NEW DELHI, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- More than 1,000 Tibetans planned a 24-hour protest of China's occupation of Tibet during Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji's visit to Bombay on Tuesday.
The Maharashtra Tibetan Refugee Association and the Friends of Tibet (India) are planning massive demonstrations, including a hunger strike. The Chinese leader had first stopped in New Delhi, where protesters stripped to their waist to expose the words "Tibet is Mine" written on their chests.
That Zhu's visit would cause Tibet-related demonstrations is not unexpected since India is home to exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama and at least 200,000 of his followers.
Chinese officials demanded Bombay Mumbai authorities stop any demonstrations during Zhu's visit but local officials say they are helpless to quiet the protesters.
Chinese Foreign Office spokesman Zhang Quiye told The Indian Express: "It is natural for the host government to guarantee the safety of the delegation and bring about a successful reception."
Zhu, who is on a six-day visit to India to bolster bilateral ties with India, traveled to Bombay to address a meeting of leaders of Indian industry. The two nations are expected to sign several agreements during Zhu's visit.
Last week, the Dalai Lama softened his stand on Tibet's freedom, saying his people could accept genuine autonomy while leaving defense and foreign affairs to China. The Nobel Peace Prize laureate said he was willing to give up the demand of complete freedom for Tibet, adding the issue of Tibetan liberation could be resolved through adopting a middle path.
