Authorities in Tibet have ordered a crackdown on printing and photocopying shops in the regional capital Lhasa in the government's latest bid to tighten control in the restive Himalayan region.
The new measure, aimed at restricting Tibetans' access to printing and copying services, has been questioned by many mainland-based Tibetan analysts.
They said such a harsh move, which the government said was necessary to 'prevent illegal activities', would only fuel tensions and mistrust between Tibetans and the authorities following a crackdown on Tibetan intellectuals over the past few months.
The Lhasa Evening News reported last week public security authorities were considering a new rule that would require the operators of printing and copying businesses to re-register with the authorities and help the government collect the names, addresses and identity card numbers of their clients.
A police officer at the city's public security bureau confirmed the report yesterday. 'We've carried out a city-wide survey of all printing and copying shops and will kick-start the new measure in due time,' he said. He played down the impact of the move but said it was being introduced due to 'the needs for security and stability'.
According to the newspaper report, which was also carried by Xinhua, unauthorised printing and copy shops will be shut down and operators who fail to abide by the rules will be subject to severe punishment.
The report has caused a stir on the internet and even surprised government-linked experts.