China steps up security in Tibet following protests

Security has been stepped up in Sichuan following the protests last week, activists say

 

A senior Chinese official has ordered tighter security in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and on main roads following deadly protests in Sichuan province.

Lhasa Communist Party Secretary Qi Zhala also warned of a crackdown on those involved in "separatist, destructive and criminal" activities.
The move came after protesters clashed with security forces in parts of Sichuan province last week.
At least three people are reported to have died, with dozens more injured.
Sichuan province borders Tibet and several areas have large ethnic Tibetan communities.
'Strike hard' Mr Qi called on police to step up security at monasteries to prevent further unrest.
"We must strike hard at all the separatist, destructive and criminal activities of the Dalai clique and make efforts to realise our goal of not letting any incident, big or small, occur," he said in a speech published on the Lhasa government website.