International

China launches search for Lhasa riot suspects

Beijing: China on Friday launched a manhunt for 21 “suspects” who took part in the riots in Lhasa by releasing their photos even as it admitted that security personnel had opened fire at agitators, contradicting its earlier claims.

Chinese security forces have reportedly spread out in Tibet and nearby provinces of Sichuan, Gansu and Qinghai with the streets being full of police vehicles, check posts and military trucks.

Violent protests against Chinese rule erupted on March 10 in the Tibetan capital leaving at least 13 persons dead and over 300 injured.

After repeatedly claiming that no lethal force was used against the agitating monks and others, China admitted that the police had fired at and wounded four protesters when they attacked and tried to snatch weapons at Tibetan inhabited Aba County in southwestern Sichuan province on Sunday.

In Gansu, public notices and police broadcasts told protesters to surrender by midnight on March 25 or face arrest and punishment, the BBC reported.

Authorities on Thursday said 24 persons had been arrested so far for “endangering national security” while 170 rioters had “surrendered” before the police.

China has insisted that it had shown “maximum restraint” in dealing with the riots in Lhasa.

Tibetan activists say at least eight persons were killed at a demonstration against Chinese rule near the Kirti monastery in Aba on Sunday. China has alleged that the Dalai Lama had mastermind the riots to sabotage the Olympic games to be held in August. — PTI

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