The March 14th riots in Lhasa have seriously harmed the lives of its people.
Ge Lie has been living in Lhasa for over twenty years. Praying at the Potala Palace is one of the major activities for the retired worker. A witness to recent development in the city, Ge Lie expressed strong resentment over the riots.
Ge lie said, "Prayers are less than usual, we are afraid of the riots. Big losses. We don't want secession. Because we can enjoy freedom of religion here."
Other Tibetans at the square in front of the Palace also express simlar feelings.
Awangquzhen, Lhasa resident, said, "What a nice time we are in. Why did they stir up trouble, I hate them."
Food shop owner Ms. Zhang was robbed of everything. But she insists on delivering the few remaining goods left in the store to fulfill customer' orders. Seven days after the riots, Ms Zhang is still very angry.
Ms. Zhang, food shop owner, said, "They just want to damage the prosperity of Lhasa. Lhasa has been developing quickly. But now there is a bad situation. Our panistaking effort over the last ten years has returned to zero."
The riots originated at neighboring Johkang Temple in Chongsaikang, which is one of the most devastated areas in the city. During the riots, the Chongsaikang Neighboring committee saved 24 Han Chinese. The
Tibetans in the community hid 66 peope of different ethnics inside their houses.
(CCTV March 22, 2008)
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