By: AFP
BEIJING - China kept a tight security grip across the Tibetan plateau on Wednesday and accused the Dalai Lama of behaving like a child for condemning its rule over the Himalayan region.
Authorities in Beijing showed no signs of making concessions after a storm of criticism on the 50th anniversary on Tuesday of a failed uprising that led to the Tibetan spiritual leader's escape into exile.
The United States led condemnation of China's treatment of its six million Tibetans, but in the regional capital Lhasa, there was no sign of any security relaxation.
Residents told AFP by phone that the situation was calm, but armed police continued to roam the streets and people were still not allowed to go outside without identity cards.
"It's quiet here. But there are many police cars on patrol all day and night, and there are police at all of the intersections," one man who works at a Lhasa Internet cafe said, asking not to be identified.
It follows a huge build-up of forces to prevent a repeat of protests that have flared in the past on the highly sensitive anniversary.
Similar security was reported in other parts of western China with Tibetan populations where tensions have simmered since deadly riots 12 months ago on the 49th anniversary of the uprising.
In major towns of Gansu and Sichuan provinces with big Buddhist monasteries, residents said security remained ultra-tight and foreigners were banned from entering.
"We won't be receiving any guests until the end of March," a receptionist at a hotel in Xiahe, home to the famous Labrang monastery and scene of protests last year, told AFP by phone.
Source: Bangkok Post
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