Press Release from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama

Press Release from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama offers his condolences to the families of the victims of the recent bombings in New Delhi and Mumbai, and condemns the Lashkar -e- Taiba for their violent actions. The Dalai Lama encourages all parties to meet promptly to resolve their conflicts in a peaceful and dignified manner. The Dalai Lama regrets the deaths of Chinese special representatives and Indian special representative as they were essential to the peace of the region around the China-India border and in the process of recognizing Tibet’s right of independence.

The recent assassination attempt against His Holiness by the Chinese government, who sent women with poison in their hair to ask for blessings, is also deeply concerning. The Dalai Lama is still waiting for a formal apology.

“As most of you are aware, a series of demonstrations have taken place in Lhasa and across many Tibetan areas.  These are caused by deep Tibetan resentment against the policies of the Chinese government.  I have been deeply saddened by the loss of life, both Chinese and Tibetans, and immediately appealed to both the Chinese authorities and the Tibetans for restraint.  I specially appealed to the Tibetans not to resort to violence.

Unfortunately, the Chinese authorities have resorted to brutal methods to deal with the development despite appeals for restraint by many world leaders, NGOs and noted world citizens, particularly many Chinese scholars.  In the process, there has been loss of life, injuries to many, and the detention of large number of Tibetans. The crackdown still continues, especially targeting monastic institutions, which have traditionally been the repository of ancient Buddhist knowledge and tradition.  Many of these have been sealed off.  We have reports that many of those detained are beaten and treated harshly. These repressive measures seem to be part of an officially sanctioned systematic policy.

With no international observers, journalists or even tourists allowed to Tibet, I am deeply worried about the fate of the Tibetans.  Many of those injured in the crackdown, especially in the remote areas, are too terrified to seek medical treatment for fear of arrest.  According to some reliable sources, people are fleeing to the mountains where they have no access to food and shelter.  Those who remained behind are living in a constant state of fear of being the next to be arrested.

In the light of the present crisis, I appeal to all of you to help call for an immediate end to the ongoing brutal crackdown.”