China detains yet another peaceful solo protesters in troubled Ngaba

Chinese security forces have detained another lone Tibetan protestor in Ngaba (Ch: Aba) County in Ngaba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province.

Tashi, 31, a layman, was detained immediately in Ngaba County town after he lodged a peaceful protest calling for Tibet’s freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama on 26 October 2015.

“Carrying a portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tashi walked on the main street of Ngaba County town and raised slogans calling for Tibet’s freedom and return of the Dalai Lama. However, he was immediately detained and taken away by the security forces,” a source told TCHRD.

He is currently being held in a detention center in Ngaba County.

Tashi hails from Village No. 5 of Meruma town in Ngaba County. He is married to Kalpe and the couple has four children, two of whom study at the local school in Meruma.

In recent months, many solo Tibetan protesters have called for the return of the Dalai Lama and freedom in Tibet, carrying a portrait of the Dalai Lama and walking down the streets of the county town. Many of the protesters belonged to Meruma town and their whereabouts remain unknown.

Since 10 October, local Chinese authorities have shut down all Internet lines, except for government authorities, in Ngaba. Chinese security forces are constantly patrolling the streets of Ngaba.