- Title: NEPAL: Exiled Tibetan protesters clash with Nepali police in Kathmandu
- Date: 11th March 2011
- Summary: VARIOUS OF STUDENTS MARCHING WHILE PLAYING FLUTE MONKS AND FOLLOWERS MARCHING
- Embargoed: 26th March 2011 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Nepal, Nepal
- Country: Nepal
- Topics: Crime / Law Enforcement,International Relations
- Reuters ID: LVA2HTQX4YI2R4MCJZW6PB2BUQC4
- Story Text: Tibetans in Nepal scuffle with police during march to mark the anniversary of a failed uprising in Tibet 52 years ago.
More than a thousand exiled Tibetans march on the streets of Kathmandu on Thursday (March 10), to mark the 52nd anniversary of the failed uprising against the Chinese.
Every year the refugees protest in the capital of Nepal to draw attention to their exile.
"This is the day when China had illegally occupied our country Tibet, causing us more worries because of the merciless killings and we are gathered here in memory of that," said Sonam, a Tibetan refugee.
Even though it is illegal to protest in Nepal, many turned up holding Tibetan flags, shouting slogans for the Chinese to free Tibet.
Monks also carried a portrait of Dalai Lama and performed rituals to mark the day.
Earlier, the Dalai Lama said he would step down as Tibet's political leader, a move seen as transforming the government-in-exile into a more assertive and democratic body in the face of Chinese pressure.
By devolving his powers, the Dalai Lama would give the prime minister greater clout as the region seeks autonomy from China. Tibetans will vote for a new prime minister this month, with the elections seen as ushering in a generation of younger, secular leaders and strengthening the movement's global standing.
Clashes broke out between Nepalese police and the protesters when security forces told them to disperse.
Police baton-charged the Tibetans who had gathered at the Boudhanath Stupa, a Buddhist shrine. Local media reported that at least 15 people were arrested and 20 injured in the scuffles.
The influx of exiled Tibetans has been increasing in Nepal and today they number more than 20,000.
China has ruled Tibet with an iron fist since 1950 when Communist troops marched in. Beijing says its rule has bought much needed development to a poor and backward region. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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