World

Chinese troops move into Tibet

by amyjudd | March 20, 2008 at 01:05 pm | 778 views | 3 comments | 4 recommendations

Hundreds of Chinese troops moved into small towns in Tibet today making them seem like army encampments. This could be a sign that there is more violence to come in the region.

Protests errupted into rioting last Friday in Lhasa, and reports are stating that about 100 Tibetan protestors have been killed and China is saying that 13 innocent civilians have been killed.

There have been many demonstrations across the world since the violence started in Tibet, but so far China has not agreed to talk about the matter and has just used force instead. Today, President George Bush called for an end to the violence and appealed to China to talk with the Dalai Lama, but so far China has not responded.

Beijing acknowledged that last week's anti-government protests had spread far beyond Tibet's borders and that police opened fire on protesters. It warned foreign tourists and journalists to stay away from a huge expanse of territory across four provinces.
In an overture of peace, the Dalai Lama offered to meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao and other leaders, reiterating that he was not asking for Tibetan independence.
China has repeatedly ignored calls for dialogue, accusing the exiled Tibetan leader and his supporters of organizing violence in hopes of sabotaging the upcoming Beijing Olympics and promoting Tibetan independence.
Hundreds of paramilitary troops aboard at least 80 trucks were seen traveling along the main road winding through the mountains into southeastern Tibet.

Protestors held a rally in Ottawa today to urge China into condemn China for its violence in Tibet.

Shouting "shame,
shame," Tibet supporters gathered on Parliament Hill in Ottawa Thursday
to demand Canada condemn China for its crackdown on a violent uprising
in the disputed region.

About 1,000 demonstrators chanted slogans, listened to speeches and
waved dozens of red, blue and gold Tibetan flags as they condemned
Chinese leaders for their response to a protest in Tibet's capital
Lhasa last Thursday.

While China says 13 "innocent civilians" were killed in the
violence, there are reports that as many as 80 protesters have been
killed.

Rally participant Thupten Wangyal said demonstrators are demanding Canada issue a "strong condemnation" of China's actions.

recommend Add a comment

Caoimhin1

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 13:38 on March 20th, 2008

amyjudd, I like this story. It's good stuff. Great stuff...keep us updated, thanks!

Vinny

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 17:58 on March 20th, 2008

amyjudd, The troop movements are a worrying development.

badnightcafe

at 22:24 on March 20th, 2008

This photo is taken during a silent demonstration made by Amnesty International in many italian towns. Against the censorship of information, for the respect of uman rights and against the repression in Lhasa made by Chinese government

badnightcafe has contributed a photo to this story.