13. Apr 2009
Tibetans clash with Chinese soldiers, several injured
(Phayul; VOT) Tibetans in Machu (Chin: Maqu) county, Kanlho TAP (Chin: Gannan) Gansu province clashed with Chinese security forces on 09 April, Oslo-based Voice of Tibet (VOT) radio reported. The incident took place on the day of a monastic ritual dance, which is held annually on the fifteenth day of the third Tibetan lunar month (Horda sumpai garcham) at Serma monastery and is widely attended. Local leaders had urged a soft approach to policing the event, but the security forces allegedly harassed local Tibetans in the market, ransacked a billiards hall and then beat up three men. The news spread instantly sparking off an angry mob that clashed with about 100 Chinese soldiers. Several people on both sides were reportedly injured and no arrests were made.