 |
| |
VOL. 27, NO. 28, March 21, 2008 (Chaitra 08 2064 B.S.)
|
|
Tibet Worries
Nepal braces for unpredictable implications with alarms rising in its northern neighbour over the 'sensitive' Tibet
By SUSHIL SHARMA
“These activities not only disturb normal life of Chinese citizens in Nepal, they also have bad influence for the social stability in Nepal especially in the period before constituent assembly elections.”
Thus said spokesman of the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu in reaction to the demonstrations by Tibetans in the Nepalese capital.
In comments to BBC, spokesman Shan further said China “thanks the Nepalese government for its close support and cooperation and the commitment to a one-China policy.
The Chinese praise for Nepal’s handling of the Tibetan protests contrasts the muted criticism of western governments and open condemnation of non-government groups over “the excesses against peaceful demonstrators”.
Interestingly, the country which has been playing host to Dalai Lama has also come in for Beijing’s praise.
The French news agency AFP quotes Prime minister Wen Jiabao as saying , "We appreciate the position and the steps taken by the Indian government in handling Tibetan independence activities masterminded by the Dalai clique."
"The Tibetan issue is a very sensitive one in our relations with India,"
The Chinese have similar Tibetan concerns in Nepal.
Even as more than 100 refugees were detained in India while attempting to march to the Chinese border dozens were arrested in Nepal in separate demonstrations in Bouddha and Pulchowk.
India did not allow large-scale public protests for fear of embarrassing Beijing.
It is clear that the risk of embarrassing Beijing was thought worth not taking for the ever expanding business and, more importantly, security interest.
Nepal is in even more vulnerable position. Say China watchers, “no Chinese delegation visiting Nepal fails to remind the Nepalese government their government’s sensitivities over Tibet.”
There has been a considerable increase in the number of such delegations after a pro-democracy movement ended the absolute royal rule two years ago.
Said a senior foreign ministry official, “they continue to express concerns over the activities of the Tibetan which they consider hostile to China.”
The scale of protests by the Tibetans in Kathmandu is believed to have alarmed the Chinese authorities.
They have not lodged an official protest. But they are pushing hard to crack down on the demonstrators. The Nepalese government has obliged.
The Nepalese state-run media largely downplayed the coverage of protests in Lhasa. They instead gave prominence to the Chinese government’s version of the events.
Said editor of an independent daily, “Chinese diplomats expected us also to follow the suit.”
Opinions may differ on the handling of the Tibetan activities by the Nepalese government.
But there can hardly be two opinions on growing Chinese interest and stake, given the fluid political situation in Nepal.
Said a commentator, “the Chinese linking the fresh Tibetan protests with the constituent assembly elections in Nepal is something that needs to be carefully watched and analysed.”
