New Delhi: Delhi Police detained three Tibetans from an underpass near Pragati Maidan Friday morning after they were found unfurling Tibetan flags to protest the Chinese delegation’s visit during the BRICS summit, police sources said.
Security has been intensified around Bharat Mandapam after the incident. Delhi Police and paramilitary forces were already deployed in the area.
Sources said the detainees had gathered in the area to protest against the Chinese delegation visiting the national capital for BRICS Summit 2026. “Around three people were detained early morning,” a senior police officer told ThePrint.
A member of the Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) group told ThePrint that 4-5 people have been detained by Delhi Police.
“A group of people had unfurled banners and flags of Tibet, protesting the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping. The police reached the spot and detained people. We are in touch with our lawyers for further process,” the SFT member said.
He added that those who have been detained are around 22-23 years old.
“The demonstration directly challenges Beijing’s narrative of multilateral cooperation, (We are) calling on BRICS leaders to confront China’s illegal occupation of Tibet, systemic human rights violations, and expanding border aggression. For over six decades, Tibetans have resisted Beijing’s iron-clad control,” a statement by SFT said.
“China must immediately halt forced cultural assimilation, close colonial residential schools, and repeal “ethnic unity” laws aimed at erasing Tibetan identity. China should stop unconsulted mega-projects—including the Medog Dam—and commit to full transparency, independent environmental assessments, and binding hydrological data-sharing with downstream nations,” said the statement.
Protests at Majnu Ka Tila
Around 250-300 members of the Tibetan Youth Congress as well as Tibetan nationals organised a peaceful march in north Delhi’s Majnu ka Tila area. The protesters held banners and posters, protesting against the visit.
“Tibetan Youth Congress sends a clear message ahead of the Chinese President’s visit for a free country. We celebrate India’s global leadership and being the host country. We are more than proud and happy witnessing the growth of India,” Tenzin Lobsang, the general secretary of the Tibetan Youth Congress told ThePrint.
(Edited by Viny Mishra)
Also read: BRICS Summit 2026: 13 world leaders in town. A look at who and why this matters