DHARAMSHALA - TIBETAN spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Monday attacked China's human rights record, accusing it of 'unimaginable and gross violations' in his Himalayan homeland.

'Repression continues to increase with numerous, unimaginable and gross violations of human rights, denial of religious freedom and politicisation of religious issues,' he told hundreds of flag-waving supporters on the 49th anniversary of his escape to India after an abortive uprising in Lhasa.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner's angry comments came in a speech in the northern Indian town of Dharamshala and contrasted sharply with what his critics say has been a 'soft' approach to China in recent years.

'All these take place as a result of the Chinese government's lack of respect of the Tibetan people,' the 72-year-old told the gathering from his palace in this seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile.

The Dalai Lama said however that he would not abandon his call for autonomy in Tibet even though six rounds of talks with the Chinese since 2002 have yielded little result.

'During the past few years, Tibet has witnessed increased repression and brutality. In spite of these unfortunate developments my stand and determination to pursue the 'Middle-Way' policy remain unchanged,' he said.

Despite widespread frustration among the younger generation at China's stranglehold on Tibet, the Dalai Lama remains the unquestioned spiritual leader of the diaspora.

He also said August's Beijing Olympics could be a golden opportunity for the international community to expose China, which has ruled Tibet since 1951, over its treatment of Tibetans.

'Besides sending their athletes, the international community should remind the Chinese government of these issues.... China should prove herself a good host by providing these freedoms,' he added.

Samdhong Rinpoche, prime minister in the government-in-exile, also lambasted China and backed the Dalai Lama's calls for autonomy - a demand which many younger Tibetans say is just not enough.

'We do not have any hidden agenda or issues than the basic demand that they (Beijing) should implement conditions of national regional autonomy as set forth in the constitution of China,' Mr Rinpoche said.

The Tibetan parliament-in-exile, or Kashag, joined the protests, accusing China of 'inhuman behaviour.'

'Since the restoration of direct contact with China in 2002, no positive change has taken place in Tibet. The Chinese authorities are continuing to take many actions that can be described as inhuman behaviour,' it said.

The attacks on China coincided with a symbolic march home by 100 Tibetans as part of pro-independence protests ahead of the Beijing Olympics.

Thousands waved yellow, blue and red Tibetan flags and cheered on the Buddhist monks in red caps and 10 women who said they planned to make it over the Chinese border.

Italian parliamentarian Sergio D'Elia flagged off the home trek.

'It's the duty of every freedom-loving person to support this march,' he said.

The organisers refused to reveal where any attempt would be made to cross the border but added it could take up to six months to reach the Tibetan capital Lhasa.

The youngest marcher was 19-year-old high-school student Tenzen Pema, who carried home-made cookies, a bottle of water and a teddybear.

'My education is not as important as free Tibet and so I am determined to reach my country and plant this flag on the land that belongs to us,' she said.

Five Tibetan groups who organised the march remained tight-lipped about the route because New Delhi prohibits Tibetan exiles from using India as a springboard for anti-China political campaigns.

Tibetan activists are also planning a 'Tibetan Olympics' here in May. -- AFP