Everest 2008: More on Nepal’s Authorization to Use Deadly Force During 2008 Olympic Torch Summit Attempt

Nepal says it is prepared to use force - including gunfire - to prevent anti-Beijing protests during the Olympic torch relay up Mount Everest.—Published Today on BBC News

This article goes a little more in-depth than the piece found on ESPN that I posted about a few minutes ago.

“The torch has attracted protests in some cities on the relay route.

The Olympic Torch is not being taken anywhere near the Nepalese base camp.

But Nepal’s military and police have been deployed in extra numbers on
the southern flank of the mountain because of sensitivities over the
torch.

The article states that Nepal’s authorities would first try to negotiate an end to any protests before relying on violent means. A spokesman for Nepal’s Home Ministry has stated that a checkpoint is currently being built at 6,700 meters on Mt. Everest to monitor all teams as they make their summit bids on the Nepali side of Everest.

More Coverage:

• Nepal: Everest Pro-Tibet Protesters May be Shot— From CNN
• Nepal Authorizes Deadly Force to Stop Olympic Torch Protests–The Bradenton Herald
• Nepal Deploys Soldiers, Police on Mt. Everest–The Nation from Bangkok, Thailand

The article in The Nation goes on to state that 2 dozen police and military have been deployed on Mt. Everest with orders to open fire to prevent protesters from disrupting the olympic torch relay.

“Acting upon concerns of the Chinese government towards ensuring safe
passage of the torch, 25 army and police personnel have reached Camp 2
to prevent any activities against China,” the newspaper quoted Home
Ministry spokesman Mod Raj Dotel as saying.

The article in The Nation–from Bangkok, Thailand also states that more forces could be deployed if they felt needed pressure to control a situation.

“Nepal will not allow any such activities inside its territory.”