Chinese claims rebuffed

TAWANG, Nov 8 – Arriving in this border town to a rousing reception on a visit resented by China, the Dalai Lama today rebuffed it for objecting to his trip to Arunachal Pradesh and expressed surprise over its claims to Tawang, a revered seat of Buddhism. The 74-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader, who is visiting this remote north-eastern state after a gap of six years drawing international attention in the wake of Chinese protests, also rejected Beijing’s charge he was encouraging a separatist movement calling it baseless. The Nobel Laureate characterised his “emotional” visit to Tawang, which has strong ties to Tibet, as non-political.

“It is totally baseless on the part of the Chinese Communist Government to say that I am encouraging a separatist movement. My visit to Tawang is non-political and aimed at promoting universal brotherhood and nothing else,” he said.

The Dalai Lama said the People’s Liberation Army of China had occupied Tawang and nearly reached Bom Dila during the Sino-India war in 1962.

“But the then Chinese Government declared a unilateral ceasefire and withdrew (its forces). Now the Chinese have got different views. This is something which I really don’t know. I am a little bit surprised,” he said in a clear reference toChinese claims over Tawang.

The Dalai was talking to newsmen after opening a museum at the 400-year-old Tawang Monastery here.

China has strongly objected to the Dalai Lama’s visit and in recent days it has stepped up rhetoric claiming Tawang and whole of Arunachal as part of their country.

He said there was no point in holding talks with China on the Tibet issue unless Beijing spells out its policy on it.

“It is quite usual for China to step up campaigning against me wherever I go,” he added. – PTI