Despite ban, March to Tibet moves on
Suresh Khatta, The Indian Express
March 13, 2008
http://www.indianexpress.com/story/283759.html

Despite orders issued to marchers by the police not to leave the jurisdiction of Kangra district, the ‘March to Tibet’ continued for the third day on Wednesday. About 100 core marchers who had assembled at Dharamsala from all over India to join the march include nuns, monks, elderly and youth born in exile. They were accompanied by nearly a dozen foreigners, both men and women.

As soon as the march began from Takipur on Wednesday, where the marchers had stayed for the night, the police wanted to check their registration certificates. Tension prevailed when the marchers refused to show their registration certificates arguing that they would show the same once they crossed the district border at Bharwain.

Since there was no immediate law and order problem and the march was peaceful, the police did not press with their demand and let the marchers proceed. A few policemen accompanied the marchers on the route.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, a high-level meeting of the district administration was held in connection with the march, which was attended by Deputy Commissioner, SP, Additional Magistrate among others. An additional police force has also been put on standby.

When contacted, Kangra SP Aul Fuzele said the registration certificates were demanded only from those whom the police suspected were not marchers. He said as long as the marchers were within the jurisdiction of Kangra district there was no problem. “Action against them would be taken only if they tried to cross the district limits.”

‘March to Tibet’ began soon after the celebrations of the 49th anniversary of the National Tibet Uprising on Monday from the main Buddhist temple in McLeodganj. The march has been organised by five NGOs — Students of Free Tibet; Gu Chu Sum, a body of Tibetan political prisoners; Tibetan Women Association; Tibetan Youth Congress; and the National Democratic Party of Tibet.