New Delhi, June 9- A delegation of Indo-Tibetan Friendship society led by Dr. Anand Kumar, the General Secretary of ITFS and National Co-convener of Core Group for Tibetan cause called on to the Embassy of Nepal, Delhi today at 9.30 a.m. Shri Dhananjay Jha, Deputy Chief of Mission, met them. The delegations consists of Mr. Vijay Kranti, National Co-convener of Core group, Ven. Lama Lobzang, President of India Nepal Goodwill Association, Shri Penpa Tsering, Tibetan People’s deputy and Executive Director TPPRC, Dr. Manoj Kumar, organizing secretary, ITFS, Dr. Manjula Rathaur, ITFS, Mr. Jamyang Dorjee and Mr. Chokyong Wangchuk, India Tibet Coordination Officer, Delhi.
The delegation handed over a protest letter addressed to the King of Nepal expressing shock over the deportation of the 18 Tibetan refugees. It appealed the Government of Nepal to ensure that henceforth the UNHRC may be allowed unhindered excess to every Tibetan refugee who crosses over to Nepal.
Shri. Dhananjay Jha said that the Nepalese Embassy, Delhi has also received communications from high commissions of various countries stationed in Delhi, expressing their displeasure in relation to the deportation of the 18 Tibetan refugees, which, he says, has been forwarded to Katmandu.
He said that the Government of Nepal is aware of the matter and has taken note of the international concern. He says that Nepal has always respected the gentleman’s agreement of allowing Nepal as a transit facility for the Tibetan refugees all these years and that there is no change in the policy. He denied having any pressure from any country for taking such an action. This is a single unique case, perhaps an over reaction by a zealous officer and should be viewed as an isolated case. He also hinted that it could also be because for communication gap between the Tibetan and the Nepalese administration at Kathmadu. In a reply to the delegation for his Government’s assurance in future, he said that the gentleman’s agreement should suffice.
Jamyang Dorjee
India Tibet Coordination Office (ITCO)
