In Kardze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province, more than 100 Tibetan monks and residents were arrested by Chinese officials. The arrests were an attempt to stop protests against a large dam project that threatens local monasteries and villages.
Historic Monasteries at Risk
The proposed Gangtuo hydropower station on the Drichu River threatens six Buddhist monasteries. Among them is the Wonto Monastery, known for its 13th-century murals. The construction would also displace two local villages.
International Concern and Local Desperation
Videos shared with Radio Free Asia (RFA) show monks being forcibly detained by officials. Despite this, the Chinese Embassy in Washington claims to protect its citizens’ rights under the law. The protests, which began on February 14, have faced severe police responses, including water cannons and pepper spray.
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Cultural and Environmental Impact
The dam would displace about 2,000 people and affect several monasteries. These sites hold deep cultural and religious significance for the local Tibetan community. The Gangtuo dam is part of a larger plan to build a 13-tier hydropower complex on the Drichu River.
Rising Tensions and the Response
Following the protests, Chinese authorities restricted access and communication in the affected areas. Monks at the Yena and Wonto monasteries made peaceful appeals to visiting officials, but their pleas were met with arrests and confiscations.
Ongoing Struggle
Despite the crackdown, some locals managed to capture the events on their phones. The community continues to protest the project that threatens their heritage and homes.
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