Tibetans demand free Tibet

Tibetans in India's northeast gathered here Saturday to commemorate the 53rd anniversary of the Tibetan uprising which forced the Dalai Lama to flee to India.

On the occasion, the exiles urged the international community to help resolve the Tibetan issue.

Over 500 Tibetan refugees from Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Meghalaya held prayers for a free Tibet and expressed solidarity with those who have immolated themselves in Tibet since 2009.

"Of the 26 who self-immolated, 19 have died and the condition of eight is serious. We appeal to the UN for immediate medical intervention in Tibet," Tibetan Welfare Officer Lhakpa Tsering told IANS on Saturday.

According to official records, there are about 8,000 Tibetan refugees in northeast India.