Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported (February 1) that Qinghai province authorities are restricting travel in Tibetan-populated areas ahead of the start of Lunar New Year, from later this month.  Tibetan sources say. The move includes a 10:00 p.m. curfew in the Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture's Golog (in Chinese, Guoluo) and Matoe (Maduo) counties ostensibly to ensure “social stability” and “sanitation”.  RFA quoted a local Tibetan, who spoke on condition of anonymity, to say that “Security personnel have been dispatched to restaurants, hotels, internet cafes, and all places of recreation. Anyone caught out after curfew risks punishment, including imprisonment and severe physical abuse.[Police] are also checking everyone’s identification card”. Gansu province authorities have, meanwhile, imposed restrictions on travel to and from the Labrang Tashi Kyil Tibetan monastery ahead of the major annual Monlam Chenmo prayer festival from February 15.

(Comment: Matoe county is an important hub of local transportation and travel by Tibetans in Qinghai.  Armed police and other security personnel are often reportedly stationed there ahead of important cultural and religious festivals.)