By IANS
New Delhi : Following criticism over arrests of Tibetans planning a protest march to China, a government spokesman said here Thursday that India does not permit refugees to engage in “anti-China political activities” from its soil.
Reiterating its stance on the status of Tibetan exiles in India, external affairs ministry spokesperson Navtej Sarna said: “The government does not permit Tibetans to engage in anti-China political activities in India”.
More than 100 Tibetans, including monks, were arrested near Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, Wednesday as they tried to cross border and go on a march to China, protesting its anti-Tibet policies. China is to hold the Olympic Games this year.
Sarna said the Indian law does not permit anyone to cross international border without adequate travel documents.
“Any person whether an Indian national or a foreigner is required to possess valid travel documents to cross the international border. Without travel documents it is illegal to cross the international border,” he said.
Further, he said the government has the responsibility of maintaining public order. “Any activity which causes disruption of law and order would be dealt in accordance with the laws of India,” he said.
The Tibetan protestors have reportedly gone on a hunger strike till they are released.