on the Drichu River in Dege county. Photo via RFA
In a significant development from Sichuan province, Chinese authorities have released most of the Tibetan monks and residents who were arrested in February for protesting against a dam construction project. However, two individuals believed to be the protest leaders are still in custody, according to sources speaking to Radio Free Asia (RFA).
The protests were sparked by the planned construction of the Gangtuo Dam in Derge county, part of the Kardze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. This project threatens to submerge six monasteries and displace at least two major communities along the Drichu River. Over 1,000 Tibetans from Derge county were arrested during the protests, with many concerned about the cultural and environmental impact of the dam.
Tenzin Sangpo, a senior administrator at Wonto Monastery, and Tenzin, a village official, were identified as suspected leaders of the protests and arrested on February 23. They were later moved to a larger detention center in Derge County and handed over to the government’s Procuratorate Office, which handles serious criminal cases. Since their transfer, there has been no information on their whereabouts or the charges against them, raising concerns among the local Tibetan community.
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One monk, who was arrested, detailed the harsh conditions faced by detainees, including overcrowding, poor food quality, limited water, and physical abuse. This treatment has left one monk in need of medical care due to the severity of his injuries.
The February protests have led to increased surveillance and restrictions in the region. Authorities have established checkpoints and now require permits for travel from village residents and monks, significantly limiting freedom of movement.
While some officials and media reports suggest the future of the Gangtuo Dam project is uncertain, with ongoing evaluations to assess its feasibility, others indicate that plans to continue the construction are still in place. This contradiction adds to the anxiety and uncertainty felt by the local Tibetan community.
The release of the detained Tibetans is a positive step, but the continued detention of Tenzin Sangpo and Tenzin highlights the ongoing challenges and repression faced by Tibetans advocating for their rights and environmental conservation.
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