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Tibet Under Martial Law as Revolt Anniversary Nears

Protests are simmering under curfew and heavy police presence

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Mar 5, 2009 9:07 AM CST
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(Newser) – China is quietly clamping down on Tibet ahead of twin anniversaries this month—the 50th of the Dalai Lama's failed revolt and the first of the violent riots that shook the region last year. Sandbag outposts, army convoys, and high police presence in Lhasa, Tibet's capital, indicate Beijing is readying for the worst. And while the region is quiet under curfew, there are rumblings of resistance, the New York Times reports.

Last week, Tibetans say a monk who lit himself on fire in protest was shot by security officers. Other monks have been holding rallies, and Tibetans swapped New Year celebrations for mourning this year. "We have to keep quiet," says one woman. "We're only a minority." Last year, Tibetans say their largest uprising in decades resulted in a Chinese crackdown that killed 239.

Monks arrive for the Monlam Chenmo, also known as the Great Prayer Festival, at the Drepung Monastery in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, China, Wednesday, March 4, 2009.
Monks arrive for the Monlam Chenmo, also known as the Great Prayer Festival, at the Drepung Monastery in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, China, Wednesday, March 4, 2009.   (AP Photo)
Monks debate during the Monlam Chenmo, also known as the Great Prayer Festival, at the Drepung Monastery in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, China, yesterday.
Monks debate during the Monlam Chenmo, also known as the Great Prayer Festival, at the Drepung Monastery in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, China, yesterday.   (AP Photo)
Young exile Tibetans participate in a candlelit vigil in India last week for a Tibetan Buddhist monk they say was shot after he lit himself on fire in protest.
Young exile Tibetans participate in a candlelit vigil in India last week for a Tibetan Buddhist monk they say was shot after he lit himself on fire in protest.   (AP Photo/Ashwini Bhatia)
Chinese security stands guard next to a Tibetan daily life display, shown as part of the exhibition titled 50th Anniversary of Democratic Reforms in Tibet Exhibition in Beijing.
Chinese security stands guard next to a Tibetan daily life display, shown as part of the exhibition titled "50th Anniversary of Democratic Reforms in Tibet Exhibition" in Beijing.   (AP Photo/ Elizabeth Dalziel)
Buddhists burn incense on Tibetan New Year's Day in Beijing. Overseas activists have called for a boycott of Tibetan New Year celebrations to mourn last year's crackdown.
Buddhists burn incense on Tibetan New Year's Day in Beijing. Overseas activists have called for a boycott of Tibetan New Year celebrations to mourn last year's crackdown.   (AP Photo/Greg Baker)
Chinese armed police officers try to block a photographer from taking pictures on a street in Lhasa last year, as the Olympic torch makes its way through Tibet's sealed-off capital.
Chinese armed police officers try to block a photographer from taking pictures on a street in Lhasa last year, as the Olympic torch makes its way through Tibet's sealed-off capital.   (AP Photo/Kyodo News, Takanori Sekine)
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No unrest expected this year: China
AFP

China's view of the last 50 years
RedNet.cn

Tibetans are already protesting
Central Tibetan Administration

 
China • protests • Tibet • Dalai Lama • anniversary • Tibetan independence • Tibetan monks • Tibetan protesters • revolt

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