Dalai Lama assassination bid foiled? Chinese 'spies' nabbed

New Delhi: The Himachal Pradesh police have arrested 8 alleged Chinese spies who were working as carpenters and painter from Mandi District here.    According to media reports, the police seized credit cards and fake currencies. They recovered cash worth Rs 30 lakh, $3000, mobile phones and Chinese SIM cards from them. DGP HP, DS Manhas said that they received intelligence input about suspicious activities.  He said that the investigation is under way and that they cannot compromise Dalai Lama’s security. Reports state that all of them were living in a small rented accommodation in Chotara area of Mandi district. The Chinese nationals, who were here on tourists visa, are being questioned and a case has been registered against them for violation of visa norms and not informing FRRO.  The arrests come in wake of renewed assassination threat to Dalai Lama. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs has sought a report from the Himachal Pradesh police on the issue. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister said that the presence of Chinese nationals in Mandi is a matter of concern. He said that the 8 people arrested were staying with expired visa.    He said that in the garb of Tibetans and tourists, these Chinese spies are sneaking into the country. Dhumal said that he had informed the Centre of Chinese design in Himachal. Source Credit: Dailybaskhar.com