The relay begins amid heavy security in New Delhi. Meanwhile, China cancels its plan to open Tibet on May 1st and seals the borders. And if you wonder why Nepal is cracking down on protesters so hard:
Chinese security police in athletic wear can be seen lounging in tea shops and strolling the sole street in the border town of Liping. They shadow three Associated Press journalists from the moment they arrive, ordering them not to take photographs — on Nepalese territory. And in the capital Katmandu, Tibetan exiles say China is pressuring the Nepalese government to crush anti-Chinese activities by the world’s second-largest Tibetan exile community.
The torch is also headed to Australia, where more protests are expected. Chinese in Australia asay they’re ready to defend the torch. Plus, two opinions in Australia on the this “internal issue” of china’s taht is under the world’s spotlight.