Delhi tense over torch

NEW DELHI: A march to freedom is what 200 Tibetan monks are planning to undertake when the Olympic Torch arrives in New Delhi on April 17.

Meanwhile, a handful of young Tibetans are stealthily chalking plans to express their resentment against China.

True to Buddhist tradition, Tibetan monks ruled out the possibility of participating in violent protests, but said that a section of frustrated Tibetans may resort to violence.

“We will not advocate any violence but it’s true that there is a sizeable chunk of frustrated Tibetan youth who may indulge in violent activities. We can’t take the guarantee for violent protestors but there is some unsubstantiated gossip of people planning self-immolation bids,” said Tenzin Palskyi, a protestor, who is marching from Dharamshala to New Delhi.

However, the assault on the Olympic Torch relay in London and Paris has sent panic waves among police officials who have to ensure a safe passage for the torch when it arrives in New Delhi.  Jittery over foolproof security measures for the torch, the cops are holding meetings to chart out security plans.

Sources said that a section of Tibetan protestors have been trained in sabotage. Their plan is to break into security cordons, climb up poles to hoist the flag and conduct flash raids.

Meanwhile, the Chinese government has sought permission from India to allow a small security team from China to man the Torch during the relay. However, the Indian government is yet to respond to that demand.

Sources said that since the Indian government is under attack for “appeasement of the Chinese”, it is “highly unlikely that New Delhi will allow its Chinese counterpart to depute such a security cordon for the torch.”

 Delhi police officials claim that the rally’s route will be finalised only after China vet the security arrangements  here. The route has been cut short from 9 km to 2.5 km and security arrangements are being made on the lines of the Republic Day parade. A Chinese delegation is expected to visit Delhi to review the arrangements.
v_gyan@dnaindia.net, y_puneet@dnaindia.net