China Offers up to $50K in Cash for Terror Tips in Tibet

[AP] BEIJING, Jan 31: Chinese state media say authorities in Tibet are offering up to 300,000 yuan ($50,000) for tips on terrorism activities there, although there has been little public knowledge of terrorism recently in the Himalayan region where Tibetan Buddhism prevails.

The Xinhua News Agency said Saturday that the new rules by the Tibetan Autonomous Region’s police department encourage member of the public to report any suspected terror activity, such as plotting attacks, promoting religious extremism, and transporting controlled weapons, for cash rewards.

More than 130 Tibetans have set themselves on fire since 2009 in protest of Beijing’s strict control over the region and their religion.

Tibet also borders the Xinjiang region, where attacks blamed on Muslim separatists have left hundreds dead in the past two years.