Tensions escalate in Ngaba following self-immolation of monk: Kirti monastery under lockdown

Tibetan Monk's Self-Immolation Sparks Major Protest in Eastern Tibet

The situation in Ngaba, Tibet has worsened over the past days.  Multiple report (ICT, RFA) stress major concerns for the further escalation of tensions in Ngaba after Tibetans defended Kirti monastery from Chinese troops. RFA report that as troops attempted to enter the monastery to remove Tibetan monks for detention, local Tibetans blocked the entrance.  Monks inside the monastery attempted to support their defenders but were held back by barbed-wire fencing and armed guards. Armed police attacked the Tibetans outside the monastery, many were severely beaten, and trained dogs were unleashed on the crowd. Reports state that Kirti is now completely sealed off and there are concerns that the monks are facing shortages of food.

A crackdown has been inforce and tensions high in the area since the protests in 2008>  However the situation became particularly volatile after March 16th 2011 when Phuntsok Jarutsang, a 20-year old Tibetan monk from Kirti Monastery, self-immolated following a solo protest in Ngaba town (Ch: Aba), eastern Tibet (Ch: Sichuan Province). Eye-witnesses reported that Chinese authorities rushed to the scene to put out the flames but also beat Phuntsok, who is reported to have died at approximately 3:00am Lhasa time on March 17th.

TAKE ACTION:

1. Fax Action: CHINESE TEXT AVAILABLE
Send the sample fax message belwo to Sichuan Public Security Department and to Chinese Embassies or Consulates in your country.
Sichuan Public Security Department Fax Number: +8602886663961
Chinese Embassies contact details: http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zwjg/2490/

Sample Fax Message: In Chinese and English (simply cut, paste and fax)
至西川公安部

个人深切关心阿坝县格德寺日益恶化的情势─2011年3月16日僧侣平措自焚而死后，中国当局对西藏人民一连串的武力镇压。

我要求你们立即采取以下行动：

─释放所有被无故任意逮捕的藏人

─停止对阿坝县格德寺僧侣的镇压及恐吓
─停止在格德寺内继续进行政治再教育，那是严重违反妨害宗教自由之基本人权。

─允许独立的国际媒体及政府官员进入该区域，以了解真相。

我已经要求我国驻北京大使馆以及政府代表注意阿坝县情势，并且要求他们向中国政府关切此事。贵单位持续在西藏镇压只会增强国际社会对西藏运动的支持并破坏中国的国际形象。

FAX to Public Security Department, Sichuan:
I am deeply concerned about the situation in Ngaba County (Ch: Aba Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province).  Following the death of Phuntsok Jarutsang, a monk from Kirti monastery, on 16 March 2011 there has been a violent and intimidating crackdown against Tibetans by the Chinese authorities.

I demand that you immediately:

- release all the Tibetans who have been arbitrarily detained.

- cease with the crackdown and intimidation of Tibetans in Ngaba and the monks at Kirti Monastery.

- stop the forced political re-education at Kirti Monastery, which violates Tibetans' basic right to religious freedom.

- allow independent international media and government officials to visit the area.

I have alerted my Beijing embassy and government representatives to the grave situation in Ngaba and have urged them to raise this issue with Chinese officials. Your continued crackdown in Tibet only serves to further garner global support for the Tibet cause and tarnish China's international reputation.

2. On-Line Petition:
Students for a Free Tibet have produced an on-line petition to Liu Qiabo, Sichuan Party Secretary. Please sign and promote the action as widely as possible at the following link https://secure3.convio.net/sft/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction....

3. Arrange a meeting with your Foreign Minister or Ministry Officials

Contact your Foreign Minister or Ministry officials and ask for a meeting to discuss the situation and seek their assurances that they will contact Chinese officials with a statement of concern.

If a meeting is not possible, then please write to your Foreign Minister. Please keep us informed of any feedback you receive from your meetings or contacts so that we can all keep abreast of any significant information.

4. Contact Beijing Embassies

We urge you and your supporters to contact your country's Beijing Embassy immediately and alert them to the increasingly volatile situation and the 'climate of fear' in the area. Ask Beijing Embassy officials to contact the Chinese authorities immediately to ascertain the current situation in Ngaba.

Seek full and detailed information about the individuals detained with assurances that those needing medical attention receive it immediately and urge them to press the Chinese government to respect the right of Tibetans to peaceful protest.

Contact information for Beijing Embassies can be found at http://www.chinahighlights.com/embassy/embassy-in-china/beijing/.  The sample fax message above could be adapted for Beijing Embassies.

5. Hold a vigil or solidarity protest

A number of groups have held solidarity protests over the past weeks to raise awareness of the situation in Ngaba. Tibetan Women's Association chapters from around the world held 57 special candlelit vigils.

Once again we recommend that groups consider organising or joining a protest or vigil to further highlight the worrying situation and encourage greater support and action.

IN THE NEWS:

• 3 youth among arrested as China goes on arrest drive in Ngaba County (Phayul)

• Monks Face New Restrictions (RFA)

• Thousands attend Ngaba monk's cremation amid hightened security (Phayul)

• Monk who set ablaze self dead, 7 Kirti monks released, several still held (Phayul)

• Tibetan monastery sealed off after self-immolation (AP)

• Tibetan monk burns to death in China protest - group (Reuters):

• Monk immolates himself; major protests at Tibetan monastery violently suppressed (International Campaign for Tibet)

• Monk sets himself alight on the anniversary of Tibetan protests (Free Tibet):

• Monk who set ablaze self dead, 7 Kirti monks released, several still held (Phayul)

• Tibetan monastery sealed off after self-immolation (AP)

• Chinese Authorities Arrest Mother of 9 Month Old Baby in Tibet (Tibet Post)

• Dharamsala holds solidarity march for Tibet monk protester (Phayul)