‘Threats to Dalai Lama life being taken seriously’

Threats to the Dalai Lama's life are being taken seriously by security agencies and steps are being taken to foil any possible attempt on his life, including through "drugs and poisonous chemicals", Tibetan government-in-exile said on Sunday.

In a statement after the Kashag (Tibetan cabinet) met in the wake of the spiritual leader's remarks on threat to his life from Chinese agents, spokesman of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) said "the security of His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a matter of great concern".

Accusing the Chinese government of launching an "unprecedented offensive campaign" against the Dalai Lama in Tibet and also during his visits outside India, the Tibetan authority said although the Dalai Lama "takes security threat to his person lightly, there are many threats to his well-being that the security agencies are obliged to take seriously".

"According to reports received from Tibet in June 2010, Chinese intelligence agencies are making concrete plans to harm His Holiness by employing well-trained agents, particularly females. It is also learnt that they are exploring the possibility of harming him by using ultra-modern and highly sophisticated drugs and poisonous chemicals. In another report received in October 2011, it is also learnt that Chinese intelligence agencies have stepped up their clandestine efforts to collect intelligence on the status of His Holiness's health," said Tashi, Secretary for Information and spokesman of the CTA.

Minister for Security Ngodup Dongchung said steps were being taken to counter these threats, including use of chemical detectors in the Dalai Lama's security.

The administration said it "is grateful to the Government of India for the efficient security arrangements" provided to the Dalai Lama.

CRPF Deputy Commandant arrested for taking bribe

New Delhi: THE CBI on Sunday arrested a Deputy Commandant of the CRPF for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 1 lakh from a representative of firms for getting the companies listed on the police canteen. Deputy Commandant Manmeet Pokhariyal, posted at Central Police Canteen at Lodhi Road, had allegedly demanded Rs 1 lakh for getting his firms listed on the canteen, according to CBI press information officer R K Gaur. Once the firms were listed, Pokhariyal allegedly started demanding bribe for extending the favour, he said. The representative approached the CBI with a complaint against the officer which registered a case under the relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. A court later remanded the officer in judicial custody for a day.

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