Two Tibetans Allegedly Killed by Chinese Guards

As reported by Reuters; Oct. 4, 2006

KATHMANDU -- At least two Tibetans were shot dead by Chinese border guards as they tried to cross the Himalayan border into neighbouring Nepal, a Tibetan refugee official said on Wednesday.

The incident took place on Saturday in Tibet close to the Nangpa La mountain pass where Chinese guards fired at a group of around 70 Tibetans.

"Two people died on the spot, 40 have crossed over into Nepal and the fate of the others is unknown," said Lhoudup Dorjee of the Tibetan Reception Centre, a Kathmandu-based refugee group which supports Tibetan refugees.

"Details of the incident will only be known after the people who have crossed over Nepal arrive here," he said.

The group included monks, civilians, women and children, Dorjee said.

Nepalese officials said they were unaware of the incident.

Hundreds of Tibetans cross the 1,000-km (625-mile) Tibet-Nepal border every year using mountain trails or passes to flee Chinese rule.

Most make their way to the north Indian town of Dharmasala, where their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, has been in exile since 1959.