Dharamshala: A source from Tibet said on 10-13 March 2009, inhabitants of four villages in the Upper Lhopo region of Dege Jodha county in Eastern Tibet let their livestock eat their crops as a form of peaceful demonstration against the violence enacted by the Chinese government throughout Tibet since the 10 March 2008 protests. A few neighboring villages also followed their example. Recently, the same four villages refused to accept tractors from the government, and some local young adults expressed their dissatisfaction with Chinese rule.
As a result, Chinese authorities and security officers arrested eight Tibetans this month: Lama Palchen Wangyal, aged 25, son of Dhalong Martsang; Lama Palchen's brother, Kalsang Gyaltsen, 19; Choega, 31, from the Tashi family; Tenpa Namgyal, 25, from the Merag family; Tenpa's brother, Thupten Namgyal, 20; Ogyen Sonam, 19, from the Drachoegon family; Paljor, 26, son-in-law of the Gegya family; Thupten, 21, also from the Gegya family.
Of this group, Kalsang Gyaltsen, Thupten and Oygen Sonam were released, but were hospitalized due to the brutal beatings they received during their detainment. The detainees were tortured by Chinese officials, who interrogated them to find out who was responsible for plotting, leading and backing the villagers' protest.
Chinese soldiers and civil authorities have also tightened their control over the local area by holding mandatory public meetings.
The Tibetan people are requesting the protection and release of the remaining detainees through appeals to global organizations and campaigns dedicated to the Tibetan cause, as well as media coverage.
Report provided by Geshe Monlam Tharchin, member of Tibetan Parliament in exile
