On March 16, 2008,
Protests in Tibet spread to
Xiahe and were quickly shut down by
Chinese military. An estimated 4,000 people gathered near the Labrang Monastery to protest against the unfair treatment of Tibetans in
China. According to reports, the protesters were met by large numbers of security officers and military police who used
tear gas to subdue the crowds. Residents reported hearing noises akin to gunshots or explosions and say that several people were admitted to hospital with injuries.
[The New York Times: Tibetans Clash With Chinese Police in Second City (March 16, 2008)]