11 Tibetans arrested in Goa ahead of Xi Jinping’s visit

By Lobsang Tenchoe

DHARAMSALA, Oct 14: The Margao town police have arrested 11 Tibetans to avert protest as Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit the Indian coastal state for the 8th BRICS Summit.

A total of 11 Tibetan college students from New Delhi were arrested on Thursday and later released after securing a personal bond by police in Margao, the commercial and cultural capital of the Indian state of Goa, according to a report by The Times of India, Oct 14.

Painted in BRICS country’s colors it symbolises India’s national flower. Photo credit: @MEAIndia
Painted in BRICS country’s colors it symbolises India’s national flower. Photo credit: @MEAIndia

Goa police earlier received an input from IB (Intelligence Bureau) that Tibetan youth under Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) are likely to protest during the Chinese President’s visit to the state for the BRICS Summit. The Tibetan students were reportedly arrested to avert protest against Xi Jinping.

Goa People’s Forum defended the Tibetan activists and objected to smothering the voices of Tibetan activists in Goa.

GPF convener Satish Sonak and its public policy advisor, Nandkumar Kamat criticized the police action on freedom of expression and said, “GPF supports the demands of Tibetan people for an autonomous and democratic Tibet,” the report added.

Earlier, the North Goa district magistrate has denied permission sought by the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) to hold a peaceful protest in the state. President of TYC, Tenzin Jigme told TOI that they will approach the South Goa collector to seek permission.

The 8th BRICS summit to be held in Goa will be held over Oct 15 -16.