By Tenzin Choephel
Phayul Correspondent
Kathmandu, May 2- As emissaries of the Dalai Lama head to Beijing for dialogue with Chinese representatives, the regular protest against China in Kathmandu creating a big nuisance might have played a quiet part among other reasons in the invitation for the dialogue.
Today, Tibetan protestors took police by surprise as two buses pulled up in front of the Chinese Consulate gate in Hattisar in presence of a good number of security officers. Protestors shouted slogans such as ‘Free Tibet’, ‘China liar’ and ‘Stop killing in Tibet’.
The past protests resulted in frustration over the failure to reach the Embassy and the Consulate grounds due to the strict vigilance around the areas. Tibetan movement was closely monitored around the Capital making it difficult for those in group and traveling by buses at traffic intersections. However, Tibetans have made repeated attempts to get closer to the protest sites and have even succeeded on a few occasions.
The protest this afternoon included monks, nuns and other activists numbering over 100. As always police was quick to round them up herding them into waiting police vehicles. Many were again punched, kicked, pulled by their hair and dragged away for resisting arrest. This comes only two days after US Ambassador to Nepal, Nancy Powell expressed deep concern over the use of brute force by the government to break up the peaceful demonstrations.
All 100 were arrested among which 63 were detained at Metropolitan Police Barrack No.2 and 37 held at Anan Nagar Police Station. More than a dozen sustained minor injuries while two were taken to hospital for medical treatment. All the detainees were released around 8.30 pm later in the night.
In another part of the City, the 24-hour relay hunger strike campaign organized by the Nepal Tibetan Solidarity Forum enters its 20th day with participation from 58 students and 13 staff members of Shri Srongtsen Bhrikuti Boarding High School.
Tenzin Senge, a tenth grade student told Phayul, “We came here voluntarily, we are doing this to show our 100% support for our brothers and sisters in Tibet who have been sacrificing their lives for our country. I wish to go to Tibet someday in future”.
