Chinese paramilitaries have rounded up hundreds of Tibetans in advance of the anniversary of the fatal riots that took place in 2008.

According to The Times, Beijing is anxious to avoid a repeat of the anti-Chinese attacks, in which about 20 people were killed when Tibetans rampaged through the city, setting fire to shops and offices.

This month marks a particularly sensitive period in the region as March 10 is regarded by Tibetans as the anniversary of the start of an abortive uprising against Chinese rule in 1959 that resulted in the Dalai Lama's flight into exile in India.

Lhasa residents told The Times that as many as 400 to 500 people had been detained in the latest crackdown.

The number could not be independently confirmed and officials declined to comment. (ANI)