Exiled Tibetans set out on an 'Independence March'

New Delhi, Apr 9 : Exiled Tibetans set out on an 'Independence March' from New Delhi to Bodhgaya on Wednesday to protest against the recent Chinese crackdown in Tibet.

The march was flagged off by Swami Agnivesh, a social activist who said that China should stop playing dirty politics and should start a dialogue with Tibetans on the freedom issue.

"Under the leadership of the Dalai Lama, the Tibetans are protesting against the Chinese suppression in a non-violent manner. They should host the Olympics, but then they should take a step forward towards the Tibetan freedom. This would show that they respect the very essence of the Olympics," said Swami Agnivesh.

Organised by the Tibetan Youth Congress, the participants termed the march as one of the non-violent ways to protest against Chinese suppression.

They have also appealed to the world community to mount pressure on the Chinese authorities to stop alleged atrocities against the Tibetans.

On Monday, several Tibetans tonsured their heads here to sympathize with the sufferings of the people in Tibet.

A campaign 'Shave Your Head For Tibet' launched by the Tibetans-in-exile is scheduled to begin from April 10 onwards, but many Tibetans have already stated tonsuring their heads.

ANI