Diplomats express concern over detention of Tibetan refugees in Nepal

Kathmandu, June 28 : The diplomatic missions of the United States, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Norway, the United Kingdom and France have expressed strong concerns over the repeated arrests and detention of the Tibetan refugees who have been demonstrating in Kathmandu for the last few months.

"We would like to express our strong concern regarding the Nepal Government's recent detention without charge of Tibetan community in Nepal," the Diplomatic Mission in Nepal said in a joint statement on Friday.

The mission also called for immediate release of the Tibetan leaders -- Kalsang Chung, Ngawang Sangmo, and Tashi Dolma -- claiming that none of the three participated in violent actions.

They further said they were very concerned about the ongoing harsh treatment of peaceful protesters during arrest by the Nepali police.

"We understand and respect Nepal's national security concerns and the importance of protecting diplomatic premises," the statement said.

The statement also asked Nepal government to 'adhere' to its international human rights obligations as Nepal continues on its path as a democratic nation.

Nepalnews reported that acting under pressure from China and direction from the Home Ministry, the police on June 19 arrested three top pro-Tibet leaders from their residences on the charge of instigating anti-China activities and threatening national security.

ANI