Police in Nepal have arrested three Tibetans and prevented many others from celebrating the Dalai Lama's 76th birthday, saying they will not allow any anti-Chinese activities.

Riot police in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, blocked Tibetans from attending a planned celebration Wednesday at the Namgyal school on the edge of the city.

Authorities said they would allow Tibetans to observe their spiritual leader's birthday privately, but not in public.

The Dalai Lama is celebrating his birthday in the United States, where he will also hold a 10-day prayer and meditation ritual.

Thousands of Tibetans fled to Nepal in 1959 after an unsuccessful uprising against Chinese rule.

China accuses the Dalai Lama of fomenting unrest in Tibet in a drive for independence. He denies the charge.