Kathmandu, Nepal (BBN) - Tibetans living in Nepal celebrated the 74th birthday of their spiritual leader Dalai Lama Monday, a day after the government imposed ban on all kinds demonstrations against the Chinese rule in Tibet.
Thousands of Tibetan exiles, monks, and the Dalai Lama’s well-wishers assembled at a monastery in Bouddhanath area in the eastern part of the capital Kathmandu and observed his birthday organizing a program.
The home ministry in a handout said on Sunday all activities against China's Tibet autonomous region are prohibited. The handout also asked all to refrain from engaging in any such demonstrations.
In June 2009, Nepalese police arrested 34 Tibetan exiles as they tried to stage a demonstration near the Chinese border.
The Nepal’s government has beefed up security outside the diplomatic corpses including the Chinese embassy fearing possible and rumored “Free Tibet” protest by the Tibetan refugees after they prepared for the Dalai Lama’s birthday celebrations.
About 1000 police personnel have been deployed at Baluwatar and Hattisar close to the Chinese Embassy in the capital, according to reports.
Besides, more security personnel have been mobilized outside monasteries in Kathmandu.
BBN/SS/SI/AD-07July09-2:31 am (BST)