Nepal MP's meeting with Dalai sparks controversy

A group of six Nepali lawmakers have met the Dalai Lama in India, prompting Kathmandu to issue a stern warning, asking them to refrain from getting involved in any activities that will "affect" China-Nepal ties. The six lawmakers headed by BP Yadav of Madhesi People's Rights Forum (MPRF), a prominent coalition partner in the CPN-UML led Madhav Kumar Nepal government met the exiled Tibetan leader Dalai Lama recently in Dharamshala.
 
According to media reports, Yadav had claimed that Dalai Lama asked the Nepalese delegation to assist in his struggle for autonomous Tibet. Following this, Nepalese ministry of Home Affairs today expressed Kathmandu's commitment towards maintaining friendly ties with neighbouring countries and not allowing any activity from its land directed against any of the neighbours.
 
"The reports of activities affecting Nepal-China relation being organised has drawn the Ministry’s attention," said the statement. The home ministry has also asked people not to get involved in any activity that may harm Nepal's relations with neighbouring nations. It also warned of action in case they are found engaged in any such activity. Nepal is home to some 20,000 Tibetan refugees.
 
Annually around 2,000 Tibetans come to Nepal crossing China on their way to meet Dalai in Dharamshala, the seat of the exiled Tibetan government. Last month the police arrested some three dozen Tibetan protesters from Nepal-China border as they were trying to protest against China's suppression of the Tibetan people.