18 Apr 2008, 0401 hrs IST
,TNN
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NEW DELHI: Two torch runs took place in the city on Thursday. Hours before the Olympic torch relay began, Tibetan protesters embarked on a parallel run in the Capital, starting from Rajghat.
The parallel run — Torch 4 Tibet — was a peaceful protest organised by Tibetans against what they termed as 'Chinese atrocities' in their homeland.
Organised by the Tibetan Solidarity Committee, Delhi, participants included hundreds of Tibetans and their Indian supporters who had come from different parts of the country.
A large number of protesters gathered at Rajghat where monks offered prayers near Mahatma Gandhi’s samadhi. This was followed by a Tibetan dance and lighting of the torch.
"This torch signifies the true spirit of Olympics, not the one that is kept under tight security. As that torch has come from a country where human rights are violated, we decided to organise a parallel torch run to live the true spirit of Olympics,” said Tseten Norbu, spokesperson, Tibetan Solidarity Committee.
Holding placards, carrying the Tibetan flag and shouting slogans like 'Free Tibet' and asking the Indian government to support them in their struggle for freedom, the protesters began their march towards Barakhamba Road from Rajghat.
The rally culminated at Jantar Mantar, which was transformed into mini-Tibet, with praying monks, folk dancers performing traditional dances and Tibetans depicting life in their homeland.
"I have never been to Tibet, but my mother has taught us rituals which they followed there. I’m a grandmother now, but I have very little to tell my grandchildren. I want to visit Tibet once before I die," said Tenzing Chunzom, a housewife who lives in Majnu Ka Tila.
At the venue, people lit lamps for those who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for freedom.
Supporting the Tibetans in their peaceful run were Samata Party president George Fernandes, Swami Agnivesh, Jaya Jaitley, actor-turned-activist Nafisa Ali, Kirti Azad and BJP MP Kiran Rijju. "We condemn the killing of Tibetans. This torch is a symbol of non-violent struggle for freedom," said Jaitley.
"Our aim is to draw the world’s attention to what’s happening in Tibet. Human rights are being violated. We are asking the Indian government to put pressure on China to start a dialogue with Dalai Lama. We don't approve of violent protests. We are just following Mahatma Gandhi and Dalai Lama’s way of protest," said Youdon Aukatsang, member, Tibetan Parliament in Exile.
The parallel run — Torch 4 Tibet — was a peaceful protest organised by Tibetans against what they termed as 'Chinese atrocities' in their homeland.
Organised by the Tibetan Solidarity Committee, Delhi, participants included hundreds of Tibetans and their Indian supporters who had come from different parts of the country.
A large number of protesters gathered at Rajghat where monks offered prayers near Mahatma Gandhi’s samadhi. This was followed by a Tibetan dance and lighting of the torch.
"This torch signifies the true spirit of Olympics, not the one that is kept under tight security. As that torch has come from a country where human rights are violated, we decided to organise a parallel torch run to live the true spirit of Olympics,” said Tseten Norbu, spokesperson, Tibetan Solidarity Committee.
Holding placards, carrying the Tibetan flag and shouting slogans like 'Free Tibet' and asking the Indian government to support them in their struggle for freedom, the protesters began their march towards Barakhamba Road from Rajghat.
The rally culminated at Jantar Mantar, which was transformed into mini-Tibet, with praying monks, folk dancers performing traditional dances and Tibetans depicting life in their homeland.
"I have never been to Tibet, but my mother has taught us rituals which they followed there. I’m a grandmother now, but I have very little to tell my grandchildren. I want to visit Tibet once before I die," said Tenzing Chunzom, a housewife who lives in Majnu Ka Tila.
At the venue, people lit lamps for those who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for freedom.
Supporting the Tibetans in their peaceful run were Samata Party president George Fernandes, Swami Agnivesh, Jaya Jaitley, actor-turned-activist Nafisa Ali, Kirti Azad and BJP MP Kiran Rijju. "We condemn the killing of Tibetans. This torch is a symbol of non-violent struggle for freedom," said Jaitley.
"Our aim is to draw the world’s attention to what’s happening in Tibet. Human rights are being violated. We are asking the Indian government to put pressure on China to start a dialogue with Dalai Lama. We don't approve of violent protests. We are just following Mahatma Gandhi and Dalai Lama’s way of protest," said Youdon Aukatsang, member, Tibetan Parliament in Exile.
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