In a concerning turn of events, Tibetans who stood against a dam project are facing tough times. Radio Free Asia (RFA) reports that after a peaceful protest, over 1,000 Tibetans, including monks and locals from Wangbuding township in Dege County, Sichuan province, were arrested by Chinese police last Friday.
A Call for Answers Leads to Violence
The situation escalated on Saturday when the police started asking the detained Tibetans tough questions. RFA shares that some Tibetans were hurt badly during this process for not answering questions, with a few needing hospital care. The protest, which started on February 14, was against the building of the Gangtuo hydropower dam on the Drichu River. This project threatens to move communities and drown historical sites, like the Wonto Monastery known for its ancient murals.
Tough Conditions for the Detained
Sources told RFA that the arrested Tibetans are spread out in different places because there’s not enough room in one spot for all of them. They’re not getting much food, and the cold is making things worse. On top of that, the police are keeping a close eye on Dege County, setting up rules that remind people of the COVID-19 lockdowns, making it hard for residents to even leave their homes.
Global Concern and Calls for Action
The world is watching, with Canada expressing serious worries about the treatment of Tibetans and their rights. The Tibetan government-in-exile and supporters from around the globe are speaking out, demanding that China respects Tibetans’ rights and frees those detained. Meanwhile, Tibetans worldwide are showing their support through protests in places like India, New York, Toronto, and Zurich.
RFA‘s reporting shines a light on the harsh realities faced by Tibetans under Chinese rule. As Maya Wang from Human Rights Watch points out, it’s rare to get such insights into Tibet‘s situation, highlighting the importance of international awareness and support for Tibet‘s struggle for rights and freedom.
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