Tibetan refugees stage protest, one attempts self-immolation

NEW DELHI: A Tibetan youth today attempted "self immolation" as refugees from Tibet staged a protest here against alleged human rights violation by Chinese authorities.

The youth set himself ablaze at around 1:30 pm but other protestors quickly put off the fire. He suffered burn injuries on the leg and was rushed to a nearby hospital.

Coinciding with the start of the one-year countdown towards the Beijing Olympics, hundreds of Tibetans marched towards Parliament chanting religious hymns and shouting "anti-China" slogans against it holding the sports extravaganza.

They also demanded a clarification from Beijing about that country's assertion that the human rights situation in Tibet was normal.

The hunger-strike of 14 Tibetan youths here, meanwhile, entered 32nd day today despite a call from the Dalai Lama to withdraw their protest, saying that sacrificing lives of more Tibetan people would not bring about positive results for their cause.

The TYC leaders later submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister's Office demanding India's intervention in ensuring the release of political prisoners among others.

They also submitted a memorandum to International Olympic Association asking it to prove the claims of China that human rights situation in Tibet was improving.

Addressing the protestors, Aruchanachal Pradesh MP Kiren Rijiju said he fully supported the Tibetan cause.

Tibetan Youth Congress president Kalsang Phuntsok said, "this movement is a departure from the traditional approach of appealing, this time we are putting a direct pressure on China."