India had said on Friday that it will not ban the protests by Tibetans refugees but gave assurance that proper security would be ensured for the event. India told China that being a democratic country, it believes in free expression & would not suppress it even during the relay of the torch here on April 17.

New Delhi believes that anybody, including the Tibetans, have the right to express themselves peacefully & democratically while respecting the laws of the land. New Delhi had conveyed to Beijing that ensuring security for the Olympic torch during its relay in New Delhi is its responsibility & it will carry it out.

The Indian response came when China asked whether India had banned protests by Tibetans after a media report said such a measure had been taken by the West Bengal government.