Nepal shoots down the prospect of Panchen Lama’s visit

Foreign ministry told Chinese Embassy the Lama would not be allowed due to Nepal’s neutrality on religious matters.

Last week, there was an undercurrent of tension in certain diplomatic circles in Kathmandu after information of the China-backed Panchen Lama visiting Nepal was leaked. Beijing has projected Panchen Lama as the successor to Dalai Lama, a characterisation rejected by Western countries as well as Tibetans refugees in exile.