The 14th Dalai Lama fled to India on March 31, 1959, because of tensions with Chinese authorities. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) had taken control of China in 1949 and asserted Chinese authority over Tibet. In 1951 a Tibetan delegation signed (under duress) a document ceding control of the region to China. Increasing tensions between Chinese troops and Tibetans erupted in turmoil and frequent protests. Rumors that Chinese authorities might kidnap the Dalai Lama prompted a protest in March 1959 that worsened tensions. On March 17 the 14th Dalai Lama fled Tibet under cover of darkness and journeyed on foot and horseback over the Himalayas to India, where he arrived on the 31st.