Tibetans take to streets in Delhi against China

New Delhi, Aug 8 (UNI) A Tibetan activist today attempted self immolation during a demonstration by thousands of Tibetans against China's action in Tibet ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Scores of Tibetans from India and abroad converged here for the the protest to show solidarity with 14 Tibetans who are on hunger strike for the past month demanding accountability from the Chinese government on the situation in Tibet and on whether the missing 11th Panchen Lama is still alive.

The massive public gathering, which included monks, women and children raising anti-China slogans and waving flags, demanded that China allow all the Tibetans gathered to go to Tibet and witness its current state.

They also demanded that China prove it that it is upholding the rights of people living in Tibet.

Tensin, a 25 year-old activists, from Karnataka, sustained minor injuries. The protesters said they aim to tarnish the image of China ahead of the Olympics.

''This is our first demonstration targeting the 2008 Beijing Olympics. We have one year and if they fail to recognise (the protest) we will think of another strategy towards a workable solution,'' said Kalsang P Godrukpa, president, Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), the organisers of the rally.

''TYC had initiated a hunger strike last month and now we will begin a campaign for Tibetan participation based on Gandhi's tradition of satyagraha. Until there is a satisfactory response from the People's Republic of China (PRC), the movement will continue and the PRC will be held responsible for any eventual consequences resulting from the movement,'' he said.

The most important demand is evidence to prove that Gendun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama, is alive, he said.

He has been missing since 1995 and the Chinese government has stated that he is alive and safe.

UNI