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Dalai Lama lashes out at China
10/03/2008 12:41 - (SA)
Dharamshala - Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Monday attacked China's human rights record, accusing it of "unimaginable and gross violations" in his Himalayan homeland.
"Repression continues to increase with numerous, unimaginable and gross violations of human rights, denial of religious freedom and politicisation of religious issues," he told hundreds of flag-waving supporters on the 49th anniversary of his escape to India after an abortive uprising in Lhasa.
The Nobel Peace Prize winner's angry comments came in a speech in the northern Indian town of Dharamshala and contrasted sharply with what his critics say has been a "soft" approach on China.
"For nearly six decades Tibetans have had to live in a state of constant fear under Chinese repression," he said.
"All these take place as a result of the Chinese government's lack of respect of the Tibetan people," the 72-year-old told the gathering from his palace in this seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile.
The Dalai Lama said, however, that he would not abandon his call for autonomy in Tibet even though six rounds of talks with the Chinese since 2002 have yielded little result.
A golden opportunity
"During the past few years, Tibet has witnessed increased repression and brutality. In spite of these unfortunate developments my stand and determination to pursue the 'Middle-Way' policy remain unchanged," he said.
Despite widespread frustration among the younger generation at China's stranglehold on Tibet, the Dalai Lama remains the unquestioned spiritual leader of the diaspora.
He also said August's Beijing Olympics could be a golden opportunity for the international community to expose China, which has ruled Tibet since 1951, over its treatment of Tibetans.
"Besides sending their athletes, the international community should remind the Chinese government of these issues.... China should prove herself a good host by providing these freedoms," he added.
Samdhong Rinpoche, prime minister in the government-in-exile, also lambasted China and backed the Dalai Lama's calls for autonomy - a demand which many younger Tibetans say is just not enough.
'True aspirations'
"We do not have any hidden agenda or issues than the basic demand that they (Beijing) should implement conditions of national regional autonomy as set forth in the constitution of China," Rinpoche said.
The attack on China coincided with a symbolic march home by 100 Tibetans as part of pro-independence protests ahead of the Beijing Olympics.
The organisers refused to reveal where any attempt would be made to cross the border but added it could take up to six months to reach the Tibetan capital Lhasa.
"This march reflects the true aspirations of Tibetans inside Tibet and in exile and this will send a strong message to China that Tibetans will fight the illegal occupation of our land," said Tsewang Rigzin, Tibetan Youth Congress president.
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