Protest sparks security concerns at schools

China (AP):

Security was tightened yesterday at schools in western China following demonstrations last week by Tibetan students who marched to protest reported plans to impose Chinese as the primary language of instruction. Police and plain-clothes security officials were stationed at several bilingual middle schools and high schools in the town of Tongren in Qinghai province, which is home to numerous ethnic minority groups, including Tibetans and Mongolians. Security personnel prevented reporters from entering schools, where instruction is in both Tibetan and Mandarin Chinese, and talking with teachers and students there. Hundreds and possibly thousands of students marched in peaceful protests last week in several Qinghai communities, according to the London-based group Free Tibet. There were no reports of arrests or violence.