Protesting an August 11 forced celebration, Tibetans gathered at a government office in Kardze, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, China, Tuesday. Chinese officials arrived and deployed tear gas and fired on the protesters. Two Tibetans were struck by the bullets. Other Tibetans were also injured in the clash, Free Tibet reported.
Hundreds of Tibetans had gathered at the local offices of the Chinese government Tuesday. Security forces were deployed from nearby Sertha village. The force met the protesters with tear gas and live ammunition.
The son and brother of Wangdak, the village leader, were both shot.
The injured Tibetans were taken away by security forces, who told family members the injured were being taken to medical treatment. No information of the whereabouts of the injured protesters has since been provided.
The protest followed a forced celebration. Tibetans were ordered to celebrate a visit by senior Chinese officials one day earlier. Wangduk had complained to the officials about harassment of female dancers by Chinese officials, and had also objected to the characterization of traditional horse races and prayer festivals as illegal. Wangdak was arrested.
A similar crackdown took place in neighboring Shukpa village Wednesday, where security forces beat and interrogated family members, although many of Shukpa’ men had left the village to avoid arrest.
By Day Blakely Donaldson
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