Tibetan protesters detained in Chennai ahead of Xi Jinping's visit

Ahead of Xi Jinping's visit to the coastal town of Mamallapuram, a total of 11 Tibetian protestors were detained by the Tamil Nadu Police for demonstrating against the Chinese president.  Five Tibetian people were arrested by the Police while staging a protest on Friday for allegedly trying to stage a protest outside the star hotel where Chinese President Xi Jinping is slated to stay. Meanwhile, six Tibetians protesting outside the Chennai Airport, prior to the President of China's arrival faced detainment as well. 

Earlier in the day, the intelligence agency had warned of the protests, by citing that the Tibetan refugee organisations such as the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), the Students for a Free Tibet- India (SFT-India) are likely to organise demonstrations against Chinese President Xi Jinping.

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Police whisked away from a person with a Tibetan flag who attempted to stage a sudden protest and were seen restraining him from raising any slogans. He was whisked away in an autorickshaw by some police personnel even as four others were removed in a police vehicle. 

Ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's India visit, security at Mamallapuram was heightened, with flags of India and China being placed across the sprawling venue. Tamil Nadu Police, on October 9, had already arrested 10 Tibetans and detained over 40, to prevent the possibility of a protest against Chinese President Xi Jinping. 

The city and Mamallapuram have turned into a fortress, with the star hotel where Jinping is scheduled to stay coming under a multi-tier security cover. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday landed in Chennai ahead of his second informal meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Taking to Twitter shortly after landing in Chennai, PM Modi said that he feels happy to be in the great land of Tamil Nadu. The Prime Minister went on to say that he is gladdened that Tamil Nadu is going to hold the Chinese President. He further hoped for the informal summit in Mamallapuram to strengthen ties between India and China.

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Tibet-China conflict 

After functioning as an autonomous region until 1950, Bejing occupied and has been ruling Tibet since 1951, in “a calculated and systematic strategy aimed at the destruction of their national and cultural identities." 

The 14th Dalai Lama, who sought refuge in India following the failed uprising, has claimed that he wants autonomy for Tibet to ensure the preservation of the region's culture, language, and customs. Meanwhile, the Chinese have expressed their lack of trust in the Dalai Lama citing his insincere intentions, further, Beijing has claimed Tibet to be a Chinese land since the 13th century under Yuran Dynasty.