Exiled Tibetans protest in northern India

Exiled Tibetans call for a free Tibet during protests in northern India.

Protesters burnt the Chinese flag and held a candlelit vigil to observe the fifty-third anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising Day.

Protesters said the day highlighted ethnic Tibetans' struggle.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) SPOKESPERSON FOR THE REGIONAL TIBETAN YOUTH CONGRESS, SAYING:

"We organised this candlelight vigil to show our solidarity towards the martyrs who have lost their lives since 1959, till now. We just burnt Chinese national flag because under that flag most of our brothers and sisters in Tibet have suffered a lot and many Tibetans have lost their lives."

Last week a Tibetan youth set himself on fire in protest at the Chinese occupation of Tibet.

His death is the latest in a string of self-immolations by Tibetans amid growing anger and despair over Chinese rule.

Beijing has accused the Dalai Lama, of encouraging people to harm themselves - a charge the the Tibetan spiritual leader in exile, denies.

Megan Detrie, Reuters