Free Tibet China sends work teams to Tibetan monasteries to “protect” them from protests  [caption id="attachment_2780" align="alignleft" width="300"] 10 March in London (Free Tibet)[/caption] Chinese authorities have tightened security in areas of Golog and Rebkong ahead of March 10th, the anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising of 1959 and the intense protests in 2008. Images show a heavy presence of troops, as the Great Monlam Festival (Tibetan Prayer festival) as 10th March approaches. China sees the period from Tibetan New Year to March as a “sensitive time” and tourism and travel are restricted in the whole of Tibet. In 1959 and 2008, a mass Tibetan resistance to China’s occupation of Tibet took place.

China fears Tibetan protest

Military camps have been set up near Rabgya monastery in Machen County and large numbers of personnel are visible in the area, monitoring the movement of local residents, especially monks. Various check posts have been set up in all the counties in Golog Prefecture and security personnel are searching people and vehicles passing through and imposing restrictions on various visitors.

China’s supposed illegal activities

The previously reported “list of prohibited activities” document has been issued in monasteries, villages and townships in Rebkong County. Work teams have been sent to monasteries and townships in Rebkong. Authorities are claiming they will be used to protect the monasteries but local Tibetans believe they are there to prevent protests.

March 10th Tibet solidarity events

This year, 2015, annual Tibet Solidarity events will be held around the world. A march in London will take place on Saturday 7 March 2015. It will start in Westminster (opposite 10 Downing Street, the British PM residence) and will finish outside the Chinese Embassy. There will also be a candlelit vigil in support of the Tibetan people in Norwich on Tuesday 10th of March]]>