China Tightens Grip as Tibet Revolt Hits 50-Year Mark

Many Tibetan areas in China felt under siege last week, as authorities launched a show of force to prevent protests commemorating a failed Tibetan uprising that began 50 years ago on March 10. Residents described a life of increased restrictions, large and small, and admitted to simmering anger and frustration at heavy-handed security following last year's riots in Lhasa, the administrative capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region.

"This morning, a group of armed police passed my shop," said Ajijia, owner of a business that sells traditional Tibetan paintings near Longwu Monastery. "A Tibetan passerby tried to take a photo with his cellphone but the police waved their sticks and threatened him, telling him not to take their picture."