search

Tuesday 30 September 2014

Arunachal still wary of China despite lull in border tensions

Arunachal Pradesh has gone into a readiness to check any incursion from across the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Recent intelligence reports indicate Chinese army build-up in Tibet. Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, also a resident of the state, shares the concern.

He said: "Arunachal has been a great concern for all of us because of our security apparatus. In the past, we didn't have much security.

"We need to change that. We need to enhance our position and infrastructure. But we have a strong government. Our men are alert."

As the minister's convoy crosses the streets in Ziro, a small town, the streets are filled with children holding the tricolour. 

Citizens are aware of the persistent threat of China but have full faith in the Indian Army and the ITBP jawans guarding the border.

Taku Chakuing, a resident, says: "We are all Indians in Arunachal; there is call of jai hind all around. We are proud to be Indians but when transgression happens here, we feel scared and worried at times."

Another resident, Meena, says she feels safe.

"At least things are not as bad as that in Ladakh. Peace is fragile and history is bound to repeat."

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, in a reply to a parliamentary question in the recently-concluded session, China has indulged in 1,600 transgressions in the past five years.

The people of the state are hoping that 2013 scenario will not be repeated again.

China started trouble in Ladakh and then turned their attention to Chaglagam in Arunachal Pradesh and till now an uneasy calm prevails here.

Tuesday 23 September 2014

Why the Scottish Referendum was great for Tibet

Many Tibetans eagerly followed the Scottish independence referendum. Now the results are in and 55% of voters chose to stay with the U.K. We believe that this entire referendum process is a positive development for Tibet.

The many parallels between Scotland and Tibet are striking. The Scots are a proud highland nation with a long history, like Tibetans. The Scots number 5.3 million, to 6 million Tibetans. The U.K. depends on Scotland for many of its natural resources like oil, while China exploits Tibet’s minerals and hydro resources. The British military stations all its nuclear weapons in Scotland, while the Chinese military considers Tibet an important strategic base. Many English have an emotional attachment to the idea of their country including Scotland, while many Han Chinese currently cannot conceive of their country without Tibet.

The differences between Scotland and Tibet do not need stating: the Scots live in a democracy that respects human rights, Scotland has its own parliament and some autonomous powers, and no Scot has been sent to prison or tortured for nonviolently advocating independence or autonomy this century.

There are several reasons why the outcome of the Scottish referendum has been good for Tibet.

The very fact that the British government ever agreed to respect the outcome of the Scottish referendum is a stunning example of the very best in democracy and self-determination. Simply put: the British government was prepared to let Scotland go, if the Scottish people wanted to. And the democratic decision-making process over this monumental question did not lead to instability; ultimately it may have even strengthened the British union.

This is a shining example of how a civilized country respects the right to self-determination. Ultimately, it didn’t matter if “losing” Scotland would be economically, militarily, or emotionally hard for the U.K. That is because Scotland was not Britain’s to “lose” – Scotland belongs to the Scots, and it is their right to decide whether to stay or go. The rest of the U.K. can only try to convince the Scots to stay.

A few Chinese are apparently noticing this example. According to Foreign Policy:

Seemingly addressing the referendum -- and perhaps Beijing's propensity to quiet alleged separatists in western regions Tibet and Xinjiang with force -- one wrote pointedly, "there's nothing wrong with undertaking a referendum, without outside interference, to determine the future of a people." He applauded U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron's reliance on "persuasion, not mobilizing troops" as the only "civilized and respectable way" to maintain unity. Another user wondered aloud "why every time I hear about dissolution, it's outrageous, heinous, the end of the world. What's so wrong with splitting up?" One was indifferent to the vote's outcome, writing, "The fact that a people comprising one-third of the land mass of the existing country can vote on their own independence is already amazing."
However, Chinese government’s outlook on issue is clear as Premier Li Keqiang told British Prime Minister David Cameron that China wanted to see a "strong, prosperous and united United Kingdom". Dali Yang, professor of political science at the University of Chicago, is quoted in South China Morning Post as saying: "From the Chinese official perspective, the People's Republic of China has never been kind to the idea of such referendums for Taiwan or anywhere else within what's considered Chinese territory."

The Scottish referendum embodies the principle that the political ties that bind one people to another must be made through consent.

The corollary to this is that a civilized country knows it is not the end of the world if a people under its rule wants to secede. Life goes on, and maybe even better in the long run. (Think: even from China’s perspective, it “gave up” Mongolia and China is fine. Chinese nationalists gripe about a few Pacific islands but not about Mongolia. China has moved on.)

Internally among the Scottish people, it was exciting to see the impassioned debate between those supporting independence and those who wanted to remain within the U.K. While some anti-independence politicians were accused of fear-mongering, on the whole the debate was carried out with democratic vigor. It was especially interesting to see the Scottish National Party’s detailed blueprints on its vision for what an independent Scotland would actually look like.

Interestingly, the referendum only had one question: “should Scotland be an independent country?” Prime Minister Cameron took a calculated risk in not allowing a choice for greater Scottish autonomy. At the last minute as it looked like “yes” might prevail, London promised Scotland greater autonomy if “no” won. This meant that a “no” vote could have either supported the status quo or greater autonomy. From a democratic perspective, this muddied the water a bit, and shows the importance of having any referendum’s questions be set out with integrity.

The Scottish referendum also proves that a civilized country uses persuasion and incentives to convince a people to stay, rather than threats or military force. The three major U.K. political parties’ last-minute pledge promising greater devolution of power to the Scottish parliament very well could have decisively swung the tide of the vote to “no”. But this would not have happened if it didn’t look like “yes” was about to win.

That is why Time Magazine declared that the Scottish “independence movement has lost the vote but won the argument.” Thanks to the independence movement, led by the Scottish National Party, the status quo will change. London will have to carry through on its desperate, last-minute promise to devolve greater powers to Scotland.

The real winner in the Scottish referendum has not been the “yes” or “no” campaigns. The real winner has been the Scottish people. In exercising their right to self-determination, they (and they alone) have made their choice based on their own wishes and interests. One day surely the Tibetan people will do the same.

Thursday 18 September 2014

Xi Jinping 'open-minded and realistic': Dalai Lama

MUMBAI: As he engaged in talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping came in for praise from an unlikely quarter, exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, who described him as "open-minded" and "realistic". 

The Dalai Lama also said good India-China relations based on mutual trust will benefit not just Asia but the whole world. 

"Sino-Indian relations (build) on the basis of mutual trust are very important. Not only the whole of Asia, but the entire world can benefit from their (good) relations. Harmony can be brought by trust and not fear. 

"I have faith in the new leadership. He (Xi) is open-minded and his way of working is quite realistic," the 79-year-old Buddhist monk said while addressing a gathering here to mark the 108th Foundation Day of Indian Merchants' Chamber and its ladies' wing. 

He said Xi should take lessons from "strong" Indian democratic practices and the "oneness" in diversity. 

"India is a vast country with a huge population. Different parts of the country speak different languages, yet there is a sense of oneness among Indians. Democracy is practised strongly in the country and there is a free media. The Chinese president should learn these values from Indians," he said.
On the contentious border issue, he said it should be resolved through understanding and not by use of force. 

"Tibet's problem is also India's problem. Before 1950, there was not a single soldier on the northern border and it (the border) was peaceful. Sooner or later you have to solve the problem, not by force but by understanding. And understanding comes through talks," he said. 

Reacting to the detention of Tibetans by police following their protest against Xi's visit, the Dalai Lama said," Tibetans are law abiding citizens. But the rest is up to the Government of India."

Wednesday 17 September 2014

Majnu Ka Tila residents want PM, Xi to talk Tibet


NEW DELHI: New Aruna Nagar is dressed up in patriotic colours. A day before Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in the capital, Delhi's largest Tibetan resettlement colony at Majnu Ka Tila-with a population of about 5,000- is gearing up, with yellow-green flags (of Tibetan Youth Congress) being unfurled and posters with messages for Jinping dotting the colony walls and foot overbridges. 


It's an important day for the community as it desperately hopes that the new PM, Narendra Modi, will discuss the Tibet issue with Jinping. The youths here have been preparing for the meeting for a month now - they submitted a detailed memorandum articulating their concerns about human rights violations in Tibet to Modi last week. It pointed out that 130 Tibetans in the 17-35 age-group have self-immolated since February 2009. "We urge you, PM Modiji, to kindly speak up for Tibet," said the memorandum. 


The members of TYC have installed loudspeakers to reach out to the community about the big day and the protest rally they plan to hold from Ramlila Maidan to Jantar Mantar at 11am on Wednesday. They have no permission from police yet but they are not worried about being detained. "It's important that they talk about Tibet. The violation of the fundamental rights of speech and movement in Tibet needs to be discussed. If there were no violations, then why doesn't China allow independent international media to visit Tibet? It is an important security issue for India too as it has an extensive Indo-Tibet border where Chinese incursions are happening," said Tenzing Jigme (35), president of TYC. 


They are hopeful that India will stand with Tibet. "India has another reason to support Tibet-the Indian rivers that originate in the Tibetan plateau like Sutlej, Indus and Brahmaputra. They will not want to lose access to precious water sources," added Jigme. 


But many are worried over the recent comments by a Chinese expert, Ma Jiali from the Communist Party School in Beijing that Xi may urge Modi to not let Tibetans conduct any political anti-China activities. "We discussed these issues at the 15th Tibetan Parliament in Dharamshala. Let's see how the meeting goes," said one of the members. 


Unlike previous years when there was a massive clampdown on Tibetan settlements when Chinese leaders visited Delhi, on Tuesday there was hardly any police cover in the area. Tibetan Youth Congress, which has about 35,000 members globally, said they will ensure that at least a thousand members participate in the protest rally. Jinping's visit to India is also being observed as an international "day of action" when Tibetans in exile across the world will protest. About a hundred Tibetans will also protest in Ahmedabad when Jinping arrives there on Wednesday. 


The elders are a little emotional about the meeting. Most elders in Aruna Nagar voted for the first time in this Lok Sabha election. "India is our second motherland. I moved here in the 50s, right after I was born and I can't thank India enough for giving us shelter, education and jobs. I believe India and Tibet share the tolerance and spiritual values that China doesn't. So, I have a lot of expectations from the Indian government. It will do the best for Tibetan people both in India and Tibet," said Dorjee Tsering, an Aruna Nagar RWA member. Community members say their expectations are realistic. "We know that we may not get independence easily. We are now fighting for an autonomous status in China or what Dalai Lama calls the middle way approach," he added. 


Tobdan Tsering, cashier of the RWA who too voted this time, said: "We will be thankful if Modi raises the Tibet problem. Chinese authorities are torturing even (monks) in our monasteries."

Monday 15 September 2014

46 nations’ troops to come to Tibet: China

BEIJING: China's defence ministry will be taking 96 military officials from 46 countries to different places in Tibet. They will be shown military installations in the Chinese province bordering India from Friday onwards. 

The move, which is the first instance of military officials of a number of countries to restrictive areas of Tibet, is significant because it will happen during Chinese president Xi Jinping's visit to India and Sri Lanka. Xi is due to arrive in India for a 3-day visit on Wednesday. 

"The visit will enhance the officials' knowledge of the lives of the people of Tibet and promote cooperation between Chinese and foreign militaries," the official Xinhua said.

Saturday 13 September 2014

Tibet should be a core issue for India: Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay

Dharamshala: - Ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's maiden visit to India next week, Tibetan political leader Dr. Lobsang Sangay has said Tibet should a core issue for India and China and the resolution of Tibet issue is 'win-win' solution for the world's two most populous nations.

Top Indian and Chinese officials finalised President Xi Jinping's visit, including the programme and key issues to be discussed, amid indications that he may begin his tour in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state of Gujarat on 16 September. The final touches to next week's visit, the schedule of which was kept under wraps, were given by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval who met Mr Xi and handed over a personal letter from Mr Modi, according to the Times of India.

On being asked what the Tibetan administration hopes from the new India government during a recent interview with a national Indian daily, The Hindu, Tibetan political leader Dr. Lobsang Sangay said: "China says Tibet is a core issue, and for India and South Asia as a whole, Tibet should be a core issue, and the recognition of that is important."

"Our hope has always been that any Indian government should press on the Chinese government to resolve the issue peacefully through dialogue. Our stand has been the Middle Away approach, to seek autonomy within the framework of the Chinese constitution and within China," he added.

Responding to a question on the possibility of the Tibet issue being shelved in view of the importance PM Modi attaches on China, Sikyong said: "As far as Tibetans are concerned, we welcome any positive contact between India and China, and for India to have good relations with all countries, so in that sense, we don't want to be an obstacle in those relations. What Tibetans propose is a 'win-win' solution for China and India.

"The Middle Way is that, and it should in no way offend the Chinese government. We are not challenging the sovereignty or integrity of China, which they say is of paramount importance. We have implemented their concerns, and all we ask is that they implement their own laws. This is as moderate as we can get. We want to end the repression of Tibetans and give them autonomy, and we will not seek separation from China," Sikyong said.

Sikyong said the Tibetan leadership is not asking the Chinese government for a re-drawing of borders, but an administrative mechanism to bring all the Tibetan-inhabited areas under one single administration. Bringing all the Tibetans currently living in designated Tibetan autonomous areas within a single autonomous administrative unit is entirely in accordance with the Article 4 of the Chinese constitution and the Law on Regional National Autonomy. (Memorandum on Genuine Autonomy for the Tibetan People)

"Also under Chinese law it says Tibetan language should be encouraged, both as an official language and as a medium of instruction. But even Tibet University, schools are all in Chinese," he said.

"If you look at the administration, of the 15 members of the party politburo, 9 are Chinese, 2 more are half-Chinese. Party secretary has never been a Tibetan. As per 2002 survey in China, in the communist party of the TAR, 49% were Chinese. Since then that number has increased. 70% of restaurants, shops, taxi licenses are given to Chinese in Lhasa, 50% of the party membership, 40% of high school graduates are unemployed. This isn't autonomy," Sikyong added.

On being asked about hopes for future dialogue with the Chinese government, Sikyong said: "One should always be hopeful. Hope based on our own commitment, and I am sure the younger generation of Tibetans... will carry that commitment."

"Also the new generation of Chinese leaders...President Xi Jinping especially may decide to take another look at Tibet, since their policies don't seem to have resolved the issue. President Xi's father Xi Zhongxun in particular had a relationship and understanding of the Tibet issue. He has met with the Dalai Lama, and was very close to the Panchen Lama, and he wrote his biography. Hope that had some influence on his son. Xi Zhongxun was one of the most liberal leaders, and we have hopes from the son, Xi Jinping. It is still to seen if the son will have learned from the father. Hopefully he will review. He has shown boldness on corruption, in politics, hope he shows boldness on Tibet too," the Tibetan political leader said.

Responding to a question on the future of the Tibetan movement in India, Sikyong said: "Non-violence is an uncompromising part of our way. This will always be our official policy."

"Tibetans in India have always been law-abiding and peaceful. Because India has done the most for Tibetans, so we are eternally grateful. We must remember we are guests, and behave as honourable guests. In China, Tibetans are less than half a percent of the Chinese population....so non-violence isn't just wise, it is the most logical policy to have. Even when you speak of the self-immolations, not a single Chinese person or property has been harmed. These Tibetans are dying violent deaths, but it is not a violent act, as no one else is hurt," he said.

Friday 12 September 2014

OMG! China owns the power to appoint the next Dalai Lama???

BEIJING: Rejecting the Dalai Lama's views on ending the system of reincarnated Tibetan spiritual head, the Chinese government on Thursday said it will preserve the centuries old tradition among Tibetan Buddhists, saying it has the powers to appoint the next Dalai Lama. 

"The title of the Dalai Lama is conferred by the Chinese government," said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying. China had a "set religious procedure and historic custom", she said. 

"The 14th Dalai Lama has ulterior motives and is seeking to distort and negate history, which is damaging the normal order of Tibetan Buddhism," Hua told reporters at a briefing. 

The Dalai Lama, 79, recently told German newspaper Welt Am Sonntag that the tradition of the spiritual and temporal head of the Tibetans could end with him. He said Tibetan Buddhism wasn't dependent on a single person. He had earlier said he won't be reborn in China if Tibet wasn't free and that no country, including China, had the right to choose his successor "for political ends". 

The Dalai Lama's latest statement about an end to the tradition appears to have hurt the officially atheist Communist Party's plans to maintain peace and order in Tibetan-speaking areas, which is spread across five Chinese provinces. 

"China follows a policy of freedom of religion and belief, and this includes respect to and protection of Tibetan Buddhism," Hua said. 

In Tibetan Buddhism, senior-most Lamas can take years to identify a child deemed a reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama. The search is usually limited to Tibet. But there is fear in China that the next Dalai Lama may be identified from some born in a country other than Tibet or China, and possibly the US, which might further complicate the situation. 

The reincarnation debate first surfaced in 1995 after the Dalai Lama named a boy in Tibet as the reincarnation of the previous Panchen Lama, the second highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism, The boy has not been seen since although government officials say he is growing up like a normal Chinese kid. 

China chose another boy and appointed him the Panchen Lama. The Panchen Lama occasionally makes statements supportive of Beijing's policy on religious affairs.

Wednesday 10 September 2014

Dalai Lama Hints He May Not Have a Successor-WSJ

NEW DELHI—The Dalai Lama has suggested he may not have a successor, casting uncertainty on the choice of the next Tibetan spiritual leader, a subject of dispute between the Tibetan exile community and the Chinese government.

In an interview with German newspaper Welt am Sonntag, the Dalai Lama said he didn't think Tibetans needed a Dalai Lama anymore. "If a weak Dalai Lama comes along, then it will just disgrace the Dalai Lama," he said.

The 79-year-old Dalai Lama, who fled to India after a failed uprising against Chinese Communist rule in 1959, has indicated in the past that he could be the last in his line of highly revered spiritual leaders in the Tibetan community.

Tibetan exiles worry that Beijing, which has faced unrest from China's Tibetan minority, will push its own choice of successor after the Dalai Lama's death.

The Dalai Lama's remarks weren't categorical or conclusive and Robert Barnett, a Columbia University Tibet specialist, said the comments seemed more in line with a cultural tradition "whereby all lamas are expected to demonstrate diffidence about the question of their return as a kind of humility."

"The convention is that they are only able to return if their followers pray intently for them to do so," Mr. Barnett said.

Tenzin Taklha, a spokesman for the Dalai Lama, said the religious leader's latest comments represent his personal views on reincarnation and that a "final decision will be made by the Tibetan people."

The question of succession—which is traditionally decided through a centuries-old mystical process used to identify the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama—has become increasingly politicized.

China, which views the Dalai Lama as a separatist, has asserted its authority over the selection of reincarnated senior lamas, although the country's ruling Communist Party is officially atheist.

If the traditional selection process is followed in Tibetan parts of China, it would be controlled by the Chinese government.

The Dalai Lama has in the past spoken about breaking from the traditional process to find his successor outside Tibet and, perhaps, to nominate one himself during his lifetime.

Mr. Barnett said the Dalai Lama's remarks appear to be an attempt "to put pressure on the Chinese to come to a resolution on the question of Tibet."

Mr. Barnett also said that if the Dalai Lama made a definitive statement ending the centuries-old tradition of having a Dalai Lama, it could put the Chinese in a difficult position.

"If they defy the Dalai Lama's pronouncement and declare a Dalai Lama, Tibetans won't accept the person they appoint," Mr. Barnett said. "And if they don't appoint one, they will be seen as acting on the Dalai Lama's authority, which they don't want."

For years, experts have talked about the possibility of two competing Dalai Lamas—one chosen by Tibetans in exile, who are desperate for leadership of the kind that the current Dalai Lama has offered, and another by Chinese officials as they move to exercise greater control over Tibetan spiritual and political life.

In a statement in 2011, the current Dalai Lama said that when he reached around 90 years of age, he would consult with spiritual leaders and other Tibetans to "re-evaluate whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue or not." He said he would spell out clear instructions by which his successor would be chosen.

He said that "no recognition or acceptance should be given to a candidate chosen for political ends by anyone, including those in the People's Republic of China."

The current Dalai Lama—who is the 14th of his line—was born into a farming family in eastern Tibet, and was identified at the age of two after he passed certain tests, including identifying the 13th Dalai Lama's belongings, such as prayer beads.

Tibetans fear that a leadership vacuum after the Dalai Lama's death could hamper their movement and cause it to fragment.

Saturday 6 September 2014

Why the Dharamsala-Beijing talks failed

According to the pro-Beijing daily The Hindu, Wu Yingjie, the Deputy Secretary of the Tibetan Autonomous Region's Communist Party told a group of visiting Indian journalists that talks with the Dalai Lama were “ongoing and always smooth, but we are discussing only his future, not Tibet’s”. 

Wu who, last year, spent several months fire-fighting in Nagchu prefecture, would have added: "All Tibetans, including the Dalai Lama and the people around him, can return if they accept Tibet and Taiwan as part of China, and give up ‘splittist’ efforts.”
When asked about the now-broken talks with Dharamsala, Wu affirmed that the Tibetan demands were unacceptable. “How can the Dalai Lama demand that China withdraw its army from Tibet?”
Wu is probably not aware that in the Dalai Lama's Middle Path approach, Foreign Affairs and Defense remains with the Central Government (Beijing).
Or perhaps, he just bluffed the gullible Indian journalists. 
Regarding the Dalai Lama's return to Tibet, as early as 1981, the Dalai Lama had rejected the proposal as his fight was for 6 million Tibetans, not for his personal sake or future.
I quote from my book, The Negotiations that never were:

"The answer of the Chinese government to the Dalai Lama’s letter to Deng came in July 1981 when Gyalo Thondup visited Beijing. He had a meeting with the CCP General Secretary Hu Yaobang on July 28, 1981 during which the parameters of the future negotiations were given. 
From the Chinese side, this policy statement would guide all further talks; it only mentioned the status of the Dalai Lama and his future role in case he returned to the ‘motherland’. 
Here is the text of the Five-Point Communiqué from Beijing:

1. The Dalai Lama should be confident that China has entered a new stage of long term political stability, steady economic growth and mutual help among all nationalities.

2. The Dalai Lama and his representatives should be frank and sincere with the Central Government, not beat around the bush. There should be no more quibbling over the events in 1959.

3. The central authorities sincerely welcome the Dalai Lama and his followers to come back to live. This is based on the hope that they will contribute to upholding China's unity and promoting solidarity between the Han and Tibetan nationalities, and among all nationalities, and the modernization programme.

4. The Dalai Lama will enjoy the same political status and living conditions as he had before 1959. It is suggested that he not go to live in Tibet or hold local posts there. Of course, he may go back to Tibet from time to time. His followers need not worry about their jobs and living conditions. These will only be better than before.

5. When the Dalai Lama wishes to come back, he can issue a brief statement to the press. It is up to him to decide what he would like to say in the statement."

This was not acceptable to the Dalai Lama and his exiled administration. The Tibetan leader wanted to talk about the happiness and the fate of his 6 million countrymen, not about his own status. This issue would be a recurring obstacle during the years to come.

Thirty-three years later, Beijing has not changed its stance.
It is the reason why the 'negotiations that never were' failed.

Claude Arpi

Friday 5 September 2014

Dalai Lama: Things are changing for Tibet

The 79-year-old made the comments to Dateline during an interview for SBS’s Dateline to commemorate Tibetan Democracy Day.

“It is difficult, but things are changing,” he says on the subject of China, which invaded Tibet over 50 years ago and eventually forced the Dalai Lama to flee to India.

“I always looked, last 60 years, like Chairman Mao's era, I consider an era of ideology. Then, Deng Xiaoping - they find economy more important than just ideology. So, Deng Xiaoping's era concentrated on the economic field.”

“Now, in some ways, China becomes a capitalist country. Socialist country - socialist, just a name. So now, Xi Jinping era. There's not much choice, but to accept some liberalisation in political field.”

Tibetan Democracy Day marks 54 years since the first elections for exiled Tibetans, but their continued frustrations have been most evident recently through a wave of protesters setting fire to themselves.

“There is tremendous sadness about the restriction, about Tibetan religious study,” he told Dateline.

“In meantime, this act - self-burning - also uses some kind of sort of non-violence - such sort of people easily shoot other people or use explosives, but still, they restrain just to sacrifice their own life.”

“Strictly speaking from the Buddhist viewpoint, it ultimately depends on the motivation. The motivation thinking about Buddhism - then the action becomes very positive. If such action is carried full of anger, hatred, then negative.”

In a move which shocked most Tibetans, the Dalai Lama has now resigned as political leader of the Tibetan people, seeing his function as purely spiritual”

“It's an old, outdated sort of system, no matter how sacred. It's outdated, so I must act according to the first century's new reality,” he says regarding his decision to step down.

“From my childhood, I saw a lot from our old system. Ultimately, because power, in few people's hand - no independent judiciary, so since my childhood – very critical about this situation.”

But does he think he’ll even see Tibet again in his lifetime?

“Oh, quite definite. Things are changing,” he says simply.

See the story above and the full half hour interview on Dateline’s website.

Thursday 4 September 2014

I have not forgiven the Chinese: Major Vijay Singh Mankotia

Major Vijay Singh Mankotia speaks on the occasion of the 20 annversary celebration of the National Democratic Party of Tibet.
Expressing his full support to Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan cause for a free Tibet, a former minister of Himachal Pradesh said that the people of the world must speak for the just cause of the Tibetan people.

Major Vijay Singh Mankotia, vice-chairman of the Tourism Development Board of Himachal Pradesh, was speaking on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the founding of the National Democratic Party of Tibet.

“I took part in the 1962 war against China. I was a commissioned officer in the Indian army,” he said. “I have seen the atrocities committed on the Tibetans by the Chinese. I have not forgiven the Chinese for it.”

Major Mankotia said there is a huge list of Tibetan martyrs who have laid down their lives in Tibet for the Tibetan cause, and that even today Tibetans are fighting against the illegal regime of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

“If we [Indians] are the inheritors of the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi who had the moral courage and force to take on the might of the British Empire, then why don’t we speak up?” he wondered.

He felt that people of the world who do not uphold the cause of Tibet are betraying the cause of humanity at large.

“Those who are supporting His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the people of Tibet for their cause of a free Tibet — I salute them because they have the courage and the guts to stand up for what is right.”

Offering his views on democracy and political parties, the veteran politician said, “Democracy and its leadership must have credibility. Credibility comes from honesty and integrity of its leadership. Unless you have that, people will not have faith in you.”

He explained that the essential ingredients of a political party are credibility, accountability and transparency, and that to counter the very negative campaigns by China, the National Democratic Party of Tibet should have the right programmes, policy, propaganda, and publicity.

Former Kalon Tripa (Prime Minister of the Central Tibetan Administration) Samdhong Rinpohe and former Kalon (Minister) Kirti Rinpoche were the chief guests on the occasion.

The National Democratic Party of Tibet was founded in 1994 after the Dalai Lama suggested having political parties in Tibetan society. The party has 35 branches around the world with over 5,000 members.

Expressing his full support to Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan cause for a free Tibet, a former minister of Himachal Pradesh said that the people of the world must speak for the just cause of the Tibetan people.

Major Vijay Singh Mankotia, vice-chairman of the Tourism Development Board of Himachal Pradesh, was speaking on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the founding of the National Democratic Party of Tibet.

“I took part in the 1962 war against China. I was a commissioned officer in the Indian army,” he said. “I have seen the atrocities committed on the Tibetans by the Chinese. I have not forgiven the Chinese for it.”

Major Mankotia said there is a huge list of Tibetan martyrs who have laid down their lives in Tibet for the Tibetan cause, and that even today Tibetans are fighting against the illegal regime of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

“If we [Indians] are the inheritors of the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi who had the moral courage and force to take on the might of the British Empire, then why don’t we speak up?” he wondered.

He felt that people of the world who do not uphold the cause of Tibet are betraying the cause of humanity at large.

“Those who are supporting His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the people of Tibet for their cause of a free Tibet — I salute them because they have the courage and the guts to stand up for what is right.”

Offering his views on democracy and political parties, the veteran politician said, “Democracy and its leadership must have credibility. Credibility comes from honesty and integrity of its leadership. Unless you have that, people will not have faith in you.”

He explained that the essential ingredients of a political party are credibility, accountability and transparency, and that to counter the very negative campaigns by China, the National Democratic Party of Tibet should have the right programmes, policy, propaganda, and publicity.

Former Kalon Tripa (Prime Minister of the Central Tibetan Administration) Samdhong Rinpohe and former Kalon (Minister) Kirti Rinpoche were the chief guests on the occasion.

The National Democratic Party of Tibet was founded in 1994 after the Dalai Lama suggested having political parties in Tibetan society. The party has 35 branches around the world with over 5,000 members.
By Lobsang Wangyal

Wednesday 3 September 2014

His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Advice Concerning Dolgyal (Shugden)

Following long and careful investigations, His Holiness the Dalai Lama strongly discourages Tibetan Buddhists from propitiating the fierce spirit known as Dolgyal (Shugden). Although he once practised Dolgyal propitiation himself, His Holiness renounced the practice in 1975 after discovering the profound historical, social and religious problems associated with it. He did so with the full knowledge and support of his junior tutor, the late Kyabje Trichang Rinpoche through whom His Holiness first became associated with the practice. Even within the Geluk and Sakya schools – the Tibetan Buddhist traditions to which majority of Dolgyal practitioners belong – the propitiation of this spirit has been controversial throughout its history. Historical investigation reveals that Dolgyal practice, which has strong sectarian overtones, has a history of contributing to a climate of sectarian disharmony in various parts of Tibet, and between various Tibetan communities. Therefore, from 1975 onwards, His Holiness has regularly made public his view that this practice is inadvisable, based on the following three reasons:

1. The danger of Tibetan Buddhism degenerating into a form of spirit worship: Tibetan Buddhism originally evolved from the authentic and ancient tradition upheld at the great Indian monastic university of Nalanda, a tradition that His Holiness often describes as a complete form of Buddhism. It embodies the original teaching of the Buddha as developed through the rich philosophical, psychological and spiritual insights of such great Buddhist masters as Nagarjuna, Asanga, Vasubandhu, Dignaga and Dharamakirti. Since the great philosopher and logician Shantarakshita was instrumental in establishing Buddhism in Tibet in its earliest stages in the 8th century, philosophical enquiry and critical analysis have always been important hallmarks of Tibetan Buddhism. The problem with Dolgyal practice is that it presents the spirit Dolgyal (Shugden) as a Dharma protector and what’s more tends to promote the spirit as more important than the Buddha himself. If this trend goes unchecked, and innocent people become seduced by cult-like practices of this kind, the danger is that the rich tradition of Tibetan Buddhism may degenerate into the mere propitiation of spirits.

2. Obstacles to the emergence of genuine non-sectarianism: His Holiness has often stated that one of his most important commitments is the promotion of inter-religious understanding and harmony. As part of this endeavour, His Holiness is committed to encouraging non-sectarianism in all schools of Tibetan Buddhism. In this His Holiness is following the example set by his predecessors, especially the Fifth Dalai Lama and the Thirteenth Dalai Lama. Not only is a non-sectarian approach mutually enriching for all Tibetan Buddhist schools, but it is also the best safeguard against a rise of sectarianism that could have damaging consequences for the Tibetan tradition as a whole. Given the acknowledged link between Dolgyal worship and sectarianism, this particular practice remains a fundamental obstacle to fostering a genuine non- sectarian spirit within the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

3. Especially inappropriate in relation to the well-being of Tibetan society: Propitiating Dolgyal is particularly troublesome, given the Tibetan people’s present difficult circumstances. Textual and historical research demonstrates that the spirit Dolgyal arose out of hostility to the great Fifth Dalai Lama and his government. The Fifth Dalai Lama, who assumed both the spiritual and temporal leadership of Tibet in the 17th century, personally denounced Dolgyal as a malevolent spirit that arose out of misguided intentions and is detrimental to the welfare of beings in general and the Tibetan government headed by the Dalai Lamas in particular. The Thirteenth Dalai Lama and other respected Tibetan spiritual masters have also spoken out strongly against this practice. Therefore, in the current Tibetan context, in which unity among the Tibetan people is vitally important, engaging in this controversial and divisive propitiatory practice is inappropriate. His Holiness has strongly urged his followers to consider carefully the problems of Dolgyal practice on the basis of these three reasons and to act accordingly. He has stated that, as a Buddhist leader with a special concern for the Tibetan people, it is his responsibility to speak out against the damaging consequences of this kind of spirit worship. Whether or not his advice is heeded, His Holiness has made clear, is a matter for the individual. However, since he personally feels strongly about how negative this practice is, he has requested those who continue to propitiate Dolgyal not to attend his formal religious teachings, which traditionally require the establishment of a teacher-disciple relationship.

shared from: tibet.net

Lobsang Sangay-‘China trying to conceal reality of political repression in Tibet’

In blatant attack on China, Sikyong (Tibetan Prime Minister-in- exile) Lobsang Sangay on Tuesday said that the Communist government was concealing the reality of ongoing political repression in Tibet through a pre-meditated propaganda, painting an extremely pleasant and peaceful picture of Tibet. 

“A recently-held ‘2014 forum on Development of Tibet, China’ and it’s so- called Lhasa Consensus was yet another shot at concealing the reality of ongoing Chinese political repression in Tibet,” said Sangay while addressing a gathering of the exiled community on the 54th anniversary of Tibetan Democracy Day. 

The day commemorates the taking over of office by members of the first Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile on September 2, 1960.

The recent dreadful event of Chinese police firing on demonstrators in a Tibet village, Sangay said, represents the denial of basic human rights and depicts ‘misrepresented’ and ‘inaccurate’ statement in the consensus. 

Extending warm greetings to fellow Tibetans on the occasion, Sangay said that spiritual leader the Dalai Lama’s vision of democracy has been transformative experience for Tibetans. “We express our heartfelt gratitude to His Holiness Dalai Lama for granting the Tibetan people the precious gift of democracy,” said Sangay. 

“The gift of democracy given to us by the Dalai Lama has provided us with a voice and the power to influence our own future. We must ensure our compatriots in Tibet enjoy the similar rights to live in freedom and with dignity,” he added. 

On the half- a-century-old Tibetan struggle for freedom, Sangay said, “We will never lose hope and will continue our non-violent struggle till His Holiness can be once again reunited with our brothers and sisters in Tibet”.

Tuesday 2 September 2014

TYC expels executive members of eight regional chapters

DHARAMSHALA, August 29: The largest pro- independence group of the Tibetan Diaspora has stripped executive members of eight of its regional chapters off their TYC membership for undermining the integrity of the organization.

The Tibetan Youth Congress, which recently concluded its 45th Working Committee Meeting in Gangtok, said that the executive members of those regional chapters that engaged in “divisive and disruptive acts have caused immense detriment to the unity of our organization and more importantly our struggle.”

“Thus a resolution has unanimously been passed stating that from this 45th Working Committee meeting onwards, the executive members of the eight regional chapters which participated in violation of TYC’s rules and regulations will not be recognized as TYC members,” the TYC president Tenzin Jigme said at a press conference today.

The eight RTYCs - Bangalore, Bylakuppe, Mundgod, Hunsur, Kollegal, Dalhousie, Pandoh and Ladakh, during a special general meeting of the TYC here had quit the meeting, demanding that the TYC change its stand of independence to Middle Way Approach, a policy pursued by the Tibetan government in exile.

TYC Centrex also noted that in one year, they have tried every possible means to reach out to the eight chapters and engage them into a dialogue but did not receive any positive response from them.

Calling it “undemocratic and unreasonable”, TYC further denounced the actions of the executive members of the eight regional chapters which had met in Mysore last year and passed 17 resolutions including amendment to the TYC aims and objectives, making of new identity cards, and removing of the Tibetan word for regional (Sa Gnas) from their names.

TYC Gen. Secretary clarified that the TYC membership of the individual executive members were terminated during the 45th Working Committee Meeting and not the recognition of the eight regional chapters.

The eight chapters also boycotted the 45th Working Committee Meeting in Gangtok earlier this month despite being invited for the meeting, the TYC said. However, TYC President expressed that the matter will be resolved soon with the election of new board members in some of the chapters among those eight and appealed them to continue to be a part of the organization and work for the common cause of Tibet.

Monday 1 September 2014

Tibet's Exile Government Rejects Beijing's Claim of Dalai Lama Return Talks

tibet-lama-aug2014.gif
The head of Tibet's government-in-exile has rejected a claim by Chinese authorities that the Dalai Lama is in talks with Beijing through his envoys about the possibility of his return to Tibet.

But Lobsang Sangay, the political leader of the India-based Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), left open the possibility of any official dialogue between the two sides aimed at bringing about a resolution to the Tibet question.

"As we have always been transparent, right now there isn’t any official contact or dialogue taking place [with the Chinese leadership]," Sangay told RFA's Tibetan Service.

"If dialogues are to take place, as we stressed earlier, it would be between the envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and representatives of the new Chinese leadership," he said. "It has been like this before and will remain like this in the future."

China’s government in the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) claimed last week that the Dalai Lama, Tibet's spiritual leader, was in discussions with Beijing through his “personal envoys” but the talks were only about the possibility of his return to Tibet.

Wu Yingjie, the deputy secretary of the ruling Chinese Communist Party's Committee for Tibet, had told a group of Indian journalists on a special visit to the TAR capital Lhasa that the talks with the Dalai Lama were “ongoing and always smooth, but we are discussing only his future, not Tibet’s.”

“All Tibetans, including the Dalai Lama and the people around him, can return if they accept Tibet and Taiwan as part of China, and give up ‘splittist’ efforts,” The Hindu newspaper of India quoted Wu as saying. He claimed that many Tibetan leaders in exile had chosen to return to Tibet in recent years.

The Dalai Lama fled into exile in India in the midst of a failed national uprising in Tibet against Chinese occupation in 1959, and the Chinese government has repeatedly accused exiled Tibetans, including the Dalai Lama, of stoking dissent against its rule ever since.

Talks held on Tibet’s status between envoys of the Dalai Lama and Beijing stalled in January 2010. There has been no progress in the discussions since then despite calls from U.S. President Barack Obama and other world leaders for a resumption of the Sino-Tibetan dialogue.

"If we receive a signal from the Chinese side and a conducive environment is created for possible dialogue, then our side can easily appoint the envoys [for the talks]," Sangay said.

"We attach more importance to the substance than form of the dialogue," he said. "So, the most important objective is to resolve the Tibet issue.”

Optimistic

The Dalai Lama had always said he remained optimistic he would be able to return to Tibet, citing political reforms that have taken place over the last few decades.

But he is reviled by some Chinese leaders as a dangerous separatist who seeks to split the formerly self-governing region from Beijing's rule.

The Dalai Lama says he seeks only a meaningful autonomy for Tibet as a part of China, with protections for the region’s language, religion, and culture under his "Middle Way" approach.

When asked by RFA whether the Dalai Lama’s return to Tibet would solve the Tibet issue, Sangay said, "There are several possibilities."

"Whatever is the most realistic and practical approach, we pursue that.”

“Ninety-nine percent of the Tibetan people aspire and dream for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s return to Tibet. My hope for that becoming a reality is still strong," he said.

"We have made consistent efforts at the international stage for the realization of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s return and for the restoration of Tibetan freedom, and recognize the unflinching spirit of Tibetans inside Tibet," Sangay said.

Sangay, a Harvard-educated lawyer, was elected Tibet’s exile political leader in 2011 after the Dalai Lama relinquished his political role as the leader of the government-in-exile, ending a tradition spanning centuries of the Dalai Lamas holding both spiritual and political authority.