Chinese authorities arrest Tibetans in Driru County for contacting people in exile

One of the arrested nationals was identified as Gyajin.

Sources expressed the deepening state of fear in which local Tibetans continue to live day to day which prevents them from sending information and talking about politically sensitive issues on social media, reports Free Tibet website.

Severe restrictions and surveillance in the region heightened after the local Tibetans staged a strong protest against Chinese-affiliated companies who encroached on their sacred mountain, Naglha Zamba, and began extraction activities in 2010 and May 2013, the portal reported.

According to a local source, 44-year-old Gyajin, a father of three, was arrested on suspicion of contacting Tibetans in exile through social media and by phone.

Tibetans in exile with family ties in Driru County find themselves without any means of communication to know about the well-being of their families and the ongoing issues.

Those who manage to contact are hesitant about speaking about the sensitive situation in Driru County for fear that their families in Tibet will face severe reprisals.

Since the 2013 anti-mining protest, many Tibetans had been arrested for contacting their family members living in exile, who are also unable to return to Tibet, reports Free Tibet.