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BEIJING - Police armed with machine-guns guarded intersections and demanded to see ID cards at checkpoints Wednesday amid stepped up security in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa as the region marked two sensitive anniversaries, residents said.
It was the 51st anniversary of a failed revolt against Chinese rule that led the Dalai Lama, Tibet's spiritual leader, to flee into exile. Protests marking the event two years ago spun into deadly rioting in Lhasa, and sympathy protests across western China were the widest uprising against Beijing in decades.
Police presence in Lhasa has been heavy since the March 14, 2008, rioting but was increased even more in recent days, hotel workers said.
"Because of the March 14 riot anniversary, police are patrolling in the streets every day and they are conducting more checks," said Luo Wen, a receptionist at the Lhasa River Hotel.
Police carrying machine-guns were manning intersections and checkpoints to inspect IDs, said Chen Hongping, who works at the Aviation Hotel in Lhasa, which boasts views of the famed Potala Palace. They were also closely checking registration books at hotels and the rooms of guests who raised suspicions, she said.
Beijing has demonized the Dalai Lama and accused him of fighting for independence for Tibet, which China says is part of its territory. The Dalai Lama says he wants only some form of autonomy for Tibet within China that would allow his people to freely practice their culture, language and religion.
The Dalai Lama blasted Beijing in his annual address from exile marking the failed uprising against China. His angry comments Wednesday appeared to signal his frustration with fruitless efforts to negotiate a compromise with Chinese authorities.
"They are putting the monks and nuns in prison-like conditions, depriving them the opportunity to study and practice in peace," he said, accusing Chinese of working to "deliberately annihilate Buddhism."
However, he said he would not abandon talks with Beijing.
