Dharamsala, April 13 – Tibetan news site Phayul.com reported today that Tibetans in Machu County clashed with Chinese security forces on April 9th, 2009. Phayul.com cited Voice of Tibet radio service as its source.Dolma Kyab, a senior manager at the Norbulingka institute, a Tibetan cultural institute, told Voice of Tibet that the incident took place on the day of a monastic ritual dance which is held annually at Serma monastery.

“The ritual usually attracts Tibetans in large numbers from villages and monasteries in the region. The local authorities recommended more troops in the region for the day but Tibetan leaders and senior monks objected to the reinforcement giving their assurances that the event would run smoothly without any trouble,” said Kyab.

On Thursday however, the Chinese security forces harassed local Tibetans in the market and ransacked a billiards hall.The news of Chinese security forces beating up the Tibetans spread instantly in the locality sparking off an angry mob that clashed with about 100 Chinese soldiers.

“The Chinese soldiers hit batons at the Tibetans who retaliated by hurling stones,” continued Kyab, adding that several people on both sides were injured in the brawl. No arrest, however, has been reported.