Nepal authorises soldiers to shoot to stop Olympic torch protests

Chinese climbers plan to take the torch to the summit of Everest — the world’s highest peak on the border between Nepal and Tibet — in the first few days of May. During that time, other climbers will be banned from the mountain’s higher elevations.

Police and soldiers “have been given orders to stop any protest on the mountain using whatever means necessary, including use of weapons,” Nepal’s Home Ministry spokesman Modraj Dotel said, adding that the use of deadly force was authorised only as a last resort.

The troops will first try to persuade protesters to leave and will arrest those who don’t. If demonstrators defy all nonviolent means of restraint, troops have the option of using their weapons, such as in cases where a large group cannot be corralled. It was unclear if the protesters would have to attack or become violent before force was authorised.

Tibetan exiles have protested almost daily in Kathmandu in front of the United Nations office and the Chinese Embassy against Beijing’s rule over the region.

The United Nations and international rights groups have criticised Nepal for using what they say is excessive force to stop the demonstrations. Police have beaten protesters with batons and dragged them through streets while detaining them.

There are already dozens of mountaineers on Everest for the popular spring climbing season. Climbers spend weeks acclimatising and making practice runs up the slopes before attempting the 29,035-foot summit. They will be barred from going above Camp 2 at 21,300 feet until the Chinese finish their torch run. The harsh weather on Everest allows only about two windows — anywhere from a couple of days to a week — in May when conditions are favourable enough for the push to the summit.