We are India’s first line of defence but Han influx a grave threat: Dalai Lama

In an exclusive interview with The Indian Express, the Dalai Lama sounded a note of caution for New Delhi, saying Tibetans were the “first line of defence” for India all along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) but this situation may completely change with the huge influx of Han Chinese all set to alter Tibet’s demographic profile.

While he has taken note of the UPA government’s recent circular asking Cabinet Ministers to stay away from the functions he attends, the Dalai Lama urged New Delhi to take up the case of “meaningful autonomy” with Beijing as “it is ultimately a matter of safety of the 4,000-km long border from Arunachal Pradesh to Ladakh.”

On his succession, the Dalai Lama said a “female Dalai Lama can be very effective” in serving the Buddhist religion and there have been instances of female lamas in the last seven hundred years of Tibetan history. Making clear that his successor, boy or girl, would be chosen from outside Tibet, he appeared amenable to the idea of choosing his successor “before his death” as per Tibetan tradition.

“Way back on March 10, 1969, I had said that it was time for the Tibetan people to decide whether to continue with the institution of Dalai Lama... In 1992, I was willing to hand over legal authority for certain degrees of freedom in Tibet... Since 2001, I am in a semi-retirement position with all political authority now vested in the government-in-exile... I am now looking forward to complete retirement,” the Dalai Lama said.

He said it was for the Tibetan people to decide on the method for his succession. This included the following: Like the Pope is appointed by the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church on the principles of seniority or a reincarnation being recognised before his death or the traditional manner.

But given the earlier controversy over the succession of the Panchen Lama and Beijing’s recent diktat that makes it mandatory for all reincarnate lamas to be officially recognised by the Chinese government, the Dalai Lama fears Beijing will complicate his succession. “Just like the Panchen Lama succession, the Chinese will also choose an official Dalai Lama... so there will be two Dalai Lamas, one chosen and other official... similar to two Panchen Lamas... But the real Dalai Lama will have a Tibetan heart and my people will not accept the official Dalai Lama,” he said.

... contd.