KATHMANDU, Nepal – A conference on Tibetan studies scheduled to take place in Nepal from August 23-26 has been canceled following a request from government officials, organizers announced Thursday. The International Association for Tibetan Studies seminar was set to be hosted by the Himalaya Centre for Asian Studies at Kathmandu University and was expected to draw delegates from multiple countries.
Prof. Sagar Raj Sharma of the Himalaya Centre confirmed that the decision to cancel was made after top government officials asked that the conference not proceed. No specific reasons for the request were provided.
Nepal has historically maintained strong ties with China and has a policy of disallowing pro-Tibetan activities within its borders. China has governed Tibet since 1951, following the occupation of the Himalayan territory by Communist forces, which led to decades of political repression and suppression of cultural and political expression outside of Communist Party control.
Thousands of Tibetan refugees reside in Nepal, often transiting through the country to reach their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, who resides in exile in India. Nepal's government has stated that it will not permit protests, rallies, or activities that are deemed to be against any friendly nations.
There have been instances of protests by refugees living in Nepal, which have been dispersed by police. Even events like the Dalai Lama's birthday celebration are permitted only within the confines of monasteries or schools, with close police surveillance.