Dalai Lama's fear!!!

The Dalai Lama has said he fears there will be more deaths in Tibet unless Beijing changes its policies towards the Chinese-controlled region.

The Tibetan spiritual leader told the BBC he had "grave concerns" over Friday's deadly protests in Lhasa city. But he emphasised that he still supported Beijing's staging of the Olympic Games this summer.

Lhasa, Tibet's main city, was reported quiet on Sunday, locked down by a heavy Chinese security presence. The Dalai Lama told the BBC he had received reports the death toll from the protests may be as high as 100, although he said the figure could not be verified.

Pro-Tibet demonstrations were held in Nepal, New York, Australia and several European cities. A British journalist in Lhasa on Saturday said police had used tear gas to disperse demonstrators defying a curfew.The authorities in Tibet have urged the protesters to hand themselves in by midnight on Monday, promising leniency to those who surrender.

The violence - the worst in Tibet since 1989 - erupted on the fifth day of largely peaceful protests that began on last Monday's anniversary of a 1959 uprising against Chinese rule. The demonstrations - like those last September in Burma - were initially led by Buddhist monks and then attracted crowds of ordinary people.

Chinese officials said the riots had been "masterminded" by the Dalai Lama, an accusation he has denied.

Many Tibetans claim their culture has been brushed aside by Beijing and resent local Chinese settlers. China says Tibet has always been part of its territory, although Tibet enjoyed long periods of autonomy before the 20th Century.

Source: BBC News