Chinese authorities have launched a security operation in the Tibetan capital, Lhasa, running checks on almost 6,000 people and detaining 81, including two with "reactionary music" on their mobile phones, state media reported. The Tibetan Daily said the "strike hard" campaign was targeting criminals. However, campaigners for Tibetan autonomy said its timing ? just two months before the 50th anniversary of the failed uprising against Chinese rule that resulted in the Dalai Lama's flight into exile ? suggested it was meant to intimidate residents. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jan/28/tibet-china-security-crackdown
The Lhasa Evening News reported that the latest checks began on January 18 when the entire investigative police began a citywide sweep. By dawn on January 21 they had mobilised 600 people with 160 vehicles and checked seven large city blocks, 2,922 rented properties, 14 hotels and guest-houses, 18 bars and three internet cafes. They had checked 5,766 people. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article5602272.ece