BeyondHeadlines News Desk
New Delhi: China today attacked the Dalai Lama, saying that he was playing “tricks” on the world. This reaction from China came soon after the Tibetan spiritual leader announced plans to step down as political head of the exiled Tibetan government.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Jiang Yu told the media, “He has often talked about retirement in the past few years. I think these are his tricks to deceive the international community.”
Earlier, the Dalai Lama, on the 52nd anniversaro of the Tibetan national Uprising Day, this morning that he was relinquishing his political leadership of the Tibetan government in exile. He said that the time had come to be succeeded by a “freely elected” leader. The 76-year-old exiled leader, said that he would formally propose to Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile that necessary amendments be made to reflect his decision.
“As early as the 1960s, I have repeatedly stressed that Tibetans need a leader elected freely by the Tibetan people to whom I can devolve power. Now we have clearly reached the time to put this into effect,” he said speaking on the anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule.
“During the forthcoming 11th session of the 14th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, which begins on March 14, I will formally propose that the necessary amendments be made to the Charter for Tibetans-in-Exile, reflecting my decision to devolve my formal authority to the elected leader,” he said.
“Since I made my intention clear I have received repeated and earnest requests both from within Tibet and outside, to continue to provide political leadership. My desire to devolve authority has nothing to do with a wish to shirk responsibility. It is to benefit Tibetans in the long run. It is not because I feel disheartened. Tibetans have placed such faith and trust in me that as one among them, so I am committed to playing my part in the just cause of Tibet. I trust that gradually people will come to understand my intention, will support my decision and accordingly let it take effect ,” said the Dalai Lama.
In his efforts to solve the issue of Tibet, the Dalai Lama recalled that he had consistently pursued the mutually beneficial middle-way approach, which sought genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people within the PRC. “In our talks with officials of the Chinese government’s United Front Work Department we have clearly explained the Tibetan people’s hopes and aspirations. The lack of any positive response to our reasonable proposals makes us wonder whether these were fully and accurately conveyed to the higher authorities,” the Dalai Lama lamented.
The Dalai Lama, who had come to India in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, said, “My desire to devolve authority has nothing to do with a wish to shirk responsibility. It is to benefit Tibetans in the long run. It is not because I feel disheartened.”
The Nobel Peace Prize winner said he was committed to playing his part in the “just cause” of Tibet.
