Tibetans launch parallel torch relay

New Delhi, Apr 17: The Tibetans today held a parallel Torch relay to protest the Chinese ''aggression'' in Tibet and seek independence for the Himalayan region.

The peace run, as the Tibetans have named it, was launched from Rajghat at 1000 hrs, a few hours ahead of the Olympic Torch relay from Vijay Chowk to India Gate. The torch, organised by the Tibetan Solidarity Committee, was blessed with an inter-faith prayer. In a statement, the Tibetan Solidarity Committee said the torch was the symbol of the enduring nature of the Tibetans' non-violent struggle for fundamental freedoms and persistence to seek a lasting solution to the Tibet issue through negotiations. ''It also signifies our hopes and aspirations for freedom and justice for Tibet.'' Booker Prize winner Arundhati Roy, Social activist Nafisa Ali and Swami Agnivesh also ran the first leg of the peace relay along with a core group of 50 Indian and Tibetan runners.

UNI