Panjim (Goa), Mar 19: Exiled Tibetans held a candlelight vigil in Panjim to support the cause of free Tibet.

Around 400 Tibetans gathered to express sadness at the alleged killings of Tibetans in Lhasa by the Chinese and also to appeal for support for their cause.

"Our aim of peace vigil is not to protest and disruption of the Olympics, but we want to explain and declare to the world that Tibet is not part of China and will not be part of China," said Chomphel, a protester.

Monk-led anti-China protests in Lhasa, the biggest in almost two decades, turned ugly on March 14, weighing uncomfortably on the Communist leadership anxious to polish its image in the build-up to the Olympic Games.

The eruption of popular anger at China's presence in Tibet has become an international issue likely to trouble Beijing's preparations for the Olympics in August. (ANI)