NEW DELHI, Mar 21: Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, on Monday (March 20) said he would visit northeastern Arunachal Pradesh - a disputed territory controlled by India and claimed by China - as scheduled, despite Bejing's objections.

The Dalai Lama's statement follows a warning from China to India early this month that hosting the exiled leader, whom Bejing regards a dangerous separatist, could damage ties between the two countries.

"I heard some sort of noise from some Chinese officials. Actually I consulted with Indian concerned officials whether (there was) any sort of inconvenience to Indian government. They said no inconvenience, so I decided I will go next month to (Arunachal Pradesh)," said the Dalai Lama, speaking at an event in northern holy city of Mathura.

India says the exiled the Dalai Lama will make a religious trip to Arunachal Pradesh next month, and as a secular democracy it would not stop him from travelling to any part of the country. Indian federal government representatives will also meet the Dalai Lama during his visit.

China claims the state in the eastern Himalayas as "South Tibet", and has denounced foreign and even Indian leaders' visits to the region as attempts to bolster New Delhi's territorial claims.

A trip by the Dalai Lama would ratchet up tensions at a time when New Delhi is at odds with China on strategic and security issues and unnerved by Beijing's growing ties with arch-rival Pakistan.

Visits of the Dalai Lama are initiated months, if not years in advance, and approval for the April 4-13 trip predates recent disagreements between the neighbours.

Dalai Lama also called on the nuclear-armed neighbours to iron out their differences to boost economic growth.

"Economically, also, you see, very important the China, so good relations, Sino-India good relations is very important. Sometimes, I think both sides, particularly Chinese side, I think should (unclear) practice more patience. Sometimes, small things (make) lot of noise, be more patient," the Dalai Lama said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration is raising its public engagement with the Tibetan leader, a change from earlier governments' reluctance to anger Beijing by sharing a public platform with him.

Last Friday (March 17), the Dalai Lama attended International Buddhist Conclave, supported by the Indian culture ministry, in eastern Bihar state. This was followed by Bejing once again voicing its displeasure and asking India to "respect China's core concerns".

The Nobel Peace Prize-winning Dalai Lama, who fled into exile in India after a failed uprising against Chinese rule in 1959, denies espousing violence.

China has ruled Tibet with an iron fist since it was "peacefully liberated" by the People's Liberation Army in 1950.

China denies any repression in Tibet and says its rule has brought development to a once backward and poverty-stricken region. (Agencies)

 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
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