In scenes that were no doubt reminiscent of the infamous Tank Man of Tiananmen Square, 37-year old Barchog Lopoe of Lithang stopped a convoy of military vehicles:
When the protest spread to other parts of Tibet in the recent few days, the Chinese authorities in a precautionary measure, sent reinforcement into Lithang County as the place witnessed mass protests last August spearheaded by Ronggye A’drak. On 15 March 2008, Barchog Lopoe, a 37 years-old teacher cum manager of Lithang Nyingma Monastery (one of the 113 branches of Lithang Gonchen Monastery) in Lithang County, Kardze “TAP” stopped a convoy of military trucks from marching forward by standing in the middle of the road. Barchog Lopoe shouted slogans calling for free Tibet and Dalai Lama’s long life, which was later joined by bystanders. Barchog Lopoe was arrested soon after his act by the Public Security Bureau (PSB)officials and took away to the County PSB Detention Centre. The bystanders and local public followed him towards the detention centre and demanded his release. Sensing more protest by the public, the PSB officials released Barchong Lopoe the same evening. Currently he is under constant vigilance and people of Lithang county fear that he might get re-arrested anytime.
Chinese Government buildings were set on fire during the protests in Machu County.
