China intensifies border vigil along Nepal-Tibet border

Kathmandu (PTI): China has stepped up security along its border with Nepal in Tibet fearing more anti-China protests.

In the wake of several anti-China protests in Kathmandu last week, Chinese authorities have asked their Nepalese counterparts to watch for pro-Tibet protests, officials said.

"The number of security personnel deployed on Nepal-Tibet border has been significantly increased in the recent period. The number of Chinese border guards have also been increased, and the patrolling on Chinese side of the border has also been intensified," said Chief District Administrator of Sindhupalchowk district Kailash Kharel.

Chinese officials have been mainly concerned about the possible protests in Tibet and clashes between police and Tibetan refugees, officials said.

They said that Nepalese police were also on alert to deal with any untoward situation along the border.

The Tatopani Nepal-Tibet border situated about 100 km. east of Kathmandu, is the main land route connecting Tibet and Nepal. Every year thousands of Tibetan refugees cross into Nepal risking their lives through the heavily guarded border post at Tatopani on way to Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh to meet their spiritual guru the Dalai Lama.

As violence erupted in Tibet due to Chinese intervention against the Tibetan demonstrators in recent days, Nepal also witnessed several anti-China protests.

Dozens of Tibetan refugees were injured in clashes with police in Kathmandu during the week-long protests. Police yesterday broke up a protest in front of the United Nations office here by 250 Tibetans and arrested at least two dozen of them.

Meanwhile, Nepal has, on China's request, halted expedition to Mt Everest from the southern side for 10 days. However, officials here deny that China has made any such request.