Beijing, Sept. 27 : Fifty monks have been injured and at least four were taken to hospital after clashes between police and Tibetan monks near an ancient monastery that has been under tight security since anti-Chinese unrest swept across the Himalayan plateau in March.

According to a Times report, the incident happened when a monk left the Kirti monastery after obtaining a pass from the authorities.

“The returning monk was beaten so badly by the armed police that he was bleeding when he managed to return to the monastery,” the Free Tibet Campaign said.

Other monks went to the police station to protest against the treatment of their colleague and an argument ensued. Police said that they would call local authorities to discuss the matter but shortly afterwards two truckloads of armed officers arrived and began to beat the monks.

A local source told The Times that as many as seven monks may have been taken to hospital for treatment.

The paramilitary People’s Armed Police carried out the beatings. It is responsible for maintaining order and suppressing riots. (ANI)