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["Lawrence F. London, Jr." <lflj@intrex.net>]

<http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7308890.stm>
Last Updated: Friday, 21 March 2008, 17:36 GMT
Tibetan monk speaks out
By Michael Bristow
BBC News, Beijing

Police are searching for Tibetans who took part in demonstrations in Hezuo in China's Gansu Province, according to a 
monk who lives in the town.

He also told the BBC that the protests were started by school pupils after they heard about the protests in Lhasa, the 
capital of the Tibetan Autonomous Region.

Chinese paramilitary police in Zhongdian, Yunnan province
Troops have been sent to areas with high concentrations of Tibetans

But the monk added that he did not agree with the violence - from either Tibetans or the Chinese government - and did 
not support Tibetan independence.

Hezuo is in Gansu's Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. There has been 
major unrest in the area since last Saturday.

The BBC has just left the town, which has been taken over by the Chinese military. Soldiers armed with assault rifles 
stood guard on approach roads.

'Tough students'

The monk has provided rare details of what is happening in Hezuo, from where it has been difficult to get accurate 
information.

        
I don't hate Han people - but the government keeps using violence to suppress us, and that won't solve any problems 
between the Tibetans and the Han
Tibetan monk
"The police are all around government buildings, they are searching the 
streets," he told the BBC by telephone.

He said students from two schools began the demonstrations in Hezuo because they were "dissatisfied with the suppression 
in Lhasa", said the Tibetan monk.

"We heard that those students are really tough, they smashed cars and shops."

But he added: "All this fighting and killing and beating up Han Chinese people is 
really bad. We want peace."

Map
Han Chinese are the dominant ethnic group in China, accounting for more than 
90% of the population.

Many Tibetans complain they are losing their culture, and jobs, because Han 
people are increasing moving to Tibet.

"I don't hate Han people. But the government keeps using violence to suppress us, and that won't solve any problems 
between the Tibetans and the Han," said the monk.

Midnight deadline

He added that he agreed with the Dalai Lama, the leader of Tibetans in exile, who says he wants more autonomy for Tibet, 
not independence.

"It doesn't matter whether Tibet is independent or not, as long as Tibetans live 
in happiness," he said.

Protesters in Gannan have been given until midnight on 25 March to hand themselves in to the authorities, according to a 
notice posted in Hezuo.

Those who turn themselves in will be treated leniently, those who do not will 
be dealt with harshly, the notice added.

The local government has promised protection and rewards for those who turn 
in protesters, people China says are criminals.

TENSION IN TIBET

KEY STORIES

US lawmaker demands an inquiry
China intensifies crackdown
Dalai Lama urges dialogue
Tibet kept on Olympic torch route

FEATURES AND ANALYSIS

Chinese paramilitary police in Zhongdian, Yunnan province Clamping down
Tibetan monk speaks out on round-up of protesters as unrest spreads

Tibetan monks: A controlled life
China's quandary
Dalai Lama's home off-limits
Tibet's unsettled borders

VIDEO REPORTS
Protester on horseback Protesters defiant in Tibet row
watch Dalai Lama
watch Wen Jiabao

BACKGROUND

Key places and events
Guide: Inside Tibet
Q&A: China and Tibet
Profile: The Dalai Lama

EYEWITNESS

Tibetans describe unrest
Chinese react to violence
Lhasa now 'in cinders'
Monk 'kicked to the floor'

TOP ASIA-PACIFIC STORIES
US lawmaker demands Tibet inquiry
Tibet focus for Taiwan election

FEATURES, VIEWS, ANALYSIS
Chinese troops in Yunnan province 'Clampdown'
Tibetan monk speaks out on Chinese round-up of protesters