Some foreigners in Nepal on a tourist visa have been engaging in petty businesses in Thamel, Nagarkot, Basantapur, Pashupati, Patan and in some areas in Pokhara. Many are Chinese. Some have set up small shops even at the main gate of the Pashupatinath temple and are selling trinkets. But neither the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) nor the police have paid any attention. This despite the fact that the Metropolitan Police Circle in Gaushala is just a stone’s throw away and the PADT security personnel patrol the area 24 hours a day.
Executive director of PADT Ramesh Upreti claims that foreigners conducting illegal trade in the Pashupati region were driven away a few weeks ago. “We have increased surveillance in the area and are closely monitoring such foreigners. We have issued instructions to apprehend them on sight.”
A while back, the police had arrested a Chinese tourist selling mala (necklace of wooden beads with religious/spiritual significance) in the guise of a monk in Patan. He was later released after he promised not to do it again.
“Even though the Chinese tourists may appear to be petty traders and monks, they might engage in suspicious activities,” said an officer at the Home Ministry. Another top government official hinted that the government is taking a tough line since some of illegal foreign traders are suspected of spying activities, particularly on the border with India.
According to the tourist police, four Chinese tourists were arrested last month for similar wrongdoing, and many more were made aware of Nepali laws on the spot. Tourists, mostly of African and Chinese descent, are also found selling trinkets at Pokhara’s lake side during the evenings.
By SHAMBHU KATTEL | KATHMANDU
