Already unhappy over pro-Tibet demonstrations in India, China has now made the security of the Olympic torch during its passage through this country an issue, bringing forth an assurance from the government that proper protection will be ensured for the flame.
In the wake of last Friday’s incident when a group of Tibetan protestors stormed its Embassy, China is worried about the security of the Olympic torch that will go through India from April 17, sources told PTI.
The Chinese Embassy has taken up the issue of security for the torch with the Indian government and the matter is under discussion, the sources said.
Top officials of the Embassy are engaged in talks with the authorities in the External Affairs Ministry and Indian Olympic Association abo-ut ensuring proper security for the torch, they said.
China has clearly demonstrated its unhappiness over last Friday’s incident as it summoned Ambassador Nirupama Rao in the midnight to the Foreign Ministry to convey its security concern.
Asked about China’s concern, National Security Adviser M K Narayanan said that the government will “make all arrangements to ensure that the Olympic flame passes through India safely.”
Considering that the launch of the Olympic torch relay in Greece on Monday was marred by breach of security by Tibetans, China feels more apprehensive about its security during the Indian leg as the number of Tibetans in this country is manifold than in in Greece.