China Choking Tibet Culturally: Dalai Lama

Dalai Lama addressing the media

DHARAMSALA: The Dalai Lama told reporters on Sunday afternoon that despite the protests he still wanted to walk the middle ground, seeking autonomy, and not independence, for Tibet (Watch http:// broadband.indiatimes.com/videoshow/2870975.cms).

He said he would continue to support the 2008 Beijing Olympics, despite the current tension and unrest in Tibet. However, he added that China needs to show “it is a good host”.

He said Tibet should lean on China for material growth. However, culturally, Tibetans should be free to follow their traditions. He said China was relying on force to bring peace, but peace can only be achieved if “it comes from the heart of people”. Currently, China had put restrictions on monasteries and imposed “political education”, choking Tibet culturally. “(Watch: China has put lot of restrictions on Tibetans) http://broadband.indiatimes.com/videoshow/ 2871148.cms

He said there had been six round table conferences between China and his envoys since February 2002. However, China had started hardening its position on the Tibet issue from 2006, besides intensifying its criticism against him.

Earlier in an interview to the BBC Dalai Lama had claimed he had received reports that the death toll from the violent anti-China protests in Lhasa may be as high as 100.

Acknowledging that the figure for those killed could not be verified, the Dalai Lama said he feared more deaths in Tibet unless Beijing changed its policies towards the Chinese-controlled Himalayan region. (Watch: Visuals of Tibetan protests in Lahsa) http://broadband.indiatimes.com/videoshow/2871541.cms

He said he had “grave concerns” over the Friday’s protests in Lhasa city, the fiercest in two decades which, according to official Chinese media, claimed at least 10 lives.

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