Nepali police on Wednesday shut down a Tibetan celebration programme in Kathmandu for the Dalai Lama's 81st birthday, local media reported.
At least 5,000 Tibetans, including monks, made their way to the Srongtsen Bhrikuti School in Kathmandu for the event, Efe news reported.
However, over 100 police officers prevented them from entering the school premises.
As a result of the blockade, the planned start of the event was delayed by two hours. Police then warned the group that force would be applied if the celebration proceeded after which the group decided to cancel the event.
Nepal, which borders the Tibet Autonomous Region in China, is home to at least 13,500 Tibetans, according to the Planning Commission of Central Tibetan Administration.
--IANS
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