On the 15th day of Tibetan New Year (8th February) two monks held a short protest in front of the Jhokhang (Central Cathedral). Not even 3 minutes had passed when they were arrested and taken by the PSB (Public Security Bureau) men.
Tsering Jhong is the name of a nunnery in Lhoka Choenkye County in Lhoka region consisting of 20 nuns. In February 1997, officials of County People’s Government and PSB came to the nunnery to ban pictures of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The nuns blatantly refused to obey the order by holding a peaceful protest. They were immediately arrested and taken to Nethang County’s Prison where they are presently being held. According to an unconfirmed report, one of the nuns has been released on medical grounds. No names of the participants are known.