DHARAMSHALA, MARCH 16: The Dalai Lama today called for an international investigation into the situation in Tibet, saying he was “deeply concerned” over the Chinese crackdown. But he disagreed with calls to boycott the Beijing Olympics, saying “China deserves to hold the Olympics, it is a matter of pride for the citizens of the country.”

Responding to Chinese allegations that he was masterminding the violence in Tibet, the Dalai Lama told reporters “I am happy they have found a scapegoat.”

“I think someone should go there and do a thorough investigation. Even I am not aware of the exact situation. I don’t know how many people have died. Some reports say 6, some say 10 and some say 100. All this ambiguity has to be cleared.”

“Ever since I have heard of Chinese authorities issuing a deadline of Monday midnight to protestors, I have had mental anguish which is akin to what I felt in 1959. On the one side are Chinese forces determined to suppress the revolt and, on the other, Tibetans are determined to resist them. I am deeply concerned,” he said.

An official spokesperson of the Tibetan government-in-exile has said that 80 people have been killed and 72 injured in the protests so far.

Expressing his “helplessness” over the situation in Tibet, the Dalai Lama said: “I remain committed to the non- violent cause. Also our position remains the same — that is, we are not looking for independence. We want meaningful autonomy where we can safeguard our heritage, culture and environment. But there is deep rooted resentment in Tibet as of now. I can say that 95 per cent of Tibetans are restive. I recently got a phone call from Tibet and was told not to ask them to stop. I am very worried and don’t know what will happen. Let us wait and see.”

He, however, said that Tibetans shouldn’t have any problems with the Olympics and disagreed with calls to call off the event in Beijing.

“China deserves to hold the Olympics. It is a matter of pride for the citizens of the country. It is very important for everyone. But at the same there are some genuine issues about human rights violations and suppression of freedom. I think the international community should remind them of their responsibility of being a good host.”

Replying to a question on whether the Chinese policy towards Tibet has become harsher ever since Hu Jintao became President, the Dalai Lama said: “I don’t think so, but surely ever since we have had the new Secretary to the Communist party, there has been a perceptible hardening of stance. The difficulty is that the Chinese forces in Tibet rely on using force to achieve stability. This can make things go out of hand.”

Commenting on his own role in Tibet’s struggle, he said: “There are two views. A section of Chinese think that the moment the Dalai Lama dies, we can settle Tibet issue once and for all. There is another view that the Dalai Lama is the only one whose voice is respected by everyone in Tibet. If he gets out of the way, things might go beyond control. So wait till I die.”

On the Indian government’s policy of reaching out to China, he said: “ The Government of India’s attitude towards the Tibetan cause has always been helpful and positive. Our relationship has to be viewed holistically and we cannot quibble about something in isolation. In fact, the relationship goes beyond politics. It is spiritual. If Tibetans regard India as home to Gautam Buddha, then Tibet is the abode of Lord Shiva.”