Everest Goes Silent

Following Chinese directions there has been a forced censorship on the Nepalese side of Everest, akin to China's ban to the north, according to MountEverest.net.

Reports from Base Camp have been trickling out one day after the Associated Press reported that Nepal has authorized its military and police guards to use deadly force on anyone seen protesting during China's Olympic torch relay. It's a curious turn of events, considering China's plans for the torch relay don't include a route through Nepal.   

One unidentified Canadian climber has confirmed that satellite phone calls are permitted on certain days, but only under soldiers' surveillance. Following last week's elections in Nepal, a new army major was reportedly put in charge of security on the south side of Everest. Since then, camp searches have been carried out, communication gear has been confiscated, and a "unprecedented censorship of their reports was imposed," leaving some in the area to question whether the election itself was orchestrated by China.

Confused by the politics around Everest? Submit a question to columnist Nick Heil who spent more than a month at Base Camp reporting for his new book, Dark Summit: The True Story of Everest's Most Controversial Season.

--Jason Kerkmans

Comments

[jcm]

follow along with dispatches from basecamp

www.everester.org under the news section

[Comer]

If the Nepalese Government wants to follow China, I'd say that travellers should boycott Nepal as a destination. Don't support their increasing violations of human rights by spending your money there. Whether a trekker or a climber, just don't go. Wait 'til they improve their ways.