By IANS
Dharamsala : Nervous about the growing protests against the Olympic torch run, the Tibetan government-in-exile here has appealed to people not to resort to violence during the Indian leg of the relay April 17.
“The Kashag (cabinet of the government-in-exile) again appeals to the Tibetan diaspora to desist from violent protests and respect the law of the host country and ensure that Indian sentiments are not hurt as the Olympic torch relay passes through India,” a statement by the Dalai Lama’s administration said.
Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has lived in India since fleeing his homeland in 1959. India is home to some 100,000 exiles – the largest concentration of Tibetans outside Tibet.
The statement said: “Since March 10, Tibetans from all provinces of Tibet have been peacefully protesting the repressive policies of the Chinese government at the cost of their lives.
“Similarly, those Tibetans who have initiated peaceful protests outside Tibet in solidarity with their brethren in Tibet should remain non-violent.”
The torch relay ceremony has so far faced protests by supporters of Tibetan freedom in Athens, London, Paris and San Francisco.
The Dalai Lama has said he favours China hosting the Olympic Games.