Tibetan refugees have carried out protests in New Delhi and Kathmandu to mark the 49th anniversary of Dalai Lama’s failed uprising against the Chinese rule, calling for independence before the start of the Beijing Olympic Games.

“With the Olympics in China, and the Chinese government using this platform to legitimise its illegal occupation of Tibet, we are demonstrating that Tibet belongs to Tibetans and we will never give up until Tibet is independent,” Tsewang Rigzin, president of the Tibetan Youth Congress, told Reuters.

In the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu, many people were injured during clashes with the police, as they were prevented to march to the Chinese embassy. Police fired tear gas and beat up hundreds of Tibetans who threw bricks and stones at the police, detaining 10 activists.

1,000 Tibetans were shouting “free Tibet” as they were attempting to march to the Chinese embassy. Five police officers were hurt by protesters who were throwing stones.

Monday, the Dalai Lama accused Chinese rule of repression, stating that Tibetans have lived for six decades under constant fear and intimidation.

“In Tibet, repression continues to increase with numerous, unimaginable and gross violations of human rights, denial of religious freedom and the politicization of religious issues,” he said in the northern Indian city of Dharmsala, addressing hundreds of supporters. The Dalai Lama also complained about the fact that Tibet’s language, customs and traditions were “gradually fading away.”

Last week, the Dalai Lama approved of China hosting the event, saying it was a chance for the world to put pressure on the Beijing government to observe the Olympic ideals of freedom of speech and equality.

“China should prove herself a good host by providing these freedoms. Therefore, besides sending their athletes, the international community should remind the Chinese government of these issues,” the Dalai Lama said.