Tibetans in China's tense southwestern province of Sichuan on Friday said they believed several people had been killed in anti-Chinese riots there this week, disputing official claims that none died.
China's official Xinhua news agency reported overnight that police shot and wounded four protesters this week in a heavily ethnic Tibetan part of the province, where protests broke out after anti-Chinese riots in neighbouring Tibet a week ago.
The unrest has alarmed China, keen to look its best in the run-up to the August 8-24 Olympic Games in Beijing when it hopes to show the world that it has arrived as a world power.
Tensions remain high in Tibet, Sichuan and other neighbouring areas where the government has poured in troops.
Kangding, a heavily Tibetan town in Sichuan and a gateway to the restive region, was crowded with troops, some on patrol, some loudly practising martial arts moves in the town square.
Students at the local Tibetan-language school were locked in unless they had special permission to leave. Drivers said they were unwilling to travel into tense mountain towns.
"I'm in this to make money, but no matter how much you pay me I won't go that way," one Kangding driver said.
Two residents of Aba prefecture, where rioting began on Sunday, told Reuters they believed several died when police fired on protesters attacking officials and state buildings.
"Everyone here believes that our people died, maybe 10 or more," said one ethnic Tibetan resident.
"I'm not a supporter of violence and I oppose attacking people just because they're Han," he said, referring to the country's majority Han Chinese population.
"I'M SURE PEOPLE DIED"
Another Tibetan man said he hid in his home during the riot.
"I'm sure people died. We all know," he said in a brief telephone conversation. "We don't dare go out. They are arresting many people after what happened."
Both men asked not to be named, fearing punishment for talking to reporters. Other residents refused to say anything.
