KATHMANDU: In a symbolic hunger strike, Tibetan exiles languishing in preventive detention in Metropolitan Police Range, Hanumandhoka, on Wednesday boycotted morning meal, demanding that the government release and treat them as political prisoners.

DSP Pradhumna Karki, Kathmandu Operation In-charge said, "They boycotted one time meal in the morning, but accepted in the evening after we convinced them". He claimed that they were not on hunger strike. Thirteen Tibetan exiles among 23 held under preventive detention are being kept in Hanumandhoka.

"Ten others are in the custody of Gaushala police," he informed. "Unlike those in Hanumandhoka, they didn't stage protest this morning".

District Administration Office Kathmandu had ordered the police to hold 23 Tibetans under preventive detention as per Section 2 (1) of the Public Security Act-1989 for their alleged attempt to weaken the Nepal-China relations. The police may keep them in detention for up to 90 days.