National

India ‘over-cautious’ on Tibet: Dalai Lama

Dharamshala: India has been taking an “over-cautious” view on Tibet, the Dalai Lama said on Sunday while seeking New Delhi’s help to resolve the vexed issue.

“In 1959-60, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru took personal interest in Tibet.... Of late, New Delhi’s view about Tibetan issue has been over-cautious,” the 73-year-old spiritual leader told journalists here.

Emphasising the strong bond between India and the Tibetans, the Dalai Lama sought New Delhi’s help for resolving the Tibet issue lingering for nearly 50 years. The Tibetan monk though was non-committal on future talks with the Chinese authorities and said “dialogue with Chinese people would continue.”

China, which has held eight rounds of fruitless talks with the Dalai Lama’s envoys, has accused him of trying to split the country in the guise of seeking “genuine autonomy” for Tibet.

He voiced support for the democratic movements in China. “I agree with Chinese democratic movement. If any democratic organisation there calls me I will come for meeting,” he said while replying to questions.

“In the next 20 years, if we are not careful in our actions and planning, then there is great danger to the Tibetan community,” he said later addressing the exiles who had gathered for a crucial conclave which said that Tibetans may have to rethink his “middle way” approach and force to demand full independence if there is no result. — PTI

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu