Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama said Saturday his government in exile in India was ready to continue its dialogue with China on autonomy for Tibet anywhere, anytime. as Tibetans mark the 48th anniversary of Tibet's National Uprising Day.
In a statement, the Dalai Lama said that while there is nothing wrong with infrastructure development, Tibet has seen an increase in its Chinese population since the rail was built.
Chinese officials say the railway will open new markets for Tibetan products and boost its tourism industry. Critics, however, note that the railway project would accelerate environmental degradation of the region and threatens to wipe out Tibetan culture.
Every year on March 10th, Tibetan refugees mark the Tibetan National Uprising of 1959.
In addition to the Dalai Lama's remarks, a delegation of Indian lawmakers participated in ceremonies. Former Defence Minister George Fernandes is among a group of parliamentarians who would take part in the commemoration of the 48th Tibetan national uprising day here on Saturday.
The speaker of the exiled parliament based in the northern Indian town of Dharamsala, Karma Chophel, described the visit as momentous.
Separately, dozens of demonstrators stormed the Chinese embassy in New Delhi to protest China's occupation of Tibet.