Dharamsala, Oct 1 : Tibetan exiles living in Dharamsala on Thursday staged a protest march on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People''s Republic of China.

Carrying banners, placards and their national flags, they marched down the winding streets to protest what they called 60 years of Chinese oppression.

"Chinese are celebrating this occasion very happily over there. But regarding the Tibetan issue, the situation inside Tibet till now what they have done regarding environment destruction and our religion. This, we are celebrating the 60 years of Chinese oppression," said Dolkar Lhamo, President, Tibetan Women''s Association (TWA).

The Tibetans also accused China of doing little to improve their lives and expressed resentment over Beijing''s restrictions on freedom and religion.

Meanwhile, China stepped up its military presence in Tibet and refused travel permits to tourists, journalists and other international observers.

According to sources, an estimated 1,200 Tibetans remain unaccounted for following a violent crackdown on demonstrations in March 2008. (ANI)