THE future of one of the world's best known freedom struggles is being reassessed by Tibetan refugees in exile attending an unprecedented meeting at the Indian hill town of Dharamsala.

Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, called for the gathering to determine the "best possible future course of action to advance the Tibetan cause".

About 500 legislators, former ministers in the government-in-exile, heads of Tibetan associations and other prominent Tibetans gathered yesterday at a school auditorium in upper Dharamsala, for the five- day meeting.

For two decades the Dalai Lama has championed a "middle way" for the movement, incorporating a moderate demand for Tibetan "autonomy" under Chinese rule and a strict adherence to non-violent protest.

But there is agitation, especially among many young Tibetans, for the movement to adopt a tougher stance.

The president of the Tibetan Youth Congress, Tsewang Rigzin, said it was likely the issue of demanding independence rather than just autonomy would be canvassed at the meeting.

"I think that will come out," he said. "But we also have to talk about how to solve the current emergency situation inside Tibet."

In March violent protests by monks and Tibetan youths inside Tibet were repressed by Chinese troops. Talks resumed after the uprising but no progress has been made.

Earlier this month the Dalai Lama's envoys presented a memorandum to the Chinese leadership on genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people. Chinese officials rejected the proposal and blame the breakdown in talks on the Tibetans.

With negotiations at a stalemate, the lama called this week's meeting to provide "a forum to understand the real opinions and views of the Tibetan people".

The meeting would focus on consultation and did "not have any agenda for reaching a particular, predetermined outcome", he said.

However, China says the gathering in Dharamsala is meaningless, and the participants do not represent the people of Tibet.