Nearly 80 Tibetan villagers have allegedly been abducted by Chinese officials in Kashi village, Kham Zachuka, Sershul County, Kardze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, after a protest against illegal gold mining operations, ANI reported.
The detentions reportedly took place last month after local Tibetans confronted the miners and informed township authorities about gold extraction that had been discovered the previous day, November 5, at 2:11 pm, in an area locally known as Serkhok (Gold Valley), as reported by local media outlet Phayul.
The development was announced by Tempa Gyaltsen Zamlha, Deputy Director and environmental researcher at the Tibet Policy Institute (TPI), during a press conference on Tuesday in Dharamshala.
‘Chinese authorities conducted door-to-door arrests’
Following the confrontation, Chinese authorities initiated what residents described as “systematic, door-to-door arrests” in Kashi village and those apprehended were reportedly taken to Sershul County for questioning. The arrests were marked by a communications blackout, increased security presence and strict limitations on movement throughout the region.
Security forces reportedly entered locals’ homes, seized mobile phones and conducted intrusive searches. Armed police and military personnel were reportedly deployed across roads and public areas, detaining people even for perceived dissent related to the mining operations, Phayul reported.
Residents warned against discussing the matter
Zamlha said residents were warned against discussing the incident, and insisted that it must “never be leaked to higher levels or to the outside world,” and if someone does so, they will be treated as a serious “criminal offence”.
The claims suggest detainees were denied sleep and toilet access and given only sparse meals. Some reportedly suffered broken ribs, kidney ailments from severe beatings, or lasting physical and psychological trauma following intense questioning.
Medical checks were reportedly carried out at Sershul County Hospital, but full results were not disclosed to detainees. Elderly residents were also allegedly detained, had their phone records closely scrutinised and were warned against sharing information before being released, according to ANI.