70 Tibetans arrested for anti-China protest

KATHMANDU: Police today arrested at least 70 Tibetan protesters from various locations across the capital Kathmandu. They were taking out a protest, distributing pamphlets and preparing for a demonstration against the 60th anniversary of the communist rule in China.

Nawa Raj Silwal, SP of Metropolitan Police Range Kathmandu, said Tibetan protesters were held from Gaushala, Sorhakhutte, Bouddha, Kamalpokhari, Hattisar, Thamel, Jawalakhel and other adjacent places for chanting anti-China slogans and calling free Tibet.

“We’ll set them free only after completing an investigation,” Silwal said.

The authority has taken a stringent zero-tolerance view towards Tibetan following a series of high-level visits and exchanges between the two neighbours.

“We’ve mobilised additional security personnel to ensure that they do not demonstrate against China,” he added.

Tibetan community in Kathmandu have been staging anti-China demonstrations on various occasions; the latest spate of protests came in the wake of China celebrating its 60th anniversary of the Communist rule.

A special security meeting at the Metropolitan Commissioner’s Office had fielded some 700 security personal to ward off the Tibetan and protect Chinese nationals, on Wednesday. The meeting also decided to provide tight security to Chinese Embassy in a bid to curb anti-Chinese activities.