Nepal to guard Olympic torch on Mount Everest

Kathmandu, Apr 20: Nepalese officials on Sunday said that dozens of army and police personnel have been deployed on the Mount Everest for the safe and smooth relay of the Olympic torch when China takes it to the peak early next month.

At least 25 army and police personnel have already reached Camp II with logistics and mountaineering equipments to prevent any activities against China. These personnel have received special mountaineering training, said Home Ministry spokesperson Mod Raj Dotel. Camp II is at around 6,500 metres above sea level, beyond the Khumbu region. Dotel said that the security personnel have been instructed to open fire if protests against China turn violent. "If the security personnel feel pressure to control any untoward incident, we have made an arrangement to deploy additional forces during Olympics torch run," said Dotel, adding that the Nepal Government would not allow any such activities taking place in the country.

Nepal Government officially regards Tibet as part of China.

Nepal Army spokesperson Ramindra Chhetri also confirmed that 11 army officers, who have received mountaineering training, have been sent to Camp II.

ANI