Nepal police arrested two senior leaders of the Tibetan community in Kathmandu Monday, ahead of protest rallies in New Delhi to draw international attention on the growing self immolation protests in Tibet.
Thinley Lama, the current volunteer coordinator for welfare activities for Tibetan refugees in Nepal and Thinley Gyatso, from the Tibetan Refugee Welfare Office were arrested ahead of the first 4-day protest rallies in New Delhi starting Tuesday.
Nepal and Tibet have a common border of 1,414 km with 34 major passes between the two. Approximately 2,500 Tibetan refugees escape into exile annually, travelling through Nepal en route to Dharamsala in northern India where their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile are based.
Since 2008, Nepal has hardened its stance on the Tibetan refugees, a trend observed in the Himalayan country’s increasing ties with China.
Nepal's major parties adhere to the 'One China' policy, regarding Tibet as an integral part of China and keeping Tibetan refugees in Nepal on a tight leash.