Kathmandu (AsiaNews) –Nepal “sealed” its borders with China on the 60th anniversary of the birth of the People’s Republic of China to prevent any action by pro-Tibetan activists. Nepali Prime Minister Madhav Kumar sent a letter of congratulations and well wishes to Beijing.
China too firmly secured the border with the mountain nation, imposing tight security measures that should last for the whole of October. All trade between the two countries has stopped.
Nepal also increased security around Chinese diplomats, deploying 1,500 police to protect them in Kathmandu alone.
It also beefed up security around the Chinese Embassy to prevent protests, a step confirmed by Deputy Inspector General of Police Ganga Pandey and Chief District Officer of Kathmandu Bhola Shiwakoti.
Supporters of the ‘Free Tibet’ movement have reacted criticizing the actions of the Nepali government, which it accuses of taking a very pro-Beijing line.
About 20,000 Tibetan refugees live in Nepal and the authorities have often taken repressive steps against them, including violence and arrests during anti-Chinese protests (pictured). This has elicited criticism even from local UN delegations.
This anniversary, the authorities have deployed police in Kathmandu’s ‘Buddha’ area, where many refugees live.
Tibetan refugees did never the less stage a small demonstration without causing any disturbances with some 70 of them arrested.
