Lhasa harmonious ahead of New Year

LHASA: Peace and calm are prevailing in the Tibet autonomous region's capital - rocked by serious rioting last March - two weeks before the traditional Tibetan New Year.

All of the shops have remained open in Barkhor bazaar - a hotbed of rioting last March 14 - and the market has been bustling with mostly Tibetan shoppers buying food and clothing for the upcoming fete.

Four or five unarmed policemen casually strolled among the stalls.