Nepal arrests 600 female Tibetan protesters

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Photo: EFE

Police detained more than 600 female Tibetan protesters, including many Buddhist nuns, on Sunday after breaking up several demonstrations in Nepal's capital against China's recent crackdown in Tibet.

The protesters held three separate rallies in Katmandu but were quickly stopped by police.

A police official said more than 600 protesters were being held in detention centres in Katmandu. It was the largest number of protesters detained on a single day since Tibetan exiles began almost daily protests in March against Chinese policies in Tibet. It was also the first time only women demonstrated.

The first group was stopped even before they could enter a street from an open area where they had gathered. Activists said they were planning a silent march to protest Chinese restrictions in Tibet, which police refused to allow.

"Just to create awareness of what is happening in Tibet, just for that we wanted to do a silent march," said Doma Tsomo, who was among the protesters. "Unfortunately before we could even start police have started arresting people," she told AP Television.

A second group managed to enter the street but was quickly stopped by police and taken away in buses and trucks.

The third group, which was smaller, protested near the Chinese Embassy's visa office and was also detained.

Harm relations with China

Detained protesters are generally freed by police later in the day. Nepal's police have broken up almost all anti-China protests by Tibetan exiles during the past several weeks and detained participants.

Officials say they will not allow protests that could harm Nepal's friendly relations with neighbouring China.

The Tibetan exiles have mainly been protesting in front of the United Nations offices and the Chinese Embassy in Katmandu. Security has been stepped up around the embassy since the protests began, with hundreds of police posted on the streets leading to the building.

The United Nations and international rights groups have criticised Nepal for using what they say is excessive force to stop the protests. Police have beaten people with batons and dragged them through the streets while detaining them.