Biggest protest in two decades

HONG KONG: China’s nightmare scenario came true on Wednesday when Tibet erupted in violence as angry monks and laypeople clashed with police in Lhasa in protest against Chinese rule.

In the most explosive violence in 20 years, shops and vehicles were set on fire and protestors hurled rocks at armed police following a scuffle that broke out when troops tried to block Buddhist monks taking to the streets for peaceful protests, according to ethnic Tibetan sources.

On Wednesday, monks from the Ramoche Temple, were on their way to stage a protest when they were barred by armed police, the sources added. “Minor scuffles broke out, at which point incensed bystanders joined in,” the sources said.

“The police later cordoned off all roads to Lhasa, and armed paramilitary forces are patrolling the streets.”

Wednesday’s riots mark the most explosive eruption of violence since 1989, when an uprising was crushed by Chinese troops.

Hu Jintao, who as the Tibet party secretary oversaw that crackdown is today China’s President; he is expected to be named for a second term in office.