tibetan crisis in nepal

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This is part of the serious regional problem close to Burma, and it 
indicates a worsening of peace and stability in the region not 
unaffecting these governments stand to burmese refugees. It is highly 
regretable. Please excuse the distraction if any as it is not intended to 
lessen the struggle for free burma, rather to strengthen it by 
understanding, peace and compassion. in solidarity  metta, dawn star

Police crack down on anti-Chinese protestors
More than 500 persons arrested 
By a Kathmandu Post Reporter
KATHMANDU, March 18 - Police cracked down heavily on anti-Chinese 
demonstrators, gathered in 
downtown Kathmandu today.  Over 500 people were arrested, which included 
Amnesty International (AI) 
activists, Buddhist monks,  Tibetans and innocent pedestrians, 
eyewitnesses said.The police repeatedly refused to verify the number of 
arrests and give reason for the arrests.

AI activists, Buddhist monks and Tibet activists had gathered discretely 
in front of RNAC building and in the 
side streets of New Road for a peaceful demonstration to the Chinese 
embassy.  But their programme to 
submit a memorandum there denouncing widespread human rights abuse in 
China was thwarted when 
legions of policemen started to punch and kick them into  police vans.
Innocent ochre-robed monks totally unaware of the demonstration programme 
and Tibetan-looking 
pedestrians were also shoved into police vans.AI member Niranjan R.B. 
told The Kathmandu Post  that AI Nepal Section had collected signatures 
last Friday to denounce capital punishment in China.  

Today, AI had organized a peaceful protest programme and planned to  
submit a memorandum and 
signatures to the Chinese embassy as part of a month-long programme, 
demanding improvement of human 
rights situation in China.But the police aborted the programme by 
arresting AI general secretary Subas Dhakal, chairperson Charan Prasai, 
director Krishna Kandel, deputy director Anil Pant, former chairperson 
Krishna Pahadi and about 50 other active members, R.B. disclosed.

AI had not invited the Buddhist monks and Tibetan activists, he said. The 
monks and Tibetan activists 
displayed placards that read ?Tibet is not a part of China?, ?We want our 
country back?, ?UNO, where are 
you??, ?No Human Rights in Tibet?, ?UNO, why don?t you talk to China?? 
and so on.  
?We want human rights?, ?Long live Dalai Lama,? chanted some of the 
arrested from inside police vans.
Mingma Gyari Lama, a Tibetan refugee, was angry at the indiscriminate 
arrests and rough treatment meted 
out to Buddhist monks and Tibetans by the police.

?Can?t we wear our traditional clothes?? she asked.  ?The police have 
indiscriminately  arrested innocent 
people who were out to shop just because they were clad in our 
traditional clothes.?Pasang Gyalpu Lama, another Tibetan refugee, 
expressed disappointment that peaceful demonstration is not allowed even 
in a  democracy.  ?We have been allowed to demand for free Tibet even in 
international arena except in Nepal,? he said bitterly. 

Meanwhile, UML said today Anti-China activities are being encouraged in 
Nepal under the pretext of free 
Tibet, Taiwan and human rights.Chairman of the UML Publicity Department R 
K Mainali issued a press statement late Monday, accusing the government 
of ?inciting undesired elements to make Nepal a base for anti-Chinese 
activities.?UML strongly denounces the undesired anti-China activities 
such as gheraoing of the Chinese embassy and collection of signatures 
being carried out by Amnesty International which is dominated by persons 
affiliated with the Nepali Congress, Mainali said.

He also strongly  urged the government to immediately prohibit such 
undesired activities.