Tight security was reported across China's restive Inner Mongolia region on Monday ahead of possible fresh protests by ethnic Mongols seething over Chinese rule, a rights group said.
The northern region bordering Mongolia has seen a wave of demonstrations triggered by the May 10 killing of an ethnic Mongol herder which have laid bare simmering resentment over what some perceive as Chinese oppression.
Universities and public squares were sealed off in a handful of cities - a possible sign of mounting unease by authorities already jittery about anonymous online calls for nationwide protests emulating those in the Arab world.
Authorities are also likely fearful of another major outburst of ethnic turmoil following deadly unrest in Tibet in 2008 and the remote northwestern Xinjiang region in 2009.