Tibetans losing their identity: Dalai Lama

“In Tibet, repression continues to increase with numerous, unimaginable and gross violation of human rights, denial of religious freedom and the politicisation of religious issues. All these take place as a result of the Chinese Government’s lack of respect for the Tibetan people,” he alleged. The Dalai Lama, winner of the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize, urged the Chinese Government to bring an immediate halt to such policies.

Touching upon the issue of his criticism by the Chinese authorities, the Dalai Lama said, “The Chinese Government severely criticises me when I raise questions about the welfare of the Tibetan people before the international community. Until we reach a mutually beneficial solution, I have historical and moral responsibility to continue to speak out freely on their behalf. However, I have been in semi-retirement since the political leadership of the Tibetan diaspora has been directly elected by the general Tibetan populace.”

Quoting the words of Chinese President Hu Jintao that “the stability in Tibet concerns the stability of the country and the safety in Tibet concerns the safety of the country”, the Dalai Lama said the Chinese leadership must ensure the well-being of Tibetans, improve the work related to religions and ethnic groups and maintain social harmony and stability. The statement of President Hu conforms to reality and we look forward to its implementation, he added.

Though the Dalai Lama supported the holding of Olympic Games by China, he added that such international sporting events like the Olympics upholds the principles of freedom of speech, freedom of expression, equality and friendship and China should prove itself a good host by providing this freedom.

Despite the fact that previous rounds of talks between the Chinese authorities and his envoys to find a solution to Tibet issue have yielded no concrete results, the Dalai Lama said, “My stand and determination to pursue the middle-way policy and to continue our dialogue with the Chinese Government remain unchanged.”

The Dalai Lama said though areas inhabited by the Tibetans were referred to by the names of autonomous region, autonomous prefectures and autonomous counties, “they are autonomous in name only, and have no real autonomy”.