This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7296837.stm
The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 1 | Version 2 |
---|---|
Deaths reported in Tibet protests | Deaths reported in Tibet protests |
(10 minutes later) | |
Clashes between protesters and security forces in Tibet's main city of Lhasa have left at least two people dead, according to reports. | Clashes between protesters and security forces in Tibet's main city of Lhasa have left at least two people dead, according to reports. |
An emergency official told AFP news agency that many people had been hurt and an unspecified number had died. | An emergency official told AFP news agency that many people had been hurt and an unspecified number had died. |
The US-based Radio Free Asia quoted witnesses who said they had seen at least two bodies on Lhasa's streets. | The US-based Radio Free Asia quoted witnesses who said they had seen at least two bodies on Lhasa's streets. |
Rallies have continued all week in what are said to be the largest protests against Beijing's rule in 20 years. | Rallies have continued all week in what are said to be the largest protests against Beijing's rule in 20 years. |
British journalist James Miles, in Lhasa, told the BBC that rioters had taken control of the city centre. | British journalist James Miles, in Lhasa, told the BBC that rioters had taken control of the city centre. |
"Some of them are still attacking Chinese properties - shops, restaurants, owned by ethnic Chinese," he said. | "Some of them are still attacking Chinese properties - shops, restaurants, owned by ethnic Chinese," he said. |
One monk was kicked in the stomach right in front of us and then beaten on the ground class="" href="/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7296134.stm">Eyewitness: 'Kicked to floor' "Some of them are looting those shops, taking out the contents and throwing them on huge fires which they've lit in the street." | |
Another eyewitness said there were tanks on the street and he had seen people being carried away on stretchers. | Another eyewitness said there were tanks on the street and he had seen people being carried away on stretchers. |
Dalai Lama concerned | Dalai Lama concerned |
Radio Free Asia, which is funded by the US government, quoted one Lhasa resident as saying: "[The rioters] ransacked Chinese shops and the police fired live ammunition into the crowd. No-one is allowed to move around in Lhasa now." | Radio Free Asia, which is funded by the US government, quoted one Lhasa resident as saying: "[The rioters] ransacked Chinese shops and the police fired live ammunition into the crowd. No-one is allowed to move around in Lhasa now." |
TIBET DIVIDE China says Tibet always part of its territoryTibet enjoyed long periods of autonomy before 20th century1950: China launched a military assaultOpposition to Chinese rule led to bloody uprising in 1959Tibet's spiritual leader the Dalai Lama fled to India class="" href="/1/hi/in_pictures/7297228.stm">In pictures: Tibet protests class="" href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/guides/456900/456954/html/nn0page1.stm">Quick guide: TibetIndia detains TibetansMedia remains silent The rallies began earlier this week when a number of Buddhist monks were reportedly arrested after a march marking the 49th anniversary of a Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule. | |
Hundreds of monks took to the streets to demand their release. The protests have gathered momentum over the past four days and campaign groups say ordinary people are now involved. | Hundreds of monks took to the streets to demand their release. The protests have gathered momentum over the past four days and campaign groups say ordinary people are now involved. |
The Dalai Lama, who heads Tibet's government-in-exile in India, released a statement expressing deep concern. | The Dalai Lama, who heads Tibet's government-in-exile in India, released a statement expressing deep concern. |
He called on the Chinese leadership to "stop using force and address the long-simmering resentment of the Tibetan people through dialogue with the Tibetan people." | He called on the Chinese leadership to "stop using force and address the long-simmering resentment of the Tibetan people through dialogue with the Tibetan people." |
He added: "I also urge my fellow Tibetans not to resort to violence." | He added: "I also urge my fellow Tibetans not to resort to violence." |
Unrest has spread to other areas of Tibet and neighbouring provinces. There are reports of hundreds of monks rallying in Gansu. | Unrest has spread to other areas of Tibet and neighbouring provinces. There are reports of hundreds of monks rallying in Gansu. |
The situation is causing concern among Western governments - with senior US and UK officials urging both sides to show restraint. | The situation is causing concern among Western governments - with senior US and UK officials urging both sides to show restraint. |
China says Tibet has always been part of its territory - though Tibet enjoyed long periods of autonomy before the 20th Century and many Tibetans remain loyal to the Dalai Lama, who fled in 1959. | China says Tibet has always been part of its territory - though Tibet enjoyed long periods of autonomy before the 20th Century and many Tibetans remain loyal to the Dalai Lama, who fled in 1959. |
Are you in Tibet or do you know anyone currently in Tibet? Did you witness the rallies this week? Send us your comments. | Are you in Tibet or do you know anyone currently in Tibet? Did you witness the rallies this week? Send us your comments. |