SARNATH, March 9: The Dalai Lama has urged the Indian government to mediate between Tibetans and the Chinese government to resolve the Tibetan problem peacefully. However, he sought to make it clear that total independence of Tibet was not on his agenda.
In his message issued on the 39th anniversary of the Tibetan uprising, the Tibetan spiritual leader said, ‘‘I am not seeking independence. I am seeking genuine self-rule to preserve Tibetan culture and civilization and enable Tibetans to handle all their domestic affairs and to freely determine their social, economic and cultural development.’’
He expressed the hope that the China would not have any objections in this regard. Expressing satisfaction over the growing support for the Tibetan cause in the US and Europe, he said India should undertake a diplomatic initiative to promote dialogue between Tibet and the China. The basic Indian policy vis-a-vis Tibet and China can and should play a constructive and influential role in resolving the problem,’’ hesaid.
‘‘It is clear that without peace and stability on the Tibetan plateau, it is unrealistic to believe that genuine trust and confidence can be restored in the Sino-Indian relationship.’’ he said.
The Dalai Lama said the United States had set a precedence of appointing a special coordinator for Tibetan affairs to facilitate a dialogue between Tibetans and recommended similar initiatives.
He however pinned his major hope on the Indian diplomatic initiative. The country was ‘‘a safe haven for Tibetan refugees and is a second home for them,’’ he added.