The Dalai Lama turned 84 on Saturday and his followers in Nepal had hoped to celebrate the occasion in the capital,
China, which regards the Dalai Lama as a dangerous separatist, has been increasing its influence in the Himalayan nation that is home to about 20,000
Nepal is a natural buffer between China and India and is considered by New Delhi as its natural ally, but China is also making inroads by pouring aid and infrastructure investment into what is one of the world’s 10 poorest countries.
Beijing sent troops into remote, mountainous Tibet in 1950 in what it officially terms a peaceful liberation and has ruled there with an iron fist ever since.
The Dalai Lama fled to India in early 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule.
There could be a law and order problem as infiltrators could organise demonstrations
Krishna Bahadur Katuwal, assistant district administrator of Kathmandu, said the government refused permission for Tibetans to mark the Dalai Lama’s birthday because “infiltrators” could create trouble.
“There could be a law and order problem as infiltrators could organise demonstrations or try to self-immolate,” Katuwal said.
Tibetan news portal Phayul.com said celebration plans were then withdrawn.
Airport immigration authorities in Kathmandu refused to admit a US citizen of Tibetan origin and deported him last month, reportedly at China’s request.
Nepali authorities have also previously detained Tibetans trying to cross the border on their way to India after fleeing their disputed homeland.
Human rights groups say Nepal faces intense Chinese pressure to control the flow of Tibetans crossing the border.