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Delhi Melee Rocks Torch Arrival
Downtown locked down
By Rob Quinn
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Posted Apr 17, 08 4:16 AM CDT
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(Newser)
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The Olympic torch was greeted with furious protests as it arrived in Delhi today, and 15,000 security forces have locked down the heart of the city ahead of the relay, Reuters reports. Members of India's large community of Tibetan exiles have vowed massive protests to highlight China's human rights abuses. Dozens were arrested outside the hotel where the torch is being kept.
The flame's route through Delhi has been shortened and police are staying tight-lipped about the relay schedule. "We have taken every precaution to ensure the event remains peaceful," said a government spokesman. Major roads have been shut down and police patrols have been issued fire extinguishers to prevent protesters from setting themselves on fire.