A former Nepali ambassador today warned that opening of US diplomatic letter by Nepal police on Wednesday might sour relations between Nepal, China and the US.

The Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police had arrested three persons, including Jayang Tenzin (15) and Tsering Lhamo (12) with US visa-stamped Nepali passports, Tibetan refugee certificates and two envelops of the US Embassy from Tribhuvan International Airport on July 26. Tenzin and Lhamo were about to fly to US when police detained them.

Tenzin and his sister Lhamo were in possession of Nepali passports with their address as Kiul- 2 of Sindhupalchowk. Police also arrested Tsering Tashi Gurung (34) of Kagbeni- 9, Mustang, from airport. Officials said Gurung was a racketeer involved in sending Nepalis abroad by procuring forged Tibetan refugee certificates.

A senior official at Kathmandu police informed that the letter issued by the US Embassy has recognised Tenzin and Lhamo as Tibetan refugees as per certificates of Tibetan Refugee Welfare Office in Kathmandu.

According to former Nepali ambassador to China the letter should not have been opened and it should have been dealt with confidentially by Nepal and US Embassy.

“As the issue is related to three countries – China, Nepal and US – the incident can harm diplomatic relations. It is a mistake on the part of US Embassy to issue such letters for Tibetan refugees,” he said on the condition of anonymity.

Foreign Secretary Madan Bhattarai said the ministry is studying the issue. “We will find an appropriate way to deal with the problem,” he said.

Meanwhile, police have started the legal process in connection with the case as it submitted the letters to the court today.

“We have submitted the letters to Kathmandu District Court as evidence to proceed with forgery charge,” said a senior official at Kathmandu police. The envelops carried by Tenzin and Lhamo said, ‘To be presented to the US immigration officer upon arrival at a port of entry into the United States of America.’

CIB handed over the arrestees with the documents to Metropolitan Police Range, Hanumandhoka. Tibetan Refugee Office in Kathmandu has already clarified that they were not Tibetan refugees.

Published on: 20 August 2011 | The Himalayan Times