46 ‘Indian MPs’ support Dalai Lama’s right to choose successor

Tibetan rights activists involved in the Tibet Advocacy Alliance-India Campaign have claimed that 46 Indian MPs, representing various political parties, have signed a joint declaration supporting the Dalai Lama’s right to determine his successor without interference from China. The declaration, which was made public on Monday, emphasised that the selection of Tibetan Buddhist leaders, including the next Dalai Lama, should adhere to established religious practices and systems.

The declaration condemns Beijing’s attempts to control the reincarnation process, calling it a serious obstacle to Tibetans’ freedom of religion, a right protected under Article 18 of the UN Declaration of Human Rights. It also references concerns raised by multiple UN human rights bodies regarding China’s infringement on the religious and cultural rights of Tibetans.

The Tibetan Activists said institution of the Dalai Lama commands legitimacy and spiritual authority across the Tibetan Buddhist world including counties like Indian and Nepal, Central Asia, and Mongolia.

In March, the 14th Dalai Lama, through his recently released book, reiterated his stance that the next Dalai Lama will be born in a free world so that the traditional mission of the Dalai Lama continues.

This declaration follows a major advocacy initiative by the Tibet Advocacy Alliance-India, a national coalition of prominent Tibetan NGOs, including the Tibetan Youth Congress, Tibetan Women’s Association, National Democratic Party of Tibet, Students for a Free Tibet-India, and the International Tibet Network.

In a week-long advocacy campaign, Tibetan rights activists engaged with Indian lawmakers, emphasising the urgency of protecting Tibet’s cultural and religious heritage. Discussions also focused on mobilising strong parliamentary support for the Dalai Lama’s spiritual leadership and highlighting the deteriorating political and social conditions in Tibet.

The alliance welcomed the declaration Dr Lobsang Yangtso, a representative of the alliance, expressed appreciation for the enthusiastic and concrete support from Indian MPs, describing it as a clear message of support and solidarity to the Tibetan people.