Wen visit triggers Tibetan protests

As Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in India on Wednesday, Tibetans launched protests against China’s “insatiable thirst for land”, which had allegedly worked against the interests of the two countries.

As Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in India on Wednesday, Tibetans launched protests against China’s “insatiable thirst for land”, which had allegedly worked against the interests of the two countries.

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Police had a tough task keeping protesters away from the cavalcade and Wen’s delegation.

Seven Tibetans staged a protest outside Taj Palace Hotel on Sardar Patel Marg where Wen and his delegation are staying. The seven youths shouted slogans against Wen and China, demanding that Beijing vacate their homeland.

“The youths were detained and taken to Chanakyapuri police station,” said KC Dwivedi, additional commissioner of police (New Delhi). They were not released till late in the evening.

Around 1,000 people marched from Rajghat to Jantar Mantar where they held a protest meet. They carried placards that read: Free Tibet Wen, Free Tibet Now.

“Our action here today sends a clear message to Wen Jiabao that the youth of this nation will not tolerate China’s blatant attempt to colonise parts of India, nor will we remain silent while China continues to brutally suppress the Tibetan people,” said Shibayan Raha, Grassroots Director of Students for a Free Tibet – India.