China Makes Inroads in Nepal, and Stanches Tibetan Influx

There has been a recent trend in disallowing Tibetan refugees into Nepal, an option that many oppressed Tibetans used to choose to escape. Nepalese authorities are cracking down on the migration due to Chinese influence and monetary incentives. The Nepalese government also recently denied 5,000 Tibetan refugees to leave for the United States, even though the American government said it would give them asylum. China's campaign to block Tibetan migration began after a widespread 2008 uprising. Since then, at least 110 Buddhist Tibetans have practiced self-immolation as a form of protest (setting one's body on fire). There has been a clamp down on religious celebrations in Tibet and Nepal. It looks like a dire situation for Chinese Tibetans trying to get out.

http://nyti.ms/YGS4Fg

Jill Laumbacher