A six-day conference of about 600 top Tibetan leaders from around
the world was held in Dharamsala (Himachal Pradesh) last month to
discuss and chart out a new course of Tibetans’ movements.
The outcome has been ‘as you were’. The formality of
showing fidelity towards Dalai Lama was tamely and faithfully carried
out.Dalai Lama insisted his ‘middle path’(which is a
demand for genuine autonomy and not independence) to be pursued.
Some speakers said “other alternatives could not be ruled
out if the middle path fails to materialize."
The ‘Indian Express' has commented editorially as under:
“In a year when China showed its clout by having the Olympic
torch run around the world stay mostly untouched by Tibetan protests
and cracking down on the uprising in Lhasa, there had been palpable
a strong current of unease amongst exiled leaders. The question
they have confronted all this year is whether they need to be less
conciliatory in seeking negotiations with China for “meaningful
autonomy” for Tibet. In fact, whether they should abandon
the quest for autonomy and begin a movement for outright independence.
In other words, whether they should dump the Dalai Lama’s
long-standing—and globally applauded—middle path.’
AUTONOMY, NOT INDEPENDENCE
In the end, the Dharamsala meet affirmed adherence to the
Dalai Lama’s way, in non-violent methods and in aiming for
autonomy for Tibet, not independence from China. They channelled
their frustration with China by saying the talks should be suspended
till Beijing shows more goodwill in taking the negotiations forward.
This is reassuring. The Dalai Lama, for his part, said later that
he was not thinking of retirement. He is 73, and recent ailments
had set off rumours that he may opt for a less hectic public schedule).
DETERMINED TO REMAIN NON-VIOLENT
The Dalai Lama’s great success has been to make his movement
as diplomatically non-threatening as possible for, primarily, his
host country, India, and for major Western powers that weigh in
for the cause of provincial autonomy for Tibet. By counselling non-violence
to his supporters and by not undermining the territorial integrity
of China, he has kept his interactions with global leaders and governments
civil and undemanding. He has this way, too, kept his supporters’
demands slients. Good they have recognised this after a week of
introspection.”
CHINA’S COMMENTS
China has asked India not to allow ‘splittist’
acts by Dalai Lama. It has reminded India to honour its promise
not to permit activities ‘aimed at’ splitting China
teroritoty. “Any attempt to plan or be involved in this meeting
cannot represent the vast majority of the Tiberan people and their
attempt will get nowhere" is the terse Chinese comment.
INDIA'S ATTITUDE
The Dalai Lama termed India’s attitude to Tibet issue
‘Overcautious’. However, he admitted that India has
its own compulsions, but India has been a wonderful help and support
over the years. "In fact I always say that India is the guru
to Tibet. It the Tibet issue is resolved, both India and China shall
gain enormously," he said.
