Dharamsala, May 30 – According to confirmed information received from Nepal, the 17 Tibetan detainees who risked deportation yesterday were transferred to Hanuman Dhoka Police Station, Kathmandu, at 6p.m. in the evening. The group was forcefully brought out of Dilli Bazaar jail with the detainees chained together in groups of two and three. They were then driven in a van to the Hanuman Dhoka Police Station where they were locked up with ordinary criminal prisoners.
It is known that some of the refugees are in poor health condition. Lobsang Tenpa, 23 (male), could not walk properly because of leg and joint pains. He apparently has to be supported to get up. Tenzin Nyima, 14 (male), has excessive nose bleeding and Lobsang (male), is suffering from high fever and frequent vomiting. Gyaltsen Wangchuk, 14 (male), and Tsultrim Gyatso, 17 (male), are also reported to be having health complications. When the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) staff brought along a doctor to examine the Tibetans, the police denied entry on the grounds of high orders from the Home Ministry. The UNHCR has requested the Nepali Government not to deport the Tibetans, but at the same time said that they cannot guarantee anything.
If the Chinese embassy officials are successful in deporting the Tibetans, the three juveniles who were in the original group of 21 escapee arrested last month would also be deported. The three juveniles, Tenzin Dolker, 6 (female), Lobsang Dawa, 6 (male), and Pasang Diki, 9 (female), were released due to the protection afforded to them under international and Nepali law for being minors. They fell under the protection of the UNHCR and under the care of Tibetan Refugee Reception Centre (TRRC). Despite their status as minors, they are also liable to be deported.
A crowd of 60 Tibetan residents in Nepal has gathered outside the police station this morning to prevent the detainees against any sudden and forced deportation. It is reported that the visitors are not allowed to meet with the detainees, but meals and drinking water are provided on time.
It is believed that officials of the Chinese Embassy are still in negotiation process with the Nepali Government for the Tibetans’ deportation. Meanwhile, several foreign embassies, human rights monitoring agencies and other concerned individuals have expressed their opposition and disapproval over the impending decision on deportation.
Corrigendum: Please note that 17 Tibetan detainees risk deportation as against the earlier reported total of 18.
Contact person: Norzin Dolma / Tenzin Norgay
Phone: +91 1892 223363/225874
E-mail:dsala@tchrd.org
