Media reports denied

KATHMANDU: Refuting some media reports on the ban on Everest climbing, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation on Tuesday clarified that the government has not banned climbing of any mountain, including the Mt Everest. Issuing a press release, the ministry said the government’s policy on mountain expeditions has not been changed, adding that some misleading news disseminated by various national and international media organisations about the ban on climbing of Mt Everest has drawn its attention. The ministry asked journalists to first confirm with the ministry’s spokesperson before printing or airing news related to the ministry. — RSS

Refugees continue stir

Lalitpur: Tibetan refugees in Nepal continued their demonstration for the third day on Tuesday in front of the UN House at Pulchowk to protest what they called the “suppression to Tibetans” by the Chinese government, demanding “free Tibet” in Lhasa and other parts of Tibet. Police had to use force to disperse the demonstrators who attempted to stage a sit-in in front of the UN office. The demonstrators were carrying placards that read anti-China slogans. Traffic in the area remained affected throughout the day. Protesters also clashed with police. Some 300 agitators were reportedly held. — RSS