By Tenzin Sangmo
New Delhi, June 27 – In his press statement June 26 Tom Casey, Deputy Spokesman of the State Department, Washington, DC said, “The United States is deeply concerned by the Government of Nepal’s recent detention without charge of Tibetan community activists Kelsang Chung, Ngawang Sangmo, and Tashi Dolma. We call for their immediate and unconditional release.
In addition, the ongoing harsh treatment of peaceful protesters during their arrests by the Nepali police is distressing. We understand and respect Nepal’s national security concerns and the importance of protecting diplomatic premises. We urge Nepal to ensure the humane treatment of peaceful protesters and to adhere to its international human rights obligations as Nepal continues on its path as a democratic nation.”
The arrest of the three community leaders in Nepal after police allegedly raided their houses on June 19 has drawn criticism from US Government as well as the Washington based International Campaign for Tibet (ICT).
“These arrests are deeply disturbing at a time of transition to a new government in Nepal, when Tibetans already vulnerable in Nepal are very nervous about Chinese government’s influence and presence in Kathmandu,” said Mary Beth Markey, Vice-President of ICT.
Police Officer Sarbendra Khana told Reuters that the leaders were detained under Nepal’s Public Security Act and could be held for 90 ninety days. They were among 12 local figures named on an official list suspected of having provoked anti-Chinese activities in the region.
Tibetans have been protesting in Nepal on a near-daily basis ever since China embarked on a vicious crackdown in Tibet after a seemingly peaceful rally in Lhasa. The TGIE accounts the number of casualties to 209 with over 1,000 injured and more than 5,972 arrested without fair trial in the China occupied Tibet.
