Date:14/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/14/stories/2008031460531300.htm

National

We will not allow anti-China activity: India

Sandeep Dikshit

NEW DELHI: Reacting to a threat by India-based Tibetans that they will cross the border into China to press for independence, India has said it will not permit them to engage in any anti-China activity on its soil.

Maintaining that the law and order machinery was adequate to tackle protests by foreign nationals directed against other countries, a Foreign Office spokesman said India would also deal firmly with anyone attempting to cross the international border without valid travel documents.

To questions on the recent protest by Tibetans, he said, “The Government of India does not permit Tibetans to engage in anti-China political activities in India. Any person, whether an Indian national or foreigner, is required to possess valid travel documents to cross the international border. Without possessing such travel documents, it is illegal to attempt to cross the international border.”

The government had the responsibility to maintain the public order. Any activity which caused disruption would be dealt with in accordance with the laws of India, the spokesman said.

On Monday, the Himachal Pradesh police warned refugee Tibetans not to carry out their threat of marching towards the Chinese border on the anniversary of an “uprising” in Tibet. The protesters gathered in Dharamshala, where their spiritual leader Dalai Lama has formed a “government-in-exile.”