Dalai Lama's 91st Birthday Celebrated in Kathmandu Amidst Security Measures

Kathmandu. A program was organized at Swayambhu on Monday to mark the birthday of exiled Tibetan religious leader Dalai Lama. The Tibetan community celebrated the religious leader's birthday at Namgyal School in Swayambhu. Police had increased security vigilance anticipating 'Free-Tibet' activities in Kathmandu on the religious leader's birthday. Today marks the 91st birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama.

The District Security Committee had banned demonstrations including processions, assemblies, and posters. On Sunday, the District Security Committee meeting had instructed security bodies to present themselves strictly to prevent activities like the Free Tibet Movement.

SP Pawan Bhattarai of the District Police Range Kathmandu stated that the program held at Namgyal School was not formal and therefore not on their notice. He said, 'Informal programs are not within our knowledge.'

It is claimed that diplomatic representatives from various countries also participated in the program at Namgyal School to celebrate the birthday. Buddhists were present at the program. The organizers stated that the celebration was marked by cutting a cake and cultural presentations on the occasion of the birthday.

There was a discussion in the District Security Committee meeting about showing leniency if programs were held in closed rooms this time as well, since no obstruction was made to programs held in closed rooms previously.

A member of the security committee said, 'There was a discussion about not allowing even playing music and giving speeches inside a closed room.' That member of the security committee said, 'There was a discussion about not restricting programs inside rooms in schools or other places where incense is burned and silent programs are held without posters and pamphlets.'

SP Bhattarai stated that programs that would go against Nepal's public policy and foreign policy were not allowed.

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