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Wednesday, July 19, 2017

 

Tibetans forced to parade with Chinese flags at summer festival in Gansu

By Tenzin Monlam

 

Chinese authorities in Tsoe city in Kanlho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture have forced Tibetans to carry Chinese national flags during a parade at the start of a three-day summer festival which commenced on July 17, reports Radio Free Asia

“This year, the Chinese authorities ordered ordinary Tibetans to carry the Chinese flags, warning them of severe consequences if they fail to comply,” a source said on condition of anonymity.

According to the source, the sight has angered participants and Tibetans onlookers, who are there at the festival. “The Chinese already had the flags ready to use in the procession. But those who were forced to carry them were deeply angered and offended,” he said.

A video circulating on social media shows a group of Tibetans on horseback riding up a hill with Chinese national flags as Chinese police oversaw the proceedings. 

The source added that a similar order was given at a festival three years ago, however, the local Tibetans refused and carried religious flags instead. That prompted the authorities to arrange around 150 Chinese soldiers to dress up in traditional Tibetan attires and carry the Chinese national flag. 

“Consequently, the authorities have said that seven Kanlho counties will require to participate in future parades,” the sources said, adding that four counties of Tsoe — Tsoe Dentro, Dzoege, Khagya, and Dokar — were forced this year.

Kanlho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture has been kept under severe restriction following the self-immolation of the 16-year-old student, Chagdor Kyab on May 2 this year. He set himself ablaze near Bora Monastery in Sangchu County in Kanlho Prefecture to protest Chinese rule in Tibet.