Hundreds of Tibetans are peacefully protesting mining operations at a sacred mountain in Markham County, Tibet. The protesters have been blockading the main road leading to the mountain since May 16th. More than 300 armed security forces have been deployed to stop the blockade, but the Tibetans remain determined.

Please fax the letter below to the China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Zhang Yesui, calling on the Chinese government to immediately withdraw armed police from the region and to protect Ser Ngul Lo Mountain from mining operations.

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am gravely concerned about reports that Chinese armed security forces have been deployed to stop a peaceful protest by Tibetans in Markham County in Chamdo prefecture (TAR). The Tibetans are appealing for an end to mine operations at Ser Ngul Lo Mountain - considered sacred by the local people.

Local sources report that approximately 500 Tibetans continue to blockade the road leading to Ser Ngul Lo Mountain, although officials in Markham told Radio Free Asia on May 27 that the standoff was close to being resolved.

Ser Ngul Lo Mountain is considered sacred by Tibetans and is also a source of income for local farming communities. Despite opposition from the Tibetans in the region, Chinese officials have authorized Zhongkai Co, a Chinese mining and lumber company to conduct mining operations that will cause irreversible environmental damage to the mountain. Local Tibetans believe that mining has already contributed to water contamination in the region, leading to the deaths of both people and cattle.

In response to this protest, the Chinese authorities have vowed to forcibly remove the Tibetans and have reportedly deployed at least 300 armed security forces to the blockade site.

I call on the Chinese government to immediately withdraw security forces from Markham and to negotiate with local Tibetans an end to mining operations at Ser Ngul Lo Mountain.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
June 02, 2009