Chinese authorities shot at Tibetan protesters in China's southwestern region on Wednesday, during a rally staged in protest against the arrest of a prominent Tibetan village chief, according to a UK-based human rights group.

According to human rights group International Campaign for Tibet (ICT), 10 protesters had been wounded in the fracas in Sichuan province's Ganzi region, citing photos uploaded on social media that showed Tibetans with serious head and body injuries.

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Chinese authorities had reportedly gained control of the demonstration.

The area is "now under tight control," said an exiled Tibetan, adding that police have subjected even the elderly and the children to interrogation.

ICT said the demonstration was staged to protest the arrest of Wangdak, a known village chief. Wangdak had reportedly been arrested in his home in the middle of the night early this week.

Wangdak's arrest is believed to have been caused by his attendance of a traditional horse festival even after it seemed likely that government restrictions would be placed, Reuters had learned.

Human rights groups have repeatedly expressed concern over China's apparent disregard of Tibetan culture and religious freedom, adding that the government has ruled the region with an iron fist since it had been "peacefully liberated" by the People's Liberation Army more than six decades ago.

The United States, upon hearing of the incident, called on Xi's administration to allow all its citizens - including Tibetans and other minorities - the right "to express grievances freely, publicly, peacefully and without fear of retribution."

In response, China dismissed the allegations, saying it had worked to bring development to a previously poverty-stricken and backward region.

Similar such cases are not uncommon in the region.

Last year, ICT reported two Tibetans were killed and about eight others injured after local authorities opened fire on Tibetans gathered to honor the Dalai Lama's birthday.

In 2008, Tibetan anti-Chinese violence erupted in parts of China. To date, around 131 Tibetans have set themselves on fire to protest against the harsh Chinese rule in the Tibetan areas of Qinghai, Gansu and Sichuan.

TagsTibet, International Campaign for Tibet, Human Rights, Dalai Lama