Kathmandu: At least 18 students protesting against Chinese rule in Tibet stormed the UN compound in the Nepalese capital today while police arrested nearly 50 others holding a rally outside.

This was the first time that protesters managed to elude the heavy security around the UN building and scale the high walls, a UN staff said.

"UN Security personnel overpowered the protesters and later released them," the official said adding that the demonstration was "peaceful".

Police did not enter the UN compound but arrested another 46 Tibetan exiles protesting outside the building and bundled them into waiting vehicles

The protesters were shouting slogans like "Free Tibet", and "We want freedom and waving flags.

Kathmandu has seen almost daily protests outside UN offices by Tibetan exiles who are demanding that the world body probe the causes of violent anti-Chinese unrest that has shaken Tibet.

Nepal, a key route for Tibetans fleeing Chinese rule, has been criticized for not allowing peaceful demonstrations against China's recent crackdown on protesters in Tibet. Thousands of refugees live with relatives in the Himalayan region or in camps funded by aid groups.

Protests and rioting in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa and a crackdown by Chinese forces earlier this month left at least 20 people dead by official count.

Nepalese officials say they cannot allow any activities against a friendly nation like China.
Source : PTI