A meeting of government officials Friday decided to deploy additional security forces, step up surveillance and increase the number of checkpoints at sensitive localities such as Swoyambhu, Boudha, the Chinese embassy and consular office area, Tibetan refugee settlements and residential areas for Buddhist pilgrims.
Government authorities including security officials on Friday also held discussions separately with representatives of the Tibetan refugee community and organizers of the Dalai Lama´s birthday celebrations, at the District Administration Office (DAO).
“The organizers gave assurances of celebrating the birthday without any unwanted or suspicious activities, and so we allowed them to hold the celebrations," said Chief District Officer (CDO) of Kathmandu, Basanta Raj Gautam.
"We have exercised maximum caution not to allow any incidents detrimental to the interests of any of our neighbors," he said adding, "we shall be highly alert and fully prepared to handle any unwanted situation."
According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Subodh Ghimire, chief of Metropolitan Police Range Office (MPRO) Kathmandu, they are to deploy four to five platoons of additional force at different zones prone to pro-Tibet activity.
However, representatives of the Tibetan refugees and followers of the Dalai Lama have requested police officials not to harass monks, nuns and others with ´unnecessary´ checks and enquiries.
Tamding Tuladhar, president of the Tibetan Refugee Welfare Office, said they are to celebrate the birthday peacefully at Manang Gumba amid 500-600 people including Buddhist Lamas and other guests, with special prayers in honor of the Dalai Lama and religious discourses.
Despite government misgivings about aggressive activities, the celebrations will be peaceful, Tuladhar said. He also informed that some political leaders declined to participate in the celebrations, fearing that the events would be politicized.
"We will deploy volunteers and inform security if any suspicious activities occurr," he added. On Sunday they are to organize different cultural programs to mark the day.
Any kind of public protest or rally is banned and police will not tolerate anti-China protests, said Inspector Mangil Mukarung, chief at Metropolitan Sector Office Swyambhu. Last night they raided guest houses in the Swyambhu area but could not find any suspicious individuals or activities, he said adding that they were well aware of the possibility of infiltration of the peaceful celebrations.
Police have adopted extra security measures following self-immolation by a Buddhist monk near Bouddha Stupa earlier this year.
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