There have been reports that at least 20 Tibetans have been killed during protests in Ngaba in the Amdo province of Tibet (present day Sichuan Province). It has also been reported that over 20,000 people within the Ngaba province have joined demonstrations.

The protests were sparked when Chinese authorities ordered the over 20 monasteries in the area to raise the Chinese flag. Following a prayer ceremony at Kirti Monastery in Ngaba, thousands of monks started chanting “Independence for Tibet” and “Long Live the Dalai Lama.” Chinese troops stationed in the area responded with violence, but the protest spread outside of the monastery grounds. Over 400 nuns and students are reported to have also joined the protest.

The total number of deaths remains unknown.

WARNING: EXTREMELY DISTURBING PICTURES BELOW - Viewer discretion is advised. The images of death and injury below are extremely graphic and disturbing but the reality of the situation must be known.