Published: 12:40 AM, 05 August 2026
Mumbai police detain Tibetan refugees protesting new Chinese law
Several Tibetan refugees have been detained by Mumbai police after staging a protest outside the Chinese Consulate General against China's recently enacted Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law.
Gathering at Nariman Point in south Mumbai on Monday, the protesters condemned the legislation through slogans and placards, arguing that it threatens the cultural heritage, linguistic, and religious identity of Tibetans, United News of India (UNI) reported.
According to UNI, police moved in when demonstrators attempted to continue their protest near the consulate, taking some participants into custody.
The protest was organised as part of a wider campaign by Tibetan groups challenging the new law.
Beijing has defended the legislation as a measure to strengthen national unity among ethnic communities.
Critics argue that it could further entrench policies aimed at assimilating minority groups, according to UNI.
Tibetans from settlements across Maharashtra as well as other parts of India took part in the protest.
Similar protests have taken place in different Indian cities, with Tibetan activists urging the international community to scrutinise the implementation of the legislation, UNI said.
Adopted on Mar 12 and brought into force on Jul 1, the law establishes a nationwide framework centred on a shared Chinese national identity.
It also promotes the use of standard Mandarin in education and public institutions while expanding state authority over religious practices and the cultures of minority communities, according to UNI.
