A Tibetan flag was displayed briefly on July 12, 2017 from a building in Ngaba (Chinese: Aba) from a street, which is being referred to by Tibetans as “Heroes” (or Martyrs) Street due to the high number of Tibetans who have self-immolated and demonstrated there.

Images and footage of the flag, which is banned in Tibet, circulated online, indicating a determination to send a message of resistance despite the crackdown in the area.

Security was already tight in Ngaba county town in Sichuan (the Tibetan area of Amdo) due to a traditional cultural festival being held over the past two days, the first time it has been allowed since protests swept across the area in 2008. At a music concert during the festival, there was a heavy police presence. At least two popular Tibetan singers – one of whom was released recently from prison – were not allowed to participate because they have sung songs supportive of Tibetan religious culture and the Dalai Lama.