National

Swamy wants Dalai Lama’s visit rescheduled

CHENNAI: Janata Party president Subramanian Swamy has urged the Union government to reschedule the Dalai Lama’s proposed visit to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, as what was a religious trip had assumed political overtones.

In a statement, Dr. Swamy said the Tibetan Bureau’s request for visas for a sizeable contingent of foreign journalists was inconsistent with the religious purpose of the visit.

The proposed visit was also complicated with the so-called Exile Government of Tibet in Dharamshala reportedly declaring that Tawang was not part of India but of “free” Tibet, he said.

Noting that the statement was ominous for India-China relations, Dr. Swamy urged the Centre to reschedule the Dalai Lama’s visit to a later date when a quiet pilgrimage could be hosted for the spiritual leader.

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