Tibetans in hospital in Nangchen, following the brutal assault by Chinese policemen
photo: tibet.net
The Chinese authorities have brutally attacked Tibetan civilians during mandatory celebrations marking “Army Day” on August 1, the anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) founding. The attacks took place in Nangchen County, Yushu Prefecture between August 1 – 3. The reasons for the attack are unclear. Over thirty people were severely injured, the majority needing hospitalisation.
Sources for the Tibetan Centre of Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) suggest that the attack was a reprisal for not adhering to Chinese demands that performers wear traditional animal skin costumes during the celebrations. Victims were also accused of not looking happy enough during the mandatory festivities.
Tibetan performers on stage during the “Army Day” celebration in Diru
Photo: Diru County government website/via TCHRD
In 2006 the Dalai Lama issued an address advising against the wearing of traditional animal pelts because of his concerns about the importance of wildlife conservation and compassion towards animals. In accordance with His Holiness’s request, Tibetans in the Nagchu prefecture voluntarily burnt their traditional animal skin clothes and possessions, and have refrained from using them since.
Local officials greet People’s Armed Police officers at the celebration in Diru
Photo: Diru County government website/via TCHRD
Elsewhere, In Driru County in the Nagchu prefecture, a four point set of guidelines regarding the celebration was issued, demanding that an annual festival is held in honour of the PLA, and that it must include the performance of traditional dance and song. In addition, it stated that performers must wear traditional pelts and that all residents of the prefecture and surrounding area must attend the festival.
As well as the repercussions already reported, the Chinese authorities have threatened to prohibit the harvesting of caterpillar fungus (Yartsa Gunbu) in Driru County. The fungus is a main source of income for the Tibetan population, making this a severe consequence of resistance.
However, one Chinese official has denied that the events took place: “The local government did not issue such an order, and that there were no performances on the August 1 anniversary” reported the Chinese state-run media Global Times, citing Zhou Zhanping, head of the county publicity department.
Driru County has been marked as an area of concern by the Chinese authorities following a steady increase in unrest and self-immolations in the Nagchu prefecture. Measures such as compulsory “political education”, mandatory Chinese flag displays and communication restrictions have been imposed. The threatened prohibition of fungus cultivation is the most recent tactic to dissuade resistance in the area.
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