Tibetan Solidarity Committee, a core group of 50 runners

By Bijender sharma

Dharamshala april 17,2008---Under the umbrella of the Delhi Chapter of Tibetan Solidarity Committee, a core group of 50 runners - including both Tibetans and Indians with Gandhi's message of non-violence and blessings in their hearts - began a peace march in New Delhi today.

According to organisers: "The Torch for Tibet is the symbol of the enduring nature of our non-violent struggle for fundamental freedoms and persistence to seek a lasting solution to the issue of Tibet through negotiation."

At 11:00 am this morning, the freedom torch - a lamp - was lit at Rajghat, the memorial ground of Mahatma Gandhi, after an inter-religious prayer meeting.

The lamp was then carried on by eminent sports personalities, including Nafisa Ali, former national swimmer and social activist before passing it over to other runners. The rally will end at Jantar Mantar.

On 10 April, the Kashag of the Central Tibetan Administration has strongly appealed to all quarters of the Tibetan Diaspora to desist from any kind of violent methods and respect the law of host country during the passing of Olympic Torch relay through India.

Meanwhile at the seat of the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamshala, the regional Tibetan Solidarity Committee has appealed to all the peace-loving international community for their timely support to resolve the issue of Tibet.

Speaking at a press conference at the main temple here, committee's president Ven Geshe Thubten Phegye said His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been steadfast for seeking meaningful autonomy for Tibet within the frame-work of constitution of the People's Republic of China.

He said the Indian government has the responsibility to maintain security for the smooth passage of Olympic relay in India and Tibetans should honour the laws of the host country.

The committee has called for an early resumption of dialogue between His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Chinese leadership, and an immediate end of repression and release of Tibetan detainees. Demand was also made for medical assistance to injured Tibetans and opening up of Tibet to the international media and access to daily necessities like food and water.