Dharamshala/ New Delhi, Mar 10 (ANI): Exiled Tibetans living in Dharamsala on Monday commenced a march up to the Tibet border to mark the National Uprising Day against Chinese ‘occupation’ of their country.
Organisers said several thousand people including Tibetans and Indians accompanied the marchers. For many, it would be their first ever opportunity to see Tibet.
Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, addressed the participant ahead of the march. A prayer meeting was also held. The march is expected to gain momentum with other monks and Indians joining them en route.
“There are co-marchers of hundred people going from Dharamshala to Tibet. We have around 8000 local Tibetans who are supporting this march,” said Tenzin Tchoying, President, Free Tibet Students.
Tibetans living in New Delhi also participate in a procession to mark the National Uprising Day.
The Dalai Lama told them to spread the message of love and peace. He also said that they should continue to fight for their rights, but peacefully.
Earlier this year, Tibetans living in India had urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to raise the Tibetan issue with China.
Dalai Lama has been campaigning for greater autonomy for Tibet.
The Dalai Lama set up his seat of power in Dharamsala after he and his followers had fled to India in 1959, following a failed uprising against the Chinese occupation of Tibet.
Beijing established direct contacts with the Dalai Lama in 1979, but the dialogue was suspended in 1993.
An estimated 13,40,00 Tibetans live in exile, a majority of them in India and Nepal. (ANI)