Tibet govt-in-exile wants India to do more
In what could cause the government some embarrassment, the Tibetan government-in-exile has urged India to have Tibet as one of its “core issues” and even speak frankly and forcefully to China on Tibet.
India has deftly walked the tight-rope on Tibet over the years. While it opened its arms to the Dalai Lama and the thousands of Tibetans who have had to flee their homeland over the decades giving them refuge, it has maintained that the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) is a part of China.
Further, while India has extended all possible assistance to Tibetan refugees here, it has drawn the line as far as anti-China political activities are concerned. However, beginning Wednesday, the Cabinet and Parliament-in-Exile of the Central Tibetan Administration will be hold a four-day Tibetan People’s Solidarity Campaign in the capital.
The aim of this gathering will be to draw the world’s attention to the grave situation within Tibet where 99 Tibetans have immolated themselves since 2009 to protest against Chinese repression, said Dr Lobsang Sangay, Prime Minister of the government-in-exile. The Harvard-educated Dr Sangay said: “ India has done the most for Tibetan people. If we succeed, it will be because of India. And if we fail also I think....” While he didn’t say it in as many words, it was clear that he believes that the efforts of the Tibetan people to seek autonomy for their homeland can come to nought without India’s backing. Calling India the “guru” in that Tibetan Buddhism has its roots in Nalanda, Dr Sangay said the “ guru ought to support the chela (disciple) because if we fail it will reflect on the guru. He added, “As a guest, we’re being a little selfish and asking if the Indian government could do a little more.”
At the same time, he was careful to qualify his words saying it was a request and not a demand from the Indian government.
According to Dr Sangay, with China saying that Tibet is a core issue for it, India too needs to treat it as a core issue for various reasons particularly national security. Mr Sangay acknowledged the help Tibetans have got from the government and the Indian people.
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