Two Tibetan women, O’dho and Apha Bhomo, both in their late 50’s and residents of Othok Village, Nyagchuka County, Kardze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture “TAP” Sichuan Province, were arrested on 19 July 2007 by the Nyagchuka County Public Security Bureau (PSB) officials on alleged ‘crime’ of instigating people to join their call for Trulku Tenzin Delek’s release, according to confirmed information received by the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD). Both women are currently detained at Nyagchuka County PSB Detention Centre and authorities are known to have denied visitation right to their relatives. O’dho, a mother of nine children, was born in Sholong Township, Nyagchuka County, Kardze “TAP”, Sichuan Province. In addition, it was learnt that both O’dho’s sons, Kalsang Sungrab and Tenzin Tsoknyi were barred from attending their respective schools. Tenzin Tsoknyi who was studying at a private school in Lithang County was barred from attending the school and authorities even put restriction on their movement.
The Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) received confirmed information from reliable sources that three more Tibetans were arrested from Yonru Kharshul Village, Ponkar Township, Lithang County in connection with Ronggye A’drak’s case following continued mass protest by his supporters.
In the aftermath of Ronggye A’drak’s arrest, severe restrictions were imposed in Lithang and surrounding areas for the fear of massive popular uprising. Supporters of Ronggye A’drak are known to have stationed outside the County Public Security Bureau (PSB) Office for weeks after his arrest on 1 August 2007 demanding his early release. In an attempt to intimidate the supporters of Ronggye A’drak, the Lithang County government sent additional contingents of People’s Armed Police (PAP) as a reinforcement to monitor and restrict the activities of his supporters.