Beijing (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Chinese security forces have killed a Tibetan and arrested six others as they tried to disperse a demonstration of 1000 people against the resumption of mining in the county of Markham.
According to the news released by Radio Free Asia, the police fired tear gas and live ammunition into the crowd that had gathered and was marching towards the site of the mine.
In the past there had been large demonstrations, but the police had always managed to disperse them without too much violence. The man killed was called Nyima, the names of only five of the six arrested are known: Dawa, Atsong, Phuntsog Nyima, Jamyang Wangmo and Kelsang Yudron.
Chinese mining has often led to clashes with the Tibetan population who denounce the companies for failing to respect the sacredness of area and the ecological impact of mining. The Tibetan subsoil is rich in copper, chromium, iron, gold, silver, potassium, and natural gas. Last year, the Chinese government increased in mining investment in the region.
Meanwhile, one of the two young men who set themselves on fire Aug. 13 in Ngaba is reported to have died. He is 21 year old layman Tashi, a former student at the Kirti monastery (Sichuan).
On 14 August, the restaurants and shops of Tibetan Nagba closed their doors in a sign of mourning. Following the two self-immolation, the leaders of the Kirti monastery were called by the government authorities for questioning.
