By Tendar Tsering


DHARAMSHALA, May 10: The three members of the exiled Tibetan family on their March to Tibet have been detained by Nepali police upon entering the country today, according to sources.

The three who have been marching for exactly two months today were reportedly detained upon entering Nepal from the border town of Sonauli.

“Tseten Dorjee along with his younger sister Lhamo Kyi and mother Dhongpo Kyi, all have been detained by the Nepali police while crossing the border via Sonauli,” Soepa, a Tibetan living in Dharamshala told Phayul.

“They were not stopped immediately by the Nepali authorities,” Soepa said. “They were allowed to pass two check points but detained at the third.”

It has been learned that Mogru Tenpa, a member of the Tibetan Parliament and Vice-President of the Tibetan People’s Movement for Middle Way is currently with the marchers.


According to the same source, after the marchers were detained, the Tibetan Parliamentarian tried to contact some of the intelligence officers in India, but no help seemed to have reached at the time of reporting.

“Nepalese police apparently told the family that if they have valid documents to stay in India and permission to travel, then they won’t be detained,” Soepa said. “Upon contacting the Indian officials, it seems that they have enquired whether the marching family members have followed the proper procedure of seeking departures on their Residential Certificates.”

Tibetan refugees in India holding Registration Certificates are required by law to seek permission from competent Indian authorities to depart from their place of stay and follow the procedure by seeking arrival upon reaching the destination.

Tsetan Dorjee, along with his mother, Dhumpo Kyi and sister Lhamo Kyi began their March to Tibet from the exile Tibetan headquarters of Dharamshala on March 10, coinciding with the 53rd Tibetan National Uprising Day.

The family had earlier expressed hope that Nepali authorities will not be a hindrance to their march, while making it clear that they will persist with their journey even if stopped or arrested at any point.

“We are not using any anti-Nepal slogans nor undertaking any anti-Nepal activities. I think Nepali police have no reason to overreact,” Dorjee, said.