Expecting another condemnation from China! Dalai Lama to visit J&K and Ladakh next week

New Delhi, Jul 8: His Holiness Dalai Lama is expected to visit the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir as well as Ladakh on Jul 14 and 15 respectively. In consideration of the previous statements issued by China, regarding the visit by any Tibetan leader to Indian regions of Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, it is certainly expected that Beijing will repeat the pattern.

 

 

 

 

Dalai Lama is expected to visit the famous Thiksay monastery in Leh and a border region where Chinese troops had put up banners on their side of the LAC in Jul last year, asking people not to celebrate the spiritual leader’s birthday. The External affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Thursday (Jul 7) dismissed China’s criticism of the Indian prime minister greeting the Dalai Lama on his birthday on Wednesday, and said the Tibetan leader was an “honoured guest”.

 

Also read: China fumes over PM Modi-Dalai Lama talk, India gives befitting reply

 

 

 

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called Dalai Lama on his 87th birthday, which had left China fuming. Accordingly, Beijing had urged New Delhi to refrain from using the issue of Tibet to interfere in the internal affairs of China. However, India replied to China stressing that it was a consistent policy of the Government of India to treat the Dalai Lama as an honored guest in the country and a respected religious leader who enjoys a large following in India.

 

 

Explaining the stand further, MEA Spokesperson Dalai Lama said, "The Prime Minister did speak to His Holiness last year also... And His Holiness is accorded due courtesies and freedom to conduct his religious and spiritual activities. His Holiness’s birthday is celebrated by many of his followers in India and abroad. The birthday greetings by Honourable Prime Minister to His Holiness on his 87th birthday, yesterday, should be seen in this overall context."