Chinese Police Open Fire on Anti-Mining Protesters

By Tsering Wangdue / October 22, 2014;

Chinese security forces seen in Namling in March this year.
Photo: by courtesy of an RFA listener

Chinese police opened fire on peaceful protesters in Tsang Topgyal in the Namling County, Shigatse (in Chinese, Rikaze) prefecture in the Tibetan Autonomous Region. The villagers were protesting against mining activities in the area. Thirteen people were wounded, including a pregnant woman who was shot in the leg. The majority of the injured were taken to a hospital in Shigatse, while others were treated at the County hospital.

The incident, which took place on August 9, was reported by Radio Free Asia (RFA) in October, the news delayed by blocks on internet and communication systems by the Chinese authorities.

“The protesters surrounded the township office buildings and armed police came and opened fire on the crowd” said an anonymous source.

Chinese mining companies operating in Namling County extract gold, copper and other metals and minerals used to produce weapons. The local resident Tibetans have frequently appealed to the authorities to stop mining activities, but no action has resulted. “The local officials are known for taking perks from the mining companies and allowing the mining to proceed, saying they have permission from the Central Government of China” said the source.

The local residents took the decision to launch a protest when they received no positive response from the authorities. The Tsang Topgyal Township has around 16 villages and most of the residents participated in the protest.

“The protesters responded by throwing stones after being fired on. The people on both sides were injured” the source added. There is no further information available regarding the condition of the injured protesters, or whether the protests are continuing in the area.

The Tibetan plateau is a source of a wide range of mineral resources which are seen as important for China’s economic growth. Chinese mining operations affect Tibet’s fragile environment, polluting the rivers, destroying natural aquatic life and crops, causing health problems and disrupting significant spiritual sites. More than 1,000 Tibetan villagers in TAR are known to have protested against the Chinese mining operations to date.