In exile, they keep fingers crossed

About Kailash Mansarover, he is of the opinion that most of the devotees have always been from the Indian side and they enjoy free passage for the pilgrimage there. ‘‘Today, if China agrees to extend a similar package, it is no big deal,’’ he added.

Any dialogue between India and China for the peace and security of the region should be welcomed, he concluded, adding: ‘‘Atalji is our strongest ally and I am hopeful that the issue of Tibet will surely be articulated by him. Whether it finds a special mention in the media or not does not matter.’’

Thupten Samphal, secretary, Department of Information and International relations, also sounds a cautious yet hopeful note. The Dalai Lama and the central Tibetan Administration, he said, believes that improvement in relations between India and China can ensure enduring peace and stability for Asia.

‘‘Complicated issues pending for more than half a century can’t be expected to be resolved instantly, so we must have patience,’’ he said, adding that he is sure this visit would pave the way for a meaningful dialogue between the Dalai Lama and the Chinese leadership for the re-establishment of Tibet as a zone of peace.

But not everyone is as upbeat. Some, like Kalsang Phuntsok, president of the Tibetan youth Congress (TYC), are convinced that ‘‘China is once again hoodwinking India.’’ ‘‘It Tibet is not discussed, the security and stability of this region will always remain under a cloud,’’ he said.

The dialogue is the talking point even in the streets of McLoedganj. Sonam, a shopkeeper, said he is disappointed that Vajpayee is yet to raise the Tibetan issue with the Chinese leadership.

Dekey, a young entrepreneur, also echoes his sentiments.‘‘I am disappointed that Vajpayee, our strongest sympathiser and supporter all these decades, has not voiced our expectations.’’