Want autonomy for Tibet, not independence: Dalai Lama

Jammu, July 14

The Buddhist spiritual leader, Dalai Lama, on Thursday said that he hadn’t been seeking Tibet’s independence but a meaningful autonomy within China along with preservation of Tibetan culture. “More and more Chinese people have begun to realise that,” he said while talking to mediapersons outside a hotel in Jammu where he got a rousing welcome by people, especially Ladakh students, despite rain.

He is scheduled to leave for Leh on Friday for his one-month stay in Ladakh. Asked about China’s objection to his earlier visits to Ladakh, the 87-year-old spiritual leader said, “This is usual. Not Chinese people but some hardliners consider me as separatist and reactionary. Now, more and more Chinese are showing interest in the Tibetan Buddhism. Some of the Chinese scholars realise that the Tibetan Buddhism is a scientific religion. Things are changing now.”

A large number of Ladakh students and other people gathered in front of the hotel where the Dalai Lama stayed for Thursday night. Tight security arrangements have been made in Ladakh for his visit. He will go in isolation for one week and then he will deliver sermons in the Choglamsar area of Leh.

Earlier this month, China criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for greeting the Dalai Lama on his 87th birthday, saying India should stop interfering in its internal affairs.

India had rejected the criticism, asserting that it was a consistent policy to treat the Dalai Lama as an honoured guest. His Ladakh visit comes two days before India and China are scheduled to meet for their 16th Corps Commander-level talks for easing tensions along the Line of Actual Control.

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Not Chinese people but some hardliners consider me as separatist and reactionary. Things are changing now as Chinese are showing interest in Tibetan Buddhism. — Dalai Lama