Kathmandu: China has asked Nepal to take stringent action against Tibetans involved in anti-China demonstrations in Kathmandu.

"Nepal government should give severe punishment to those handfuls of Tibetan exiles who have been staging demonstrations in Kathmandu demanding free Tibet," Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Jheng Xialing told reporters today.

It is not sufficient to arrest them in the morning and release them in the evening as the government here is doing almost everyday, he said, adding that the protesters even tried to damage the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu on a number of occasions.

He said "it is not enough to close down the Dalai Lamas liaison office in Kathmandu but the government should adopt severe measure against those handful of Tibetans carrying out anti-China activities."

There are over 20,000 Tibetan exiles currently staying in Nepal. They have been protesting almost everyday since March 10 demanding free Tibet. He said some non-governmental organisations and human rights groups have been encouraging the Tibetan protesters.

Xialing also opposed the offer made by the American government to resettle some of the Tibetan exiles staying in Nepal to the US.

He said the Tibetans staying in Nepal should be grateful to the government of Nepal, adding that they should limit their activity to the religion and not indulge in any political activity.

Source : PTI