Tibetan families who had their pasture land sold to Chinese businessmen without consent are dissatisfied with the compensation of 3,000 yuan (approximately US$415) offered to them, according to sources familiar with the situation speaking to Radio Free Asia.
Following their protest against the land grab in Markham county in Chamdo, Tibet Autonomous Region, four Tibetans were arrested on April 10 and later released, but claimed to have been physically assaulted during their detention, as reported by a source to RFA Tibetan under conditions of anonymity.
The source mentioned, “The four individuals were released on April 16 with signs of physical abuse, including one with a swollen cheek.”
Since the protest, around 10 policemen have been stationed in the area, monitoring activities closely day and night, as per sources.
This incident reflects a pattern of Chinese authorities taking land in Tibetan areas for various purposes, often resorting to force to suppress dissent.
Recently, 25 families were shocked to discover that their land was being cleared by a Chinese developer without their knowledge or compensation. Following their protests, each family was offered 3,000 yuan (about US$415) as compensation.
Residents revealed that the affected families are required to accept the compensation without negotiation, as the amount has been predetermined by higher authorities.
According to other residents, failure to comply with the government’s directives could lead to imprisonment.
Details of the compensation plan were communicated to affected families during a meeting on April 16, with at least one representative required to attend.
Attendees were prohibited from bringing phones to the meeting, where authorities cautioned against leaking information outside the country and reprimanded for spreading news about the land grab and protests.
A resident stated, “The people expressed discontent with the compensation amount, as the pasture land is being excavated without regards to remaining grass.”
Another resident, speaking anonymously, mentioned, “Internal issues must be resolved internally, but without widespread reporting, there wouldn’t have been talks of compensation or the release of the detained individuals.”
Additional reporting by Dolma Lhamo and edited by Tenzin Pema for RFA Tibetan