Nepal 'repatriating Tibetan refugees'

A London-based organisation says Nepal has begun repatriating Tibetans refugees fleeing the country.

The Tibet Information Network - which is opposed to Chinese control of Tibet - says it has received unofficial reports that in the last two months, at least 60 people have been returned to the Chinese authorities in Tibet.

The organisation says the repatriations follow Chinese pressure since the escape from Tibet earlier this year of one of the highest ranking lamas, the Karmapa.

The Nepalese authorities have denied the reports, saying illegal immigrants are handed over to the United Nations refugee agency.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service