Hundreds of Tibetan separatists intended to hold "religious activities" in celebration of the Dalai Lama's birthday in Nepal on July 6, but were arrested by Nepalese police, according to the Times of India,

Reporters from the Global Times Nepal office said the Nepalese government is now not only keeping a closer watch on the separatists, but has also sent riot police to areas near the Chinese Embassy in Nepal and other Chinese institutions. On July 6, no anti-China activities took place around the Chinese Embassy and relevant Chinese institutions.

Foreign media groups have sent mixed messages about the number of the arrests. Agence France-Presse claimed that about 200 people were arrested, while the Nepalese government stated that it detained these people only for inquiry.

At the same time, the Associated Press reported that at least 22 Tibetans were taken to a local police station for inquiry. Laxmi Prasad Dhakal, Chief District Officer of Kathmandu, said that Nepal prohibits and will not give the green light to any demonstrations against friendly countries. He added that Tibetans can celebrate the Dalai Lama's birthday at temples, but no slogans or banners against the Chinese government are tolerable.

According to the Global Times, Tibetan separatists this year did not dare create high-profile disturbances as they did last year. They only sent invitations to a few Nepalese officials and celebrities who show sympathy for "Tibetan separatists," and requested the Nepalese government to give the green light to relevant "religious activities." It is said that the separatists intended to display their flags and sing songs in support of Tibet independence when celebrating the Dalai Lama's birthday. However, they failed to cause any trouble for China due to the close watch of Nepalese police.

On July 5, Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a notice to Nepalese parliament members, prohibiting parliament members and government officials from taking part in any celebrations or religious activities organized by Tibetan separatists. At the same time, Nepal's Ministry of Home Affairs sent clear messages to the Dalai Lama's representative in Nepal, saying that birthday celebrations in any form will be banned.

Additional support provided by LOTO