Chinese authorities in Zoege County, Sichuan Province, have arrested seven Tibetans on June 27.The arrested Tibetans, all elected leaders of various divisions or villages in the locality, are Choelho from Thama Dewa, Konlho from Kyangtsai Goeru, Atam from Kyangtsei Kegyued, Lhago from Chunag Drokra, Jigjhey Kyap from Zsaru Toema, Lochey from Zsaru Medhma, Dorjee Tsering from Rarong Tsering.A Tibetan monk at Kirti monastery said some Tibetan residents living around Tagtsang Lhamo Kirti monastery in Zoege County had expanded their houses a few years ago by encroaching public road . Some residents refused to clear the public road and talks gradually turned into quarrel, and a few window panes were broken in a minor scuffle that followed.The County authorities took advantage of the situation by giving it a political turn, and accused monks and the local leaders of holding illegal public gathering to plot anti government activities. The atmosphere is said to be tense as the authorities called in more security forces form Luchu County and Zoege County. ‘Patriotic reeducation meetings’ were called in various divisions or villages forcing the Tibetans to accept charges of political incitement, he said.
There is no information on the whereabouts of the seven Tibetans currently.