An anti-Dalai Lama ‘poster’ which popped up in Mcleodganj in Dharamshala, the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile, on October 13, sent shock waves through the community. Many dismissed it as the handiwork of the Shugden sect followers, traditionally inimical to the Dalai Lama, but Prof Samdhong Rinpoche, prime minister of the government-in-exile, sniffs a larger conspiracy. He spoke to S L Chaudhry.How do you and your government-in-exile regard the poster that appeared in Mcleodganj recently?First, a correction: there was no poster. There was a letter that was never circulated and the whole episode got blown out of proportion. The relationship between the Tibetans and the locals was amiable, and continues to be so.Whom do you attribute this letter to?We have concluded that nobody in Dharamshala was behind this letter. It was posted from Shimla in August.This is the first time a letter using such harsh language has appeared against the community and the Dalai Lama. Has it made the community uncomfortable?Yes. The language used in the letter dismayed us. Never before in the past have we come across such hatred. But I am convinced that locals had nothing to do with it. Nor are the Shugden followers involved. The language used by the writer was crude to say the least, and the Shugden followers are far too well educated for it. Personally, I see China’s hand in it. Are their disgruntled elements within the Tibetan diaspora? If yes, what steps has your government taken to assuage their feelings?Dissatisfied elements are a part of every community and there are some among us as well. We try our best to understand their apprehensions. Will there be a 15th Dalai Lama?Yes, there will be a 15th Dalai Lama and he will wear an additional halo of democracy.Is China’s assessment that the issue of Tibet’s freedom will die a natural death after the Dalai Lama correct?China is greatly underestimating the Tibetans if it thinks their freedom movement will die in the absence of the Dalai Lama. The struggle for independence derives its strength from unity amongst the people, and it will continue as long this flame burns bright.If you had to suddenly leave for Tibet under agreeable circumstances, would many Tibetans return?Hundred per cent of the population. There may be some well-established Tibetans who may want to stay back, but their number is limited.
