Olympic torch arrives in India under heavy guard

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2008

NEW DELHI (AFP) — The Olympic torch touched down in the Indian capital early Thursday, police and witnesses said, amid high security and concerns of increased protests by pro-Tibetan activists.

A plane carrying the flame landed from neighbouring Pakistan ahead of a short and heavily guarded relay later Thursday, the latest leg of the torch's world tour before the Beijing Olympics.

The flame arrived at a military airbase in New Delhi and was received by Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi, witnesses said.

Riot police backed by paramilitary troops ringed the airbase, amid reports that 60 exiled Tibetans had staged a brief protest just outside the airport before they were taken away by soldiers.

"The torch has arrived and everything is...