Flesh trade increasing in Lhasa; Tibetan Women Association

Dehradun, Nov 25 (UNI) The Uttaranchal Tibetan Women Association has claimed there has been an increase in harassment of Tibetan women by Chinese Government in Tibet and flesh trade in Lhasa has shot up since 1995.

In a letter written to the United Nations General Secretary Kofi Annan, US President George W Bush, the UN Human Rights Commissioner and Prime Minister of India seeking their help to press on the Chinese Government from harassing Tibetan Women, the Association has stated that just in the capital of Tibet Lhasa, more than 658 flesh trade centres were operating.

The Association has sought closure of these centres from the Chinese Government as it was resulting in an increase in violence against women and cultural decay.

President of the Uttaranchal Tibetan Women Association Tsering Yangzom said the atrocities against women such as rape, abortion and forced vasectomy were rampant. ''We demand that the Chinese government do not interfere with the right of pregnancy of Tibetan women,'' she said.

The Association has demanded the Chinese government act in accordance with International standards and stop cruelty against Tibetan women in and outside police custody. The Association today observed ''End of Women Harassment'' Day.

UNI/XC LS VC1535