Security officials in Biru (Driru) county, Naqu (Nagchu) prefecture, TAR, detained as many as 30 Tibetans for protesting against the start of work on a dam on the Gyalmo river, a tributary of the upper Salween. In addition, Tibetans believed the Chinese construction teams that had arrived in August would also begin mining on Naglha Dzamba, a mountain Tibetans regard as sacred. Workers left the area on September 22 or 23 after Tibetans confronted workers and local officials. They returned on September 26, claimed the mining had been “approved” by the TAR Communist Party secretary, and accused protest leaders of “separatism.” Officials detained about 10 alleged protest leaders, including Dorje Dragtsel and Palden Choedrag. On September 28, officials detained Buphel, Tsegon, and Samten, who had gone to Naqu, the prefectural capital, to petition against mining the mountain. Officials released the 3 men on September 30 after they paid fines allegedly totaling 50,000 yuan, but then detained Tsegon and Samten again the same day. Information is not available on the men’s place of detention.