IOC urged not to take the torch into Tibet

"Many Tibetans have been killed and arrested due to China's brutal and violent suppression of peaceful Tibetan demonstrators. Moreover, if the Olympic torch passes through Tibet, it will undoubtedly be an immense insult and disrespect to the Tibetans, who are enduring extreme repression, mental and physical torture. It will be akin to adding salt to their wounds, which will deeply hurt their sentiments," noted the press statement released on Monday.

The statement added: "If lives are lost due to IOC's failure to reconsider their stance, the IOC and related organisations will be solely responsible."

His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration have never opposed the Olympic Games in China.

Authorities have placed immense restriction in areas of Tibet where the torch route lies. Following a heavy deployment of Chinese armies, many Tibetans have been arrested. In addition, each Tibetan household has been forced to hoist Chinese national flag on the rooftop. The Chinese authorities have also chosen few selective Tibetans to speak to the international media as their spokespersons and these speakers are trained what to say and what not to say.

Jampa Phuntsok, governor of Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), has earlier has warned that the Chinese authorities will not show mercy and deal severely with troublemakers, with a tacit reference to Tibetans, who try to impede the torch relay in Tibet.

Tibetans fear that protests might occur during torch relay and the Chinese authorities would ruthlessly put down the protests.

The actual situation on the ground will be completely in contradiction with the Olympic spirit. The Chinese government will create such a strict and suffocating atmosphere that the Tibetans, who are already under a martial law like condition, will suffer further repression, subjugation and tension.