Apr 13, 2011

Chinese Troops Surround Tibetan Monastery

Tibet flag
Photo: AP

Exiled Tibetan groups say Chinese security forces have surrounded a Buddhist monastery in Sichuan province, following the self-immolation of a young Tibetan monk last month.

Phuntsok died March 16 after setting himself on fire to protest Chinese rule in Tibet.

His self-immolation coincided with the third anniversary of violent protests against Chinese rule in Tibet.

The Indian-based Tibet Post newspaper says Chinese security forces have cordoned the monastery in Ngaba prefecture, restricting the movement of the monks and visits to the monastery.

The report says the monks are now facing food shortages because they depend on offerings by local residents through the monastery administration.

Exiled Tibetan sources say a group of people tried to approach the monastery around noon Monday, but were blocked by Chinese troops.

Reports say that in the aftermath of Phuntsok's protest and the subsequent show of solidarity by the monks at Kirti monastery, authorities have taken drastic measures to bring them under control.

More than 2,500 monks reportedly live in the monastery.

Tibetan groups are calling on the international community and human rights groups to intervene and stop China's security clampdown.
Enhanced by Zemanta

No comments:

Post a Comment