Tibetan Information Office (TIO) is based in Canberra.

Update on Tibet Demonstrations, 21 April 2008

Dartsedo (Ch: Kangding), Karze “Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,” Sichuan province – Monastery heads condemn “patriotic re-education” classes during meeting

Monastery heads from 18 Counties in Karze “TAP” were called for a meeting held in Dartsedo (the location for Karze “TAP” Headquarters). The purpose of the meeting was mainly to enforce guidance for conducting “patriotic re-education” classes.

During the meeting, three of the head Lamas said that if the “patriotic re-education” classes are implemented then the Tibetan people would lose tolerance and the situation would turn unfavorable. If the authorities had any concern for the Tibetan public then they should immediately stop the “patriotic re-education” classes or the heads of the monasteries cannot bear the responsibilities for unfavourable situations that may arise. Other heads of monasteries joined in for support.

The heads of monasteries decision to unanimously disapprove the “patriotic re-education” campaign during the meeting, has lead to the Chinese authorities putting the “anti-Dalai clique” signature campaign on temporary hold.

Armed Forces deployed at various monasteries have still not been withdrawn. In addition, members of Armed Forces dressed in civilian clothes patrol the monastery compounds on a daily basis.

No Specific Date

Monetary incentives and prostitutes being used to lure and arrest more Tibetans

The Chinese government has started to use various influences such as monetary incentives and prizes and even the prostitutes, to arrest Tibetan people alleged to have been involved in the recent demonstrations.

Many Tibetans who have had no involvement in the demonstrations were arrested on baseless charges. Some are being released after a fine has been paid.

The “TAR” Higher People’s Court, People’s Procuratorates and the Public Security Department have issued a wanted list of people allegedly involved in the recent demonstrations. An announcement/circular has been issued. The circular says that those who provide information leading to the arrest of people on the wanted list or any other persons involved the demonstrations would receive bounties of 20,000 Yuan.

The circular also says that anyone who provides information on Tibetans injured during the recent protest in Tibet is to be awarded a sum of 5,000 Yuan.

Moreover, anyone who provides information leading to the arrests of informants making contacts to India and the outside world is to be awarded a sum of 20,000 Yuan.

A sum of 100,000 Yuan is to be awarded to those who provide confirmed information about the ring-leaders of the recent demonstrations. These announcements reveal China’s plan to further intensify their crackdown on the protestors by making as many arrests as possible.

In Mangra (Ch: Guinan) County of Tsolho “TAP”, Qinghai Province, Chinese prostitutes are being used to lure arrests of people involved in the recent protests in Tibet.

Sangchu (Ch: Xiahe) County, Kanlho “Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,” Gansu Province- China showing no signs of slowing down “Patriotic re-education” campaign

Since 12 and 13 April, many officials from the Prefecture and County level Governments have been conducting “Patriotic re-education” classes in this Tibetan area.

Sangchu (Ch: Xiahe) County, Kanlho “Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,” Gansu Province – Injured and arrested list continues to build up

On 15 March, 18 and 23 there were several protests held in Bora Township and Sangchu County. During the March 18 protest, head injuries and broken legs have been reported. Among those who sustained injuries a few names can be confirmed. They are, Kathup Tsering, age 45; Nyingchup Gyal, age 27; Tashi Dorjee, age 51 and Bhenthey Khar, age 23.

Many arrests have been made from 23 March to 15 April. Lhagho Kyap, a teacher from a local school, was among the many arrested.

On 15 April, local police arrived at Bora monastery, Bora Township, with a wanted list comprising of 30 monks. They warned that if these monks did not surrender, then a thorough search of the monastery would be conducted.

Rebkong (Ch: Tongren) County, Malho “Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,” Qinghai province – Chinese armed forces continue arrests and beating; whereabouts of many arrestees remain unknown

Tight restrictions were enforced after a huge number of armed forces arrived at Rongpo monastery on 18 April. The armed forces most likely are from Hunan province.

From 17 April till today, over 430 monks and laypeople have been arrested in Rebgong County. Special police units wearing black uniforms arrived on 12 April. They severely beat monks at Rongpo monastery and have been arresting a number of them.

Among the many arrested on 17 April, former Abbot Alag Khatso-tsang, aged 80, from Rongpo Monastery, was one of them. During his arrest, he was severely beaten resulting in a head injury and three broken ribs. While the Armed Forces said that Abbot Alag Khatso-tsang would be taken to the hospital, his whereabouts are unknown.

Three monks were arrested on 12 April and as mentioned over 430 monks were arrested on 17 April. While initially these arrestees were taken to the County prison, the current whereabouts of these arrestees remain unknown.

Armed Forces have started to conduct searches even at the smaller monasteries near Rongpo monastery. For instance, on 18 March, a search was conducted at Yama Tashi Kyil monastery. The residence of Alak Drotsang was searched extensively. No arrests were reported on that day.