During the riots that broke out in Lhasa on March the 14th, lawless people smashed into a number of primary and middle schools.
Rioters set fire and burned a building of the Lhasa No.2 Middle School.
Dekyi Zhoima, headmaster Lhasa No.2 Middle School, said, "At 12:30 on March 14th, beating, smashing and looting occurred at the Ramoche Temple opposite to our school. The lawless people did not stop their violence. They set fire to the residential building of our school. The fire spread to two classroom buildings. "
At this critical moment, school teachers quickly pulled together.
Students in class were evacuated to the playground.
The ferocious flames caused a lot of panic among the students.
Cetoin Wanggya, student Lhasa No.2 Middle school, said, "Fires spread to our classroom. I felt much heat around me. I wanted to save schoolbags and stationery for all my classmates. But the fire was coming close. The whole building was on fire. Roofs were destroyed."
The two classroom buildings, which occupied a total area of 1,660 square meters, have been reduced to ruins.
Luckily, all 839 students escaped the fire safe and sound.
Dekyi Zhoima said, "Our students and teachers had to witness our school being attacked. They are very angry."
Cering Zhoima, student Lhasa No.2 Middle School, said, "I think the rioters should be severely punished. Their unlawful activities meant we couldn't study in a calm environment."
In Chengguan district of Lhasa, the mobsters started attacking Jibenggang primary school after rioting along the road.
Deyang, principal Jibenggang Primary School, said, "They struck the school gate, and threw stones."
Face with the sudden incident, the school decided to close all the gates of the school immediately, and keep the students inside. The rioters tried several times to break in and twice they were very close to breaking in.
Deyang said, "Many people and parents pointed out to the rioters that they were attacking a school. But the rioters said they wouldn't bypass a school."
The school's quick response to the incident saved itself, and the students there were not hurt.
Lhasa's Potala Palace Square is a holy land for pilgrims. As the city restores to calm, the number of pilgrims who come here to pray is gradually increasing. Geleg has lived in Lhasa for over 20 years. He says the recent incidents have scared the people around him, and their normal life has been destroyed.
Geleg said, "Over the past few days, the square has had fewer pilgrims than usual. People are scared. What if there's another riot? The previous riot caused huge damage.The pilgrims dare not come to worship. We're against splitting the country. People are entitled to have religious freedom."
Ngawang Qoezhoeng, Langkazi county resident, said, "We were enjoying a peaceful life. But they stirred up such chaos. We really hate them."
Up until Saturday, a total of 18 innocent people have been either burnt or stabbed to death in the riots on March 14th. 382 people have been injured.
Rioters set alight to more than 300 public buildings, over 120 residential houses, and burned and destroyed some 900 shops and stores. More than 80 police and civil vehicles were set on fire. The cruelty and lack of humanity is utterly outrageous.
Evidence shows that the latest riot in Lhasa was deliberately incited by domestic and overseas separatists who advocate "Tibet independence". The riot was premeditated, masterminded and instigated by the Dalai clique. It aimed to disturb a peaceful and stable social environment so as to cause social chaos before the Beijing Olympics in an attempt to split Tibet from China.
Splitting the country is against people's will, and sabotage is bound to fail.
(CCTV March 25, 2008)