Chennai, Jan 1: Exiled Tibetans staged a peace march here seeking political support for their struggle.

Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) activists set out on a peace march from Bangalore on December 10 and reached Chennai on Monday.

They observed a minute's silence in memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the Tibetan cause.

The protestors sought a more proactive approach from New Delhi towards the Tibetans' struggle for autonomy and self-determination.

"We appeal to the Indian Government that their national interest should be based on their national security. They may have good business and friendship with China. But stronger national (security) should be based on international security. That's why Tibet's independence is based on international security. We want political support from Indian Government," said Sonam Dorjee, a TYC regional member.

An estimated 13,40,00 Tibetans live in exile, a majority of them in India and Nepal.

The Dalai Lama set up his seat of power in Dharamsala after he and his followers had fled to India in 1959, following a failed uprising against Chinese occupation of Tibet.

The Dalai Lama now says he has accepted Chinese sovereignty over Tibet, but wants greater autonomy, not independence, for his predominantly Buddhist homeland.

Beijing considers him a separatist and accuses him of continuing to promote Tibetan independence.

The Dalai Lama is still revered by most Tibetans inside the Himalayan region despite repeated campaigns to stamp out loyalty to him. (ANI)