CHINESE AUTHORITIES carrying out a “strike hard” campaign in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa have raided thousands of homes and businesses, run checks on 5,766 suspects and detained at least 81 people, including two for having reactionary music on their cellphones, according to official reports and news accounts.
The state-controlled Tibetan Dailyand the Lhasa Evening Newshave both carried reports in the last few days saying the campaign targets criminal activity such as burglary, prostitution and theft, and is needed to uphold the city's social order.
But experts and activists who support greater autonomy for Tibet said the motive behind the campaign, which began on January 18th, is to detain those involved in last spring’s riots and warn off others who support Tibetan independence.
Chinese leaders are worried about the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising. On March 10th, 1959, Tibetans rose up against Chinese rule, but the rebellion ended after 20 days with the flight of the Dalai Lama into exile in India.
Beijing-backed Tibetan lawmakers have proposed a new holiday this year, on March 28th, the day China announced the dissolution of the Tibetan government, to mark the “liberation” of Tibetan serfs.
Lhasa's entire investigative police force mobilised more than 600 people and 160 vehicles to check 2,922 rented apartments or houses, 14 hotels and guesthouses, 18 bars and three internet cafes, the Lhasa Evening Newssaid.
The police push follows 10 months of tight security after rioting broke out on March 14th last year, leading to the deaths of at least 18 civilians and one police officer and sparking anti-government protests and a massive government crackdown.
“Strike hard” campaigns have historically been launched in China to fight crime and corruption.
But in this case, the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy said in a statement, “the motive is to intimidate and eliminate those supporting Tibetan independence and human rights activists in Tibet”.
China is celebrating the Lunar New Year holiday this week.
Some Tibetans have said they won’t celebrate until the return of the Dalai Lama, whom Beijing regards as a dangerous separatist, while others said they prefer the Tibetan New Year, which occurs next month, over the Chinese one.
– ( LA Times-Washington Postservice)