LHASA, China — The Olympic torch made its way early today through Tibet’s sealed-off capital, site of a March crackdown on rioting that helped fuel demonstrations at some of the flame’s international stops.

Torch bearers started their run through Lhasa’s streets at 9 a.m., a day after officials announced additional sentences handed down over the anti-government riots.

The 6.8-mile run began at Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama’s former summer palace from where Tibet’s traditional Buddhist leader fled into exile in 1959. The relay will end at the hilltop Potala Palace, the traditional seat of Tibetan rulers.

Police and soldiers lined the route, keeping a close eye on flag-waving onlookers arrayed on either side.

On Friday, Palma Trily, the vice governor of Tibet’s Chinese-appointed administration, said he was confident that today’s relay would pass through the city without incident.