After a group of Tibetans stormed into its Embassy complex last week, China is worried about the security of the Olympic torch that will go through India next month and is seeking foolproof protection for the event.
The Chinese Embassy has taken up the issue, of security for the torch, with the Indian government. The torch will come to India on April 17 and the matter is under discussion, sources told PTI.
Top officials of the Embassy are engaged in talks with the authorities in the External Affairs Ministry and Indian Olympic Association about ensuring proper security for the torch during the two-day relay in India, they said.
The Chinese side, which was earlier appreciative of the security arrangements made by India at the Embassy, has become doubtful about the protection of the torch after a group of Tibetan protestors stormed into its Embassy on Friday last.
The Chinese side is so worried that it is not ruling out bypassing India in the torch relay if it is not sure about the security arrangements, the sources said.
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 that in Greece.
China has already taken serious note of the breach of security at its Embassy last week and summoned Indian Ambassador Nirupama Rao to the Foreign Office in Beijing past midnight to register its concern.
India, however, has been silent on the issue so far.