China blocks entry for Nepalese as pro-Tibet protests continue
Irked over continuous anti-Chinese protests in Nepal since the pro-freedom wave for Tibet flared up in March this year, China finally put its foot down and restricted movement at its border with a northern Nepal district, leading to food scarcity ...
By Agencies |
KATHMANDU: Irked over continuous anti-Chinese protests in Nepal since the pro-freedom wave for Tibet flared up in March this year, China finally put its foot down and restricted movement at its border with a northern Nepal district, leading to food scarcity in the area.
Mustang, depending entirely on Tibet for its food and ration supplies, has been reeling under a virtual famine since the Chinese authorities restricted the movement of Nepalese citizens at Chhoser, the border check point, officials said.
Situated at a high altitude in Himalayas, Mustang does not have a direct road link with Kathmandu. Earlier, locals used to cross the Tibetan border to get their daily ration and other supplies and it worked well till last month.
Since last month, China has halted issuing visas to visitors from Nepal and imposed restrictions on local Nepalese who used to cross the border for supplies, officials said.
The development comes in the backdrop of almost daily anti-China protests in Kathmandu since March, enraging the Chinese authorities.
Chinese Ambassador Zheng Xialing had recently asked the Nepal government to severe punishment for Tibetans holding freedom protests in Nepal.
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China also seems to be concerned about a possible armed struggle by supporters of the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama in Nepal. A local media report had recently claimed that some 500 Nepalis of Tibetan origin had been recruited from eastern Nepal's remote Sankhuwasabha area to form a "religious army" loyal to the Dalai Lama.
Meanwhile, Maoist chairman Prachanda, projected as the future prime minister, said in Kathmandu that the new Maoist-led government would take strong measures against anti-Chinese activities in Nepal.
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