Bombs add to tension ahead of Tibet anniversary

HOMEMADE bombs damaged police vehicles in a Tibetan part of western China yesterday, and authorities expanded a security cordon across the region ahead of the 50th anniversary of a failed revolt that sent the Dalai Lama into exile.

Armed police patrolled the streets outside Buddhist monasteries, which have been at the forefront of many protests. New checkpoints went up on previously open roads, the internet and text messaging have been blocked, and the government ordered foreigners out of the mixed Chinese-Tibetan city of Kangding.

Today is the anniversary of an uprising 50 years ago against Chinese rule that sent the Dalai Lama into exile and protests last year that became the most widespread, violent revolt by Tibetans in decades.