monasteries run by the “Dalai clique” within two months; those who fail to do so will be expelled from the Party and removed from their posts.
(reported by China Daily, 24 July 2008)

A contingent of more than 600 Chinese soldiers is stationed two miles from the monastery of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche in Nyakchuka [Nyagchu] county. Residents are banned from travelling to Lithang county, where there has been a significant build-up of military forces; the annual Lithang horseracing festival has been cancelled.
(reported by RFA, 11 July 2008)

Chinese authorities have “tightened security around Tibet’s main monasteries and banned visits to a sacred site” on the edge of Lhasa [The Times did not state which site] “for fear of a fresh outburst of unrest on the Dalai Lama’s birthday [6 July]”.
Few monks remain in “the province’s three most important monasteries” [the article focuses on Drepung, Sera and Ganden monasteries]; many have disappeared; more than 1,000 in total have been transferred to prisons and detention centres in and around Golmud in Qinghai province; “Their detention is part of a policy to rid the monasteries of any monks not registered as formal residents” of the TAR. Family members have been told that the monks will be incarcerated in Golmud until the end of the Beijing Olympic Games; a relative of one of the incarcerated monks stated: “After that they have been told that they will be allowed to leave, because they are not guilty of a crime […] But they will be ordered to return to their home villages and will not be permitted to go back to the monasteries in Lhasa”.
[Note: The Times reports incidents that have been occurring since March 2008, but does not provide additional information regarding supposed tightened security at the time of the Dalai Lama’s birthday.]
(reported by The Times, 07 July 2008)

Authorities began a build-up of military forces in the Lithang region, including around the town and its monasteries, and cancelled the annual horseracing festival (which was marked by protests in 2007).
The military presence is intimidating local Tibetans by conducting firing drills and other military exercises; the sound of explosions and firing of weapons frightened away birds, making it impossible to conduct traditional ‘sky burials’.
Many Chinese soldiers are “disguising the number of troops by putting on Tibetan dress”; they are deployed in different areas in Lithang [county]; residents have been warned that no-one is allowed to “move around or go to Lithang town and its monasteries” for three days; residents of neighbouring counties are also banned from Lithang; the local authorities warned that the Chinese security forces are authorised to shoot anyone who ignores the ban.
(reported by RFA, 11 July 2008)

Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao announced that “foreign journalists in China” are “allowed to apply for entering Tibet […] in line with previous procedure”, but they should abide by arrangement of local authorities since uncertainty still exists.
(reported by Xinhua, 26 June 2008)

Tibet is open once again to foreign tourists, who were barred from entering the autonomous region following the 14 March riot in Lhasa; two Swedish tourists will be the first to arrive, on 25 June; four Singaporean tourists will arrive on 29 June. Domestic tour groups have been allowed into Tibet since late April, followed by visitors from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan in May; as of June 20th, the region had received more than 160 tour groups.
(reported by CCTV.com, 25 June 2008)

The Chinese authorities began processing applications for foreign nationals to visit the TAR; although the Tibetan frontiers have re-opened to tourism, tours are expected to be severely restricted; Drepung and Sera monasteries are not open to visitors. The Potala Palace, Jokhang temple and Norbulingka are fully open; tour companies such as KE Adventure Travel are confident that visitors can “move throughout the country freely” but there are “no guarantees”; monasteries can “open and close on a day-to-day basis”.
(reported by The Observer, 06 July 2008)

Tibet welcomed its first batch of foreign tourists after a hiatus of more than three months; the first two foreigners to arrive in the regional capital were from Sweden; four tourists from Singapore were expected to arrive on 29 June. Tibet has regained social order with the resumption of schools, businesses and religious activities, as well as the re-opening of Jokhang, Ramoche, Sera and Drepung monasteries.
Tibet re-opened to domestic tour groups on 23 April, followed by visitors from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan in May.
(reported by Xinhua/China Daily, 26 June 2008)

The Olympic flame concluded its three-day Qinghai province journey in Xining, “witnessing ethnic diversity and unity”. Nearly half of the 377 torchbearers chosen by Qinghai itself belong to minority ethnic groups, including 66 Tibetans; the number only ranks second after Tibetan torchbearers in neighbouring Tibet Autonomous Region.
(reported by Xinhua, 24 June 2008)

At around 11am, 24-year-old Tsering Phuntsok and 36- year-old Tashi Sherab, both monks at Khangmar monastery in Kardze county, staged a peaceful demonstration in Kardze town.
At 1pm, 37-year-old Sergha and 27-year-old Yeshi Dargye, both monks at Khangmar monastery protested by “distributing pamphlets and calling for a free Tibet, and praying for the long life of the Dalai Lama and the return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet”.
All four monks were reportedly beaten and arrested by Chinese armed forces.
(reported by TCHRD, 05 July 2008)

Lobsang Chopel, a senior monk at Sera monastery, told foreign reporters on an official visit that in his youth he was given spiritual lessons by the Dalai Lama but with government officials looking on, the 77-year-old monk dismissed the Dalai Lama as a political figure: “In terms of religion, we believe in the Dalai Lama, but I don’t believe or accept what he says or what he does”.
Lhasa is a city where “anxiety and tension, and not Games excitement” dominates people’s lives.
Fewer Chinese tourists are visiting than last year; many taxi drivers are becoming bankrupt; a Chinese taxi driver said “It will be a long time before Lhasa returns to normal – two years, I’d say”. He added, “Tibetans are tough to live with, they’ll fight you at the drop of a hat […] 14 March wasn’t an exception. It was what we have to put up with”.
Lhasa remains divided by a gulf of distrust between Tibetans and ethnic Chinese.
(reported by Reuters, 22 June 2008)

Chinese officials abruptly cancelled a planned government-organised tour by foreign media to the Jokhang temple in Lhasa, without explanation. The foreign reporters were instead taken to Sera monastery, where police could be seen keeping a watchful eye on its monks. A monk was asked by foreign reporters if he wished the exiled Dalai Lama to return; he responded: “I have nothing to say because I am just a small lama. Those decisions are up to the government”.
Following tight security in the city on Saturday 21 June, the city “appeared to be back to normal” on Sunday, with “no obvious security presence”. Later, reporters were taken to the Potala Palace, which was closed to tourists during the reporters’ visit; reporters were not allowed to wander away from the group.
(reported by AFP, 22 June 2008)

A Tibetan youth named Dragu, of Khashul village, Dado township in Kardze county, was reportedly beaten and detained by seven PAP officers upon his arrival at the market [square in Kardze town]; he was wearing a white band tied around his head carrying the words Free Tibet, and had Tibetan flags painted on both cheeks.
(reported by TCHRD, 05 July 2008)

The Tibetan government in exile’s Central Tibetan Administration announced that it is yet to receive independent confirmation of the release of 1,157 Tibetan prisoners charged with minor offences by courts in Lhasa, as reported by China’s Xinhua news agency on 20 June. CTA noted that, according to Xinhua, defendants from minority ethnic groups were provided with interpreters at court sessions, which ensured their rights; however, CTA added that the Chinese government has thwarted some Chinese lawyers who had volunteered to offer legal assistance to Tibetan detainees, and suspended the licenses of two prominent human rights lawyers involved in this campaign.
(reported by CTA, 21 June 2008)

The BBC’s headline read “China stages torch relay in Tibet”: the Olympic torch has been carried through Lhasa amid heavy security. The 11 kilometre (seven mile) parade passed off smoothly, with the flame carried past apparently hand-picked spectators; each member of the crowd has a badge, suggesting that spectators were specially chosen or vetted for the ceremony. Torch bearers in tracksuits carried the Olympic flame through Lhasa’s streets, beginning at the Norbulingka. The closing ceremony took place in front of the Potala Palace where officials gave speeches.
The BBC’s correspondent reported a “staggering security presence” in Lhasa and passed through at least six checkpoints as he was driven in an official convoy to the start of the relay. “We saw very clearly several dozen soldiers wearing riot gear – a reminder that Lhasa is not a normal city”.
(reported by BBC, 21 June 2008)

The Olympic torch was paraded through the streets of Tibet’s capital; tight security accompanied the flame over its three-hour journey; hundreds of police and paramilitary troops lined the route; the roughly six mile run began at Norbulingka and ended at the square in front of the Potala Palace. Onlookers, who had been carefully screened beforehand, waved flags and chanted “go China”. About half of the 156 torch runners were ethnic Tibetan. The Lhasa leg saw the reunion of the main torch with a separate one carried earlier to the top of Mount Everest.
Foreign reporters were required to travel in a closely guarded convoy and only allowed to cover the opening and closing legs, isolating them from contact with ordinary residents. Lhasa all but shutdown for the relay, with streets deserted and most shops closed. A security cordon was thrown up around Potala Square, where costumed performers entertained the onlookers.
(reported by AP, 21 June 2008)

Thousands of youths holding the People’s Republic of China’s national flags chanted “play up China”, “good luck Beijing” and “good luck Olympic Games” to celebrate the Olympic torch relay; they also denounced “separatism activities” by the “Dalai Lama clique”, who “sabotaged the relay in foreign countries”. Many youths had gathered outside the Potala Palace on Friday evening. On Saturday, the Beijing Olympic torch was carried from the Norbulingka to the Potala Palace by 156 bearers, following a one-minute silence for those killed in the earthquake in Sichuan on 12 May. Security was tight in Lhasa for fears of “sabotage activities by the Dalai clique”. Palma Trily, executive vice chairman of [the TAR] said police have been deployed to ensure security during the relay, but none were from the PLA, whose duty was to “guard the frontier and protect the territory”. [Xinhua’s article then quoted several Tibetans who allegedly appose Tibetan independence and the Dalai Lama.]
(reported by Xinhua/chinadaily.com, 21 June 2008)

The Olympic torch was carried through the streets of Lhasa, cheered by crowds of Chinese residents and protected by police and paramilitary forces. Most shops and businesses in Lhasa were shut and the ethnic Tibetan inhabitants were “conspicuous by their absence” along the route. Zhang Qingli, the head of the Communist party in Tibet, spoke at a rally to greet the torch outside the Potala Palace, and pledged to “totally smash” the “Dalai Lama clique”. It was unclear how Zhang’s rhetoric accorded with China’s insistence that the Olympics should not be politicised. Chinese officials said 156 torchbearers, half of them Tibetans, took turns to carry the flame. Xinhua, said all 2.8m [sic] Tibetans had been looking forward to the event.
(reported by Times online, 22 June 2008)

Protests “seem to have occurred” in Sera monastery; during the night of 18 June (the 15th day of the 4th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar; considered to be the most holy day of the year), PAP personnel arrested 12 monks.
(reported by tibetcustom.com, 21 June 2008)

Courts in the TAR handed down punishments on Thursday and Friday to 12 people who had been involved in the Lhasa riot in March. To date, forty-two people [included 30 charged on 29 April] have been convicted of “arson, robbery, the crime of gathering to assault state organs, and other crimes”; they received criminal punishments from courts for their actions; the punishments for 29 of the convicts have “gone effective”. Defendants from minority ethnic groups were provided with interpreters at court sessions, which “ensured their rights”. Another 116 people in custody are awaiting trial.
Tibet has released 1,157 people involved in the March Lhasa riot, who were charged with minor offences. Tibet police detained and arrested 953 people after the riot, while 362 others “surrendered to police”.
Judicial authorities followed the policy of “combining punishment with leniency” in handling the cases, which means “leniency for those with minor offences”.
(reported by Xinhua, 20 June 2008)

China says it has released more than a thousand people and sentenced 12 others for alleged involvement in anti-government riots in Llasa in March [See Xinhua entry for Lhasa, 20 June]. China made the announcement two days after Amnesty International published a report urging China to reveal what happened to more than a thousand people arrested during the government crackdown on protesters.
(reported by VOA, 20 June 2008)

Tibet is still closed to foreign tourists. Foreign journalists have been allowed to visit only as part of closely monitored government tours [including at this time for the Lhasa leg of the Olympic torch relay]. Palma Trily, the vice-governor of Tibet’s Chinese-appointed administration, told foreign reporters that 12 more people had been sentenced for taking part in the 14 March riot in the city; he gave no details about their offences or the punishments meted out. He said another 1,157 people had been released from detention over minor offences related to the violent anti-government protests. Chinese officials accuse the Dalai Lama of trying to sabotage the Beijing Olympics and preparing “suicide squads” to carry out attacks.
(reported by AP, 21 June 2008)

Palma Trily, executive vice chairman of the TAR, said that the TAR government was “confident to have a safe and successful Olympic torch relay on Saturday”. He made the remarks during a press conference for a 50-strong delegation of journalists, including staff from 29 overseas news organizations. Palma Trily claimed that five organisations including the Tibetan Youth Congress and Tibetan Women’s Association had threatened to sabotage the torch relay.
Dekyi Drolkar, director of Tibet’s sports bureau, said the Olympic torch relay in Tibet would have 156 torch bearers including 75 Tibetans. The Lhasa leg would cover 9.3 kilometres. The flame kindled on the top of Mount Qomolangma [Everest] on 8 May will join the main torch, which would “be the first time in the history of Olympic Games”.
(reported by Xinhua, 20 June 2008)

Reporters representing about 30 international news organisations have been allowed into Lhasa in a closely monitored group to cover the torch relay. According to Chinese officials, a planned three-day torch relay in Tibet [the TAR] had been cut to one day because of schedule adjustments linked to last month’s Sichuan earthquake. On Friday evening, small crowds of people wandered in Potala Square, as performers practised for Saturday’s Olympic torch relay ceremonies. The BBC’s correspondent also saw four military trucks near the area, two of which were filled with soldiers in riot gear.
(reported by BBC, 21 June 2008)

At around 2-3pm, more than ten local Tibetans demonstrated, led by an unidentified layman of Shillidha village. They were reportedly beaten and arrested by Chinese armed forces.
(reported by TCHRD, 05 July 2008)

Six independence protests took place in Ganze [Kardze] county on 18 June.
(reported by The Times, 07 July 2008)

Protests “seem to have occurred” in Drepung monastery on 18 June (the 15th day of the 4th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar; considered to be the most holy day of the year); PAP personnel reportedly fired warning shots.
(reported by tibetcustom.com, 21 June 2008)

Lhasa will soon re-open to foreign tourists “very soon”; the date is to be announced after the Tibet leg of the Olympic torch relay on 21 June. It is not known whether other parts of Tibet would be re-opened to foreign travellers at the same time. The Olympic torch relay was scaled down from a planned three-day event in Lhasa to one day after the devastating 12 May earthquake in Sichuan Province.
(reported by Chinaview.cn , 18 June 2008)

The first large religious festival is being held in Lhasa three months after the riot on 14 March in the TAR. The month-long Sakadwa festival, the anniversary of the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death, began on 4 June and has attracted
many residents onto the streets to pray. Hundreds of people hurried to Lhasa from other provinces including Sichuan, Gansu and Qianghai to join the prayers’ march, with their family members and pets. Prayers began at 3am in the moonlight and followed three major routes all circling the Jokhang “Lamasery”. The “lamaseries” have all opened to the public. Beggars sit along the major routes waiting for kind givers, which is an original tradition of the festival.
(reported by Chinaview.cn , 18 June 2008)

Mid June: It was assumed that some Lhasa residents found to be communicating with relatives or friends abroad had also been receiving money from them, and were reportedly made to pay 20,000 yuan each to the authorities.
(reported by sources to TibetInfoNet, 16 June 2008)

A Tibetan man named Palden Wangyal, aged 20, protested in Kardze town centre, tying a white prayer scarf round his head and holding the Tibetan flag; he walked two kilometres (1.2 miles) before being detained by police.
(reported by RFA, 12 June 2008)

Recently the Labor and Social Security Office of the TAR issued an initial 1.19 million yuan (US$172,963; EUR€110,679; UK£87,647) in unemployment relief for those who were left temporarily unemployed after the " 3.14 Tibet riots". Only city residents are eligible to receive unemployment benefits; the first batch of unemployment assistance is targeted to five state-owned tourism enterprises [therefore, not to Tibetan-owned businesses]; compensation is for those who worked in hotels, tourism agencies, and restaurants, to guarantee their basic livelihood during the temporary unemployment period. Those with unemployment insurance will receive up to 480 yuan (US$70; EUR€45; UK£35) per month; those without unemployment insurance will received 420 yuan (US$61; EUR€39; UK£31) per month. It is expected that the relief will be provided for one year in Lhasa city and six months in other counties and cities in Tibet.
(reported by People’s Daily Online, 12 June 2008)

At around 11am, a peaceful protest was staged by a few Tibetan residents of Kardze county at one of the road intersections at the main market square in Kardze town; raised pro-Tibet slogans; distributed pamphlets calling for the “swift return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet”, “freedom in Tibet”, the “release of those arrested in recent protests” and “China, quit Tibet”. Shortly after the brief protest, at least three Tibetans were rounded up by county PSB officials and severely beaten before being taken away to the county detention centre; their current condition is unknown. Those detained are:

1. Namsey Lhamo, aged 30; mother of two children; a farmer from Raga village, Dando township, Kardze county.
2. Tenzin Dargyal, aged 32; father of an infant; a farmer from Kardze county.
3. A monk whose identity has not been ascertained.
   (reported by TCHRD, 11 June 2008)

Four or five Tibetans demonstrated at the main intersection in Kardze town at around 10 am. The protesters were Namsel Lhamo, aged 30 (female), from Raka village; Tenzin Thargyal, 32 (male); a man whose name is not known. A boy and a monk from Lhoba village “protested on the same day” [although it is unclear if all five people participated in the same protest]. All five protesters were beaten and detained by police. Local officials then raided Namsel Lhamo’s home; “took away” photographs of the Dalai Lama and “smashed them on the floor”. Namsel Lhamo’s brother, Pema Gyatso, aged 30, then “drew his sword”; the officials fled; soon after, around 200 PSP personnel were dispatched to arrest him; meanwhile he had escaped to the mountains. Chinese officials were subsequently “giving a hard time” to family members, including the elderly parents and young children.
(reported by RFA, 12 June 2008)

One of the three monks who staged a peaceful protest on 6 May reportedly died on 9 June. The monk is believed to be Tsewang Drakpa; was severely beaten and arrested on 6 May and later admitted to hospital.
(reported by Tibetan Solidarity Committee, 09 June 2008)

At around 9am, a Tibetan nun named Tsering Tsomo staged a peaceful, solo protest in Draggo county; raised pro-Tibet slogans; distributed pamphlets calling for the “swift return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet” and “freedom in Tibet”. Tsering Tsomo, originally from Chakra village, Draggo county, is a 27-year-old nun from Samtenling (a.k.a. Watak) nunnery. During her protest, Tsering Tsomo was surrounded by security forces, and was “severely beaten and tortured”, pounded with iron rods, kicked and punched indiscriminately. She was detained by county PSB officials and held at the county Detention Centre for questioning.
In response, at around 5pm more than two hundred nuns of Samtenling nunnery staged a peaceful demonstration calling for the release of Tsering Tsomo; headed towards Draggo county headquarters; en route they were stopped at a place known as Gogaythang by security forces. The nuns were kicked and punched indiscriminately, and attacked with electric prods and iron rods. Ten protesters were seriously injured; taken to a nearby hospital for treatment; “scores” were detained and taken away in waiting military trucks to the county detention centre. Relatives of those injured and hospitalised were prohibited from meeting their loved ones. No further information available on the condition of those injured and detained.
(reported by TCHRD, 09 June 2008)

Tsering Tsomo, aged 28, from Samten Ling nunnery, was detained while handing out leaflets in Draggo county, calling for the return of the Dalai Lama. Later that day, more than 300 nuns from Samten Ling nunnery marched on county offices, demanding the release of Tsering Tsomo. All were detained and many were beaten.
(reported by RFA, 12 June 2008)

At around 9am, a nun named Tsering Tso(mo) from Samtenling (a.k.a. Watag) nunnery in Tehor, staged a lone protest in Draggo county; distributed leaflets calling for the Dalai Lama to return to Tibet; unknown whether or not she had shouted slogans; she was arrested and beaten.
At around 5pm, all other nuns from Samtenling nunnery went on a procession in solidarity with Tsering Tso(mo) towards Draggo county [government headquarters] but were stopped by security forces at a place called Go-geythang; the nuns were beaten; some of them reportedly sustained injuries caused by stabbing; some were hospitalised; others were detained.
Around five to six hundred local Tibetans later assembled to request that the authorities release the detained nuns, warning of possible widespread protests; picketed until 9pm. Some of the nuns were released; families of the detained nuns were seen carrying them home by hauling them on their [the relatives’] backs due to the nuns’ severe injuries. Among the injured were two nuns with broken ribs; many others were “virtually speechless”. Those with serious injuries have been taken to Chengdu for treatment.
(reported by Tibetan Solidarity Committee, 09 June 2008)

Three monks from different monasteries in Draggo county staged a peaceful protest outside the county government headquarters, calling for Tibetan freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama. The monks were indiscriminately “beaten with electric prod”, kicked and punched by the Chinese security forces; the monks were critically injured and taken to Draggo county hospital for urgent medical treatment.

1. Tsewang Dakpa, aged 22; from Jangtha township, Draggo county, Kardze TAP.
2. Thupten Gyatso, (age unknown); from Tawu county, Kardze TAP.
3. Jangsem Nyima, aged 22; from Dzatoe county, Jyekundo (Ch: Yushu/Jiegu) TAP, Qinghai Province.

Tsewang Dakpa reportedly sustained severe, multiple injuries; believed to have only a slight chance of survival; unconfirmed rumours have spread of his death. Thupten Gyatso and Jangsem Nyima are believed to be in a critical condition and moved to another hospital.

(reported by TCHRD, 09 June 2008)

Three youths riding motorcycles waved the Tibetan national flag in the middle market of Draggo county [town]; shouted pro-independence slogans; scattered “anti-China” leaflets; they escaped from the scene.
(reported by Tibetan Solidarity Committee, 09 June 2008)

Additional armed police were deployed to the streets of Lhasa, according to a local official, as Buddhist pilgrims flocked to the city for Saga Dawa, a traditional month-long religious festival which this year commences on 4 June (which also happens to be the 19th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre). The government spokesman told AFP that “the deployment of armed police was increased because of the coming of a religious festival and as a response to some threat remarks made by Tibetan separatists recently”. Therefore, “we certainly have to increase police deployment […] to ensure people’s safety at the festival”.
(reported by AFP, 04 June 2008)

Circa 31 May 2008: Drolmakyi, the Tibet folk singer arrested on 30 March was permitted to return home in late May after nearly two months in custody; a condition of the release was reportedly that Drolmakyi cannot appear in public or discuss her arrest. [See also entry for LA Times, 30 March 2008]
(reported by LA Times, 08 June 2008)

The ‘patriotic education’ campaign has been vigorously enforced in Tibetan areas and monasteries in the Draggo area during the past few days. On 31 May, the Chinese authorities convened a meeting in a town close to Chogri monastery, Draggo county; Tibetans forced to denounce the Dalai Lama; many poor Tibetans were offered large sums of money to condemn the Dalai Lama and oppose Tibetan independence. Those who refused were threatened with expulsion from the area; told that all the land belongs to China; anyone refusing to comply with the patriotic education told they were “free to go to India or any other place”. Some poor families complied, but 90 percent of those present refused to sign criticisms of the Dalai Lama, even under threat of confiscation of their land and homes.
(reported by sources to RFA, 03 June 2008)

At around 9am, three nuns from Dragkar nunnery, Kardze county, staged a peaceful demonstration in Kardze county town’s main market square; they distributed pamphlets calling for Tibetan independence and chanted slogans calling for the “swift return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet”, the “Immediate release of all political prisoners”, as well as “Long Live the Dalai Lama” and “Freedom for Tibet”. The short demonstration was ended when they were arrested and taken by PSB officials for questioning. The nuns are Ven Sangye Lhamo, aged 26, from the Kyakyatengtsang family of Dungra village, Serchuteng township, Kardze county; Ven Tsewang Kando, aged 38, from Dungra village, Serchuteng township, Kardze County; and Ven Yeshi Lhadon, aged 24, from Tsozhi village, Kardze county. Their present condition and well-being is unknown.
About one hour after the nuns’ demonstration, a 21-year-old female student named Rigden Lhamo of the Tapontsang family from Lhakey village, Thingkha township, Kardze county, staged a solo protest; she unfurled the Tibetan national flag and shouted similar slogans at the county government headquarters. The county security forces reportedly fired gunshots; Rigden Lhamo was then detained and beaten severely by PSB officials; one eyewitness was unsure whether or not Rigden Lhamo had been shot or injured; another eyewitness reported seeing bloodstains on her body, but it could not be ascertained whether it was from bullet wounds or the beating. TCHRD reported that it was “confirmed that she has sustained an injury”, but that there is no information on her current whereabouts.
The current situation in Kardze is known to be very tense; the authorities are deploying more security forces to the area to suppress further political dissent.
(reported by TCHRD, 29 May 2008)

RFA does not specify Tawu town or Tawu county: Tibetan residents of Tawu own some 500 trucks, 200 of which have been parked in Tawu blocking Chinese-owned trucks. Residents said they “weren’t sure why but suspected the park-in amounted to a protest against Chinese rule”.
(reported by RFA, 27 May 2008)

Chinese authorities have detained five monks in connection with four small explosions said to have occurred in the Markham area 6-7 April. No casualties were reported. The monks, all from Gonsar monastery in Markham, were identified as:

1. Gonpo, aged 20.
2. Choedrub, 25.
3. Palden, 30.
4. Ngawang Phuntsok, 17.
5. Kunga, 20.
   (reported by RFA, 29 May 2008)

Two nuns of Dargay Hardu nunnery staged a peaceful protest at the Kardze county government headquarters; chanted slogans: “Swift return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet”, “Long Live the Dalai Lama”, “Freedom for Tibet” and “Immediate release of all political prisoners”. PSB personnel arrested the two nuns, Ven Jampa Lhamo, aged 30 from Sadul village, Kardze county and Ven Rinzin Wangdon aged 23 from Lharinyan village, Kardze county. They were reportedly “severely beaten and manhandled” by the PSB personnel at the site of the demonstration before being taken to Kardze county PSB detention centre for questioning. No information available on their current condition.
(reported by TCHRD, 26 May 2008)

At around 6pm, four Tibetan nuns of Nyimo Gaysey nunnery in Tehor, Kardze county had staged a peaceful protest at the county government headquarters against the recent crackdown of peaceful Tibetan protesters and the illegal detention of Tibetan people in the Chinese prisons. The nuns distributed pamphlets calling for Tibetan independence, “raised their fists” and shouted slogans: “Long Live the Dalai Lama”, “The Dalai Lama to return to Tibet”, “Independence for Tibet” and “Release all political prisoners”. Moments after the protest [began?], local PSB personnel immediately arrested the four nuns. The detained nuns were identified as Bhumo Tengha from Lunang village, Kardze county and Rinchen Jamatsang, Jamgha Dolma and Pema from Lhopa township, Kardze county. According to TCHRD, “The detained nuns were later subjected to severe beatings and torture by the Chinese security forces”, while “There has been no information about the nuns’ current whereabouts and well being”.
(reported by TCHRD, 26 May 2008)

Chinese authorities have released on bail a leading Tibetan media personality – writer, television producer, and performer – Jamyang Kyi. Relatives reportedly paid 5,000 yuan in bail; her family has urged friends to avoid phoning their home; Jamyang Kyi expects to stand trial on unspecified charges related to massive “anti-Chinese” protests in March. [See also entry for RFA, 1 April 2008]
(reported by RFA, 20 May 2008)

At around 1am on 20 May, in order to avoid restrictions of movement, three nuns from Nyagay nunnery began walking from Tehor Nyagay nunnery (located close to Tehor Dargay monastery) towards Kardze county – a distance of around 20 kilometres – for a demonstration. The nuns were Achoe from Rida village, Kardze county; Soe Choekyi from Lamna village, Kardze county; and Taga (Tashi Yangtso) from Noekab village, Kardze county. The nuns reportedly reached Kardze county town before dawn and began their protest at around 9am near Kardze county headquarters; they shouted slogans (“Freedom in Tibet”, “Dalai Lama should return to Tibet” and “Immediate release of the political prisoners imprisoned by the Chinese authorities”) and were immediately detained by the county security forces; their whereabouts is unknown.
(reported by TCHRD, 21 May 2008)

Two monks in their early twenties from Tehor Tsitsang monastery staged a peaceful protest outside the Kardze county government headquarters; chanted slogans: “Dalai Lama return to Tibet”, “Long Live the Dalai Lama”, and “Immediate Release all political prisoners including Trulku Phurbu Tsering Rinpoche” (a prominent religious figure arrested on 18 May from his residence for unknown reasons; his whereabouts unknown). The two monks, Loyang from Tsaklab village, Lhopa township, Kardze and Tenzin Ngodup from Pharingtsang, Kardze, were immediately arrested by PSB personnel and taken in a police vehicle to Kardze county PSB detention centre for questioning. No information available on their condition.
(reported by TCHRD, 22 May 2008)

Following demonstrations by 52 nuns of Baruna nunnery [See also RFA entry for Buruna nunnery, 20 May 2008], no one was allowed in Kardze town; all shops were ordered closed and the town was full of security forces.
(reported by RFA, 21 May 2008)

Circa 20 May: an unidentified Tibetan girl, who came from a village, was shot dead at around 12 noon by the PAP outside the southern gate of the Tsuklakhang [Jokhang] temple. The gun used to shoot her was fitted with a silencer.
(reported by CTA, 21 June 2008)

Date unconfirmed; circa 20 May: an unidentified Tibetan girl was shot dead outside the southern gate of the Tsuklakhang [Jokhang] temple at around 12 noon.
The girl, who is believed to have come from a village in Lhokha, was attempting to visit her brother, a monk at the Jokhang. The girl argued with PAP personnel who are surrounding the temple and who denied her permission to visit; during the argument she was shot dead from behind by a PAP officer using a gun with a silencer. A witness reported that the girl bled from her chest after she fell. Witnesses were dispersed from the scene at gunpoint.
(reported by tibetcustom.com, 16 June 2008)

A Chinese ‘work team’ visited Shelkar Choedhe monastery on 19 May 2008 to conduct ‘patriotic re-education’, resulting in a “bitter and heated argument” between the monks and the ‘work team’. Ven Khenrab Tharchin, a member of the monastery’s so-called Democratic Management Committee (DMC), stood up during a ‘political re-education session’, which he opposed, stating that he could not denounce the Dalai Lama as required under the campaign. Eleven monks stood up in support of Ven Khenrab Tharchin and in opposition to the ‘re-education’ campaign. After the incident, the monastery was closed to all visitors, the monks were forbidden from leaving and their mobile phones were confiscated to prevent news of the incident from spreading; the monks were threatened with “dire consequences” if found leaking information to the outside world. That night, “scores” of PAP and PSB personnel conducted a raid on the monastery, arresting twelve monks:

1. Ven Khenrab Tharchin, 32, Drushe village, Shelkar township,
2. Ven Tsewang Tenzin, Phelbar village, Shelkar township, Dingri county
3. Ven Tenzin Gayphel, Lingshar village, Gaymar townsip, Dingri county
4. Ven Khenrab Tashi, Mashak village, Shelkar township, Dingri county
5. Ven Topgyal, Drushe village, Shelkar township, Dingri county
6. Ven Tenzin Tsering, Bichu village, Gyatso township, Dingri county
7. Ven Lobsang Jigme, Norgay nomadic area, Shelkar township, Dingri county
8. Ven Khenrab Nyima, Shelkar township, Dingri county
9. Ven Dhondup, Che village, Tsakhor township, Dingri county
10. Ven Tenpa, Lolo Langga, Shelkar township, Dingri county
11. Ven Samten, Shollingshar, Shelkar township, Dingri county
12. Ven Choedhen, Shollingshar, Shelkar township, Dingri county

Several days after their arrest, relatives enquired with the local PSB officers as to the monks’ whereabouts and requested permission to visit them; the relatives were then intimidated with a “stern warning” for “damaging the image of the government” and requested the identity of the person who informed them of the monks’ detention.
(reported by TCHRD, 31 May 2008)

At around 4.30am on 18 May 2008, security forces arrested Tulku Phurbu Tsering Rinpoche from his residence without stating any reason; his whereabouts is unknown. He is the chief spiritual preceptor and the head of Pang-ri and Ya-tseg nunneries in Kardze; he had constructed an “old age orphanage” (sic) and opened two chemist shops for the local Tibetans. As a highly revered religious figure in Kardze county, and therefore viewed by the Chinese authorities as a direct challenge to their authority, the arrest of Tulku Phurbu Tsering Rinpoche has brought “much grief and disbelief to the local Tibetans”.
(reported by TCHRD, 19 May 2008)

Following demonstrations by nuns of Pang-ri nunnery on 14 May, during which more than 55 of them were arrested, the Chinese authorities have imposed strict restrictions on daily movements of nuns and monks. Since 15 May 2008, shops and groceries remain closed and freedom of movements restricted in Kardze County.
Tibetan monks and nuns requiring medical treatment must procure special permission from the “higher Chinese authorities” [TCHRD does not specify which level] and they must have a member of government staff as a guarantor to escort them. Failure to follow these instructions could lead to arrest.
(reported by TCHRD, 17 May 2008)

Nuns from Ganden Choeling nunnery protested against the Chinese authorities at 9 am [TCHRD reported the number of participants as both “scores of nuns” and a “few nuns”]. During their demonstration, the nuns marched towards Kardze county government headquarters; as they were about to cross the Kardze bridge, about 300 PSB and PAP personnel arrived and blocked their way. Three nuns – Dorjee Khando, Takdon and Pema Lhamo – breached the security and protested and shouted slogans upon reaching the county government building. They were arrested within minutes and beaten severely by the security forces. Their whereabouts is unknown.
(reported by TCHRD, 17 May 2008)

Over 55 nuns of Pang-ri nunnery protested against the Chinese authorities (Pang-ri is usually home to around 80 nuns, but around 25 were absent due to religious ceremonies in “other places”). The nuns voiced their resentment against the ongoing ‘patriotic re-education’ campaign in Tibetan nunneries and monasteries, including the killing, torture and arrest of peaceful Tibetan protesters. They resented the Chinese government’s allegations that the Dalai Lama had masterminded protests in Tibet, and they resented the implementation of ‘patriotic re-education’, forcing Tibetans to sign official documents that criticise and denounce the Dalai Lama.
In an “anticipatory move”, the nuns gathered for a meeting where they vowed never to take part in ‘patriotic re-education’ at any cost. They made a proclamation: “It is better to die than to denounce, criticise and attack the Dalai Lama; to sign official documents denouncing the Dalai Lama. If there is no place for us to worship and live, let us go somewhere else or die. If the Chinese authorities kill us, let us be killed; we have no regrets”. Shortly after the end of the meeting, at around 5 pm, the nuns grouped themselves at the Kardze bridge and then marched towards the Kardze county government headquarters, located about two kilometres from Pang-ri nunnery. They chanted slogans including: “Independence for Tibet”, “Long Live the Dalai Lama” and “The Dalai Lama to return to Tibet”.
Approaching the county government building, PSB and PAP personnel immediately arrested more than 55 nuns “on the spot and their torn and fallen robes and clothes were reportedly scattered on roads. No one picked up the nuns’ robes for fear of being arrested by the security forces”. The nuns shouted slogans and threw pamphlets into the air while they were “bundled up and thrown them [sic] into police vehicles and taken into custody within minutes”. TCHRD also remarks that the nuns were “beaten and tortured during the arrest”. The nuns’ current whereabouts and conditions are unknown.
(reported by TCHRD, 17 May 2008)

Two lay Tibetans were arrested, seemingly in connection with the arrests of monks from Khenpa Lungpa and Woeser monasteries in Garthog townshiThe are: Dhargye Garwatsang, aged 19, and Kunchok Tenzin, aged 21.
(reported by TCHRD, 15 May 2008)

Monks and two laypeople affiliated with the Oser and Khenlung monasteries, Markham county, were detained on 14 May. The Oser monastery monks were identified as:

1. Tenphel, aged 19.
2. Riyang, 21.
3. Choegyal, 23.
4. Lobsang, 19.
5. Tenzin Tsampa, 19.
   The monastery’s manager, Ngawang Tenzin, was also detained but has since been released.

The Khenlung monastery monks were identified as:

1. Lobdra, aged 15.
2. Namgyal, 18.
3. Butruk, 13.
4. Jamyang Lodroe, 15.
5. Tsepak Namgyal, 15.
6. Kalsang Tashi, 17.
7. Jamdrub, 21.
8. Wangchuk, 22.
9. Penpa Gyaltsen, 26.
10. Pasang Tashi, 30.
11. Lhamo Tsang.
    The detained laypeople were identified as Dargye Garwatsang, aged 19, and Konchog Tenzin, 21.
    (reported by RFA, 29 May 2008)

Choyang Gyatso wrote a petition dated 13 May 2008 to county prosecutors, the Rebkong People’s Procuratorate, stating that 23,000 yuan (US $3,352; EUR €2,128; UK £1,680) disappeared from his quarters at Rongwo monastery between 17 and 19 April. Choyang Gyatso accused 20 police officers (15 special policemen and five armed policemen) who searched the premises after he was detained on 17 April. The money included donations by the devotees and families of several monks, including Choyang Gyatso, and from donations and payments for prayer sessions. The money had been saved for use on the monastery, and wrapped in a yellow ceremonial scarf and placed in a red cloth bag, but after Choyang Gyatso’s release on the morning of 19 April, he found the cloth bag was on his bed but the ceremonial scarf and the money had vanished. Other monks are able to testify that the money was being kept in Choyang Gyatso’s room. Choyang Gyatso threatened to sue the government unless authorities investigate. A copy of the letter had been sent to Woeser, the Beijing-based Tibetan writer.
(reported by CTA, 26 June 2008)

Three Tibetan Buddhist monks from Kardze monastery gathered in Kardze town at around 9.30 to 10 am; they distributed leaflets and shouted for the long life of the Dalai Lama; protested in the presence of Chinese security forces (there are reportedly hundreds of soldiers dressed as ordinary labourers in Kardze town; there is a “huge presence” of armed security forces). The protesting monks were detained by the police. The monks were identified as:

1. Lobsang Tenpa, aged 20.
2. Lobsang Choeden, 19.
3. Palden Tsondru (Tsultrim?), 19.

Five Tibetans from Palden Tsultrim’s hometown, Seshutin Yaratin, have also been detained.
(reported by RFA, 15 May 2008)

The arrival of a Chinese ‘work team’ on 10 May to conduct an intense and rigorous ‘patriotic re-education’ programme resulted in “bitter and heated” arguments between the monks and the Chinese authorities. Monks adamantly refused to sign official documents or write essays denouncing the Dalai Lama, leading to the arrest of six monks at Woeser monastery on 13 May:

1. Ngawang Tenzin, aged 40 (monastery administrator)
2. Tenphel, aged 19
3. Rigyang, aged 21
4. Choegyal, aged 23
5. Lobsang Gyatso, aged 19
6. Tsangpa, aged 17

The remaining monks subsequently left Woeser monastery and “returned to their respective homes in a solemn act of protest”. The closure of the monastery, which usually housed fewer than one hundred monks, has brought “much sadness to the local Tibetan devotees who were unable to come to terms with a sudden closure of sacred monasteries”.
(reported by TCHRD, 15 May 2008)

A group of nuns from Drakar nunnery protested against the Chinese authorities during the afternoon. Ten nuns were arrested:

1. Tashi Gha
2. Thinely
3. Sonam Yangzom
4. Tamdin Choekyi
5. Yangkyi
6. Lhamo Choekyi
7. Jampa Lhamo
8. Dickyi
9. Nyima
10. Bhuti
    (reported by TCHRD, 17 May 2008)

Fourteen nuns from nunneries in Kardze (Chin: Ganzi) were detained after demonstrating on 11-12 May in the centre of Kardze town, near the local television station. They were protesting against the detention of two nuns from Drakar nunnery (Bumo Lhaga, 32, and Sonam Dekyi, 30) who were detained on 23 April for calling for the return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet.
Twelve of the 14 nuns were identified:

1. Sey Lhamo, aged 36
2. Thubten Drolma, 40
3. Ani Taga, 36
4. Lhawang Chokyi, 41
5. Yangkyi, 28
6. Gyayul Seyang
7. Gyayul Thinley
8. Gyayul Shachotso Bodze
9. Tamdin Tsekyi
10. Seshuktin Tamdin Tsekyi
11. Seshuktin Dekyi, 29
12. Bendetsang Yangchen

The nuns shouted pro-independence slogans, calling for the return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet and wishing him a long life. Chinese security forces rounded up and beat the nuns, seriously assaulting Ani Taga, striking her head against the pavement; she was bleeding profusely. Bloodstains were found on the pavement. All 14 nuns are believed to be held in Kardze prison.
(reported by RFA, 12 May 2008)

The arrival of a Chinese ‘work team’ on 10 May to conduct an intense and rigorous ‘patriotic re-education’ programme resulted in “bitter and heated” arguments between the monks and the Chinese authorities. Monks adamantly refused to sign official documents or write essays denouncing the Dalai Lama, leading to the arrest of ten monks at Khenpa Lungpa monastery on 12 May:

1. Lodoe, aged 15
2. Namgyal, aged 18
3. Butuk, aged 13
4. Jamyang Lodoe, aged 15
5. Tsepak Namgyal, aged 15
6. Kalsang Tashi, aged 17
7. Jangdrup, aged 21
8. Wangchuk, aged 22
9. Tenpa Gyaltsen, aged 26
10. Passang Tashi, aged 30

Khenpa monastery usually houses fewer than one hundred monks, but “few remaining monks” left the monastery and “returned to their respective homes in a solemn act of protest”.
(reported by TCHRD, 15 May 2008)

Two nuns, Sonam Lhamo and Thupten Dolma, from Drakar nunnery were arrested while calling for religious freedom and protesting against the Chinese authorities, in response to an ongoing ‘patriotic re-education’ campaign in Tibetan regions
(reported by TCHRD, 17 May 2008)

The Chinese authorities have been conducting an intense ‘patriotic re-education’ campaign in Khenpa Lungpa monastery since the beginning of April 2008. On 10 May, the Chinese ‘work team’ entered the monastery to conduct an intense and rigorous ‘patriotic re-education’ campaign. [note: these events occurred in parallel with those at Woeser monastery, also located in Garthog township.]
(reported by TCHRD, 15 May 2008)

The Chinese authorities have been conducting an intense ‘patriotic re-education’ campaign in Woeser monastery since the beginning of April 2008. On 10 May, the Chinese ‘work team’ entered the monastery to conduct an intense and rigorous ‘patriotic re-education’ campaign. [note: these events occurred in parallel with those at Khenpa Lungpa monastery, also located in Garthog township.]
(reported by TCHRD, 15 May 2008)

Following the arrest of around 140 monks on 7 May and the release of 122 on 8 May, Labrang monastery monks continued to protest, calling for the release of the 18 monks still in detention. Eleven of them were then released during the morning of 9 May. Despite the “additional contingents of armed police arriving at the monastery”, large numbers of monks “determined to secure the release of the remaining seven monks at all cost” protested again on 9 May. The authorities have refused to release those still detained. The situation at Labrang monastery remains extremely tense.
(reported by TCHRD, 09 May 2008)

Date unspecified (between mid March and mid April): Reportedly, 62 nuns removed from Shar Bumpa nunnery; some imprisoned, others staying with relatives, several of whom require medical attention following beatings by security personnel but refused treatment in hospital or local clinics. An elderly nun named named Tashi Lhadock, who is partially deaf, was interrogated and beaten; her skull was broken and she was hospitalised. Two elderly nuns remain at Shar Bumpa nunnery.
(reported by sources to TibetInfoNet, 09 May 2008)

A “large number” of Labrang monks protested, calling for the release of the monks arrested on the previous day. The authorities, fearing the protest would escalate, released all those detained with the exception of 18 monks, but protests continued, calling for their release.
(reported by TCHRD, 09 May 2008)

An estimated 5,000 PAP and PSB personnel surrounded Labrang monastery and carried out a sudden raid. Around 140 monks were arrested and detained.
(reported by TCHRD, 09 May 2008)

Three monks staged a peaceful protest while dressed entirely in white; held the protest “in succession with one emerging after another”; they were severely beaten in public and arrested.

1. Tsewang Drakpa.
2. Thupten Gyatso.
3. Jangsem.

[See also entry for Draggo county, 9 June 2008]
(reported by Tibetan Solidarity Committee, 09 June 2008)

A Tibetan woman named Yangdzom, works in retirement as a doctor at the Lhasa People’s Hospital, was detained three days after her husband [See RFA entry for 3 May 2008]. She was accused of secretly taking painkillers and other medications from the hospital to treat Tibetans injured in the [March] protests. Here whereabouts is unknown. The couple’s two children, both at university in China, returned home to Lhasa to find the family home had been looted.
(reported by RFA, 15 May 2008)

A 63-year-old retired Tibetan named Shelok, formerly of the Chinese border patrol, was taken from his residence between midnight and 1am and taken to Gutsa detention centre. He was accused of passing information about the death and detention of Tibetan protestors and prison conditions, to contacts outside Tibet; he was also accused of “helping Tibetan protestors in the hospital” [Lhasa People’s Hospital]. [See also RFA entry for 6 April 2008]
(reported by RFA, 15 May 2008)

For the past week, restrictions have been the same as those imposed during the Cultural Revolution: the authorities go from house to house checking residence permits (obtainable only by Tibetans born and brought up in the Lhasa area; Chinese residents do not need permits); any Tibetan without a permit is detained. Tibetans have to report any visitor to the Lhasa Municipal Committee; hosts of any Tibetans visiting from outside Lhasa for business have to vouch for the guest, providing details of all relations, contacts, length of stay. No Tibetan from outside Lhasa is allowed to remain for more than ten days; no one is allowed to stay on pilgrimage; all holy sites are closed. These precautions are intended to prevent demonstrations during the Olympic torch relay in Lhasa in June; reportedly only one Tibetan from each family is allowed to witness the torch ceremony in front of the Potala Palace. Many Chinese troops are being dressed in civilian uniforms with blue hats and red hats; several thousand regular army troops are deployed in Lhasa. For two consecutive nights, trains arrived from China loaded with armoured vehicles and tanks; the area just below Drepung monastery is “packed with soldiers”. Tibetan members of the Communist Party are being subjected to intense political education; Tibetan officials monitored for their loyalty.
(reported by sources to RFA, 01 May 2008)