By Tenzin Choephel
Phayul Correspondent
Kathmandu, April 22 – It was yet another day of protest in Kathmandu, Nepal by brave Tibetan volunteers who have been protesting voluntarily and peacefully for their countrymen’s right, freedom and identity almost everyday since March 10. April 21 saw over 100 Tibetans reach Nepal Rastra Bank in Baluwatar, a kilometer from the Chinese Embassy, before Nepal Police foiled their attempts of getting any closer to the Consulate. The men and women expressed their anger over the elevating crisis in Tibet and protested against the human rights abuses and brutal behavior meted out by the Chinese authorities in Tibet. Six Tibetans were injured in the tussle and were later taken to Birendra Police Hospital for medical attention.
The protestors came in two buses and stopped near the Russian Embassy around 2.10 pm. From there they ran towards the Chinese Embassy on foot but were stopped near the Nepal Rastra Bank by the police on security duty. Many were assaulted and herded into waiting police vans. A total number of 68 activists were arrested and detained who were later released around 10 pm.
A protestor said, “If we don’t resist arrest for a while we will not be allowed to protest for even 5 minutes. Just as soon as we arrive, they will take us into custody. We don’t have any freedom of expression.”
At around 4.10 pm, a group of 8 Tibetans managed to shun the police and sneak into the United Nations House at Pulchowk from the main gate. They then sought help from the UN to intervene and investigate the current situation in Tibet. An hour later, the UN officials let them out through the back door. Security officials later barred the Tibetans from the UN House’s grounds.
Karma Yonten who was attending the wounded told Phayul, “Two people have been badly injured; one got kicked on his chest and abdomen while another woman faced respiratory problems. Three people could not talk well, and one bore injuries to his face. The victims said officials assaulted them inside the police vehicle on the way to Metro Police Barrack No. 2, Maharajgunj”. Three of the protestors were seen bleeding from their nose and mouth.
