"The method of negotiations suggested by the Dalai Lama is the best method," said Thechok (Eds: one name), 58, who runs a garment shop in this southern Indian refugee settlement, where the walls are prominently painted with the words: "Boycott Chinese Goods."

"How can we fight China? It is such a huge country and we are so few," he said as the refugee community prepared to observe the 40th anniversary of an armed separatist uprising in Tibet.

Thousands of Tibetans died battling Communist Chinese troops in the abortive uprising, after which they fled with their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, and took exile in India.

Bayalakuppe, some 220 km (137 miles) from Bangalore, the capital of the southern state of Karnataka, was the first settlement India created for Tibetans fleeing Chinese rule.

Over the past several years, the Dalai Lama has advocated what he calls as "the middle path" to attain freedom for Tibet. He says he is willing to negotiate with China for greater autonomy in Tibet and later consider seeking full freedom.

Last year, China said it was willing to talk to Tibet's globe-trotting cleric as long as he recognises that Tibet is an inalienable part of China and that Taiwan is a Chinese province.

But little progress has resulted, although the Dalai Lama says he maintains informal contact with Beijing.

Activists of the Indian-based Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) have often resorted to violent means of agitation, like setting themselves on fire and storming the Chinese embassy in India.

K. Yulgial Jorkhang, a representative of the Tibetan government-in-exile in Bayalakuppe, said most Tibetan refugees in India agreed with the Dalai Lama.

"The TYC wants full independence...but a majority feel the direction of His Holiness is right. We should get self rule for Tibet, go back and then fight for full freedom."

Thechok said youngsters in the TYC want to "fight" because they get angry easily. "They get upset very fast when they hear of the horror stories of torture in Tibet."

"If India could gain freedom from Britain through non-violent means 50 years ago, why can't we do it," asked Tenzin Lungten, a young monk at the Gyudmed monastery in neighbouring Gurupura.

"I think we should listen to the Dalai Lama," said Jampa Chompel, 29, who runs a footwear shop in Bayalakuppe. "I believe we can get freedom peacefully."

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Last updated: 10-Mar-99