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China tightens control in Tibet ahead of 60th anniversary

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Paramilitary officers dressed in track suits march on a street in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, China, 20 June 2009. China will tighten its control of Tibet ahead of the anniversary of the founding of the PRC on 1 October 2009.File photo/AP/Greg Baker/China

China is sparing no expense for its 60th anniversary extravaganza. It will tighten its control of Tibet ahead of the anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

According to the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD), China will launch a new ‘Strike hard’ campaign to ensure the smooth operation of the National Day celebration on 1 October.

The communist party chief of the Tibet Autonomous Region, Zhang Qingli, announced the campaign through a video conference, TCHRD said, citing Xizang Ribao (Tibet Daily).

Zhang urged officials at all levels to strengthen cooperation, and work closely together to maintain stability in the region during the National Day celebrations.

Lhasa, the Tibetan capital, saw a security clampdown following large protests against Chinese rule in March 2008. Military forces have increased, and consolidated greater control since then.

Zhang lauded the Party members and security forces on their success in suppressing last year’s ‘riots’ and securing stability after the protests. He asked officials to put more efforts into checking and defeating the ‘Dalai clique’ and the ‘separatist forces.’

TCHRD says that, as in the past, the campaign will make arbitrary arrests, and target and forcibly expel former political prisoners from Lhasa, prior to the anniversary.

State agencies will also keep close surveillance on the monastic populations and impose restrictions on the movement of monks and nuns.

Beijing has planned an extravaganza featuring the military aspects of its achievements with its latest weaponry, highlighting China’s rising capabilities and strength.

President Hu Jintao is expected to deliver a keynote address, followed by a military parade and performances involving 200,000 people, 60 floats, and fireworks to mark 60 years since the Communist victory which made way for the People’s Republic of China.

Security has been increased throughout the capital Beijing and will remain tight over the coming weeks.

The ‘Strike hard’ (Ch: Yanda) campaign was first launched in 1983 as a way to reduce crime and fight corruption in China. In Tibet the campaign is used to control political dissent.

The last ‘Strike hard’ campaign took place for 42 days, and was launched on 18 January 2009, during which a total of 5,766 Tibetan suspects were rounded up and questioned. No official figure has ever been released regarding the number of suspects released or detained so far.

Copyright © 2009 Tibet Sun

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