Delhi cuts torch route to avoid protests
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Thousands of Tibetan protesters are gathering in Delhi ahead of today's Olympic torch relay that could see the biggest demonstration against China yet. Such are the security concerns that only a handful of people will beallowed to witness the run.
Police detained at least 50 Tibetans yesterday, after they tried to break a security cordon around the Chinese embassy. Protesters used spray paint to write anti-China slogans on pavements and the road in front of the compound. India is home to 100,000 Tibetans, many of whom live in the Himalayan town of Dharamsala, the headquarters of the Dalai Lama, the political and spiritual leader.
The authorities have trimmed the length the torch will travel to just a third of the original five-mile route. Carried by a number of Indian athletes and Bollywood stars, it is due to pass from the President's palace to the India Gate war memorial – secured from the public by 15,000 police and accompanied by 20 Chinese guards. "We have made good security arrangements," said India's sports minister, M S Gill.
Traffic and underground trains will be prevented from travelling to the centre of the city.
But some campaigners will protest away from the route and stage an alternative torch run. Youdon Aukatsang, a member of the Tibetan parliament-in-exile, said 3,000 people would participate. "Our torch will be a symbol of our non-violent, peaceful struggle. It is not our plan to disrupt the Olympic torch," he said.
Others clearly do. Dhondup Dorjee, of the Tibetan Youth Congress, which has been at odds with the stance of the Dalai Lama, said members would try and get as near as possible to the relay. He said: "We will go as close as possible [to the Chinese guards] and ask them to shoot us down."
The torch was due to arrive in India last night from neighbouring Pakistan.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments