Tibetans throng Delhi ahead of Olympic Torch relay

New Delhi, Apr 9 (UNI) Hundreds of Tibetans have started gathering in the national capital to voice their protest against the Chinese ''aggression and crackdown'' in Tibet ahead of the India-leg of the Olympic Torch relay on April 17.

The Tibetan Solidarity Committee said the 'Freedom March' had already commenced from Dharamshala, the seat of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, on March 10.

The march, it said was temporarily curtailed when several Tibetans were detained at Jwalaji in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh and put under judicial custody for 14 days.

However, three main members -- National Director of Students for Free Tibet, India Tenzin Choeying, march coordinator Lobsang Yeshi and core marcher Tenzin Tsundue were released three days later on March 27, the Committee added.

Western supporters, nuns and monks are also part of the March.

Another group of Tibetan students, including girls, from Karnataka will also join the protest march to show their solidarity with the brethren across the world.

The Tibetans have been demanding a direct and unconditional dialogue between China and the Dalai Lama, immediate release of the Panchen Lama, independent and just investigation by UNICEF on the violation of rights of the Child in Tibet and an end to racial discrimination of Tibetan children by the Chinese government.

India has assured China a ''safe and secure'' passage to the Olympic Torch and made elaborate security arrangements to ensure that there was not a repeat of London and Paris incidents.

UNI AG RR RK1810