Bollywood actor will carry torch

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/south_asia/7326039.stm

Version 0 of 1.

A Bollywood star has said he will carry the Olympic torch through India even though he does not support China's crackdown on Tibetan demonstrators.

Aamir Khan said he would carry the torch "with a prayer" for Tibetans.

On Tuesday, India's football captain Baichung Bhutia announced he would not carry the torch in protest against China's moves against Tibetans.

India has not allowed large-scale Tibetan protests against China, which is hosting the Olympics this year.

Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, has lived in India since fleeing his homeland in 1959.

India is also home to more than 150,000 Tibetan exiles.

Empathy

Aamir Khan said in his blog that many of his fans had asked him not to take part in carrying the torch through the Indian capital Delhi later this month.

"I would like to state that I have the highest regard and respect for the struggle that the people of Tibet are going through. I completely empathise with them," he said.

"I request those of you who have asked me to stay away...to understand that when I do run with the torch...it is not in support of China.

"In fact it will be with a prayer in my heart for the people of Tibet, and indeed for all people across the world who are victims of human rights violations."

Khan is one of Bollywood's leading stars - in 2001, his film Lagaan (Land Tax) was sent as India's entry to Oscars, and the film made it to the awards shortlist.

Decision explained

He has performed in a number of big hits such as Ghulam (Slave), Sarfarosh (Zealous) and Dil Chahta Hai (The Heart Wants).

On Tuesday, Baichung Bhutia explained his decision not carry the torch as "my way of standing by the people of Tibet and their struggle."

Bhutia is a Buddhist who comes from the north-eastern Indian state of Sikkim, which has long been claimed by China as its own territory.

The footballer told a newspaper he had not been requested by any group to pull out of the torch run.

The Indian Olympic Association, which is organising the flame's journey through Delhi on 17 April, has invited several top athletes to participate.

India has in the past been sympathetic to the Tibetan cause, but in recent years Delhi's relations with Beijing have improved.

Earlier this month, more than 100 Tibetan refugees were detained in India while attempting to march to the Chinese border.