Large-scale torch protests in Delhi, 60 detained

Hundreds of Tibetans took out a parallel torch relay run from Rajghat, the samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi, to Jantar Mantar, which has been the epicentre of Tibetan protests over the past several days.

The torch was lit at Rajghat after an inter-religion prayer meeting and the large number of Tibetans, who had assembled there took a pledge to ensure that the torch, which 8220;signified the freedom of Tibet and humanity8221;, keeps on burning.

The protesters, who took part in the rally, carried Tibetan flags, placards and banners with messages such as 8220;Azad Tibet, Surakshit Bharat8221; and 8220;Free Tibet8221;.

Among the participants in the rally were a large number of monks attired in traditional red robes, women and children besides prominent personalities like George Fernandes, Khiren Rijju, Ramdas Athavale, Jaya Jaitley, Kirti Azad, Swami Agnivesh and Nafisa Ali.

8220;The official relay has little spirit of Olympics as it is being organised under extreme security. So we decided to live up to the original spirit of Olympics and organised a parallel run,8221; Tseten Norbu, spokesperson of Tibetan Solidarity Committee, organising the protests in New Delhi, said.