Monday, 10 March 2014

Nepal beefs security to prevent protests by Tibetans

Fear of anti-China protests and self-immolation bids has forced authorities in Nepal to step up security in the nation’s capital on Monday - the 55th anniversary of the uprising in Tibet against Chinese rule.

Scores of policemen have been deployed for the past few days outside the Chinese embassy, visa office and parts of Kathmandu Valley like Boudha, Swayambhunath and Jwalakhel where majority of Tibetan refugees reside.

“Security has been increased in comparison to routine days to prevent any untoward incident of protest from the Tibetan refugees community,” Nepal Police spokesperson Ganesh KC told HT.

Fully armed policemen have also been deployed on the roads and alleys leading to the embassy, visa office and Buddhist pilgrim sites in Kathmandu and a tab kept on movement of people and vehicles.

“There have been no preventive arrests. But personnel on duty are ready to prevent anyone from staging protests or indulging in disruptive activities,” he stated.

Nepal is home to nearly 20,000 Tibetan refugees who have fled from their homeland over the past few decades. Last year there were two cases of self-immolation by Tibetans in Kathmandu.

Nepal advocates a ‘One-China’ policy, keeps a tight check on the movement of Tibetan refugees and sometimes prevents them from celebrating occasions like the Dalai Lama’s birthday or the Tibetan New Year.

In 2011 nearly 100 Tibetans were arrested in Kathmandu during protests held to mark the 53rd anniversary of the uprising in Tibet.

“The (Nepal) government increased restrictions on Tibetan refugees, under pressure from the Chinese government,” stated the annual report by Human Rights Watch last year.

In recent years China has increased financial and logistical aid to Nepali security agencies so that they are better equipped to curb anti-China activities and nab Tibetans fleeing their homeland. 
 
Source: Hindi News

From HT News

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