By Tenzin Choephel
Phayul Correspondent
Kathmandu, March 25: More than a hundred Tibetans protested in front of the Chinese Consulate at Hattisar against the Chinese Government’s continuing crackdown in Tibet. The Tibetans in Nepal have been protesting against China’s repressive rule in Tibet since March 10, but this is the first time Tibetans managed to hold such a protest in front of the Chinese Consulate.
The protest did not last long as police quickly started forcefully dispersing the protesters. The demonstrators were lathi-charged heavily. Most of them were hurt and three have been severely injured.
About 71 protesters, including monks and nuns were arrested. Those injured were given medical attention but were sent back to detention. The police released the protestors at 10:00pm but, were arrested sensing further protests.
One of the detainees told Phayul that police gave them a warning and recorded their address and contact numbers before releasing them later at 11:20pm.
Another Tibetan living in Swayambhu told Phayul that Tibetans walking near Swayambhu were warned against staging demonstrations. They were told that they would be severely punished if they took part in any demonstrations in the future.
A Tibetan woman from Bouddha said she was threatened by police with legal action if she involved in any demonstrations. Several other Tibetans have also complained of receiving similar threats from the Nepali authorities.
Peaceful demonstrations by Tibetans in Kathmandu have been routinely stopped by Nepali police using excessive force. These demonstrators regularly face arrests, detention, intimidation and in some cases individual threats and arbitrary detention.
On Monday, authorities detained more than 400 people in separate protests, prompting the United Nations human rights agency to express deep concern and ask the government to refrain from unlawful actions, Reuters reported.
