Tibetans observe fast, 10 youths tonsure heads

UDHAGAMANDALAM: Over 100 Tibetans, including 50 women, on Monday observed a one-day fast here, appealing to the UN to 'wake up and act against the human rights violations against their colleagues' in Tibet.
   
Police said 112 Tibets sat on fast here, holding placards like 'save Tibet' and 'free Tibet from China.' Ten Tibetan youths tonsured their heads in protest against the Chinese 'crackdown', writing on their heads words such as 'Wake up UNO' and 'Save Tibet,' police said.
   
Meanwhile, about 450 members of the Tibetans Refugee Welfare Association have sent fax messages to the UN secretary general, seeking his intervention in the issue, immediately.
   
The 'Tibetan market' here, comprising small shops set up by Tibetans selling sweaters, has been closed for nearly a fortnight, over the issue, the sources said.