When the Olympic Torch reaches the top of Mt. Everest, it might come at the cost of lives. Soldiers and police in Nepal have been cleared to open fire to stop any protests during China's Olympic torch run to the summit of Mount Everest. Nepal's Home Ministry said the use of deadly force is only authorized as a last resort. The troops will first try to persuade protesters to leave during the torch run and will arrest those who stay. If demonstrators defy all nonviolent means of restraint, troops have the option of using weapons.
Twenty-five soldiers and policemen have established camps on the mountain. Climbers will be banned from the mountain's higher elevations during the torch run.
An American climber has already been detained and sent back to the U.S when police found a Tibetan flag in his expedition pack. All backpacks, camping equipment and personal possessions are subject to check in the coming weeks. May is peak climbing season for expedition teams to summit Everest and the controversy surrounding the torch relay has already discouraged teams from around the world and created a buzz in the trekking community in Nepal.
Given that the Nepali police have used excessive force and brutality during protests around Kathmandu, it is likely that if there is a protest on the mountain, Beijing could experience yet another embarrassing moment leading up to the Olympics. Nepal vehemently supports a “One-China” policy and backs the Chinese government’s aspirations to quell any and all protests against Beijing.
The worldwide torch relay has been the target of demonstrators protesting China's human rights record, including its recent crackdown on Tibet. The climb up Everest is planned for the first few days of May.
Living here and witnessing this all unfold has been quite a life experience. Nepal is going through a political transition at the moment, not to mention a petrol, food and electricity crisis; this just adds to an already dramatic period for the tiny nation. The streets are full of protesters, rouge political groups and vehicles fighting for petrol. I would like to say that it is exciting, but in reality, it is unsettling and unfortunate. Maybe all this international exposure will shed light on the country’s problems and encourage steps towards a solution.
Twenty-five soldiers and policemen have established camps on the mountain. Climbers will be banned from the mountain's higher elevations during the torch run.
An American climber has already been detained and sent back to the U.S when police found a Tibetan flag in his expedition pack. All backpacks, camping equipment and personal possessions are subject to check in the coming weeks. May is peak climbing season for expedition teams to summit Everest and the controversy surrounding the torch relay has already discouraged teams from around the world and created a buzz in the trekking community in Nepal.
Given that the Nepali police have used excessive force and brutality during protests around Kathmandu, it is likely that if there is a protest on the mountain, Beijing could experience yet another embarrassing moment leading up to the Olympics. Nepal vehemently supports a “One-China” policy and backs the Chinese government’s aspirations to quell any and all protests against Beijing.
The worldwide torch relay has been the target of demonstrators protesting China's human rights record, including its recent crackdown on Tibet. The climb up Everest is planned for the first few days of May.
Living here and witnessing this all unfold has been quite a life experience. Nepal is going through a political transition at the moment, not to mention a petrol, food and electricity crisis; this just adds to an already dramatic period for the tiny nation. The streets are full of protesters, rouge political groups and vehicles fighting for petrol. I would like to say that it is exciting, but in reality, it is unsettling and unfortunate. Maybe all this international exposure will shed light on the country’s problems and encourage steps towards a solution.
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