The atmosphere in Lithang, eastern Tibet, is tense and there are fears of further security crackdown after a local Tibetan nomad, Ronggye Adak, was detained after speaking about the Dalai Lama and his concern about social issues in the area to a crowd of hundreds of people gathered for horse racing in Lithang. Further detentions have been reported and security stepped up with the arrival of military and police from outside Lithang.
In a release, the Special Envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Gyari Lodi said, "Tibetans in Lithang have taken the lead in attempting to resolve the issue through dialogue with police and local officials. A security crackdown is not the answer to such an expression of sincere sentiment, conveyed in a peaceful manner, and supported by the Tibetan people present. This event unfortunately reflects our fear that unless the legitimate grievances of the Tibetan peoplea are addressed, the situation in Tibet may deteriorate."
In a release, the Special Envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Gyari Lodi said, "Tibetans in Lithang have taken the lead in attempting to resolve the issue through dialogue with police and local officials. A security crackdown is not the answer to such an expression of sincere sentiment, conveyed in a peaceful manner, and supported by the Tibetan people present. This event unfortunately reflects our fear that unless the legitimate grievances of the Tibetan peoplea are addressed, the situation in Tibet may deteriorate."