Beijing blocks access to Tibet, hundreds of pilgrims stopped at the border with Nepal
Kathmandu (AsiaNews / Agencies) - In order to control the crisis in Tibet, where for months there have been continuous demonstrations and self-immolation of Buddhist monks, the Chinese authorities have closed the border with Nepal.
Since yesterday evening, about 700 pilgrims of Indian nationality,, on their way to Lake Mansarovar, a sacred site for Buddhists and Hindus, are stuck at Tatopani about 125 km from Kathmandu. Sudhir Sham, head of Nepal 's immigration. states that all the pilgrims had regular visas, but the Chinese authorities blocked them saying that their coaches were not in compliance with Chinese laws. Most travel agencies in India do not know of the existence of this travel permit required from Beijing to restrict entry into Tibet and prevent the entry of pro-Dalai Lama activists, in exile in India since 1959. Every year thousands of pilgrims come to Tibet to visit Mount Kailash. It is considered the most sacred mountain in Asia, venerated by Buddhists, Hindus and Jains in India, Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan.
For over 40 years, Nepal has received thousands of Tibetan refugees by promoting their transfer to Dharamsala (India), seat of the Tibetan government in exile and where the Dalai Lama still resides. After the abolition of the monarchy in 2006 and the rise to power of Mao and communist formations, Nepal has changed course, abandoning the old ally of India and tying close bonds with China. In exchange for economic assistance Beijing has demanded the closure of borders with Tibet and the repression of any anti-Chinese protest.
The restrictions mostly affect the Tibetans going to India for religious reasons. Suspected of having contacts with dissidents when they return they are blocked by Chinese authorities who confiscate documents basically preventing their return home. Recently the Chinese border authorities in league with their Nepalese counterparts have detained in jail and beaten for almost a week nine Tibetans from the Nagchu prefecture. They had traveled to India in December to escape the purges of the Chinese government, but Tibetans in exile had convinced them to return. Released on 4 June, they are now in the hands of the Nepalese police. Officials are demanding between one thousand to 5 thousand dollars for their release. If not paid, the nine will be convicted for vagrancy and illegal entry into the country because their visas and documents were seized by Chinese authorities.
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